BMW European Delivery

garyods

Ok, next time you are in Berlin ask for directions to the Harley shop. Be sure to learn German for "one way street" and "no possible place to park".

Now try it in either Phoenix or Jersey. And the streets in the east are almost wide enough if the morons wouldn't park 3 - 4 deep on both sides ;->

enforcer

I have done this several times in the days before there were "NAV" systems. I have never had a problem getting where I needed to go, whether in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Israel, whatever. In fact, I remember the first time I drove into Lisbon I had no idea how to find my hotel and ended up at the front door without any problem.

So my advice would be to pick up a few good Michelin maps before you go, mark off your routes, and just enjoy driving your new bmw at speeds that would land you in jail in this country.

buster6

Hi, hoping someone can help me out. I am looking to do a ED (530) and have the car stateside in September. This would put me in Europe in July (8 weeks for west coast delivery). Would I be able to get a an 05 model, or would they still be producing 04's at that point. Thanks for your help.

markjenn

Typical model year changeover for BMW cars on a regular cycle is September production after their August holiday. (Sometimes the next MY will be introduced in the previous spring, but given that we just had a brand new 5-series hit this fall, I doubt they'll introduce a major-change 05 model next spring.)

So, I think you're looking at a MY 04 for June and July 04 production.

- Mark

alexwhite

Has anyone arranged for a 3-series European Delivery at a Los Angeles dealership? The few I've gone to refuse giving any discounts beyond the standard European Deliver one. Several people here posted "the $1000 to $1,500 above ED invoice" prices they were able to obtain. However, I could not get anywhere close to it. If you were able to obtain favorable pricing at an LA BMW dealership:

1. What dealership did you go to?
2. What discount or "over ED invoice price" were you able to secure?
3. If I know exactly what I want, should I even speak to a salesperson or go to Sales / Finance Manager?
4. Any other advice?

Thanks in advance,
Alex

nyccarguy

I remember way back a few years ago on the 3 series board that somebody mentioned favorable ED pricing from Cutter Motors in Santa Barbara. I know it is north of LA-LA land, but maybe worth a shot.

mulligan3

We are heading to Munich next month to pick up our 530i and wondering what to expect besides cold weather. Is the delivery process long? Should we arrive early and plan on driving our car all day, or do we sit around all day and that is why they offer lunch? Is the drop off process flexible and easy? We will stay at Hotel Uhland, is the delivery center a quick cab ride? Do you really need to get an international drivers liscence from AAA?

jesser1

Dear Alex and all others reading.
If a local Dealer is not willing to work with you there is another way to get your discount!
As long as you have not talked to all local dealers, so they don't have your name and info.
There always can be a Courtesy Delivery Agreement requested.
E-mail me for more info. You can buy from the east cost and have it delivered to the west cost!

postoak

To answer your questions:

1) The delivery process takes about an hour -- or at least did for us. About half of that is spent going over the car's features.

2) The Uhland is about 15-20 minutes by taxi from the delivery center.

3) I didn't drop off in Munich but there's a little paperwork -- plan on about 30 minutes.

4) You don't need an IDP if you stay in Germany. You'll need it if you go into Austria.

What we did is spend Monday taking the factory tour and seeing the Museum (these are together, along with the headquarters building). On Tuesday we headed to the delivery center right after breakfast and were out on the autobahn about 1 1/2 hrs. later. We headed down to see the palace at Herrenchiemsee and got back to Munich around 5PM.

If you like beer and want to sample traditional German food I highly recommend Augustiner Keller on Arnulfe Strasse, just west of the central train station. It's a little far, but you COULD walk there from the Uhland.

PS: The "restaruant" at the delivery center is no big deal -- more like a snack bar.

330iii

When you drop off the vehicle at E.H.Harms in Europe and you keep all four keys does E.H.Harms or the Vehicle Processing center in NJ have a master key? How do they drive your vehicle off the ship if you have all four keys in your possession? Thanks.

hgeyer

They keep a key. By the way, when I got my car the main key was in a cool leather case; the case was gone when I got my car in the US. Moral of the story - pack anything that you want to see stateside in your suitcase (including the first aid kit - remember to check it as there are sharp objects in there that security will dislike, the safety triangle and the front plate).

One other point on Harms regarding a recent question. To save time at drop off, I called a week ahead and gave them all of my personal info and ETA for drop-off. When I dropped off, they had most of the forms pre-filled and a cab was waiting.

330iii

I appreciate your input,that's a good idea! Once your vehicle has completed production does BMW place and keep your car in an indoor lot until pick up? I have heard from Auto Body people that fresh paint needs time to cure? When BMW paints our new vehicles are the paint booths climate controlled? Just some thoughts about "attention to detail".

