2 X BMW M5 : W🌎RLD GUINESS RECIRD 🧭 LONGEST DRIFT

# BMW Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Drift: A Masterclass in Precision and InnovationOn December 11, 2017, BMW redefined automotive excellence by setting two Guinness World Records with the 2018 BMW M5 sedan at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, South Carolina.

The primary achievement was the record for the “Greatest Distance Vehicle Drift in 8 Hours,” covering an astonishing 232.5 miles (374.17 kilometers). Additionally, BMW secured the record for the “Longest Twin Vehicle Drift (Water Assisted),” spanning 49.25 miles (79.3 kilometers) in one hour. These feats, orchestrated by BMW driving instructor Johan Schwartz and supported by a skilled team, showcased the M5’s engineering prowess and the team’s innovative approach to overcoming logistical challenges. This article delves into the details of these record-breaking drifts, the technical ingenuity behind them, and their significance in automotive history, tailored for publication on www.macoway.eu.## The Stage: BMW Performance Center, Greer, South CarolinaThe BMW Performance Center in Greer, South Carolina, provided the ideal setting for this ambitious endeavor. The facility’s skid pad, a water-covered asphalt circuit designed for low-traction conditions, was perfect for sustained drifting. Drifting, as defined by Guinness World Records, involves maintaining a speed differential between the vehicle’s driven wheels and the ground, requiring precise control and exceptional vehicle dynamics. The wet surface amplified the challenge, demanding flawless execution from both driver and machine. The event, held on December 11, 2017, attracted spectators, BMW enthusiasts, and Guinness adjudicators, all eager to witness history in the making.[](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/486561-greatest-distance-vehicle-drift-in-8-hours)## The Driver: Johan Schwartz’s Legacy of Drifting ExcellenceAt the heart of this record-breaking attempt was Johan Schwartz, a Danish racing driver and BMW Performance Center instructor with a storied history of drifting achievements. Schwartz first claimed the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous drift in 2013, covering 51.278 miles (82.52 kilometers) in an unmodified 2013 BMW M5 at the same Greer facility. This record, set during the BMW Charity Pro-Am, raised over $20,000 for charity and solidified Schwartz’s reputation as a drifting virtuoso.[](https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1688&mid=)[](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0141820EN_US/bmw-performance-driving-school-sets-guinness-world-drift-record-with-bmw-m5-sedan?language=en_US)However, Schwartz’s 2013 record was surpassed twice—first by Harald Müller in 2014 with a 89.55-mile drift in a Toyota GT86, and then by Jesse Adams in 2017 with a 102.5-mile drift in another GT86. Determined to reclaim the title, Schwartz partnered with BMW to push the boundaries further in 2017. His experience, combined with the advanced capabilities of the 2018 BMW M5 (F90), set the stage for an unprecedented performance.[](https://carbuzz.com/bmw-m5-worlds-longest-drift-record/)[](https://www.motor1.com/news/226569/bmw-m5-longest-vehicle-drift/)## The Machine: The 2018 BMW M5 (F90)The 2018 BMW M5 was the star of the show, a super sedan that blended raw power with cutting-edge technology. Powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the M5 offered the performance needed for such an extreme challenge. Despite its switch to all-wheel drive—a departure from the rear-wheel-drive configuration of its predecessor—the M5 retained exceptional drift characteristics, thanks to its ability to switch to rear-wheel-drive mode. The car used in the attempt was stock, with the only modification being a set of Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires (255/30/20 front, 295/30/20 rear) to withstand the grueling eight-hour ordeal.[](https://carbuzz.com/bmw-m5-worlds-longest-drift-record/)[](https://www.motor1.com/news/226569/bmw-m5-longest-vehicle-drift/)The M5’s performance was flawless, completing over 2,000 laps of the skid pad during the eight-hour drift. Its advanced M-DCT transmission and precise handling allowed Schwartz to maintain a continuous slide, shattering the previous record by 143 miles. The vehicle’s reliability under such extreme conditions underscored BMW’s engineering excellence, reinforcing the M5’s status as a pinnacle of performance sedans.