BMW European Delivery

erickpl

Welcome to the BMW European Delivery forum!

Many people on both the 3 Series and 5 Series forums have taken advantage of the BMW European Delivery Program. This program will generally save you enough money on the cost of a new BMW so that you can pick it up in Europe, drive it a while there on a vacation, and bring it home and still come out ahead in the deal.

I personally have not taken ED yet, but my next BMW, unless it is a Z3 or Z4 or X5, will probably be picked up in Germany.

Hopefully, people will share their ED experiences here and allow those of us who have not had the opportunity, to learn about it, envy it, and hopefully do it someday.

Have fun!

-Paul

ultrarunner

Any members picking up their ED on September 19th?

hgeyer

I'll help get the page rolling...

Here is the link to some pictures from my 2002 ED trip.

www.geyer.org/bmw.htm

Feel free to ask any questions on the experience and I'll try to help.

ggoodloe

Msg #3:geyer. I cannot pull up your web page for bmw pictures. Did you get your 3 series on ED? I plan a trip the end of Oct. for same. Any suggestions? ggoodloe@clearsource.net

hgeyer

sorry about the pictures. the site is funny with Netscape and AOL, but should work w/IE if you wait a minute for the pictures to download.

I would recommend a trip to Neuschwantein Castle (about 1-2 hours southwest of Munich) and a trip south to Garmish (about an 1-1 1/2 hours). Take the tram to the top of the Zugspitze for an awesome view of the German/Austrian Alps.

Too bad for you that Octoberfest isn't really in October!

gs9

Looking forward to picking my m5 lite (540i,6sd) in Nov.
Any experience with a route from Munich to Milan (day 1) Milan to Nice (Day 2) Nice to Geneva (Day 3) and on to Paris?

loubct

Thanks for this board. I will be purchasing a 2003 330. I personally wanted the sedan, however the wife is in love with the convertible. In order to make that happen I am considering the ED purchase which is 3k less than US MSRP. Question I have based on commnets I have seen on various boards. What additional cost over ED price will I encounter. I know that you still need a US dealer to take order. What can I expect to pay the US dealer for his trouble?

seivwrig

Where you live depends on what you can get away with. I have heard of people getting anywhere from $1200 to $1500 above European Delivery Invoice. As far as the dealer, there is nothing additional that has to be done. Plan a time that you would like to go to Germany. Determine if the date can make that date happen. If so, plan your trip after you order the car. Your dealer may or may not want a deposit. You can go to www.eurobuyers.com or www.bimmerfest.com to get the invoice price for ED. There are some good web sites that people have created about their ED experience. BMW will send you information before your trip. The big question is always, 1) do you pick up the car the day that you get there or 2)rest for the rest of the day and pick up the car the next day. I did option one and did not miss a beat. I flew into London then caught a flight to Munich. I caught the U-bahn from the airport then connected to an S-bahn to the station near the delivery center. If you plan to carry a lot of luggage, then take a taxi. It cost more but you will not be inconvienced. The delivery center is about 3 blocks from the station.

platypus

My recommendation is to arrive a day before your pick-up date. Delivery for us adults is like getting a new toy from the toy store for kids. The first thing you want to do when you get your car is drive it. If you're tired from the flight, you may be inclined to simply go to a hotel and park the car. I say arrive a day early, allow yourself a day to adjust to the time difference, then the following day when you pick up your car, you're refreshed and ready to take it out on the Autobahn headed for your first destination, wherever that may be. Plus, arriving a day early gives you a chance to see Munich on foot. YMMV.

khoon

Thanks to Edmunds and Carpoint we all know the invoice price for the US. Where can one get the invoice price for ED? Is there a site/source that shows the Invoice/Retail breakdown of the 325i with the option equipment?

Tx. in advance.

hgeyer

What area of the US? It varies.

khoon

NY/NJ Area

hgeyer

I've heard nothing but good things about Park Avenue BMW. Someone on the BMW 3 series board (Brave1heart, I think) just did ED on a 5 series that he bought from there.

You may want to post to him on the 3 series board.

I think that 1,500 over ED invoice is fair for your purchase. Go to www.eurobuyers.com for ED pricing.

loubct

I have been reviewing various mails concerning savings on a european delivery. Many claim they pay x over ED price. Can you help me.

Interested in purchasing MY 2003 330cic
USA Invoice $42,900
ED Invoice $39,895
ED Wholesale $36,305

What price do I negotiate with local dealer? What type of negotiation goes on? Is it ? ED price plus a reasonable profit for the dealer? What may that be. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

jcivitello

Use ED Wholesale base price, plus any options at the wholesale price as well...then add $1000-$1200
for dealer profit and negotiate...Anything around $1500 is a good deal and is acceptable (I paid $1600 over ED Wholesale Invoice) I p/u 11/29/02!!!
Dealer orofit is generally around 5%. Negotiations are typical..."let me go talk to my manager...sigh"

loubct

Thanks for the quick reply. Based on your data

ED Wholesale $36,305
Dealer Profit $1,500 (negotiated)
Total $37,805

USA Base $42,900

App. savings = 5,000

Other than destination charges, is there any amount added at the dealers side.

