Mike Davidson

My Life as a BMW Enthusiast

Early Days in Munich

I’m Mike Davidson, founder and lead editor of BMW Insights. My passion for BMWs started as a young boy growing up in Munich, Germany. My father was an automotive engineer at BMW for over 30 years. From a young age, I spent weekends in my dad’s garage tinkering on classic BMW models. The sights, sounds, and smells of those early days ignited a lifelong passion.

Engineering Studies

After graduating top of my class from the Technical University of Munich with a mechanical engineering degree, I worked for several years in BMW’s R&D department. I helped design and test drive several 3-series and 5-series models in the late 1990s. The hands-on engineering experience gave me a deeper appreciation of the technology and performance capabilities behind these incredible driving machines.

Moving to America

In 2000, I moved to the United States and settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. I opened my own automotive repair shop called Davidson Motorworks specializing in BMW service and restoration. Over the next decade, I expanded the business to 3 locations across the Carolinas.

Indulging My Passions

Outside of work, I indulged my passion for high-performance BMWs. I competed in amateur racing circuits, restored vintage classics like the BMW 507, and modified several M3 and M5 models pushing them to their limits. My collection of BMW memorabilia and literature also grew extensively.

Founding BMW Insights

After selling my chain of repair shops, I decided to leave the wrenching to the technicians and pursue my passion for writing. In 2022 I founded BMW Insights combining my engineering expertise, hands-on experience, and enthusiasm for the BMW brand.

Today I provide in-depth technical articles, detailed how-to tutorials, and thoughtful commentary about all things BMW. I oversee testing and reviewing the latest models. I also use my connections back in Germany to get exclusive access to BMW designers and engineers which I share with readers.

Life Today

When I’m not writing or driving for BMW Insights, you can find me spending time with my family and coaching my kids’ soccer teams in Charlotte. I’m happily married to Jennifer, a real estate attorney. She shares my love for cars and we frequently attend vintage races and shows together.

Make sure to follow me on social media @bmwmike to see what I’m driving and wrenching on now!