Tom Bush BMW Orange Park Powered by Future Retail & Fourth Generation Ownership

August 15, 2023 · 5 min read

Tom Bush BMW Orange Park recently completed a Future Retail renovation to enhance the experience for their valued customers and provide their dedicated employees with a fresh and inspiring environment.

The Bush Family’s Legacy

The Bush family's passion for automobiles dates back to 1918 when Tom Bush Sr. opened Bush Motor Company in Louisiana. In 1980, its BMW legacy began in Jacksonville, Florida, with Tom Bush Jr. acquiring his fi rst BMW franchise. In 2006, Tom Jr. and his son John opened BMW of Orange Park. As the years passed, John’s children, Megan Bush Del Pizzo and Brian Bush, joined the dealership, representing the fourth generation of the family.

Pictured above (left to right): Brian Bush and Megan Bush Del Pizzo, Vice Presidents, Tom Bush Family of Dealerships.

The Next Generation of Bush

With a passion for the automobile industry rooted in their blood, Megan and Brian view the dealership as more than a workplace. Everyone at Tom Bush BMW Orange Park is considered family, and many even got to see Megan’s daughter take her first steps at the dealership.

Megan and Brian play crucial roles in the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, which employs a staff of more than 330 in the Jacksonville area. The family has always embraced progress and has never shied away from emerging technology, exemplified by John Bush’s first job at the dealership computerizing the stores in the 1990s. Megan and Brian continue this focus on technology, leveraging digital marketing, social media, and e-commerce to keep the dealership on the cutting edge.

In October 2022, the dealership embarked on a Future Retail renovation that was completed in March 2023. Throughout this period, employees worked out of temporary spaces and every department was able to remain open. “This experience actually brought our team closer together, strengthening our bond and enhancing teamwork,” said Brian Bush. “We faced the challenges of the renovation with resilience and emerged from it with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper sense of unity,” he continued.

The planning and execution of the renovation focused heavily on aesthetics to provide the facility with comfort and a modern touch. Notably, a newly enclosed delivery area offers customers a special and memorable experience when purchasing a new vehicle. The upgrades not only enhanced the look and feel with fresh paint and new lighting, but also increased the square footage of the facility with the addition of an enclosed delivery area. According to Telis Assimenios, Chief Operating Officer, “With these updates, the dealership now feels like a brand-new store.”

In line with the growth of electric vehicles (EVs), the Future Retail renovation prioritized the integration of EV infrastructure. EV chargers are now in the showroom and New Vehicle Delivery area, and additional chargers were installed in the parking lot for both customers and the general public to utilize. This effort aimed to position the dealership as the go-to destination for EVs in Jacksonville.

The Grand Re-Opening

Customers, employees, and key community members attended a highly anticipated grand re-opening event on May 11. The occasion was marked by a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in collaboration with the chamber of commerce, symbolizing the dealership’s elevated presence in the community. Highlights of the event included guided tours of the new facility and a mobile service display with two technicians explaining the capabilities of the mobile service offering. The celebration also featured speeches by Megan and Brian, who shared insights into the Future Retail project and the dealership's longstanding ties to the community.

Family Atmosphere with Community Ties

The dealership prides itself on fostering a strong company culture and environment that mirrors its family ties. This sense of unity extends to all members of the team, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. With an average employee tenure of 6.5 years across the group, there is deep-rooted loyalty and continuity within the team. One particular employee that shines through is David Levin, the first hire in the parts department of the Orange Park dealership nearly two decades ago. The dealership operates under the philosophy of empowering managers to run their respective departments as independent businesses, fostering a sense of leadership and accountability throughout the teams. Voted one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Jacksonville Business Journal and one of the “Healthiest Companies” by the First Coast Worksite Wellness Council, this philosophy is working.

Pictured above (left to right): Mark Orlando, Regional Sales Manager, Southern Region, BMW NA; Telis Assimenios, Chief Operating Officer, Tom Bush BMW Orange Park.

“Community relations are paramount to our success,” shared Megan Bush. “Being locally owned and a family business ourselves, giving back to the community that has supported us for over 50 years is one of our most important corporate values.” Tom Bush BMW Orange Park participates in more than 60 non-profit events each year. These events not only give them the opportunity to improve the community but also to talk about, display and test drive BMWs with other supporters. Recent focus areas include local youth, breast cancer awareness, and law enforcement. Additionally, they offer paid apprenticeships to students at Jacksonville Tech School and Florida State College at Jacksonville.