How do you plan for the flight to Europe? Do you get a date from BMW and plan for a flight after that date?

Congratulations on your new car. What did you get?

530tiag

I just returned from the ED of my new 530i. While in Germany, I stocked up on some european parts not available in the US, such as aspher. side mirrors. I also bought a BMW wheel cleaning brush kit for 30 euro. I thought it was expensive until I returned home and found that my US dealer wanted $56 for the same kit. What other parts did I miss out on?

postoak

The first thing you decide is the date you want to pick up the car. Then you work backward from there. The car must be paid for at least 30 days prior to that date and I think you need to get your order in (close the deal) 90 days before.

You need to be aware that there isn't just one invoice price, because of the advertising fee (which is part of the invoice). Dealers in smaller towns pay no advertising fee and big-city dealers pay various size fees, so invoice (dealer cost) differs. This is done purposely, I suppose, to give the small town dealers a price advantage.

Also, there will be a documentation fee. In Texas this is limited to $50 and is printed as a line item on every dealers worksheet that I've seen. Call any dealer in your state and ask if there is a set fee for this.

Everything else above invoice is government related: title registration, licensing, vehicle inspection, sales tax, various other minor taxes. But it is all mandated by the government. The dealer should have no other charges.

jcivitello

yeah, Agree with Postoak, there should not be any other dealer charges....but include the dest. fee in the total before you add the dealer profit...
And then of course figure on about 9% in gov fees (tax, lic, reg) We chose a date to pick up the car about a week after finalizing the deal, and then the following week, bought my tix (direct SF to Munich $500!) My car - 330i steel blue, PP, SP,
bi-X, split seats, and NAV...I also plan on ordering some misc. acessories from the local dealer and picking them up while there (birch trim, clears, alarm) Cant wait!

seivwrig

You might want to contact Niederlassung Munchen before hand to order the parts. I don't know if the alarm is the same in Germany. I do have the parts number for the CD changer. To tell you the truth, I have the German part numbers for all the stuff you list. Post a list and I will post the part numbers and price for you. The wheel locks are significantly cheaper too! Another tip, don't buy a single thing at the European Delivery Center. Their prices are too high.

seivwrig

To add to what Postoak has mention. Do not pay an inventory tax. An ED car does not come out of the dealers inventory, hence no inventory tax. You have to fight for every penny in some locales.

postoak

I've heard you say that before, about no inventory tax on ED cars -- so you didn't pay it? I did. Anyway, I just called the finance offices of a Honda dealership, a Toyota dealership and a BMW dealership. They all said they MUST collect it on ALL new and used vehicles sold by their dealerships, including ED (in the case of the BMW dealership). Other states probably don't even have this tax, though.

rabright

" just returned from the ED of my new 530i. While in Germany, I stocked up on some european parts not available in the US, such as aspher. side mirrors. I also bought a BMW wheel cleaning brush kit for 30 euro. I thought it was expensive until I returned home and found that my US dealer wanted $56 for the same kit. What other parts did I miss out on? "

What are aspher. side mirrors?

jcivitello

I appreciate the offer...we are on the same page. I actually have already emailed the parts manager at the Munich dealership with all the part numbers, etc...He was very prompt with his reply and he provided me with all the pricing...Odd though, some were actually higher than in the US??? He just said email him with the order 2 weeks before I pick-up. If anyone is interested in the name and email address of the contact let me know...
Also, agree on the alarm...need to make sure same as in US before I purchase (about $40 cheaper in Europe, $188)

erickpl

Aspherical side mirrors. Work to reduce/eliminate your blind spot.

-Paul

johnny330i

Could you list the part numbers for US alarm, keyless wheel locks, Birch trim and any other goodies that we can't get here? I'm picking up a Orient Blue 330i w/ SP, Moon, Xenon, Fold down seats on 10/21. Anyone else picking up on same day?

jcivitello

Sorry if the format is hard to read, I copy and pasted from another note and am lazy....these are US part numbers in Euro prices from the dealer in Munich...
Birch Shift Knob 25 11 7 512 153 67,50
Birch Center Console 51 16 7 052 056 59,50
Birch Steering Wheel Trim 32 30 6 760 155 168,20
Birch Dash and Door Pieces 51 45 7 048 964 353,00
Trim Clips 51 45 8 266 814 0,35
Clear Front & Side Signal Set 82 19 9 416 994 84,00
Clear Rear Signal Set 82 19 9 416 997 210,00
Wheel Lug Locks (Studs) 36 13 1 180 882 23,00
Locks (w/key) 36 13 1 182 006 67,00
Cargo Net 51 47 9 410 805 45,00
Alarm Kit 65 73 9 416 520 188,00

jcivitello

seivwrig

These are actually the cmpany owned diealerships. I think there are about eight in Munich. The one near the delivery center is the Frankfurter Ring dealership.

