BMW European Delivery Program Ending for North American Customers!

M3GymNut · 05-05-2020, 01:28 PM

Man I wanted to eventually do this. I really hope its because of Covid-19 and nothing else. I'm staying positive it will eventually come back in the next year or so.

///M TOWN · 05-05-2020, 01:28 PM

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Originally Posted by Poochie

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Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

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Originally Posted by Poochie

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Originally Posted by Scrippy

It'll be back. Just a Covid response

I sincerely doubt that, BMW has been cutting cost, every since I knew them.

So it's not surprising this extravagant expense is next on the chopping block.

I'm frankly surprise it survived this long, I guess Covid was the last nail on the coffin.

The first thing I did was think of Porsche.

Same here, I swear.. Then someone mention Audi dropped (Porsche/VW Parent) and I got nervous..

I guess there is still hope - for those with deep pockets, as always..

The older I get the deeper they get.

CRtoE92 · 05-05-2020, 01:31 PM

Omg, i planned on ED for G82. It is not going to happen now

They were unforgettable experiences
I did two EDs one during winter and another one in summer

Darth One · 05-05-2020, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibiza

This is the entire announcement, as GOLFFRR left this out:

Ultimate Delivery Experience Continues in SC as Sun Sets on European Delivery

European Program to Begin Phasing Out Operations in May

As the global market has evolved and BMW NA sales volumes have shifted more heavily towards SAVs during the past serval years, the Performance Center Delivery in Spartanburg, South Carolina has seen continuing growth. Since its beginning in 1999, Performance Center Delivery has grown to more than 28,000 vehicle deliveries, while European Delivery, which has delivered approximately 30,000 vehicles since the 1970s, has experienced a significant decline in participation. Although BMW NA has historically represented an average of 2,000 European Deliveries annually, such deliveries have declined in recent years to under 500. Based on these trends and long-term evaluation, BMW Group will end the European Delivery Program in 2020 and cease accepting reservations as of May 18, 2020.

Well now that this is posted, I REALLY can't blame BMW. I run a corporate department and I think I would get fired if I refused to cancel a money losing program that had only 500 takers a year. I am, however, shocked at how few people have done this in "recent years" (like what, 2019?)

So I guess it's our fault that we didn't do this enough. Or bmw has lost the customers that do this kind of thing...

Scrippy · 05-05-2020, 01:37 PM

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Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

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Originally Posted by Scrippy

It'll be back. Just a Covid response. I'm sure BMW would rather break up with us here then have fewer scheduled ED customers on record. All companies are distancing themselves from personal contact or risk based off personal interaction. Anyone wanna bet a few bucks ED will be back for the G series M3/4 launch next year?

Sure. As Covid 19 will still be around next year and air travel not expected to hit pre-Covid 19 levels for 3-4 years, I'll happily take that bet.

Set my max time period and I got $5 on it. I tend to not follow panic driven ideology.

Sedan_Clan · 05-05-2020, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

Man I wanted to eventually do this. I really hope its because of Covid-19 and nothing else. I'm staying positive it will eventually come back in the next year or so.

As previously stated, they went from 2000+ ED deliveries annually to under 500 ED deliveries annually. It was a losing proposition.

Mikecom32 · 05-05-2020, 01:38 PM

I'm absolutely devastated to hear this. We did a 20 day trip when we picked up the F82 and almost three years later my wife and I still talk about our euro delivery experience regularly. She's picking up a G22 M440i this summer and we were just talking about doing it as an ED, but it sounds like it's probably not an option with the May 18th deadline.

This just killed my enthusiasm for picking up a G82 and Porsche is looking more attractive by the minute. How much expense could it possibly add if they're continuing to offer it for European customers?

J-RO · 05-05-2020, 01:38 PM

So many many BMW customers worldwide does this effect. Less than 1/2%?

Texas F1 · 05-05-2020, 01:39 PM

Very disappointing news! I was on the waiting list for a M2CS allocation, with the understanding that we could get delivery in Germany. That is a deal breaker for sure.