330iii

By the way,I have heard that there are many toys offered to you at the delivery center but the only thing worth purchasing are the wheel locks for 22 bucks(installed).Everything else except maybe key fobs are overpriced? Anyway,is the local BMW dealer close enough to warrant the drive from the delivery center to buy accessories? I know,I'll only get stuff that I can bring on the flight back home.(Nothing put on the car that will not clear Customs at VPC in NJ.

markjenn

Like all mfgs, BMW puts cars in a parking lot after mfg, typically with some kind of protection for the hoizontal surfaces which collect acid rain and debris. There's no special attention that needs to be paid to new car paint on today's cars. You can wash it, wax it, etc. essentially from day one.

I'd relax a little. If you start worrying about climate-controlled paint booths and indoor parking lots, you're in for a lot of stomach acid with your new car. A nice paint job is cool, but they all scratch, chip, and fade eventually. It's a car.

- Mark

seivwrig

There is BMW Niederlassung that is less than 5 minutes from the delivery center. It is smarter to get stuff there. You can call ahead of time to order things. Just keep track of the conversion rate.

drj111

Can you pick up an M3 or M5 using ED?

markjenn

I believe the M5 is no longer in production for a year or two while they develop a M car based on the new 5-series platform.

The M3 is available ED, but there is no ED discount.

- Mark

330iii

Thanks! As per your earlier posts for road rage carry a large stick of Pepperoni(3 lbs?) and use it to whack anyone if they bother you and then slice it up and put it on your pizza,LOL.If you're former military I'm sure you have toys or close quarters combat training for attitude adjustment.I still want the 530d with 218 bhp and 369 ft-lbs of torque that's more torque than the 545i!I hear Mercedes will be offering a E320 CDI for 2004!

buster6

I went to the dealer today to set up 530 on euro delivery, and the sales manager says that bmw will not Lease a euro delivery car. Has anyone else done this in the past, or is conventional financing/cash the only way?

erickpl

Check out the 5 Series forum and do a search for SHIPO and Lease. He did that with his 530i SP.

-Paul

nyccarguy

you can lease a BMW via ED. It is actually quite beneficial. The down side is that you will make 2 lease payments (maybe 3 depending on where you live) while your car is on the boat so to speak. But you'll essentially get a cheaper capitalized cost which will lower your monthly payments. Did the same dealer tell you that BMW won't allow them to discount off ED MSRP? I say find another dealer

buster6

I went in to look at the new 5, not quite sure if I am sold on the looks, but love the way it drove. I told the salesman (who admitted to me that he had been selling for 2 weeks) that I wanted a euro delivery when the Navi's were available. I let him know that I was planning in purchasing 2 cars, both euro delivery, with a 30 month lease and a total of 60k miles. I also let him know that I was willing to pay 1200 over invoice on both cars.

When I got back to my office 20 min latter, he had already left me a message that

1. No leasing on the euro deliverys--( I checked on the BMW site, which said it was allowed as long as the car was shipped back to the us in 30 days.)

2. They will only sell at euro MSRP.

I realize that there are a limited number of dealers in the area where I live, but I am close to LA, Las Vegas, and San Diago--so I guess I will use the fax method that I have read about on the board.

If anyone knows a dealer who will sell 2 cars for around 1000 over euro invoice, please let me know--I will be waiting for the cars to be shipped over from Europe anyway, whats a couple of extra days to wait here for shipment from a dealer out of the area.

nyccarguy

post your question on the 3 series board & 5 series board. SOme of the posters there might be helpful to you.

markjenn

My guess is that with the extended timelines to get nav-equipped cars, your aggressive price target, and the newness of the revised 5-series, that you'll have difficulty finding a dealer wishing to take you up on your offer.

Not that it hurts to ask. But I wouldn't hold my breath.

