Finally!! Euro Delivery Done, the Perks and the Perils: A Blog with Pics

anthony @ eas · 05-24-2010, 03:11 PM

That is a beautiful car. Thanks for taking the time to post all that.

Prit@Euro Autowerx · 05-24-2010, 03:20 PM

wow seems like you had a blast!

MaxL · 05-24-2010, 03:34 PM

Mark, any savings on the price comparing to just buying from a dealer in Toronto? One of the benefits of ED in USA is a pretty good deal on the price. I've heard it is not the same in Canada.

I did ED of 335xi with a very similar color combo few years ago - probably my best vacation yet (I did 11 days and 4 countries).

Of, and do not worry about driving the car unwaxed - claybar or even a pass with soft polish will fix that 100%. And I would recommend doing a pass with a mild abrasive polish anyway - it makes the paint sleeker and shinier that it comes from the factory without thinning it. Hit Kevin (a.k.a. ***********) if you do not have time/equipment to do it yourself.

Crazy Bimmer · 05-24-2010, 03:39 PM

What an amazing journey.

You will be thankful that you documented it so well. Its been a year since my ED and I still love going back to see all the pictures. BMW sure knows how to treat their customers!

Such a beautiful combo you picked!

IbanezGod · 05-24-2010, 04:07 PM

wow awesome review! I can't wait!!! Def bringing some touchup stuff with me

bkwon · 05-24-2010, 05:00 PM

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the experience with awesome pics. I bought my first bmw from Budds too. I hope someday I can do what you've done!

H2 · 05-24-2010, 07:52 PM

Mark,

Sounds like you had an overall wonderful delivery experience. Thanks for sharing all the pictures and details. Congrats again on the car.

Tom

IbanezGod · 05-24-2010, 07:53 PM

wish i could have gotten RUST interior

Robo Squirrel · 05-24-2010, 08:45 PM

so jealous....bmw na still wont let me have that damn color! lol

Mark's M · 05-24-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxL

Mark, any savings on the price comparing to just buying from a dealer in Toronto? One of the benefits of ED in USA is a pretty good deal on the price. I've heard it is not the same in Canada.

I did ED of 335xi with a very similar color combo few years ago - probably my best vacation yet (I did 11 days and 4 countries).

Of, and do not worry about driving the car unwaxed - claybar or even a pass with soft polish will fix that 100%. And I would recommend doing a pass with a mild abrasive polish anyway - it makes the paint sleeker and shinier that it comes from the factory without thinning it. Hit Kevin (a.k.a. ***********) if you do not have time/equipment to do it yourself.

Again, many thanks for the comments on the write-up everyone, I enjoyed doing it and was just returning the favours for those who wrote about ED & M3 experiences before me.

Max...and anyone else Canadian who was wondering, the whole trip was on - me and my bank account. No breaks for us northerners, only our U.S. friends. Someone at BMW Canada told me that BMWNA gets a break on import duties or something like that, therefore they can afford to provide a discount. Still trying to figure out how Lufthansa's special fares for BMWNA customers has anything to do with import taxes. Think I'm going to call B.S. on the whole issue, Canadians are just more gullible. It was a piss-off but I wanted to do this very badly and just considered it a vacation that I would have had to pay for anyways.

BMW Canada was kind enough to offer me a "BMW AG-contracted" shuttle to and from the airport and then sent me the prices in a separate e-mail: 140 euros - one way, a 1/2 hr drive. I thought "well how kind of you to have offered me such an amazing deal" but.....NO THANKS. Rolf did it, with his handy dandy tour and travel tips, for his usual 45 euros

Roby84m · 05-24-2010, 10:12 PM

Hey Mark , are we doing the exclusive m3 meeting event Halifax in August?

NVRS8TFD · 05-25-2010, 01:23 AM

WOW!!!!! LOVELY BluEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Mark's M · 05-25-2010, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roby84m

Hey Mark , are we doing the exclusive m3 meeting event Halifax in August?

Roby, do you really think my wife would let me out of the province for another "car tour" thing???? Would love to but it would be a definate....well you can imagine the language lol.

Oh well, maybe another year brother.

fluidkaos · 05-25-2010, 10:09 PM

Looks like you had a great time on your Euro Delivery! Gotta love those twisty mountain roads. I just recently got back from an ED trip myself. I love Europe, and can't wait to go back. Nice color combo by the way. I love the brown leather in extended. Even has the piping on the floor mats looks like.

PoorMan · 05-26-2010, 02:52 AM

Great looking ride looks like you had a great time as well. Nice experience and pictures thanks for sharing!