Sedan_Clan · 05-05-2020, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikecom32

I'm absolutely devastated to hear this. We did a 20 day trip when we picked up the F82 and almost three years later my wife and I still talk about our euro delivery experience regularly. She's picking up a G22 M440i this summer and we were just talking about doing it as an ED, but it sounds like it's probably not an option with the May 18th deadline.

This just killed my enthusiasm for picking up a G82 and Porsche is looking more attractive by the minute. How much expense could it possibly add if they're continuing to offer it for European customers?

Porsche should've already been attractive.

If somebody can afford a Porsche comfortably (...and candidly tout that as so), why are they driving a BMW in the first place?!? Surely ED isn't enough incentive to forego the P-Car.

admannj · 05-05-2020, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

It is a sad day for all the euro delivery fans out there. BMWNA has just announced that it will be ending its European Delivery program for North American customers.

Sad news, indeed. So thankful I was able to do ED 4x! RIP ED. You will be missed ... along with the delicious ED lounge pretzels!

Sedan_Clan · 05-05-2020, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrippy

Quote:

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrippy

It'll be back. Just a Covid response. I'm sure BMW would rather break up with us here then have fewer scheduled ED customers on record. All companies are distancing themselves from personal contact or risk based off personal interaction. Anyone wanna bet a few bucks ED will be back for the G series M3/4 launch next year?

Sure. As Covid 19 will still be around next year and air travel not expected to hit pre-Covid 19 levels for 3-4 years, I'll happily take that bet.

Set my max time period and I got $5 on it. I tend to not follow panic driven ideology.

We don't have to follow it or subscribe to it to be observant of it.

///bproden · 05-05-2020, 01:42 PM

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Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

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Originally Posted by ///bproden

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Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

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Originally Posted by ///bproden

I was considering purchasing the new m3 only to do a ED again. Without that option, I don't think I would purchase another one. It really made the experience of buying a bmw such a special event. I'm sure this will hurt them more than they realize long term.

Well they already had more than a 75% drop off rate. What more hurt could they experience?!?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///bproden

I was considering purchasing the new m3 only to do a ED again. Without that option, I don't think I would purchase another one. It really made the experience of buying a bmw such a special event. I'm sure this will hurt them more than they realize long term.

Well they already had more than a 75% drop off rate. What more hurt could they experience?!?

Since the virus hit a 75% drop off rate or prior?

I would wager prior. This cancelation was coming regardless.

I have purchased 3 bmws since 2015 and most likely would have continued that rate in future. While I love bmw I'm not set on the new m3/m4 design and frankly the ED would be main reason to sell my current and move up to the new one (not the new design). My plan was to do another Ed next year and if Porsche offers it, I'd be more inclined to buy a gt3 from them next year... I know I may be just one person, but I'm sure there are others in the same boat as me. Take that by someone who buys a new car from bmw every 2 years on average, and it adds up over time.

Obviously if they're losing money on Ed then they have to weigh what it's worth to keep it, but it's also a customer relation thing as well. Sometimes you lose money short term to gain long term business. Why spend $$$ advertising then?

virosky · 05-05-2020, 01:42 PM

What a bummer! ED for the G80 M3 was on my bucket list. I too had a few opportunities to ED a F80 M3 in recent years but I kept putting them off.

Hope it reopens again after this pandemic madness settles down.

Dog Face Pony Soldier · 05-05-2020, 01:46 PM

European Delivery Program was likely an expense for the marketing division. I guess they're restructuring their expenses to ones that don't require an in-person experience. I bet the test drive tour is next.

Ibiza · 05-05-2020, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCZ5

Can we keep a list of everyone who says they will not be buying a BMW the next go-around because of this? Would be interesting to see how many people actually follow up on that 1,2,3 years later.