Jcivitello:

I'll have an answer for you in about an hour and a half on the alarm.

sharris

You said you got SF to Munich fare for $500. I assume you mean round trip. Where did you find this price? It is much better than what I've been seeing so far. (I will be flying to Munich late October to pick up my 530.) Thanks.

platypus

FYI - Just a quick glance at the pricing shows that they are roughly equivalent to the US (at least for some of the parts). Given that the Euro is relatively strong to the dollar these days, it may not be worth the hassle to buy the parts in Germany and hand carry them back. As an example, I see that a set of clears will run $210 + $84 = $294. (1 Euro ~ 1 USD). I paid $285 including shipping when I ordered my clears in the US from Cutter Motors in Santa Barbara.

Also, you may be taking a chance by having clears installed in Germany before the car gets shipped back. I was told that when a car comes through the US port, they will inspect it to make sure it meets US DOT requirements. Putting clears all-around on a sedan is actually illegal unless you add amber front corner markers. My point is, I would hate to pay $300 for clears, only to find that the US port authorities removed them.

YMMV.

seivwrig

Looking at the part numbers, I don't know if buying the alarm in Germany is a good idea. In the US, we have an alarm for sedan/coupe/touring and an alarm for the convertible. In Germany, the touring has a different alarm. The numbers don't remotely match.

Also, I would have to agree with Platypus. The euro is strong. It does not make much sense to buy something that can be purchased in the U.S.

I purchased wheel locks, luggage net, CD changer and a key ring. Even if purchased now, they would still be cheaper. The key ring that I have is not available in the U.S., so it made sense to purchase it. My CD changer is model 65 12 6 913 388. I go it for 335 euro (I did not pay the 17.5% tax). Even at 1 dollar equal to 1 Euro, it was a steal compared to BMW CD changer prices. It is not advised to buy electronic items unless you have done your homework.

jcivitello

Yes, I agree with all that was said! I only plan on picking up a few items that make sense...I just posted the whole list as someone asked for it...as far as airfare, found the flight on Orbitz. It is a Lufthansa flight (united partner) The same flight is now $600...
...Thanks for the alarm info and input from others!

ggoodloe

See that you have pick-up date on 10/17. I have resquested one on 10/30, but have not received a confirmation letter from BMW and the ED at BMW folks say it may be several weeks from now. How did you obtain confirmation so quickly? Need infor for airline, hotel, etc.

jrct9454

I agree that the best all-around source is Orbitz, especially for international fares.

craigd47

I have a few "newbie" questions about European Delivery:

1.) When do you actually pay for and take title to the car?
2.) If you are trading in a car, do you wait until your BMW is delivered to you in the states before turning in the trade-in car to the dealer?
3.) Has anyone had a particularly good or bad experience with a BMW dealer in the Baltimore/Annapolis/DC area?

Thanks for the help! This is a great resource.

sharris

I will be doing ED next month (delivery date in Munich is 10/28). I'll be going to my dealer next week to pay for the car (i.e., pay the purchase price itself; TT&L to be paid once car arrives at the US dealership). My dealer said that I will need to sign and have notarized a purchase order, which I gather he will be sending in to BMW NA. He said that the price listed on the PO will be MSRP, and he assured me not to worry about that, that I will pay our negotiated price--which I have in writing, BTW. I'm sure this is all above board, yet I would still like confirmation from some who have done ED that this is, in fact, standard operating procedure. Thanks!

seivwrig

You actually pay for the car or complete financing 45 to 60 days form the date of pick-up. If you are trading in a car, you will need transportation from the time of the trade till the time that you do delivery in the States. As far MD/DC/VA dealers, I cannot help you.

postoak

sharris - yes, that is above board. My salesman told me the same thing (about MSRP being on the form, but that had nothing to do with the price we had agreed on) and everything turned out fine.

craigd47 - one downside to ED is that you have to be able to be able to finance or pay for the car without including a trade-in OR you have to be able to go about 3 months without your old car. You receive your title registration forms when you pick the car up at your dealer after it has made its way to the states.

ggoodloe

I have a delivery date of 10/30 in Munich and have been scheduled to pay for my car at the dealership on 9/23. This Texas dealership want me to also pay the TTL fees at that time. This doesn't seem right in that the car will not be in the states for 2-3 months. Any other's experience? Also when should you receive the BMW confirmation letter for delivery? I am hesitant to pre-pay airline tickets until the date is firm. My car is still in status 112. Gail

pap5

I have no personal experience doing ED with a D.C. area dealer, but a number of Edmunds users have reported good experiences with Passport in Marlow Heights. Their ED specialist is Joern Esser (may not be the exact spelling). I arranged my ED with a dealer in another area, before reading about Passport.

erickpl

I was looking at the Performance Center Delivery option on the BMW site last night. How does it compare to the ED? Other than going to Europe, is the experience similar? I was thinking about going to the Driving schools when I pick up my next BMW, whenever that may be and was curious about having it delivered to the PC.

