Euro Delivery - Trip Story - M3 Sakhir Orange, Competition Package

[///M-Furby]

Introduction

First, thank you all for reading this long saga. If you do, you are either a car fanatic like me or masochistic and want to read a long story. By no means am I an amazing writer and the purpose of this post is to tell my story. If, along my journey, you are entertained then bonus!

Second, I am going to rant. If you don’t like the rant, skip to the next paragraph ; The process of dealing with BMW, as a whole was very painful. This allocation system is pointless and serves to frustrate the client. There are many other ways they can solve for the allocation process AND keep the cars limited. BMW corporate (customer relations) is of no help in the process. I had dealt with 21 dealerships, and most of them either lied or had no clue what they were talking about. My two friends and I went to one dealership to look at M3’s, because we were going to buy 3 M3’s together. The person gave us a price, and we accepted. We were so impressed with the sales person we referred someone (from here) to the dealership. This dealership would never have gotten that business if not for our referral. The sale closed. When I called back to order the M3 they reneged on the deal (even after acknowledging I just made them a sale). Suffice it to say, this local dealer will never EVER have an opportunity to sell me a car. Another dealership told my friend that if he wanted Performance Center Delivery he would have to pay extra, because BMW charges extra. The biggest lie are dealerships who said they had allocations, took our deposit, and ran our credit check…only to call back a few weeks later stating they didn’t have an allocation. It was four months of pain. So what was the result: My one friend, who currently owns two BMWs, said “F this” and bought a 911 GTS. My other friend was about to dump BMW, but found an allocation. He was about to dump BMW for another brand. I love the car, hate the company set process. This is truly an issue of BMW corporate setting a tone with their dealerships (yes I know it’s a franchise, but BMW still sets standards)

Third, I would like to thank my sales person. Why was he awesome, because when asked if he had an allocation, he said yes and texted it to me less than five minute after we finished talking. He gave his price, and while slightly higher than what I wanted ($2000 over ED invoice) it was acceptable. As a lesson to all, if the person has an allocation, he/she can give you that number in minutes. Thank you AB of Long Beach BMW. AB made sure to text, call and e-mail with information. He was prompt, and answered all of my questions. He even e-mailed me while in Germany to ask how the trip was going. If you reach out to him, tell him you heard of him from Avi. I get nothing other than thanks, but that is good enough

Fourth, I first drove a BMW back in 1999. It was my friends 325 (I believe).What drew me to the car was that I could stretch my 6’3” legs completely out. The driving was fantastic, the car amazing, and the BMW logo got me some dates. My friend would let me drive it to school twice a week – so yea, girls! Once I could afford it, I got a CPO2006 330xi Arctic Silver, named Boo. Due to a street flood, my mechanic (VAC) told me to sell the car due to the rust that would develop. I knew I wanted the M3, but it was sooner than planned. With a wedding coming up, I couldn’t justify the M3 at the time. So I sold the 330 and leased a 2013 EBII 335xi, named BooBerry. This was a tester into getting a brand new BMW. One of the things I have been involved with is BMW Climb to the Clouds event. I met someone there, Bemo and Mrs Bemo. We became close friends, and often sleep at each other’s houses spending the weekend together. We also met another person from the forums, Bayoucity, and the three of us became very tight. Each day we text each other about girls, cars, booze, stocks and hanging out. Texting 100 times a day is not out of the ordinary. We all planned to buy three M3s together, and do simultaneous pick-up. Due to life (me having my first baby in June 2016, and need to pick up no later than April), Bemo saying “screw you BMW” and getting a Porsche, and Bayou needing to pick up in the summer (when his kids are out of school) our plans fell through, and we are doing things solo. We still text each other a ton and we do hang out

Day 1

Airport Arrival

One of the newer aspects of the European Delivery experience is the car service pick-up that is arranged by BMW, and is free to you. E-mail the request to the Welt (must have production number) and they will send you the information necessary to setup a BMW limousine (5 series GT, or 7 series) to pick you up at the airport and drive you to the Welt, or to your hotel. This can be incredibly convenient as getting to either location, with all of your belongings, can be a burden. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get from the airport to the Welt on a morning weekday.