Also, if someone has the funds and willingness to buy a Porsche, that should be the only option! BMW is appealing because of its price point + fun factor. Also why Miata's are so popular. Same concept of value at a certain price point.

I am very disappointed at this news as well because ED has been on my bucket list as well. And trust me, I'm the guy who will buy a car based solely on the ownership / buying experience. But for me personally, I'm not writing off BMW just yet. Also, they still have PCD, which was a fantastic experience and hopefully with this news, BMW will further improve PCD (mainly looking to improve the museum aspect at Spartensburg)

I have a running thread/poll about it, but I know not everybody who claims they will defect actually will.

I'm not defecting as there has been A LOT of nonsense talk lately. I'll believe it when I see it, as some people just love to complain.

duky · 05-05-2020, 01:48 PM

This is absolutely heartbreaking news. Very sad to say the least. I'm sure Porsche follows suit soon.

Ibiza · 05-05-2020, 01:50 PM

For all you that are considering P cars, your required to pay the VAT upfront and then refunded upon US re-delivery. This is upwards of over $20,000 USD.

BMW has major cost cutting as it's in survival mode, hopefully the Welt is paid off as I see customer foot traffic drastically dropping.

IK6SPEED · 05-05-2020, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrippy

Quote:

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrippy

It'll be back. Just a Covid response. I'm sure BMW would rather break up with us here then have fewer scheduled ED customers on record. All companies are distancing themselves from personal contact or risk based off personal interaction. Anyone wanna bet a few bucks ED will be back for the G series M3/4 launch next year?

Sure. As Covid 19 will still be around next year and air travel not expected to hit pre-Covid 19 levels for 3-4 years, I'll happily take that bet.

Set my max time period and I got $5 on it. I tend to not follow panic driven ideology.

$5. Oh, big spender.

You said the launch.

Trying to wiggle out it seems.

XsltAnalyst · 05-05-2020, 01:52 PM

So Porsche, MB and Volvo still offers it, correct?

Not to mention once the restrictions are lifted, renting a car and touring EU is still better than nothing

EvoFire · 05-05-2020, 01:55 PM

If their yearly deliveries for Euro Delivery is under 500 units for the last few years. I'm sure they aren't hurting too much if some of them don't buy a BMW due to ED no longer available.

We recently bought an X3 because it was the best choice for us, though ED would have been icing on the cake. We did ED my M3 in 2018 and it was a great experience, though the next one would probably be a Porsche as ED is not enough to redeem BMW from the coffin grille.

Liquid2.0T · 05-05-2020, 01:55 PM

Uuff, glad I crossed this off the bucket list. Sad to see it go.