Opinions?

-Paul

postoak

Your dealer is telling you the truth. You pay for EVERYTHING upfront. When the car comes back to the states they just hand it over to you. It seems to me I received 2 letters from BMW, the first was a congratulatory note with a small gift (a pen) and then later an information packet. Once you have a production number that should be good enough, though. I don't know what 112 is, but I guess that means you have a production number.

seivwrig

Which driving school do you want to attend? I believe there is a web site for the Performance Center and the dates for the schools are listed. You don't drive your own car for the schools, so that might be a plus. There are also drive packages that can be purchased. I've never gone to the Performance Center but when my daughter turns 16, it will be mandatory even though she will not drive my car.EVER.

erickpl

I want to attend the M school, but it is very pricey. There is the one that is one step up from the Teen defensive driving school, which I would like my daughter to do. I just like the idea of how they present the car when you pick it up and was curious as to how the PC delivery compared to ED (besides the obvious location difference).

-Paul

seivwrig

The ED is kind of funny. You go to pick up your car at this large garage. Someone helps you with your luggage. You eat lunch (I could have skipped this part). Look around the center (not much to view). They come get you to see your car. At this point, you don't hear anything. All focus is on your new car. Because I have a NAV, the presentatiom seem to go on for ever. Mr. Fortuna told me the break-in info about three times. You smile and drive off. The Performance Center is probably a good experience. In Munich, you have to set up a factory tour before hand and it is only certain days of the week. Then there is the museum. None of this facilities are in the same place like the Performance Center. There are pros and cons. I had my car less than a hour before I got my first chip in the paint. I was cruising at a cool 90 mph just after getting outside of Munich heading to Stuttgart. It was like slow motion, I watch the rock come across my hood. It change the rest of my five hour drive to Spangdahlem, Germany. I did the European pickup because I was going home anyway. My expenses were no different then any other trip to Europe outside of having to pickup my wife at London Gatwick. I spent more money when I took the whole family to Europe and had to rent two cars.

erickpl

sievwrig,
Thanks for the comments. It rather sounds like if you can't afford the ED, either with time or money, the PC Delivery may be a good option to consider for that special feeling.

Does anybody know if the PC Delivery can work with cars other than the Z3 or Z4, and X5?

-Paul

sharris

I'll be in Munich a few days before I pick up my ED BMW on 10/28. Looking for a place to stay in a central location where we can walk and/or take public transit to see the sights. Also looking for something moderately priced. Any recommendations?

Also, our flight back to the states departs early in the morning, so I'd appreciate any recommendations for reasonably priced places near the airport. Thanks!

seivwrig

Paul:

PC Delivery works with any kind of BMW (car or motorcycle). I don't think the Mini is included. ED is really a factor of time an not money. Even though I live in Texas, I consider myself a Florida transplant. Vacations to Orlando can be rather expensive especially compared to European vacations. The thing is the time taken to drive between cities. But you could just plan the vacation to Germany. Pickup the car. Drop it off at E.H.Harms and continue with the vacation. I don't think most people drive their ED car enough to get pass the break-in point. Hence, they don't get to drive the car until the limiter kicks in.

postoak

A lot of Edmunds EDers have stayed at the Hotel Uhland. It's sort of becoming a tradition. I think derprofi was the first one who brought it to our attention. It's about a mile from the old city center -- a little too far to walk. But taxis are cheap and readily available. A double room in the high season is about $80.00. As for the airport, it is well outside of town and places of accomodation out there are going to be limited in number.

Hotel Uhland:

http://www.hotel-uhland.de/enwelcome.html

Hotel Uhland IS within walking distance of the Augustiner Keller Beer Hall and Garden on Arnulfe Strasse. It is well worth visiting:

http://www.munich-info.de/biergaerten/augustiner/welcome_en.html

ipatty13

I'm an American living in Munich for about 1 year and can recommend a nice hotel on a quiet street in my neighborhood. It is Hotel Adria in Lehel.

http://www.adria-muenchen.de/index.htm

It is only a ten-minute walk to Marienplatz (city center) and the Lehel U-bahn stop is less than a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Also, you're less than 5 minutes to the Englischer Garten. The only downside is parking, which can be tight.

Have fun with ED. I am using ED to pick up a 330 in January before my return to the U.S.