The reception from both employees and customers upon completion of Future Retail has been overwhelmingly positive, and the entire team looks forward to continued growth in the next era.

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Aug 07, 2026 in Jacksonville BMW Dealer

BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series Guide for Jacksonville Drivers

BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series decisions involve cabin space, trunk room, technology, and road response. Both sedans share familiar BMW design cues and current digital tools. However, their size, weight, and cabin proportions create two distinct paths for Orange Park and Jacksonville travel. The 3 Series keeps a smaller footprint that suits tight parking and busy streets. The 5 Series adds length, wheelbase, rear room, and trunk volume. Therefore, the choice should start with how much space you need and where you drive most. BMW 3 Series and 5 Series Size Comparison How much larger is the 5 Series? The current 530i measures 199.2 inches long, while the 330i measures 185.9 inches. That 13.3 inch gap is easy to notice in a garage or parking space. In addition, the 5 Series wheelbase stretches 117.9 inches. The 3 Series wheelbase measures 112.2 inches. Furthermore, a longer wheelbase gives designers more room between the front and rear axles. Therefore, cabin packaging can devote more space to rear passengers. The shorter 3 Series takes up less pavement, which can simplify tight parking near Jacksonville shops or offices. more Comparison Chart 1 Measurement BMW 330i BMW 530i Length 185.9 inches 199.2 inches Width 71.9 inches 74.8 inches Wheelbase 112.2 inches 117.9 inches Curb weight 3,644 pounds 4,041 pounds Trunk volume 16.9 cubic feet 18.3 cubic feet Those numbers matter most when tied to your routine. If your garage is narrow, measure the space before choosing either sedan. If rear passengers ride with you frequently, the larger cabin deserves a closer look. Passenger Space Changes With Wheelbase Where does the extra wheelbase show inside the 5 Series? Much of it appears in the passenger compartment, particularly behind the front seats. Rear legroom measures about 35.2 inches in the 3 Series and 37 inches in the 5 Series. Therefore, adults riding in back may notice the extra room on longer trips. In addition, the difference can matter when front seats move rearward for taller occupants. The 3 Series still seats five and offers useful rear space for shorter trips. However, the 5 Series gives the second row more breathing room. That can matter for families, coworkers, or frequent airport runs. Seat comfort also comes from more than one measurement. Cushion shape, seatback angle, roof shape, and front seat position all change how the cabin feels. Therefore, sit in both rows during a test drive instead of relying only on specifications. Trunk Space for Commuting and Travel Which trunk gives you more room for travel? The 5 Series provides 18.3 cubic feet, while the 3 Series provides 16.9 cubic feet. The difference is 1.4 cubic feet. That is not a dramatic gap, but it can matter when several bags need to fit at once. A Jacksonville airport run may involve carry ons, larger luggage, and personal items in the same load. Furthermore, trunk shape matters too. A wide opening can make bulky bags easier to place, while usable depth changes how luggage stacks. Therefore, open both trunks and test the items you carry most. For daily commuting, either sedan can handle groceries, work bags, and smaller gear. Longer family travel gives the 5 Series more room before the trunk reaches its limit. 330i and 530i Driving Differences Why can two sedans with the same base horsepower feel different? Weight, wheelbase, steering calibration, and chassis tuning change how power reaches the road. The 330i and 530i both produce 255 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. However, the 530i weighs about 397 pounds more. In addition, the longer 5 Series places the axles farther apart. Comparison Chart 2 Specification BMW 330i BMW 530i Horsepower 255 255 Torque 295 pound feet 295 pound feet Transmission 8 speed automatic 8 speed automatic Drive layout Rear wheel drive Rear wheel drive Curb weight 3,644 pounds 4,041 pounds Zero to 60 mph 5.6 seconds 5.9 seconds The lighter 3 Series has less mass to move with the same base output. Therefore, it can feel quicker to react when changing direction. The longer 5 Series places more emphasis on cabin space and steady highway travel. A test drive should include slow streets, highway merging, and a few tighter turns. Those roads reveal more than acceleration data alone. Technology Across the Two Sedans What technology should you compare inside each sedan? Start with the interface, driver assistance options, display layout, and controls you use every day. Both current sedans use BMW Operating System 8.5. Therefore, core navigation, media, and connected functions follow a familiar digital structure. In addition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto appear across the current line. However, cabin design differs around that software. Screen placement, trim, available seating features, roof choices, and driver assistance packages vary by model and configuration. For this reason, compare the exact cars in stock instead of treating the software name as the whole cabin story. Pay attention to how quickly you can reach navigation, climate settings, camera views, and audio controls. In addition, check which assistance packages are installed on the specific sedan you plan to drive. Choosing the Right BMW Sedan for Your Routine Which sedan fits your Orange Park routine more closely? The answer starts with passenger needs, parking space, cargo demands, and the roads you travel most. Choose the 3 Series for a smaller exterior footprint and lower curb weight. Its dimensions fit drivers who want easier placement in tighter spaces. By contrast, the 5 Series gives rear passengers more room and adds trunk volume for longer travel. Before deciding, compare a few details in person: Sit in the rear seat with the front seat adjusted for your normal driving position. Load the trunk with the type of luggage, work gear, or family items you carry. Drive both sedans through city streets and highway traffic before comparing their road response. Tom Bush BMW Orange Park carries current BMW sedan inventory for shoppers near Orange Park and Jacksonville. A side by side test drive can make the differences easier to judge. From there, you can move into the separate comparison landing page or current inventory for the next step.