- Mark

imadrone

Many thanks to all who have generously shared their knowledge and experience re 3-Series and ED. My wife and I found the information to be very valuable.
   We recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Europe during which we took possession of our 2004 325iT (Steel Blue/gray, 5 speed, SP, PS, H-K)on October 17th, and dropped it off in Frankfurt on November 7th. 22 days, 8 countries, 4,387 miles, and many smiles. The little Sport Wagon performed flawlessly, accomodated our luggage beautifully, and was sheer, exhilirating pleasure to drive. Weather and scenery were splendid, people warm and friendly, and despite the weak dollar vs. the Euro, we came in under projected budget. Our 2 nights at the Uhland were very nice, with sumptuous breakfasts in the dining room, and a very good and reasonably priced Turkish restaurant within walking distance. The Marienplatz, beer halls, and vast outdoor market are also within vigorous walking distance. Rather than taking a taxi to the Delivery Center, do consider taking the underground which is both much faster, and far less expensive. The ED packet you receive from BMW has good maps and recommendations. Delivery took about an hour, and was pleasant and informative. Dachau is only a few miles away, and highly recommended.
   Did not know about the International Driver's License until reading on the plane, but didn't need one. Rarely saw police in any of the countries we visited, and none on the autobahn. Germany is exceptionally clean and beautiful, and the drivers, though assertive, are excellent. Ditto for Austria, Lichtenstein, Switzerland. However, the stereotype of Italian drivers seems to be true. Though technically skillful, many demonstrate incredibly bad judgment. Passing on blind curves is a national sport, and there appears to be an unwritten rule that one must allow no more than one car length between drivers, no matter what the speed. Italy and Italians are charming, but take the train...
    Though my "Nagivator" and I had traveled in Europe several times before, the added flexibility and independence of having our own car (and breaking it in, in its homeland) gave an extra dimension to our pleasure. We plan to do ED again in October of 2006, and would recommend the experience to anyone. Our baby should be arriving at the dealer around Christmas.

Happy Holidays
Richard

paddyinvegas

Hello Frank,
  I had to scrub the E/D [but] am taking delivery of an '04 330i Performance Package, Dec 29th.
  If you're out there please reply to this msg.

motenor1

I just purchased an 04 325i, silver gray, 5 speed, cold weather pkg, blk leatherette, navigation, for $600 over ED invoice. I just emailed the dealer, got an offer which I accepted. Delivery will be mid-february. Sweet!

330iii

Do you,or a friend or family member work for BMW? That's the lowest I've ever heard of! Did you deal directly with a manager? I guess all you added was tax,tags and licensing fees and the destination charge? With the money you saved you could have gotten the xenons or rear airbags or anything else for that matter when the rest of us paid anywhere from 900 to 1500 over ED invoice! Chalk one up for the consumer! I'm picking up in Munich next week but i paid 1100 over invoice! I hope there are no gremlins in my e60!

motenor1

actually, it did include xenons. what i did was send a purchase inquiry through the dealer's website and within 2 hours i got an offer from the ED manager. i myself could not believe it. so i am thankful.

markjenn

This is a great price. I'm very surprised a dealer would do it.

Not to doubt you, but what are the details of the deal - what options and what was ED invoice? (It's easy to make math mistakes and there are four prices we're dealing wtih: US MSRP, US invoice, ED MSRP, and ED invoice.)

- Mark

jbian

Can anyone provide information on ED prices for
04' 530i? Thanks a lot.

motenor1

the price excluding ttl is $ 29670. The ED INVOICE PRICE is $29,070. It includes cold weather, xenon, onboard comp, nav, moonroof, metallic paint. it is a 325i, 5speed, black leatherette, titanium trim

markjenn

That's a hell of a deal. Ammunition for other ED bargain hunters.

- Mark

330iii

Can anyone advise how many miles were on their car when they picked up at the Freimann Delivery Center in Munich.I'm assuming 0 to 5.Also what was the mileage when you finally took delivery at your local dealer.(After the car is driven off the ship in NJ,en route to the vehicle processing center,loaded onto a transporter and brought to your dealer and driven by your service dept or salesman? I'll be picking up in Munich next week,Thanks!

motenor1

i have read somewhere that for people with nav taking delivery in Europe, one can borrow the European navi disk from the factory and return it upon drop off. Well, i called BMW ED dept this morning and they said this is not true. The navi disk is available for purchase at 270 euros. (tsk...tsk...not worth it as i will only drive the car for a week in europe when i take delivery in 2/04) maybe i can sell it on ebay...

bavarian

When I picked up my 325Ci (Grey Green/5 speed/SP (Pirelli 6000s)/CWP/Wood trim/Moonroof/Xenons/HK) in mid Sept in Munich it had two miles on the odometer. I added 938 miles before dropping it off with the witty Mr Berends at Harms in Munich. 5 weeks later I picked it up in Indiana and it had been driven less than a mile since the drop off.

Enjoy your ED experience- it was the best car buying experience of my life and my future BMWs will be bought the same way.

Enjoy the autobahn.

Norris, still grinning

jb_shin

I think people simply went to the delivery center and asked for it, and in many cases got them. They were asked to have the discs returned when they returned the car. You can pick up the discs from ebay (UK, Germany, or other European countries) for about $100 (DVD, CD's are much less) at the most. You can even find them on some p2p networks.