05-05-2020, 01:28 PM	#89
M3GymNut Major 908 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 2021 M3Comp Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	Man I wanted to eventually do this. I really hope its because of Covid-19 and nothing else. I'm staying positive it will eventually come back in the next year or so.
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05-05-2020, 01:31 PM	#91
CRtoE92 Lieutenant Colonel 636 Rep 1,686 Posts Drives: 2020 Melbourne red Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: PASADENA iTrader: (1)	Omg, i planned on ED for G82. It is not going to happen now They were unforgettable experiences I did two EDs one during winter and another one in summer
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05-05-2020, 01:38 PM	#95
Mikecom32 Second Lieutenant 153 Rep 281 Posts Drives: '18 M4 ZCP 6MT, E46 + G22 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	I'm absolutely devastated to hear this. We did a 20 day trip when we picked up the F82 and almost three years later my wife and I still talk about our euro delivery experience regularly. She's picking up a G22 M440i this summer and we were just talking about doing it as an ED, but it sounds like it's probably not an option with the May 18th deadline. This just killed my enthusiasm for picking up a G82 and Porsche is looking more attractive by the minute. How much expense could it possibly add if they're continuing to offer it for European customers?
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05-05-2020, 01:38 PM	#96
J-RO Colonel 3023 Rep 2,985 Posts Drives: 2024 M240ix BMW X1 28i Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: A Place I Like To Call “You’ll See” iTrader: (0)	So many many BMW customers worldwide does this effect. Less than 1/2%?
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05-05-2020, 01:39 PM	#97
Texas F1 1M Owner 52 Rep 243 Posts Drives: E85 Z4, 1M, G29 Z4 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Leander, TX iTrader: (1)	Very disappointing news! I was on the waiting list for a M2CS allocation, with the understanding that we could get delivery in Germany. That is a deal breaker for sure.
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05-05-2020, 01:42 PM	#102
virosky Second Lieutenant 84 Rep 262 Posts Drives: 22' G05 X5, 27' G80 M3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	What a bummer! ED for the G80 M3 was on my bucket list. I too had a few opportunities to ED a F80 M3 in recent years but I kept putting them off. Hope it reopens again after this pandemic madness settles down. __________________ 22 G05 X5 40i (MW/CB) 18 F80 M3 ZCP 6MT (AW/SO) Sold 15 F32 428i (AW/BLK) Sold 14 F06 650xi GranCoupe (CBM/CB) Sold 12 E70 X5 35i (AW/Tan) Sold
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05-05-2020, 01:46 PM	#103
Dog Face Pony Soldier 2006 TIME Person Of The Year 9699 Rep 6,441 Posts Drives: M Sport 335i Join Date: May 2013 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 335i [9.74]	European Delivery Program was likely an expense for the marketing division. I guess they're restructuring their expenses to ones that don't require an in-person experience. I bet the test drive tour is next. __________________
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05-05-2020, 01:48 PM	#105
duky The Tanzanian 1452 Rep 1,557 Posts Drives: M3, RS6, Mini, 718 Spyder Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2023 MINI Cooper SE [8.50] 2021 Audi RS6 Avant [9.00] 2016 BMW M3 [10.00]	This is absolutely heartbreaking news. Very sad to say the least. I'm sure Porsche follows suit soon. __________________ 2020 982 Porsche 718 Spyder Black on Bordeaux Red/Black /// 2023 F56 MINI Cooper SE Midnight Black II on Carbon Black /// 2021 C8 Audi RS6 Avant Mythos Black on Black/Grey /// 2016 F80 BMW M3 Black Sapphire Metallic on Silverstone
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05-05-2020, 01:50 PM	#106
Ibiza Brigadier General 4305 Rep 3,148 Posts Drives: 2026 G83 comp & 2024 X5 M60 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: On the run.... iTrader: (0)	For all you that are considering P cars, your required to pay the VAT upfront and then refunded upon US re-delivery. This is upwards of over $20,000 USD. BMW has major cost cutting as it's in survival mode, hopefully the Welt is paid off as I see customer foot traffic drastically dropping.
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05-05-2020, 01:52 PM	#108
XsltAnalyst Lieutenant 596 Rep 590 Posts Drives: 2016 F80, 957 Cayenne Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	So Porsche, MB and Volvo still offers it, correct? Not to mention once the restrictions are lifted, renting a car and touring EU is still better than nothing __________________ _______________________________________________ My Euro Trip Special Report, 3900 kms, 18 days, Lots of Videos +Pix! My PCD and journey back to MD My Youtube Channel
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05-05-2020, 01:55 PM	#109
EvoFire Second Lieutenant 102 Rep 252 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	If their yearly deliveries for Euro Delivery is under 500 units for the last few years. I'm sure they aren't hurting too much if some of them don't buy a BMW due to ED no longer available. We recently bought an X3 because it was the best choice for us, though ED would have been icing on the cake. We did ED my M3 in 2018 and it was a great experience, though the next one would probably be a Porsche as ED is not enough to redeem BMW from the coffin grille.
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05-05-2020, 01:55 PM	#110
Liquid2.0T Captain 449 Rep 604 Posts Drives: It used to be a BMW... Join Date: May 2009 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	Uuff, glad I crossed this off the bucket list. Sad to see it go.
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