Heritage in a brand goes a long way, and few automakers have the heritage of Bayerische Motoren Werke, or the BMW. The highly-esteemed brand from Germany has earned quite the following in their 100+ year history. BMWs have a reputation for being premium automobiles, but they’re not so exclusive that you can’t start appreciating them at a young age.
It is this combination of accessibility and allure that motivates so many people to want to work around these classic automobiles. But what is the best career path for you as a BMW aficionado? Here are some options.
1. Learn to Wrench
With millions of BMWs on the road, there’s no shortage of work in repairing them. Fine German automobiles have their perks, but cheap service is not one of them. That means learning how to resolve issues with BMWs can be a career that provides well. There’s even a company program that will teach you the ins and outs of BMW cars and help you find work at a dealership.
2. Run Your Own Dealership
Speaking of dealerships, you can enjoy spending time around lots of BMWs if you open your own! It’s a fast-paced role that demands keen business sense and could have you working long hours. If you enjoy working with people, though, this could be a great spot for you. Do well, and you can make a lot of money — perhaps you’ll even be in charge of multiple dealerships. You’ll also probably get an early chance to pick up that exciting new model everyone’s talking about, too.
3. Start a Tuning Shop
These days, tuning cars is every bit as much about understanding computer programming as it is about turning wrenches. Modern BMWs can be tuned to produce some absolutely astounding power numbers, and that’s not all. Many customers are looking for a custom aesthetic or interesting interior upgrades. With the right location and skills, you can have a steady stream of customers.
4. Become a BMW Driver
Just like becoming a professional athlete, these jobs are rare and difficult to get. However, if you start young and have the right combination of skill and luck, you could one day become a professional driver for BMW. BMW cars and bikes race in a multitude of international competitions, and there are opportunities for drivers in all different types of cars — from touring cars that look like what you drive to work, to Formula 1. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan if you’re going to pursue this one.
5. Detail BMWs
Making cars look their best is a skill that applies no matter what marque you specialize in. It’s true, however, that luxury cars tend to spend more time at the auto salon than your garden-variety Deawoo. Detailing is a career you can begin with no experience. As your skills improve, you can learn to do bodywork and apply high-tech treatments like ceramic coating.
As a car enthusiast, there are lots of ways to incorporate your hobby into your career. Some might be better-paying than others, but remember that if you’re good at what you do, you can always demand a premium. Ultimately, the satisfaction you get from working around cars you love is the thing that will propel you to success and a happy career with these iconic and exciting automobiles.