Jul 24, 2026 in Jacksonville BMW Dealer

Florida SunCoast BMW CCA Guide for Orange Park Owners

Florida SunCoast BMW CCA connects regional BMW enthusiasts through chapter information, social gatherings, and shared owner activities. It is an official chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. Therefore, Orange Park owners can use its calendar to find Jacksonville area meetings, drives, and social events. The chapter and Tom Bush BMW Orange Park are separate organizations. The dealership does not enroll members or manage the club calendar. Instead, owners should confirm membership and event details through official BMW CCA and chapter resources. What Is the Florida SunCoast BMW CCA? The Florida SunCoast BMW CCA is a regional chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. BMW CCA supports local chapters across the country. Each chapter creates opportunities for members to meet, learn, and share their interest in BMW cars. The Florida SunCoast chapter serves members across a wide area of Florida. Moreover, its website organizes event information by location, including Jacksonville. That local category makes the chapter relevant for owners near Orange Park and neighboring communities. more BMW CCA membership begins through the national club. After joining, a local chapter is assigned through the member's ZIP code. Therefore, an Orange Park owner should use the official chapter finder before assuming a specific assignment. The chapter publishes its own calendar and registration details. In addition, it may share outside automotive gatherings that could interest members. Readers should check each listing to identify the organizer and participation rules. Tom Bush BMW Orange Park does not control those details. However, the dealership can support BMW care, parts needs, and trip preparation before a planned gathering. How Orange Park Owners Connect With the Chapter Orange Park sits near many Jacksonville roads and meeting locations. Therefore, nearby owners may find chapter activities without crossing the entire state. The Jacksonville calendar category is the clearest starting point. Current listings can include dinners, Cars and Coffee gatherings, drives, and shared events with other Florida groups. However, schedules change throughout the year. Dates, meeting points, fees, and registration limits should be checked before departure. How can an Orange Park owner identify the correct chapter? The official BMW CCA chapter finder uses the owner's ZIP code. That tool gives a clearer answer than an old social post or search result. After confirming the chapter, owners can review: The official calendar for dates, locations, and registration instructions. The individual event page for organizer details and attendance rules. Any waiver or driver instructions connected with a planned group drive. The chapter contact details when an event page leaves a question unanswered. Some listings welcome nonmembers, while others require membership or advance registration. Therefore, readers should never assume that every gathering follows the same entry rules. Additionally, a listing may identify an event as outside the chapter. That note matters because the organizer controls the schedule, rules, and communication. Events Orange Park BMW Owners May Find The chapter calendar can include relaxed social meetings and organized drives. Each format serves a different purpose, so preparation should match the event. Cars and Coffee gatherings give owners time to meet and view other BMW cars. These events may take place in public parking areas with set arrival times. Therefore, owners should review parking directions and organizer notes before arriving. Dinner meetings focus more on conversation and local connections. Reservations may close before the meeting date. Consequently, early registration can prevent confusion at the restaurant. Group drives require more planning. Routes can extend beyond Jacksonville and may include scheduled stops. In addition, events with a driving component can require signed waivers or specific meeting instructions. Owners may also see joint gatherings with neighboring chapters or other car clubs. Those listings can bring together members from several Florida areas. However, the event page should identify who is organizing the day. Common calendar details include: Arrival time and the planned meeting location. Registration closing dates or attendance limits. Member and guest requirements. Route notes, meal costs, or parking instructions. Waiver information for organized driving activities. Because details can change, owners should recheck the event page shortly before leaving. A saved screenshot may not show a later update. How Can Orange Park Owners Review Events? Orange Park owners can review events through the official Florida SunCoast chapter calendar. Each listing should be opened before making travel plans. First, confirm the date, start time, location, and organizer. Then, check whether registration is open and whether guests may attend. Moreover, read any update posted near the top of the event page. For membership, use the official BMW CCA join page. National membership includes local chapter access, with assignment based on ZIP code. The official chapter finder can also confirm the local chapter connected with an address. The dealership should not be used as the source for club enrollment or calendar changes. Instead, Tom Bush BMW Orange Park can assist with BMW related sales, service, parts, and contact needs. Owners researching another BMW can review the new BMW inventory. Those considering a preowned model can browse the used BMW inventory. Furthermore, owners can contact Tom Bush BMW Orange Park for dealership questions. Club questions should remain with the chapter or BMW CCA. This separation keeps each request with the correct organization. It also reduces confusion when registration or event information changes. Preparing a BMW for a Community Event A short social gathering may need little preparation. However, a longer drive calls for a closer review before departure. Start with tire pressure and visible tire damage. Florida heat and highway speeds can expose an overlooked concern. Also inspect tread depth before a route that may include rain. Next, check fluid levels and dashboard messages. A warning light should be reviewed before joining an organized drive. Therefore, do not rely on the group to solve a mechanical concern during the route. Owners should also confirm fuel or charging plans. Electric BMW drivers can review charging stops near the route. Gasoline model owners should begin with enough fuel for the planned distance. Before leaving, pack water, a phone charger, and any registration details. In addition, save the meeting point and organizer contact information. A paper note can provide backup when mobile service is weak. A preparation list may include: Tire pressure, tread, and visible sidewall inspection. Fuel level or charging stops for the planned route. Current registration and insurance information. Event confirmation, meeting point, and organizer contact. Water, weather gear, and a phone charging cable. Owners can visit BMW service in Orange Park when maintenance or a warning needs attention. They can also schedule BMW service online. For travel items or replacement components, review BMW parts and accessories. Choose items that match the BMW model and planned event. Florida SunCoast BMW CCA gives Orange Park owners a verified path toward regional BMW connections. Careful event research and BMW preparation can make each gathering easier to navigate.

