Page Overview: Plant Tours & Zentrum Museum
Zentrum Museum lit up at night with X display and fountain out front.

Zentrum Museum.

Limited Tour Offering.
Book Plant Tour
The Power of "M" display in the museum.

Zentrum Museum.

Limited Tour Offering.
Book Plant Tour
Visitors look at the X model display, showing current models produced at the plant.

Zentrum Museum.

Limited Tour Offering.
Book Plant Tour
Tour group in the factory at "wheels down" in the production process.

Zentrum Museum.

Limited Tour Offering.
Book Plant Tour

BMW Zentrum Guidelines.

  • Vehicle exhibits are on display. For the protection of all guests, vehicle doors will remain locked.
  • The BMW Boutique is open.
  • Masks are optional for all visitors and BMW Zentrum staff. Complimentary face masks are available.
  • The Isetta Café is operating on full-service. 
  • Public events and museum rentals are available.

 

Plant Tours Available.

Guests can get an exciting glimpse into what it takes to build the "Ultimate Driving Machine". Click on the "Book Plant Tour" button for additional information.  

The Zentrum Museum.

Visit this one-of-a-kind building and experience the past, present and future of BMW in the only BMW museum in North America. Your senses will come alive as you feel the power of the BMW brand firsthand, from its beginnings in aviation and motorsports to its rise to prominence on the global stage. Take a self-guided trip through the museum to experience BMW exhibits that both astonish and inspire.

Here you will see BMW’s numerous milestones in both racing and touring vehicles. View rare and important vehicles from BMW’s past, such as the famous Isetta “Bubblecar”. As you stroll through the Zentrum, you’ll trace BMW’s pioneering spirit straight back to these beautifully restored classics. You can also explore what’s current in BMW, with exhibits that feature state-of-the-art technologies, including rarely seen models available through our exclusive collection.

See the X family of vehicles produced at BMW Manufacturing up close — every line, every curve, every exhilarating detail of these truly remarkable BMWs—all built next door, at the South Carolina manufacturing plant.

The Zentrum is a living museum, a combination of innovation and performance. At the Zentrum there is truly something for everyone, it is here that the “Ultimate Driving Machine” offers the ultimate backstage pass.  

At no cost to you or your family, plan a visit to the Zentrum museum. Zentrum museum hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

2023 Zentrum and Plant Closings.

  • 1/2 New Year's Day
  • 1/16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • 4/7 Good Friday
  • 5/3 Closed to the public
  • 5/29 Memorial Day
  • 6/19 Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • 7/4 Independence Day
  • 7/25 Closed to the public at noon
  • 8/28-9/1 Closed to the public
  • 9/4 Labor Day
  • 10/24 Closed to the public
  • 11/23-24 Thanksgiving Holiday
  • 12/25-12/29 Christmas Holiday 

 

Tour Registration and Directions.

BMW Zentrum Welcome Desk.
  • For information call 1-888-tourBMW (868-7269)
  • To schedule a tour, REGISTER ONLINE or call 1-888-tourBMW(868-7269).
Directions

Guided Factory Tour.

Tour Guide and guests look on as production takes place.

BMW Manufacturing is the global producer of competence for BMW X models and produces the X3, X3 M, X5, X5 M and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles and X4, X4 M, X6 and X6 M Sports Activity Coupes; and the all-new BMW XM. This South Carolina factory is where advanced manufacturing happens, blending innovative engineering and premium quality. See for yourself how the Ultimate Driving Machine is built during a guided plant tour.
Vehicle on carrier in assembly process area.
Vehicle on carrier in assembly process area.

Tour Guide explaining final processes before the vehicle leaves assembly.
Tour Guide explaining final processes before the vehicle leaves assembly.

Tour Guests lined up to load coach bus.
Tour Guests lined up to load coach bus.

Important Factory Tour Information.

  • Yes, advance reservations are required.

  • Yes, there is a cost for the tour. Details on cost and tour schedules can be found on the FareHarbor site. 
  • Prepayment is required for reservations.
  • Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance for refunds by emailing W10ZentrumMain@BMWgroup.com.

 

  • Yes, tour participants must be 12 years of age or older.
  • Students age 12-20 years old must present a valid student id or copy of their birth certificate at check-in.
  • We reserve the right to deny plant tour for any child who appears younger than 12 without proper proof of birth date. 
  • Factory Tour Waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian if tour participant is between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. 
  • Advanced reservations are required. Guests 18 and older, must present a picture ID upon arrival for scheduled tour.
  • Tour participants must be 12 years of age or older.
  • Students age 12-20 years old must present a valid student id or copy of their birth certificate at check-in.
  • We reserve the right to deny plant tour for any child who appears younger than 12 without proper proof of birth date. 
  • Factory Tour Waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guaridan if tour participant is between the ages of 12, and 18 years.
  • Completely enclosed shoes are required to tour our facility. No flip flops, high heels, open toe, open side, or open heel shoes are permitted.  You will NOT be permitted on the tour if your shoes do not meet the guidelines. No Exceptions.
  • Photographs can only be taken while visting the Zentrum Museum. 
  • No photographs or other video imagery is allowed on a factory tour.  Power off all cell phones, smart watches and bluetooth devices prior to the tour. 
  • Please leave personal belongings locked in your vehicle. 
  • Tour participants will walk a distance of 1 to 2 miles depending on the tour route scheduled.
  • Check-in at the BMW Zentrum is required 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour departure time. 
  • We are an active manufacturing facility, therefore changes may occur at any time. While we schedule tours during production hours, please understand that due to circumstances beyond our control, there could be an interruption in production during your scheduled tour time.  
  • Thank you for your reservation, we hope that you will enjoy your future tour experience. However, please note that BMW reserves the right to cancel tours at any time.
  • To schedule a tour, REGISTER ONLINE or call 1-888-tourBMW (868-7269).

Plan an Event.

Guests enjoying catering at an event in the Zentrum Museum.

The Zentrum is more than just a museum. It’s a meeting and events center, a cafe, a gallery and a BMW ultimate experience. Whether you’re planning a gathering for your entire sales force, a nationwide conference or an intimate fundraising dinner for a select few, the Zentrum offers you a setting as distinctive as the vehicles BMW manufactures.

Facility rental includes the entire Zentrum museum, which offers:

  • An auditorium (seats 200)
  • Use of the Isetta Café
  • Expansive exhibit space
  • Guided plant tours (when available)
Guests at event in the Zentrum Museum.
Guests at event in the Zentrum Museum.

Guests seated in the Zentrum Auditorium during a presentation.
Guests seated in the Zentrum Auditorium during a presentation.

Guests sitting at tables in the Isetta Cafe.
Guests sitting at tables in the Isetta Cafe.

Gift Shop.

Guests shopping at the BMW Boutique.

If you’re looking for the latest BMW gear, the Zentrum is the ultimate destination. The BMW Boutique is complete with everything you need to take on the open road in style. Pick up fashionable BMW clothing or check out the latest motoring accessories for your home or office. When it comes to finding the right gift for the automotive enthusiast, the Zentrum gift shop is the only place you need to go.