2016 F8X Confirmed European Delivery Pickup Dates & Tracking Information

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by BwoodBMW

for all the 9/15 guys that may cross a border or two... please report back asap on what the borders look like given everything going on. Still wondering if I should modify plans. Enjoy and get pics of the cars up ASAP

The Germans and Austrians have put up border control "checkpoints" to stop anyone without papers. Just bring your passport and you'll be fine.

[jeffast]

Hi,

Just doing some planning on what route to take. I pickup on Oct23 in the morning.

Plan is to drive to Zurich after pickup and tours.
Next stop is Lake Como.
Them on to Cannes where I have a work conference that starts on Monday.

As you can see on the map, I put a bit of a crazy pass day between Zurich and Como. It is all weather dependent, and maybe a bit too much driving to be fun.

Any thoughts?

https://goo.gl/maps/yolC1

Thanks,
Jeff

[M2PDX]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

The Germans and Austrians have put up border control "checkpoints" to stop anyone without papers. Just bring your passport and you'll be fine.

Thanks. Keep us posted. We leave on October 12 and arrive on the 13th.

[jeremicium]

Met up with MFNATIK for the required Neuschwanstein photo op. Beautiful day. Great family you've got there MFNATIK, hope the trip to Lake Como was a good one. In Rothenburg now. For anyone considering it on their itinerary..DO IT! Amazing medieval town.

[MFNATIK]

It was a pleasure meeting you and your wife on this trip. Thanks for introducing yourself at the Welt as I would have never figured out it was you!

The drive down to Lake Como was pretty hairy as it started off with the strong winds knocking down a tree and blocking traffic for about an hour. During that time I got pelted with pine cones and needles while sitting there waiting for the Germans to clean the road . I have to admit they were VERY efficient and got things moving pretty quick for the size of tree that went down (very big conifer!).

The rest of the drive was in mostly in the rain so I had to take it easy. I got stopped at the Italian border so they could check out the car and our passports

[M2PDX]

Originally Posted by jeremicium

Met up with MFNATIK for the required Neuschwanstein photo op. Beautiful day. Great family you've got there MFNATIK, hope the trip to Lake Como was a good one. In Rothenburg now. For anyone considering it on their itinerary..DO IT! Amazing medieval town.

Wow. Two gorgeous colors!

Love them in the sun.

Have a great time over there, and post some good photos and suggestions for those of us who arrive in a few weeks.

[Throttleday]

Ok - now I'm getting jealous. All you guys with your free trips to Europe (ok, you had to buy an expensive car to get the free trip, but I just can't feel sorry for you...)

I've beginning to feel stonewalled by a couple of my local dealerships. I started the process of building and ordering a new M4 last April and pulled the trigger late in July. The eCommerce director told me that my first choice of color, Tanzanite Blue, isn't available or would take so long it might as well be unavailable. Feeling pressured I switched over to Austin Yellow and got the car ordered. It's due here in a couple of weeks.

Unfortunately, I also kept cruising the web and recently found the YouTube video about BMW's most expensive color. I was immediately hooked and decided to look into the color issue - the car that's coming isn't mine yet so my options are still open.

A different dealer told me that Tanzanite Blue would be no problem to get - at worst, it would take an extra few weeks. ARRRGGH!!! However, this dealer told me that the European Delivery option was not available - that they have a very limited number of M4s available to them and none of them were European Delivery. What is going on here?

Are these guys just snowing me? Whether it's incompetence, laziness or something a bit more underhanded, I have no problem telling the first dealership to go stuff it - this level of customer service is NOT what I've come to rely on as the BMW experience. The second dealership seems more customer-oriented so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. For now.

Ideas? Opinions? Bad advice?

Thanks in advance.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Throttleday

Ok - now I'm getting jealous. All you guys with your free trips to Europe (ok, you had to buy an expensive car to get the free trip, but I just can't feel sorry for you...)

I've beginning to feel stonewalled by a couple of my local dealerships.

Send a PM to GOLFFRR he can get you the car you want for a good price. You could even take delivery(for free) at the BMW Performance Center and have a blast driving the entire(or most) of the BMW fleet!