Yours truly after a 9 hour plane ride. Looking good if I say so myself

Das Welt Experience

When you arrive at Das Welt, make sure to check in first. If you decided to bring your bags there, they will hold onto them (not overnight). Even if you are not picking up the day you arrive, you can do all of the necessary check-in work, and get access to the premium lounge, and the free food/drinks. BMW just re-did the premium lounge (Jan 2016), so it looks different than before. If you have an early delivery, the next day, ask if they have your paperwork and can complete it now. It will save you 15 minutes, which is best spent sleeping.

The premium lounge has new amenities, including: lockers, and a phone charging station (with a lock and key). The food there is to be considered light-fare, and changes between breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s unlimited food, and pretty good for a small buffet setup.

While in the room, don’t forget to sign Das Bimmerfest Book and take a picture of it for the crew


Spell-check was disabled. There is also a larger Das Book, closer to the buffet. That is the universal book, so sign that as well

From the premium lounge you can get a top-down view of the Welt, and watch as others pick-up there rides. If you hang out for a few minutes, you can see them bringing in the cars from the underground storage area


This piece of German engineering really inspired me</div>


A nice piece of eye-candy. It was there for two days, so probably not a pick-up

The Welt has a nice assortment of vehicles, but nothing you can’t see at your local dealer. In fact, most of the vehicles are locked so you can’t sit inside of them, or lift the trunk to look at the car.

The Factory Tour

When doing this trip, make sure to be in the area from Monday to Friday. The factory tour is a great experience, and you can see how BMWs are built. Depending on what you got (M4), your car may have been built in this plant. The information is insightful
Some useless (but interesting) information:

• Approximately 7kg of paint is applied to your car. It’s a multi-layered process
• Engines are made at the factory (some components are outsourced)
• Body plates are stamped as orders are submitted (regular or custom orders). So the body of your car is not more than 6-8 weeks old. The same plate that is used to make a 2 series is used to make a 3 series, 4 series, etc. Your M3 could have been a 3 series wagon, or a 2 series.

Stored components. The second floor is to place overflow until downstream units can catch-up. Typically this happens when a malfunction happens


Engine components</div>


The Welt Shopping

Now we all know you spent a ton of money getting your pimped out ride, but we also know you can’t leave without swag. When you check in you will be given a pass that lets you access the Museum, and premium lounge. The pass also provides you with €10 towards a purchase, a free laser engraved key-chain, and discounts on certain items. The money and key-chain are use it or lose it, so if you forget to use them while at The Welt, forget about calling/e-mailing them and asking them to send you some. You will get a “nein”. Another thing, make sure you know exactly what you want before you buy it. If you want to return/exchange later, they have to return your entire purchase, and redo everything. While in the Welt store, they will also give you emergency vests (one per person), so get this as it is required by law in Germany, and other parts of Europe

The BMW Museum

Unfortunately, I didn’t have an opportunity to visit the museum this go-around (I was there the last time). When you check-in they will ask which day you want to attend the museum and will give you passes to go in. You really should check this out as it will give you a lot of insight into BMWs history, and their future. You will see vehicles there that you will not see anywhere else in the world, or at least will have a hard time doing so

Day 2

Das Pickup

When you go, for the first time, they will take you to a simulator and you will see a video about some of the BMW technologies. It’s about 15-20 minutes, and informational. Your delivery specialist, who is dedicated to you, will explain features of the car (e.g., how the self-drying brakes work).

Being this is my second pick-up, we bypassed the simulator. You will meet your delivery specialist near the check-in at the premium lounge. When the delivery specialist asks for your name, don’t get funny and say “that depends, which name is getting the i8” – because he won’t get it, and will then be dubious to your identity (Germans ).


Introducing to you our Sakhir Orange M3 Competition package: Tomato, who is the daughter of Booberry, who is the child of Boo, the first of his name


Please explain to me why BMW doesn’t name Sakhir Orange to “Tomato Red”? Straight from Bemo’s garden

When you pick-up the vehicle, you may receive a gift. In my case it was a white baseball cap, with a BMW logo. Since this is my second delivery experience I also received a very nice coffee table book about the Welt. NOTE: BMW does change its gift. I thought it would be the harman/kardon Bluetooth speaker, as others have gotten, but this was a promotion that occurred 6 months prior.