Though I have to say some of those traffic and a few parking pics would have given me some back end pucker moments.

From my own visits, one of the few negatives regarding Europe has to be..Not too many places to park out in space, like we do our in huge (American) super sized parking lots.

Polarcharger · 05-26-2010, 07:43 PM

Beautiful car Mark.

Thank you for the pictures and fantastic write-up. I agree with you about Jet Airways - they're good domestically in India as well!

Here's some unsolicited advice: as some others have said, remember it's just a car, and it's made to live in the elements. 80/20 really applies to car maintenance: you'll be surprised by how good it looks in 15 years if you simply perform fundamental maintenance.

Yes, that includes actually maintaining your car (like changing the oil every 5 -7.5K miles) - despite BMW's ridiculous service intervals. No, that doesn't mean obsessing about the bird dropping you spied on your hood while going into the restaurant.

That 80% of work you could put into it will have little or no impact on your car's long term condition. Have fun with it, and back off if it ever becomes work!

Race_Doc11 · 05-27-2010, 10:53 AM

How much is the individual interior?

IbanezGod · 05-27-2010, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racedoc11

How much is the individual interior?

read the thread he said $4,000.

Man... I could have skipped DCT and gotten Rust interior...

Think i'm going to go

my sorrows away. Really hope i'm not disappointed with Speed Cloth.

Race_Doc11 · 05-27-2010, 12:49 PM

Oooooooooops...thanks!

I would like a cp with the individual interior vs a vert

Quote:

Originally Posted by PicassoM

read the thread he said $4,000.

Man... I could have skipped DCT and gotten Rust interior...

Think i'm going to go

my sorrows away. Really hope i'm not disappointed with Speed Cloth.

trucheli · 05-27-2010, 06:18 PM

Hey Mark,

I must have miss you by little since I was at Hotel Miralago on May 13th on my way to Monaco.
This will bring you nice memories.

Tio///M · 05-27-2010, 07:25 PM

WOW, I love the color combo you chose. The old lady and I know that rust or cinnamon is the way to go for the next one. ENjoy your truly unique one off M3. I miss Europe as well, I was there for 8 years and miss it dearly everyday!! I will go back, yes, I will go back...

Brooklyn Mark · 05-28-2010, 07:15 AM

Does the M-Divison have tours or is it invite only?