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...id+sales+order

[Miamiboyca]

Originally Posted by Throttleday

Ok - now I'm getting jealous. All you guys with your free trips to Europe (ok, you had to buy an expensive car to get the free trip, but I just can't feel sorry for you...)

Miles + Points = almost free. Gas and food not included.

[M2PDX]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Send a PM to GOLFFRR he can get you the car you want for a good price. You could even take delivery(for free) at the BMW Performance Center and have a blast driving the entire(or most) of the BMW fleet!

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...id+sales+order

Yes, I am using 400,000 miles accumulated (on purpose) over the past 5+ years for our flights. The savings on the car pay for the hotels and the meals, etc.

Trust me, I have been dealing with my dealer recently and it hasn't been too fun. But my order is produced and my flights are booked. It's better to shop around and get solid offers first. Now that the 2016 model year is actually in full swing, that shouldn't be difficult. Check out Pacific BMW in LA. Ask for Greg. He's an expert on this, and I wish I had gone with him in the first place.

http://www.pacificbmw.com/dealership/staff.htm

[Miamiboyca]

Originally Posted by Mustangquadcam

Yes, I am using 400,000 miles accumulated (on purpose) over the past 5+ years for our flights. The savings on the car pay for the hotels and the meals, etc.

Trust me, I have been dealing with my dealer recently and it hasn't been too fun. But my order is produced and my flights are booked. It's better to shop around and get solid offers first. Now that the 2016 model year is actually in full swing, that shouldn't be difficult. Check out Pacific BMW in LA. Ask for Greg. He's an expert on this, and I wish I had gone with him in the first place.

http://www.pacificbmw.com/dealership/staff.htm

Greg is awesome, but he understands the market well so I wouldn't expect crazy deals. But he is awesome, upfront and a total pro.

[BwoodBMW]

Originally Posted by Miamiboyca

Greg is awesome, but he understands the market well so I wouldn't expect crazy deals. But he is awesome, upfront and a total pro.

Greg was one I reached out to.... was very kind but I found a significantly better deal elsewhere.

[Throttleday]

Thanks for the replies and advice - glad I came to you guys. Sounds like I have options, especially since I'm not in a hurry (any longer) and I'm not going to let the dealerships pressure me.

BwoodBMW would you mind telling me who you went with? I'm not locked into my region (Bay Area) and I'm reaching out as far as Massachusetts.

Thanks!

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by Mustangquadcam

Wow. Two gorgeous colors!

Love them in the sun.

Have a great time over there, and post some good photos and suggestions for those of us who arrive in a few weeks.

Man, all I can say is ED is truly the greatest car purchasing program EVER. BMW does it so right too. I cannot imagine buying another new car any other way.

If you're heading into Italy, I would just recommend you spend at least 2 days in Lake Como area to visit Villa del Balbianello and walk around Bellagio. It truly one of the most beautiful places we visited on this trip. Driving here on the narrow roads seemed intimidating at first but then if you bought an M3, then you're probably into driving and it is a BLAST to drive on the winding Strada Statale 583 and 340. I also ended up driving on Via Garibaldi which takes you into the heart of the shops in Bellagio. Kinda crazy at first but then I've never driven up next to stores and people that close before and it turned out really cool to get up close to everything in a car. BTW, it seems like the majority of Italians know and understand what it is to drive quick and close haha. My wife of course was freaking out just being a passenger but I was getting quite the kick out of driving along the lakeside. I'll post a summary of the trip once I get back but so far, so good. Another 9 days to go!

[Throttleday]

Would anybody do it? I know one of the options is to arrive, be presented with the car and just let BMW take from there and not drive it on questionable roads. But what a missed opportunity...

Has anybody picked up their car and driven it in Europe during the winter? I'm originally from New England and I would NEVER want to drive a new car on those winter roads, but then I think all the local governments have invested heavily in the salt industry. I don't mind wet roads or even icy roads, but it's the wear and tear of rock salt and gravel on a fresh paint job that I want to avoid.

Ideas? Opinions? Bad advice?

[BwoodBMW]

Originally Posted by Throttleday

Thanks for the replies and advice - glad I came to you guys. Sounds like I have options, especially since I'm not in a hurry (any longer) and I'm not going to let the dealerships pressure me.