Your delivery specialist will explain the vehicle to you, and take you around it. Really, take this time to absorb the experience, as you won’t get to do this again for quite a while. I actually asked the specialist, politely, to be quiet so I could breathe it all in. Take all the pictures that you want, and look around the car. She will never look this pristine again :lmao:.


That’s a nice looking engine


666 “Hell on Wheels”. Some love it, some hate it. I love it. So there!


Another M3 delivered at the same time. My colors better


After your victory lap, stop in front of the Tornado, and take a few pictures

Some people ask about Sakhir Orange. I simply love it. It does stand out. Throughout the trip I got thumbs up from BMW factory employees, bus drivers, kids, and other car drivers. For the course of my 1436 mile trip, there were many stares at my car, including one BMW driver who stopped in the middle of the road, waiting for my lane of traffic to go by him, so he could drive behind me for about 20 minutes.

Competition exhaust on a cold start

Drive to the Nürburgring

The drive from the Welt to Nurburg is approximately 330 miles, which is a great way to get acquainted with your car. Even driving at 100 MPH (because you will), it’s a lot of driving, with a lot of traffic. If you are in no particular hurry, break this up into a two day drive. If you are in a hurry, as I was, then start driving. The Autobahn is kind of boring to drive. Yes you can hit top speed, but you won’t do it that often. In 1340 miles of driving, I was only able to get to top speed 3 times; mainly, because I worry someone will not see me, and pass in front of me and we will, simply put, die. Germany is best seen from twisty roads. So, if you have the time, set your navigation preferences to avoid the highway. BMW also sets you up with Internet access – so use it.

I did 134 MPH on my last ED, and that was fine. 163 is scary territory. Be hyper-focused. Do not play with your stereo, look at your wife (who is pissed at you) or be distracted. It’s just way too dangerous to not focus)


Ramp up to 160

Day 3

Dorint Am Hotel

I stayed at the Dorint Am Hotel, which is located right on the Nürburgring Grand Prixe track (not to be confused with the Nordschleife, which is what you will most likely drive). One side of the hotel faces the GPS, so if your room faces it, you will be 15 feet from the track and can see the cars drive by.

• Do not let your room be on the 5th floor. You need to take two elevators to get there, and it is far from everything
• If you want a room facing the race track it is an extra €30 per night
• If you want snacks in your room (water, candy, etc) then bring it before you get to the hotel. The area is more rural than anything else
• The restaurant has good food, and the breakfast is great. There are also two bars (smoking and non-smoking)
• This hotel is used for events (an Audi event was there at the time), so keep this in mind when booking rooms

Training

Surprisingly, there aren’t many places around the Ring to teach you how to drive. The Nürburgring website does offer a 1.5 day training, which is on specific days and is expensive (€ 995/person). This includes a hotel night. Alternatively you can use the Fahrsicherheitszentrum Nürburgring training. They offer group classes (in German) or private classes (in English, and expensive). The group class is all day (8 hours) of group lessons, while the private class is 4 hours of one-on-one time. If you are unsure about your driving experience, then take this class. It may help while on the ring.


Skid pads are made with special “asphalt” and water so you don’t burn rubber

The Nordschleife – The Green Hell

Before planning your trip, make sure the ring is available for public use. Most days it’s occupied with car companies testing vehicles, racing or other events. Don’t bother buying the driving pass in advance, which the staff does not recommend. Also note, accidents may shut down the Ring and prevent you from getting access. In my case, the first 30 minutes was shut down due to an accident from one of the car company’s professional drives. So 2 hours went to 1 hour 30 minutes.

A Nordschleife lap is estimated at 15 minutes, and do not expect to go top speed on this track. Anyone is allowed on the road, as long as the car meets specifications (yours will). This is a public road, and when I drove it, the Welt stated the insurance policy would cover me in case of an accident. DISCLAIMER: make sure to ask at the Welt, and specify the Nordschleife. Rules do change, and when it comes to insurance, you don’t want to be wrong.

