Beyond the Shop: Team-One Automotive Sends Two BMW Master Technicians to BMW M School in South Carolina
At Team-One Automotive, investing in our people is just as important as investing in our equipment, technology, and facilities. This October, we had the opportunity to send two of our longtime technicians, brothers Eric and Chris Tate, to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for an unforgettable experience centered around BMW performance, engineering, and automotive history.
Both Eric and Chris are factory-trained BMW Master Technicians who have spent the majority of their automotive careers working on BMW vehicles. Between their extensive training and years of hands-on experience, they know these cars inside and out.
But even for technicians who have dedicated much of their careers to the brand, there’s always something new to learn.
And sometimes, the best education happens outside the shop.
A Long-Awaited Opportunity
For Eric, this trip was particularly meaningful.
Back in the late 2000s, while working at a BMW dealership, Eric earned an opportunity to attend the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg. Unfortunately, the dealership never followed through, and the experience remained something he had always wanted to do.
Nearly two decades later, Team-One Automotive was able to make that opportunity a reality, this time with his brother Chris alongside him.
The two traveled to South Carolina for several days of BMW-focused experiences, including the BMW One Day M School, a tour of BMW’s Spartanburg manufacturing facility, a visit to The Ultimate Driving Museum, and an opportunity to connect with another independent racing / performance shop.
The goal was simple: reward two hardworking members of our team, provide an opportunity for continued professional development, and give them a chance to experience the vehicles they’ve spent their careers servicing from an entirely different perspective.
Behind the Wheel at BMW’s One Day M School
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the BMW One Day M School at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, South Carolina.
While Eric and Chris have spent years diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing BMW M vehicles, neither had experienced pushing these machines to their limits in a controlled performance-driving environment quite like this.
Under the guidance of BMW’s professional driving instructors, they spent the day exploring the capabilities of several vehicles from the current BMW M lineup:
- BMW M2 (G87): Short-course driving exercises and autocross.
- BMW M3 Competition xDrive(G80): High-performance track sessions and skidpad drifting.
- BMW M4 (G82): Wet-surface car-control exercises.
- BMW M5 (G90): Performance driving exercises focused on braking, handling, and vehicle control.
From aggressive braking and cornering to understanding vehicle balance and the capabilities of BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), the experience offered an entirely new appreciation for the engineering behind these cars.
One particularly impressive takeaway was the performance of BMW’s carbon-ceramic braking systems, which demonstrated remarkable consistency during repeated hard-braking exercises.
For technicians accustomed to servicing these components, experiencing their capabilities firsthand brought an entirely new perspective to the work they perform every day.
Experiencing BMW M Engineering Firsthand
Eric was particularly impressed by the G80 BMW M3 Competition.
“The M3 Comp is perfect, like wearing a tailored suit,” he said after the experience.
He described the car’s handling as almost surgical, with an extraordinary level of precision and control.
But perhaps his biggest takeaway was just how capable modern BMW M cars have become.
“Scary to think you can just go buy a car that can do that. Without DSC, I wouldn’t have had nearly the same confidence pushing the car to its limits. The engineering behind these machines is incredible.”
BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system helps drivers maintain control by managing engine power and selectively applying braking when necessary. Experiencing that technology while driving at the limit gave Eric an entirely new appreciation for the engineering behind the vehicles.
After finishing the day, they summed it up: “That was one of the best things I’ve ever done. The laps on the big track were so incredible, I had no idea a passenger car could do that.”
For Chris, the experience was equally eye-opening.
Having spent much of his career working on BMW vehicles from a mechanical and technical perspective, Chris came away with a newfound appreciation for the distinction between a traditional BMW and a vehicle developed by BMW M. The handling characteristics, braking performance, and overall driving dynamics demonstrated just how much additional engineering goes into creating a true BMW M car.
It was an opportunity to experience the results of the engineering they work with every day here at the shop.
Exploring BMW’s Spartanburg Manufacturing Facility
The following day, the brothers visited BMW Plant Spartanburg, one of BMW’s major global manufacturing facilities and the production home of several BMW X models.
Their visit included the recently relaunched BMW iFACTORY tour, which had resumed after an extended summer shutdown.
While the updated tour offered a more limited look at production than previous factory-tour experiences, Eric and Chris still had the opportunity to see portions of the manufacturing operation.
They observed painted vehicle bodies moving through the facility and completed vehicles leaving the production line.
Although they had hoped to see more of the assembly process, including the robotics and manufacturing technology involved in building modern BMWs, they appreciated the opportunity to visit the plant to see where a majority of BMW’s are born.
They also spent time exploring the nearby BMW Zentrum, which showcases the company’s history, vehicles, and manufacturing heritage.