BwoodBMW, would you mind telling me who you went with? I'm not locked into my region (Bay Area) and I'm reaching out as far as Massachusetts.

Thanks!

PM sent... if you have been an avid reader of this thread not much to be surprised about.

[jeffast]

On travel costs, trying not to brag...

I am in Europe about half a dozen times a year for work. This work trip to Cannes is working great, as the drive takes me over the Alps. It's not too far. I get to stay for free in Zurich with family. I get 2016 production, with SO exterior back in production.

Hotels on other days are points. Looking like First class upgrade on flights (good frequent flyer status as I fly 150k miles last year). I get 8 international legs a year with AA EP status.

Only issue is I made the non-work part a little short at only a few days and possible weather issues late October. I should have time to head to Monaco or a few other day trips.

Btw, price is decent. 1k off ED MSRP.

Jeff

[M2PDX]

Originally Posted by Throttleday

Would anybody do it? I know one of the options is to arrive, be presented with the car and just let BMW take from there and not drive it on questionable roads. But what a missed opportunity...

Has anybody picked up their car and driven it in Europe during the winter? I'm originally from New England and I would NEVER want to drive a new car on those winter roads, but then I think all the local governments have invested heavily in the salt industry. I don't mind wet roads or even icy roads, but it's the wear and tear of rock salt and gravel on a fresh paint job that I want to avoid.

Ideas? Opinions? Bad advice?

I did my first ED in December. The roads on the passes were icy and snowy, but we did fine. The roads out of the passes were rainy, by again we made it through. The car arrived stateside looking brand new. Perfect. And I had that car for 8 years, and there were no problems with paint or anything else. 1 week of winter conditions won't phase a new BMW. They are designed for it. Regardless of the time of year, it's well worth it.

[M3DrS]

Originally Posted by Mustangquadcam

I did my first ED in December. The roads on the passes were icy and snowy, but we did fine. The roads out of the passes were rainy, by again we made it through. The car arrived stateside looking brand new. Perfect. And I had that car for 8 years, and there were no problems with paint or anything else. 1 week of winter conditions won't phase a new BMW. They are designed for it. Regardless of the time of year, it's well worth it.

The winter tire option is so convenient and the tires are of high quality -- I agree it is not a huge deal. My wife and I went a different direction a couple years ago towards Dresden and Berlin. Which was enjoyable and low stress on the roads if that is a concern.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Man, all I can say is ED is truly the greatest car purchasing program EVER. BMW does it so right too. I cannot imagine buying another new car any other way.

If you're heading into Italy, I would just recommend you spend at least 2 days in Lake Como area to visit Villa del Balbianello and walk around Bellagio. It truly one of the most beautiful places we visited on this trip. Driving here on the narrow roads seemed intimidating at first but then if you bought an M3, then you're probably into driving and it is a BLAST to drive on the winding Strada Statale 583 and 340. I also ended up driving on Via Garibaldi which takes you into the heart of the shops in Bellagio. Kinda crazy at first but then I've never driven up next to stores and people that close before and it turned out really cool to get up close to everything in a car. BTW, it seems like the majority of Italians know and understand what it is to drive quick and close haha. My wife of course was freaking out just being a passenger but I was getting quite the kick out of driving along the lakeside. I'll post a summary of the trip once I get back but so far, so good. Another 9 days to go!

HAHA. I did the exact same thing in Bellagio Loved the area though we liked Lake Garda even more.

[Throttleday]

Thanks guys - that's what I was hoping to hear. Unless we have to take the high passes it sounds like we can avoid the worst of the winter stuff. I'm ordering a very special paint and that's going to take at least 3 months to get into production so it's probably going to be January or later before I make the trip.

[CRtoE92]

Originally Posted by Mustangquadcam

I did my first ED in December. The roads on the passes were icy and snowy, but we did fine. The roads out of the passes were rainy, by again we made it through. The car arrived stateside looking brand new. Perfect. And I had that car for 8 years, and there were no problems with paint or anything else. 1 week of winter conditions won't phase a new BMW. They are designed for it. Regardless of the time of year, it's well worth it.

Thanks for your post, your experience gives me some hope for my first ED on mid Dec this year!

I will opt out of snow tires and create a route that are less likely to face icy road surfaces