This past Thursday, we took a road trip to Spartanburg, SC, to visit the BMW Zentrum Museum and tour the plant. We spent the afternoon viewing the vehicles in the museum and learning more about the process of building these luxurious cars.

As we pulled into the parking lot at the BMW plant, the enormous scale of the place was impressive. Upon entering the museum, we found displays of new and old BMW models, showing this car company’s evolution. From sports cars to SUVs, what stood out were the plush leather interiors and signature kidney-shaped grills.

After viewing the cars on display, a guide led us to tour the plant during manufacturing hours. What stood out the most was just how automated and precise the process of making BMWs is. At this specific plant, all the vehicles are custom-made for customers who have already placed orders, not for dealerships. The tour started by viewing the areas where the molded metal doors and car bodies are shaped and refined. We then watched as the cars continued to get painted, the interior added, and motors and engines placed into the finished product.

 The final steps of the tour took place past the inspection and test-driving stations before the new BMW was ready to roll out the door.

Following the tour, each of us students was mesmerized by the efficiency and detailed attention that each BMW receives to produce an impeccable quality standard. We can take inspiration from this and aim for quality in our work and the rest of our Living Education experience.