05-24-2010, 03:11 PM	#89
anthony @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 3,635 Posts Drives: R56 Cooper S Join Date: May 2009 Location: 4015 E Leaverton Court, Anahiem, CA 92807 iTrader: (0)	That is a beautiful car. Thanks for taking the time to post all that.
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05-24-2010, 03:20 PM	#90
Prit@Euro Autowerx Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 249 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: calgary iTrader: (0)	wow seems like you had a blast!
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05-24-2010, 03:34 PM	#91
MaxL Captain 69 Rep 957 Posts Drives: E90 M3, Cayenne T, 991 GT3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Mark, any savings on the price comparing to just buying from a dealer in Toronto? One of the benefits of ED in USA is a pretty good deal on the price. I've heard it is not the same in Canada. I did ED of 335xi with a very similar color combo few years ago - probably my best vacation yet (I did 11 days and 4 countries). Of, and do not worry about driving the car unwaxed - claybar or even a pass with soft polish will fix that 100%. And I would recommend doing a pass with a mild abrasive polish anyway - it makes the paint sleeker and shinier that it comes from the factory without thinning it. Hit Kevin (a.k.a. ***********) if you do not have time/equipment to do it yourself.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2010, 03:39 PM	#92
Crazy Bimmer The Jesal 391 Rep 5,859 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago IL iTrader: (20) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	What an amazing journey. You will be thankful that you documented it so well. Its been a year since my ED and I still love going back to see all the pictures. BMW sure knows how to treat their customers! Such a beautiful combo you picked! __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - SOLD
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05-24-2010, 04:07 PM	#93
IbanezGod 997TT, X5M 95 Rep 975 Posts Drives: 997TT, X5M Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	wow awesome review! I can't wait!!! Def bringing some touchup stuff with me __________________ 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo, Previously: 1998 M Roadster, 2011 M3, 2005 M3
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05-24-2010, 05:00 PM	#94
bkwon Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2009 528i xDrive Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mississauga, ON iTrader: (0)	Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the experience with awesome pics. I bought my first bmw from Budds too. I hope someday I can do what you've done!
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05-24-2010, 07:52 PM	#95
H2 Second Lieutenant 43 Rep 259 Posts Drives: LSB E92 M3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Mark, Sounds like you had an overall wonderful delivery experience. Thanks for sharing all the pictures and details. Congrats again on the car. Tom __________________ Laguna Seca Blue E92 M3 / Individual M3 picture threads - interior, exterior
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05-24-2010, 07:53 PM	#96
IbanezGod 997TT, X5M 95 Rep 975 Posts Drives: 997TT, X5M Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	wish i could have gotten RUST interior __________________ 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo, Previously: 1998 M Roadster, 2011 M3, 2005 M3
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05-24-2010, 08:45 PM	#97
Robo Squirrel Major 70 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: 991.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: MI iTrader: (1)	so jealous....bmw na still wont let me have that damn color! lol __________________
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05-24-2010, 10:12 PM	#99
Roby84m Second Lieutenant 33 Rep 260 Posts Drives: ///M3 E92 ZCP Join Date: May 2009 Location: Halifax,NS iTrader: (0)	Hey Mark , are we doing the exclusive m3 meeting event Halifax in August?
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05-25-2010, 01:23 AM	#100
NVRS8TFD New Member 3 Rep 9 Posts Drives: SDRIVE35i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Santa Clara, CA iTrader: (0)	WOW!!!!! LOVELY BluEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
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05-25-2010, 10:09 PM	#102
fluidkaos I wanna go fast! 14 Rep 343 Posts Drives: like a madman. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 E92 335i [9.31]	Looks like you had a great time on your Euro Delivery! Gotta love those twisty mountain roads. I just recently got back from an ED trip myself. I love Europe, and can't wait to go back. Nice color combo by the way. I love the brown leather in extended. Even has the piping on the floor mats looks like. __________________ Flickr
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05-26-2010, 02:52 AM	#103
PoorMan Hello my name is... 23 Rep 539 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Great looking ride looks like you had a great time as well. Nice experience and pictures thanks for sharing! Though I have to say some of those traffic and a few parking pics would have given me some back end pucker moments. From my own visits, one of the few negatives regarding Europe has to be..Not too many places to park out in space, like we do our in huge (American) super sized parking lots.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-26-2010, 07:43 PM	#104
Polarcharger Private 3 Rep 71 Posts Drives: E36, E46, & E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Beautiful car Mark. Thank you for the pictures and fantastic write-up. I agree with you about Jet Airways - they're good domestically in India as well! Here's some unsolicited advice: as some others have said, remember it's just a car, and it's made to live in the elements. 80/20 really applies to car maintenance: you'll be surprised by how good it looks in 15 years if you simply perform fundamental maintenance. Yes, that includes actually maintaining your car (like changing the oil every 5 -7.5K miles) - despite BMW's ridiculous service intervals. No, that doesn't mean obsessing about the bird dropping you spied on your hood while going into the restaurant. That 80% of work you *could* put into it will have little or no impact on your car's long term condition. Have fun with it, and back off if it ever becomes work! __________________ Current: E36 M3 ('98), E46 M3 ('05 ZCP), E90 M3 ('11 ZCP), GT3 RS ('07)
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05-27-2010, 10:53 AM	#105
Race_Doc11 Lieutenant Colonel 458 Rep 1,633 Posts Drives: 2023 G82 M4 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW G82 M4 [0.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 Audi RS5 (Sold) [10.00] 2008 E93 M3 (Sold) [10.00]	How much is the individual interior?
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05-27-2010, 06:18 PM	#108
trucheli First Lieutenant 73 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 2015 Porsche 911 GTS Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	Let's see if this looks familiar Hey Mark, I must have miss you by little since I was at Hotel Miralago on May 13th on my way to Monaco. This will bring you nice memories.
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05-27-2010, 07:25 PM	#109
Tio///M ///M South Lead 46 Rep 863 Posts Drives: Jerez Blk / Fox Red Ext Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: In Miami Serving all of SoFLA iTrader: (2)	WOW, I love the color combo you chose. The old lady and I know that rust or cinnamon is the way to go for the next one. ENjoy your truly unique one off M3. I miss Europe as well, I was there for 8 years and miss it dearly everyday!! I will go back, yes, I will go back... __________________ ///AA ///Challenge ///MS ///EAS ///OEM ///H&R /// MFlight!! .......NOW ///M SOUTH on Facebook!! FOR SALE!!
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05-28-2010, 07:15 AM	#110
Brooklyn Mark Banned 67 Rep 507 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 MR E92 DCT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (1)	Does the M-Divison have tours or is it invite only?
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