Due to safety, the Nordschleife banned lap times in 2015, though you can use your own cars BMW M Lap Timer (if you have connected apps and an iPhone/iTouch). They also banned car cameras, but won’t harass you if you have a camera on the inside of your ride. My lap times were:

• Lap 1: 12 minutes
• Lap 2: 10 minutes
• Lap 3: 11.5 minutes (I got run off the road, more on that later)
• Lap 4: I believe it was under 10 minutes, but forgot to turn on the lap timer

The Nordschleife

Since anyone can ride on the Ring, you can expect there probably won’t be any professional race car drivers there (except those that think they are race car drivers). It’s an amazing experience, but is dangerous. On my day, the track opened 30 minutes late due to an accident with one of the car companies testing out their cars. During the 1.5 hours of remaining lap times, there were three accidents. One of the accidents included a four car pile-up. It was caused by someone who rented their car, and decided that speed/lap time was the most important thing. Because, being faster, on this track will net you an undisclosed prize (it won’t)…

My Nurburgring laptime. The 3rd lap I was run off the road, so it was about 11:40



The M Laptimer result



On the Nordschleife, expect to be passed by an ’85 VW Rabbit, and expect to pass a Ferrari. People will drive to their comfort level. Don’t take it personally, don’t be a jerk. Just drive and have fun. As my instructor told me, there are three things to keep in mind

• Most importantly, stay safe. This is priority one
• Enjoy the drive and the experience
• A distant last place, the lap time. In fact, don’t worry about your lap time, but we know you will, so keep this as your last priority. Your safety is more important than a number

So maybe there was one pro race driver there that day. Dennis Trebing races of GetSpeed

In addition, be very aware of your surroundings. While making a sharp turn, someone tried passing me on the left (he should not have tried to do that). He/she lost control and almost hit me. My option was to get hit, or to drive onto the grass. I opted for the grass, which posed no issues. I was lucky I saw this and had an exit option.

There are rules to the Nordschleife, obey them

• Pass left, drive right, always. You will get banned
• Slow down where there are speed limits (yes there are)
• Slow down if you see an accident, an emergency vehicle, or flag person
• If someone wants to pass you, on the left, let them. Stay on the right of the road, and put your turn signal to the right. The person will then know you are going to let them pass. Mind you, many people do not know or care about this, but it is a rule and very helpful
• You need to exit the ring after each lap. Let your brakes cool down in between and take a few minutes to relax

The Green Hell is awesome, but be aware of your surroundings. While the car is insured, it’s not worth getting hurt over. Some people take their families (spouse, kids, etc.). I personally would never do this. If my family were with me, then I would deposit them at the bar/restaurant. Why risk their lives?

Expect to find cars that are being tested, and grab some spy photos


Spy shot of a Benz


Spy shot of a Benz

Day 4

Der Schwarzwald (aka The Black Forest)

A drive to Germany is not complete without a long drive through The Black Forest. It’s named this way, so I was told, because the trees are so dark the forest looks black. It’s massive, it’s expansive. If you have ever fancied yourself a cuckoo clock, then stop by Triberg and go to Olis Schnitzstube store. It’s in the middle of the forest, so it will be on your way to Switzerland or Austria (if coming from Nurburg), or on your way NW (if coming from Munich). You can see him making clocks there, and even buy one, and have it shipped home! Triberg is a quaint town, with some good food. If you get the Black Forest cake, beware, its super strong alcohol makes it inedible (to me at least)



Triberg

Do yourself a favor, when you get to the black forest, ignore your navigation and start driving on random roads. In fact, put your navigation in German, and ignore it. It’s kind of funny when it starts shouting at you “Nein, NEIN, Dummer Amerikaner”. At one point I drove on this freshly paved road, only to realize half-way down that it was still closed for construction. Tourism! I also had a great opportunity to drive up the side of a mountain pass – and it was fun and intense.