Jul 10, 2026 in Jacksonville BMW Dealer

BMW EfficientDynamics Display and Efficient Mode Guide

BMW EfficientDynamics brings together BMW features that manage energy use, driving feedback, and selected vehicle responses. For this reason, the name can appear within the instrument cluster, control display, feature list, or owner information. However, it does not describe one single button or part. Additionally, some BMW models use ECO PRO, while newer interfaces may show Efficient Mode. Each version can pair driving guidance with settings that reduce fuel or electrical demand. However, available functions vary by model year, drivetrain, equipment, and software. With that in mind, Orange Park drivers can read each graphic by learning its purpose. Stop and go traffic, highway travel, and strong air conditioning demand can each change the information shown. What Does BMW EfficientDynamics Mean? BMW EfficientDynamics is BMW terminology for a group of energy saving features and engineering measures. These measures can include drive mode settings, coasting, Auto Start Stop, aerodynamic work, and energy recovery. Therefore, the goal is to reduce wasted energy while keeping the BMW ready for normal road travel. However, a gasoline model may use different features than a plug in hybrid or electric BMW. Beyond that, BMW EfficientDynamics can describe design choices that are not visible from the driver seat. Air flow work, lighter materials, and engine management can contribute without adding another menu or icon. more Therefore, the display should be read as one part of a larger approach. It reports selected information, but it does not show every efficiency measure operating within the BMW. Additionally, owners should check their model manual before comparing two BMW displays. Screen layouts, colors, labels, and drive modes can change across production years. What Does the EfficientDynamics Display Show? The EfficientDynamics display gives feedback about energy demand, recovery, coasting, or driving input. The exact layout varies across BMW models and software versions. A moving bar may rise as the accelerator receives more input. During deceleration, another area may show charging or recuperation. In addition, some displays show coasting, range guidance, or a coaching prompt. Therefore, common display elements may include: An energy area can show how much fuel or electrical power the current driving input requests. A recovery area can show energy returning during braking or deceleration on an electrified BMW. A coaching graphic can encourage smoother pedal input while Efficient Mode remains active. A coasting symbol can appear when the drivetrain reduces resistance after accelerator release. However, the blue area does not carry one universal meaning across every BMW. On one model, it may mark recovery. On another, it may support an efficiency scale. Therefore, read the label beside the graphic before drawing a conclusion. The owner manual can identify the exact icon and explain the scale. Additionally, trip summaries can compare recent driving with prior travel. These summaries are informational. They do not diagnose a mechanical fault. How Efficient Mode Changes BMW Responses Efficient Mode can change selected settings so the BMW uses less energy. On newer BMW interfaces, the Efficiency Trainer can respond to pedal input during traffic. Why can the accelerator feel softer after Efficient Mode starts? The mode can adjust pedal mapping, so the same foot movement requests less immediate output. Moreover, some BMW models may revise transmission operation. Earlier upshifts can keep engine speed lower