1berger1

am in military overseas. understand that if i purchase a bmw through oversea sales prior to transfer back to california that i don't have to pay sales tax. is this true and how do i go about finding the regulations/paper work.

jb_shin

You need to check with CA DMV, but I believe if you purchase the vehicle and keep it for 90 days before registering in CA, sales tax is waived.

fcmaras

I have not found any ED invoices price for 2004, but see that there is a 9-10% discount compared to the ED MSRP for 2003. Using this rational and the $1500 over invoice as a rule of thumb I come up with a figure of $46,500 to $47,500.

Is this reasonable to expect considering the new model or better yet, has someone purchased a 2004 545 through ED?

   Thanks,

    FCM

330iii

Flew out of JFK Sat.night 12-06,arrived in Munich Sunday morning 12-07 and returned 12-08 to JFK early Mon.night(Left Munich Monday afternoon local time).Picked up an 04 E60 early Mon.morning it was prewired for Navi!(Had voice and menu buttons) What a blast!

enforcer

I have been away for a while, but need to address a couple of topics:

(1) Any dealer who tells you that you cannot do an ED lease is clearly a liar. Why would you want to do business with this type of person? You should immediately exit the dealership and do business with one of the many reputable firms that have been mention here and on bimmerfest. And then drive back to that dealer in you new bmw, drop a copy of the BMW web page that explains ED leasing, and note that their lies cost them a nice profit.

(2) I have driven in Italy and I do not think the drivers compare unfavorably. Israel and Portugal are far, far worse. Even in San Francisco we have many poor drivers who drive dangerously while yakking on their cellphones.

(3) I do not thin $1000 over invoice is unreasonable for ED on a 5 series. As noted above, someone just signed a deal for $600 over invoice on a 3-series. There is no harm in lowballing the dealer, there are plenty of others who are hungry for your business.

stevenh7

I am interested in a 2004 325Ci. I went to eurobuyers.com to obtain the European Delivery Prices. Here are the numbers I came up with from the website:
   European Delivery w/ Pickup in Munich - 27,995
   Options:
        205 - Automatic = 1,275
        Leather = 1,450
        403 - Moonroof = 1,050
        459 - Power Seat = 995
        494 - Heated Seats = 500
   Total European Price = 33,265.
Is this the European Invoice Folks are discussing on this Board? Looks like I would be paying the European Invoice price plus MSRP for the options. Is that correct? Thanks - just starting out with this.

chosen12b

we just took delivery of that same car and our price was just $1000 above yours with out the euro delivery. you can do at least $1000 under what you posted.

markjenn

There are four prices:

1. US delivery MSRP
2. US delivery invoice (what dealer pays)
3. ED MSRP (discounted about 7% from MSRP for the base car, all options are same as US MSRP)
4. ED invoice (what dealer pays for a car that is delivered in Europe - it is less from ED MSRP by about the same amount as the ratio between US MSRP and US invoice)

BMW publishes the ED MSRP prices on their web site - if the numbers you're looking at are the same, then they're not ED invoice. I don't think 2004 ED invoice prices have appeared anywhere yet, at least they were not there the last time I checked at eurobuyers.com and bimmer.org. But you can get VERY close to them, by simply using the same ratios as 2003 ED MSRP and invoice prices.

- Mark

stevenh7

Trying to get a Offer together for European Delivery on a 2004 325CI. Am I doing this correctly?

Found the European Delivery Confidential Wholesale Price for the 2004 325CI is $25,475. Here are the numbers I came up with:

 2004 325CI Alpine White ED Invoice - $25,475
   205 Automatic - Invoice - $1,210
   403 Power Glass Moonroof - Invoice - $955
   459 Power Front Seats - Invoice - $905
   N6TT Leather - Gray Montana - Invoice - $1,320
   ZCW Cold Weather Package - Invoice - $685
   Destination and Handling - $695
   Dealer Profit - $1,500
 Total Offer - $32,745

Do these numbers look accurate? Also, has anyone
had good luck with a particular Dealer in NJ?

vsaxena

http://www.lufthansa-usa.com/241BMW/

For folks going for ED with BMW, Lufthansa has a free companion fare. If you prefer to travel in business class the companion fare is 75% off. The economy class has to be ticketed in Q class, which AFAIK is a discount fare.

330iii

But can they beat the price of airfare purchased through expedia,orbitz,or travelocity?

vsaxena

You have to call Lufthansa and ask. Q fares are typically deep discount fares on most airlines.

motenor1

oh shoot...why did i find that out earlier. i just bought a ticket at orbitz.com last week. my ticket costs $538 but i am travelling with my mom so total cost including taxes/fees are $1224.60

i also booked a room at renaissance hotel (munich) at 55 euros per night (friends/family discount through my brother-in-law)