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How to form an Official BMW Club

If your country is in the FEBC Region (see map above) then the options for forming a BMW Club or gaining official recognition are given in the following list of frequently asked questions. Please click on the heading that best fits your situation.

Download a pdf of Frequently asked Questions This will open in another window.

Are there many sorts of BMW Clubs?

Generally there are two sorts.
Those that cater for all BMW cars or motorcycles (called here Standard Clubs), which fall into the domain of FEBC . Standard BMW Clubs usually represent various models of BMW cars or motor cycles. They can represent both, in which case they are called mixed clubs. FEBC guides these clubs.

Clubs that cater for classic or single model cars or motorcycles (called Type Clubs) are not under FEBC supervision. Type clubs have their own International Umbrella organisation. More information on Type Clubs, can be found at the ICBC site under International Club search.

There is no official BMW Club for my vehicle in my country. How do I start one
If your club exists within the FEBC geographical area, and there is no national club for your vehicles in your country, then you are free to form your own club, which would be expected to take on the duties of a national club. Follow Steps 1 to 3 below to start the process of becoming an official BMW Club.
There is an official BMW Club for my vehicle in my country. Can I start another one?
In the FEBC region, if you wish to start a club for your type of vehicle, and an officially recognised club exists, you should contact that club first. Different clubs have different policies as to how they deal with new clubs in their area. Usually, you will be asked to become a section of the existing club or affiliate to it. You may be asked to disband your club and get your members to join the existing club. If none of these alternatives appeal to you, then you should contact FEBC direct and state your case.
How does a BMW club in an FEBC country gain official recognition?
To gain the official recognition of the ICBC, a club must first gain the approval of FEBC, which is tasked with doing this work within its area. Follow steps 1, and 2 to familiarise yourself with the requirements . Then proceed to step 3, where you will download an application form on which you can assemble the required information prior to filling in the on line version.
My Club is already officially recognised by ICBC. How does a club become a National Club?

A National Club in FEBC represents all clubs of similar types in that club. It can be a Motorcycle or Car or Mixed car and Motorcycle club. It can also be a federation of similar types of clubs. It is the club that represents that type of vehicle within the country in which it resides. Within FEBC, there can be one National Car Club and one National Motor Cycle club in each country, or one National Club that represents both Cars and Motorcycles in that country. Clubs that were National Clubs prior to the existence of FEBC will normally continue their status after joining FEBC. When a new BMW Club formed after January 2008 is accepted into FEBC, it is required to become one of the two possible National Clubs in its country. If your club is already recognised as official in the eyes of the ICBC, and your club wishes to join FEBC, and there is no other club in your country that represents the same group of vehicles (cars, motorcycles or mixed) if your application is approved then you would automatically become the National Club for that group. Any other club in your country would then have to affiliate with, or become a section of your club.

The BMW Club in my country is run from abroad. Can I start a National Club in my country?
If the BMW Club in your country is run by a club outside your country, and you have problems with this, there is nothing to prevent you from forming a National Club in your country. However, it is recommended that you first of all do your best to negotiate a way to solve your problems with the foreign car club first. Should negotiations break down permanently, then you should follow steps 1 to 3 below for starting a new BMW Club within your country.
Step 1 - Do your research
Download and study the documents issued by the International Council of BMW Clubs that are available on menu item ICBC Guidelines
This link opens at the top level, so when you have read the documents, please return to this page.
Step 2 - Set up the structure of your club.
Your club needs to have at least 30 members, and the following structures in place before an application will be considered.
  • A contact address, telephone number and email address.
  • A constitution as described in the ICBC guidelines.
  • A minute of the meeting at which the club was established
  • A management team or a set of directors.
  • A bank account, with members mandated to sign on the club's behalf.
  • A logo designed in accordance with the current ICBC guidelines.
  • A document stating the number of members within your club.
Step 3 - Apply for approval as a BMW Club
  • Download the application form and complete it on paper. Then proceed to our on line application form and complete it.

That's it! Sit back and await an email.

 

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