[](https://www.motor1.com/news/226569/bmw-m5-longest-vehicle-drift/)## The Challenge: Sustaining a Drift for Eight HoursThe Guinness World Record for the “Greatest Distance Vehicle Drift in 8 Hours” required the vehicle to maintain a continuous drift without stopping for the entire duration. While Guinness rules permitted refueling stops, BMW and Schwartz aimed to uphold the spirit of the challenge by avoiding any interruptions. This decision introduced a significant logistical hurdle: how to refuel a car traveling sideways at high speed without breaking the drift.[](https://www.thedrive.com/news/17508/new-2018-bmw-m5-claims-world-record-for-longest-drift-with-232-5-mile-slide)The solution was as audacious as it was innovative. BMW collaborated with North Carolina-based automotive fabricators Detroit Speed to develop a custom dry-break fuel system, inspired by mid-air refueling techniques used by fighter jets. This system allowed the M5 to be refueled while drifting, a feat that required extraordinary precision and coordination.[](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0277706EN_US/bmw-sets-two-guinness-world-records%25E2%2584%25A2-titles-for-drifting-in-the-all-new-2018-bmw-m5?language=en_US)[](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0277813EN/bmw-sets-two-guinness-world-records%25E2%2584%25A2-for-drifting-in-the-new-bmw-m5)## Mid-Drift Refueling: A Feat of Engineering and BraveryThe refueling process was a spectacle in itself, blending technical ingenuity with high-stakes execution. A second BMW M5, a previous-generation F10 model, served as the “tanker” vehicle. Driven by BMW Performance Center Chief Driving Instructor Matt Mullins, the tanker M5 matched Schwartz’s drifting speed and trajectory. Matt Butts, a development driver from Detroit Speed, was tethered to the rear window of the tanker M5. Leaning out, he connected the dry-break fuel system to Schwartz’s M5, transferring fuel between the two moving vehicles. This daring maneuver was performed five times over the eight-hour drift, with each refueling session requiring pinpoint accuracy to avoid disrupting the drift or causing a collision.[](https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/bmw-drift-record-m5-guinness-world-record/)[](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0277706EN_US/bmw-sets-two-guinness-world-records%25E2%2584%25A2-titles-for-drifting-in-the-all-new-2018-bmw-m5?language=en_US)Matt Butts described the process as having “very little margin for error,” despite extensive practice sessions. The successful execution of the mid-drift refueling not only ensured the M5 could continue its record-breaking run but also highlighted the team’s commitment to pushing boundaries. Schwartz himself noted, “We knew going in that if we were going to recapture the world record for longest sustained drift and set the bar as high as possible, we would need to find a way to keep the M5 going without stopping to refuel. In the end, the refueling system worked flawlessly and the M5 performed as expected. It was a big win all around.”[](https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/bmw-drift-record-m5-guinness-world-record/)[](https://www.bmwblog.com/2018/01/08/bmw-sets-two-guinness-world-records-drifting-new-bmw-m5/)## The Second Record: Longest Twin Vehicle DriftIn addition to the primary record, Schwartz and Mullins set a second Guinness World Record for the “Longest Twin Vehicle Drift (Water Assisted).” For one hour, the two M5s drifted in tandem, covering 49.25 miles (79.3 kilometers). This record leveraged the same wet skid pad and required both drivers to synchronize their movements with extraordinary precision. The twin drift was a testament to the drivers’ skill and the M5’s consistency, further amplifying BMW’s triumph on that historic day.