A Walk Through 40 Years of BMW M3 History
Another major highlight was a visit to The Ultimate Driving Museum, operated by the BMW Car Club of America Foundation in Greer, South Carolina.
During their visit, the museum was hosting its BMW M3: 40 Years of Evolution exhibition, celebrating four decades of one of BMW’s most recognizable performance vehicles.
For two technicians with extensive BMW backgrounds, the collection was something special.
The museum featured an impressive assortment of rare BMW M cars, motorsport vehicles, and historically significant models, including examples they had never encountered before.
From iconic racing liveries to unique and lesser-known BMW models, the brothers spent considerable time exploring the collection and learning about the history behind the vehicles.
Eric described the museum as “super cool,” noting that they spent quite a bit of time admiring the rare M cars on display.
The experience offered another reminder that BMW’s reputation extends far beyond the vehicles seen on the road today. Decades of motorsport development, engineering innovation, and enthusiast culture have helped shape the brand. Truly a hidden gem of a museum hidden in South Carolina.
Connecting With Fellow Automotive Enthusiasts at Thunder Bunny Racing
While in South Carolina, Eric and Chris also had the opportunity to visit Thunder Bunny Racing (TBR Automotive), an independent automotive performance shop in the Greenville area.
The visit offered a chance to see how another enthusiast-focused business operates, from its workshop and performance services to its vehicle storage offerings and showroom space.
TBR’s motorsport-oriented atmosphere and facility provided plenty of inspiration.
It also sparked some interesting conversations about the similarities between their operation and Team-One Automotive.
As the brothers discussed the work performed back home in Broken Arrow, including engine-out repairs, engine rebuilds, complex diagnostics, and performance modifications, the TBR team was interested to learn about the range of services offered at Team-One.
A Valuable Reminder of What We Have at Team-One
One of the most meaningful takeaways from visiting another shop was recognizing just how much our own team is capable of accomplishing.
At Team-One Automotive, our technicians regularly tackle challenging repairs and specialized work that many general automotive repair facilities simply aren’t equipped to handle.
From advanced BMW diagnostics and major mechanical repairs to performance upgrades and complete engine rebuilds, our team has developed an extensive range of capabilities.
Seeing another respected automotive business reinforced the value of the equipment, resources, experience, and people we have right here in Broken Arrow.
There are always opportunities to learn from other successful shops, whether that’s through their processes, facilities, customer experience, or approach to performance work.
At the same time, we have plenty of knowledge and experience worth sharing ourselves.
It’s a reminder that the work our technicians perform every day is something to take pride in.
More Than Just a Training Trip
Beyond the automotive experiences, the brothers also had an opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved time away from the shop.
They explored downtown Greenville, enjoyed the South Carolina scenery, and made time for a little hiking and relaxation.
For two brothers who have spent much of their lives working in the automotive industry, the opportunity to share these experiences together made the trip even more meaningful.
Reflecting on their time away, Eric shared:
“It’s been such a chill trip. We’ve just been taking it slow and hanging out, chatting, eating, sitting outside in this perfect weather.”
Sometimes, getting away from the daily routine is just as valuable as the activities themselves.
Investing in Our Team, Investing in Better Service
At Team-One Automotive, we believe that great technicians never stop learning.
Automotive technology continues to evolve, and staying at the forefront requires more than technical certifications and diagnostic equipment. It requires curiosity, hands-on experience, and opportunities to see the industry from different perspectives.
Sending Eric and Chris to South Carolina was an opportunity to recognize their dedication, expand their appreciation for BMW engineering, and provide an experience they might not otherwise have had.
For Eric, it meant finally getting to attend a driving school he had dreamed about experiencing for nearly two decades.
For Chris, it brought an entirely new appreciation for the performance engineering behind the BMW vehicles he has spent his career servicing.
And for both, it was a chance to share an unforgettable experience as brothers.
We’re proud to have Eric and Chris as part of the Team-One Automotive family, and we’re grateful for the knowledge, dedication, and experience they bring to our shop every day to help serve our customers and community. Thank you!
Their trip is just one example of our commitment to investing in our employees and continuing to build a team capable of delivering exceptional automotive service.
Because when we invest in our people, everyone benefits, including the customers who trust us with their vehicles.
Experience the Team-One Difference
Located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Team-One Automotive specializes in European, domestic, and import vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, and performance services.
Our team includes experienced, factory-trained technicians who bring decades of specialized automotive knowledge to every vehicle we service.
Whether you’re looking for routine maintenance, advanced BMW diagnostics, major mechanical repairs, or performance upgrades, our team is ready to help.
Team-One Automotive
505 N. Walnut Ave.
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
(918) 251-0018