Following the success of the BMW M2 CS Racing, BMW M235i Racing and BMW M240i Racing, BMW M Motorsport continues the tradition of powerful and affordable entry-level models. Like its predecessors, the new BMW M2 Racing is set to redefine the entry-level segment. The key condition for realising the M2 Racing project was to keep costs within reasonable limits. Among other things, this is achieved through hybrid assembly, in which efficient machine production literally goes hand in hand with manual production. The San Luis Potosí (SLP) plant was chosen as the production site. The complex, located in the vast landscape of central Mexico, is the newest and one of the most modern production facilities of the BMW Group. Sebastian Weingartner is responsible for integrating the hybrid production of the M2 Racing into the plant’s processes. In this interview, he takes us behind the scenes and gives us an insight into the manufacturing processes.
A site for bodywork construction, assembly and battery production with the lowest energy consumption per vehicle built: the San Luis Potosí plant.
Hello Sebastian, thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Could you summarise what you are responsible for at BMW M Motorsport and what your specific role is in the development and production of the BMW M2 Racing?
My job is to integrate the M2 Racing project into the BMW plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. I am the direct link between the development departments in Garching and Munich on the one hand and the individual technologies such as body shop, paint shop and assembly at the San Luis Potosí plant on the other hand. As part of the development of the M2 Racing, I am the central contact person for all questions regarding the feasibility of the processes at the plant. In production, I am the first point of contact for questions about the product and the one to pass on the experience gained in production to the development departments.
How long does it take to produce a BMW M2 Racing at the San Luis Potosí plant?
It takes about three days for the painted car bodies. The subsequent assembly of an M2 Racing takes about two days. In addition, functional testing is carried out as part of a rollout and the corresponding follow-up work. Overall, we are talking about a lead time of about five to six days.
The production of the M2 Racing at the San Luis Potosí plant demonstrates the capabilities of our facilities, but above all the many talents we have here in Mexico: in addition to sophisticated series production, vehicles are also manufactured here to a high standard of craftsmanship.
How many employees are involved in assembling the vehicle?
A total of 27 employees work in assembly, spread across two shifts.
Which steps in production are carried out by hand and which are done by machine?
As in series production, the processes of assembling the body shell, applying the paint to the exterior and the mounting of the carbon roof are automated. Otherwise, everything is done by hand, such as welding the cage, painting the interior and assembling the M2 Racing.
What similarities are there in the assembly process with the BMW M2 series model?
Since we have taken many parts from the series for the M2 Racing, a large part of the assembly processes is also similar. However, in the case of the M2 Racing, these are not carried out on the mass production assembly line, but in a small series assembly in a separate hall.
To what extent does the production of the M2 Racing differ from the one of the GT vehicles in the motorsport portfolio?
The M4 GT4 was built in a relatively similar small-series process using flow assembly. This enabled us to pass on valuable knowledge and experience to the San Luis Potosí plant for production there. The M4 GT3 is produced in a stationary assembly line with a significantly longer lead time.
Overall, M2 Racing production differs mainly in terms of its significantly higher output.
Are there any special features in production that have not been seen before in BMW M Motorsport vehicles?
The M2 Racing is the first BMW M Motorsport vehicle to be manufactured entirely at a BMW plant. The scope includes the body shell, cage welding, painting, final assembly and complete final inspection, including test drives and visual inspection before delivery.
The M2 Racing is also the first BMW M Motorsport vehicle to be manufactured abroad.
How many BMW M2 Racing cars can be produced per month?
A maximum of three vehicles per day are assembled, which means that, depending on the number of working days, up to 60 vehicles can be produced per month.
Are the vehicles tested on site? If so, how?
Each vehicle undergoes a rollout on the test track at the SLP plant, similar to the rollouts of our GT3 and GT4 vehicles. A specific checklist is worked through to check and confirm all customer functions of the vehicle.
How and where does delivery to teams or private individuals take place?
The vehicles are shipped to dealers and markets worldwide via the delivery routes for series production vehicles. Delivery then takes place at the respective BMW M Motorsport dealers.