After hitting up Triberg, it was time to head to Meersburg. Why you ask? Because the BMW European Delivery book said it’s a must for your car. There is a nice driving route from Meersburg to Austria. Unfortunately, someone didn’t realize he needed an international driving license, so someone couldn’t go to Austria. This is not a big deal since you can find other fun roads to drive on, but remember to get the license at your local AAA. Meersburg is a small town with a couple of castles, good food, and spas in case you would like to relax. This town is a few hours south of Munich and on the way to Austria.



Walking, shopping, and eating


Meerburg castle


From Castle Meersburg, view of Meersburg, Lake Constance, and Switzerland

Normally, when my car is wet, I get annoyed. I mean really, it just had the BMW factory cleaning! Leaving the hotel to go out for a leisurely drive through the Black Forest, I came along this and said “OMG, my car is sexy when wet”. This car reminded me of a super-hot girl, who just walked out of the shower, still dripping wet


That’s hot

This is the driving and the lighting you expect and desire. When it’s close to sunset, just get out and drive. You can do it alone, or with your friends/family, but just do it, and then enjoy it


Mountain driving. This light shows that the best color is Sakhir Orange

Obviously, I asked what kind of fuel to get, and the answer from the Welt was Super or Super+. Guys, I’m not sure, did I do the right thing by getting this foreign brand?


Is Shell gas approved for an M3? Will my engine blow up? HELP!

For those not familiar with German roads, look at the white line. Expect this, and lots of it. Germany built their roads for the driver


Twisty doesn’t say it enough

Nothing ends a BMW trip better, than seeing an individual color R8 getting towed in Frankfurt for illegal parking. NOTE to BMW: This is individual color, not that crap you push a button on a website


Your move Audi

And because this is my trip, and not an Audi trip


Thank you for reading

I hope you enjoyed reading this story. If you are buying a new BMW, definitely consider the Euro Delivery trip. It’s a fantastic experience

For those interested in my build:
2016 M3

• Sakhir Orange
• Black Full Merino Leather
• Competition Package
• Driver Assistance Plus
• Lighting Package
• Executive Package
• M-Double Clutch
• Enhanced USB
• Parking Assistant

NOTE: The one option I regret not getting is the Power Rear Sunshade
Cost: ED Invoice + $2,000. 0.9% finance

[m4recruiter]

This is awesome! So glad you enjoyed your trip!!!

I'm about to take a shower, grab some breakfast, and head over to the Welt for my delivery this morning.

Thanks for sharing!

[hanszilla]

Excellent trip, I believe our ED was 1 week apart. I was going to do a write up, but I realized that after reading your write up mine would look like something a 5 year old wrote in 5 minutes. Very detailed!

[Pierrot]

Nice write up - enjoyed the info and the jokes -
Grats on Tomato and thanks for sharing

[trey100]

Great write up! And I think you hit the description of SO perfect with tomato. Great way to describe it.

[DrivenByE30]

I think you did the right thing, especially not ordering the rear sunshade...

Excellent choice, i didnt know you went with the comp pack! Awesome Tomato!


By the way, Great words, but that is seriously not enough photos, but props for getting a shot during the factory tour

[Bemo]

Great story and write-up, bud!
That tomato was as delicious as your M3 ownership will turn out to be.

Congrats and enjoy her in good health!!

[mpizutti]

Thanks for a great review of your trip

[Cmw2738]

Originally Posted by hanszilla

Excellent trip, I believe our ED was 1 week apart. I was going to do a write up, but I realized that after reading your write up mine would look like something a 5 year old wrote in 5 minutes. Very detailed!

Same here! There was an Audi event at the Dorint AM Hotel during my stay as well. My ED was April 5-12th. Great write btw and great color choice

[///M-Furby]

Originally Posted by hanszilla

Excellent trip, I believe our ED was 1 week apart. I was going to do a write up, but I realized that after reading your write up mine would look like something a 5 year old wrote in 5 minutes. Very detailed!

Thanks! So you mean to say my write-up doesn't look like a 5 year olds? heh

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

I think you did the right thing, especially not ordering the rear sunshade...

Excellent choice, i didnt know you went with the comp pack! Awesome Tomato!