during light acceleration. Coasting may begin after the accelerator is released. In addition, climate operation can change. As a result, cooling may feel gentler because the BMW reduces selected energy demand. In Orange Park heat, cabin temperature settings can shape the final result. However, Efficient Mode does not prevent stronger acceleration when it is needed. Pressing the accelerator farther can request more output for merging or passing. Still, drivers can select another available mode when they prefer a sharper response. The available choices and names will differ across BMW generations. Additionally, current shoppers can review the new BMW inventory for models using newer displays and drive mode layouts. How Energy Recovery and Auto Start Stop Work BMW EfficientDynamics can include energy recovery, Auto Start Stop, and coasting. However, each feature manages a different part of the drive. Brake energy regeneration on electric and plug in hybrid BMW models converts motion into electrical energy during slowing. That energy returns to the high voltage battery. By contrast, a gasoline BMW may show charging during deceleration through alternator management. That process is not identical to high voltage recuperation in an electric BMW. Additionally, Auto Start Stop turns the gasoline engine off during qualifying stops. The engine restarts when the BMW prepares to move again. For this reason, the engine may stop at lights or during a slow Jacksonville traffic queue. Cabin cooling demand, battery charge, and engine temperature can keep the engine running. By contrast, coasting works differently. When engine braking is not needed, the transmission can reduce the connection between the engine and driven wheels. The BMW then rolls with less resistance. Consequently, coasting may appear after the accelerator is released during highway travel. Braking or renewed accelerator input reconnects the drivetrain as needed. Even so, these features do not appear on every BMW. Model equipment and drivetrain type shape which functions are present. Orange Park Driving Examples and Service Guidance BMW EfficientDynamics feedback can change throughout one local trip. A drive along Blanding Boulevard may include repeated stops, short acceleration, and strong cooling demand. Therefore, Auto Start Stop may shut down the engine during a stop. After traffic moves, Efficient Mode may encourage gentle acceleration through the coaching display. On Interstate 295, the BMW may enter coasting after accelerator release. An electrified model may show recuperation when traffic slows or the brake pedal is pressed. Additionally, air conditioning use can reduce the savings shown by the display. However, cooling remains a normal part of Florida travel. Comfort settings should match the people inside the cabin. When does a display message need service review? A coaching prompt or changing efficiency bar is usually ordinary display feedback. However, a warning light, persistent Check Control message, reduced power notice, or repeated charging alert needs closer attention. Read the full message before changing any setting. Therefore, contact the Tom Bush BMW Orange Park service center when the notice remains. Owners can also schedule BMW service online. Consequently, a trained technician can read stored fault information and inspect the related BMW components. That step separates normal efficiency feedback from a fault requiring repair. With that in mind, BMW EfficientDynamics becomes clearer when the display, drive mode, and drivetrain are considered together. The screen then offers useful guidance for each Orange Park trip.