[](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa/article/detail/T0277706EN_US/bmw-sets-two-guinness-world-records%25E2%2584%25A2-titles-for-drifting-in-the-all-new-2018-bmw-m5?language=en_US)[](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0277813EN/bmw-sets-two-guinness-world-records%25E2%2584%25A2-for-drifting-in-the-new-bmw-m5)## The Aftermath: A Global SensationThe record-breaking event garnered widespread attention, amplified by BMW’s strategic partnership with GoPro, which documented the feat in stunning detail. Videos of the drift, including the dramatic mid-drift refueling, amassed over 30 million views across social media platforms. The event was showcased at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where Schwartz and Mullins performed drifting demonstrations, and the record-setting M5 was displayed prominently. The global reach of the achievement solidified BMW’s reputation as a leader in performance and innovation.[](https://johanschwartz.com/guinness-records)[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qRqfWJ6ONU)Posts on X reflected the public’s enthusiasm, with users like @CARandDRIVER and @Earlsimxx celebrating the M5’s 232.5-mile drift and the audacity of the mid-drift refueling. These reactions underscored the event’s impact on automotive enthusiasts worldwide.## Significance for BMW and the Automotive WorldThe 2017 Guinness World Records were more than just a display of drifting prowess; they were a statement of BMW’s engineering and performance capabilities. The 2018 M5’s ability to perform flawlessly under extreme conditions validated its design and technology, particularly its adaptable all-wheel-drive system. The records also highlighted BMW’s commitment to pushing the limits of what’s possible, a ethos embodied by the M division’s motto of delivering “the ultimate driving machine.”[](https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/bmw-sets-two-guinness-world-records-drifting-sideways-for-2325-miles/)For Johan Schwartz, the event was a personal triumph, reclaiming a title he first set in 2013 and cementing his legacy as one of the world’s premier drifting experts. The collaboration with Detroit Speed and the BMW Performance Center team demonstrated the power of teamwork and innovation in achieving seemingly impossible goals.[](https://johanschwartz.com/guinness-records)## ConclusionBMW’s 2017 Guinness World Records for the longest vehicle drift and longest twin vehicle drift stand as milestones in automotive history. The 232.5-mile, eight-hour drift by Johan Schwartz in the 2018 BMW M5, coupled with the 49.25-mile twin drift with Matt Mullins, showcased unparalleled skill, engineering, and creativity. The mid-drift refueling system, a bold solution to a complex challenge, captured the imagination of millions and underscored BMW’s relentless pursuit of excellence. For www.macoway.eu readers, this story is a celebration of automotive passion, technical innovation, and the thrill of breaking barriers—qualities that define the spirit of driving.### References- BMW M5: Guinness World Record for drifting – www.bmw-m.com[](https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/magazine-article-pool/BMW-M5-Guinness-World-Record-for-drifting.html)- New BMW M5 sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS for the longest drift in eight hours and the longest twin-vehicle drift – www.press.bmwgroup.com[](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0277813EN/bmw-sets-two-guinness-world-records%E2%84%A2-for-drifting-in-the-new-bmw-m5?language=en)- BMW sets two Guinness World Records, drifting sideways for 232.5 miles | Digital Trends – www.digitaltrends.com[](https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/bmw-sets-two-guinness-world-records-drifting-sideways-for-2325-miles/)- Guinness Records – johanschwartz.com[](https://johanschwartz.com/guinness-records)- BMW M5 sets two drifting Guinness World Records – CNET – www.cnet.com[](https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/bmw-drift-record-m5-guinness-world-record/)- Greatest cumulative distance vehicle drift in 8 hours (wet surface) | Guinness World Records – www.guinnessworldrecords.com[](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/486561-greatest-distance-vehicle-drift-in-8-hours)- The Stock BMW M5 That Decimated The World’s Longest Drift Record – carbuzz.com[](https://carbuzz.com/bmw-m5-worlds-longest-drift-record/)- BMW USA News – BMW Performance Driving School Sets Guinness World Drift Record With BMW M5 Sedan – www.bmwusanews.com[](https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1688&mid=)- Posts on X by @CARandDRIVER, @Earlsimxx, and @carguy_KE