By the way, Great words, but that is seriously not enough photos, but props for getting a shot during the factory tour

Here is the link to all of the photos, but I agree not enough. Unfortunately I was doing this trip solo, so sometimes lost focus. Pictures = priority 1

https://goo.gl/photos/xbMf6sbLK4BTc5Xx7

Originally Posted by Cmw2738

Same here! There was an Audi event at the Dorint AM Hotel during my stay as well. My ED was April 5-12th. Great write btw and great color choice

I was there towards the last two nights of the audi event. In fact, I was stuck in traffic (as you know there is not much traffic there at all), while the Audi trucks were pulling out of the race track facility. Shame we missed each other

[Golfster]

Congrats on the new car. Love the photos and background which really brings out the color. Enjoy the ride!

[GOLFFRR]

very cool! Congrats car looks awesome

[ssuene93]

Agreed. The car looks SO beautiful. Glad you had a great trip.

[metallicpea]

Congrats! It's beautiful. And what an excellent trip. Thanks for sharing.

That price seems very, very good for a limited production model like the Competition. Too bad it was such a PITA.

One question. Driving in Austria. Is the International drivers license an enforced thing? Were you physically not allowed to drive there, or just a problem if you get stopped? Is it a new requirement? I have driven there twice before and it never even came up.

[snareman]

Great write up and congrats! I've been waiting for your report since your delivery day. I thought you were skipping out on us!

[Halewafa]

Originally Posted by metallicpea

Congrats! It's beautiful. And what an excellent trip. Thanks for sharing.

That price seems very, very good for a limited production model like the Competition. Too bad it was such a PITA.

One question. Driving in Austria. Is the International drivers license an enforced thing? Were you physically not allowed to drive there, or just a problem if you get stopped? Is it a new requirement? I have driven there twice before and it never even came up.

I'm also curious about this. My ED pickup date is 6/14, wasn't aware of needing to get an international license before heading out. Was planning on going into Austria as well

EDIT: Congrats on the new ride! Looks great! I still have not seen SO in person, hoping I love it!

[ssuene93]

Originally Posted by Halewafa

I'm also curious about this. My ED pickup date is 6/14, wasn't aware of needing to get an international license before heading out. Was planning on going into Austria as well

EDIT: Congrats on the new ride! Looks great! I still have not seen SO in person, hoping I love it!

I heard an International Driver License is mandatory for driving in Austria, while your state issued Driver License is good enough for the rest of the EU. I thought it is a peace of mind for just $15, and you can get it from a local AAA office. Just walk in and out the office within 30 minutes.

I have been driving in Europe (twice in Austria) and Asia few times and always bring an IDL with me.

[///M-Furby]

you are correct, its required. when i looked at the route i didnt realize it was going into austria. it was not worth taking a chance. purely my fault

[DE Urlaub]

Bravo Furby. It was like you took as all along with you. Can't wait to head over soon!!! Thanks!!!

[SD ///M4]

Great trip report Furby! I'm glad that you enjoyed the Nurburgring Nordschleife!

My delivery is two weeks from today, leaving a week from tomorrow.

My M4 build is nearly identical to your M3, except that I didn't get the Competition Package, Enhanced USB, or Parking Assistant, but I did get the Power Rear Sunshade.

Can you confirm that the M Lap Timer will work on an iPod Touch? I bought one just to get the BMW apps that aren't available on Android and I was really hoping that the M Lap Timer on an iPod Touch worked in the car.

[M.a.r.k.u.s]

Originally Posted by Halewafa

I'm also curious about this. My ED pickup date is 6/14, wasn't aware of needing to get an international license before heading out. Was planning on going into Austria as well

EDIT: Congrats on the new ride! Looks great! I still have not seen SO in person, hoping I love it!

It's technically required but I wouldn't hesitate for a second (and don't) going without one. I'm Austrian, born and raised there, moved to the US when I was 16, so I have a US license. I go back multiple times a year, sometimes for months at a time, drive there, rent cars there, have even been stopped by police a couple of times, all without having the international permit. Not once has it come up or been a problem in any way.

[M.a.r.k.u.s]

Thanks for sharing by the way! I pick up my car on June 1st and it is identical to yours, down to the last option. We even got the exact same deal on the car (2k over ED invoice)