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      09-09-2020, 01:33 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by -EndOfAnEra- View Post
A sad, sad day. European Delivery was on my bucketlist for years, always dreaming of saving it up for that first M car, waiting until my son was old enough to enjoy a lovely European vacation and feeling the thrum of that mighty engine on the Autobahn or even the Nurburgring if I dared.

I'm personally of the opinion that even as a loss leader, the experience was key to getting people to love the brand and stay with it through questionable marketing and design directions. How can you not love an organization sponsoring some of the greatest driving opportunities available to the average person?

I'm hoping COVID killed it, and when the dust settles it'll come back. But I have my doubts...

To the OP, and all who got to experience this, thanks for your words, your pictures and your journals. You helped those of us who never made it live vicariously through your experiences and I deeply thank you for that!
I spoke with several people within BMW NA and Germany, and they decided to shut down the program way before Covid. It's sad, but it's the reality.
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      09-09-2020, 01:33 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkstarZero View Post
Shame this program is dead, all because BMW NA executives couldn't figure out how to make European Delivery fair for US dealerships.

Someone in HQ needs to be fired.
Whats the backstory on this? I admittedly haven't traveled as much as I'd like to have in my life, but I did do EU with an f80 M3 and it was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I would honestly chose an MB or a Porsche over a BMW solely to have this experience again if I had to.

I originally thought it was temporary due to covid. I hope it comes back eventually!
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      09-09-2020, 01:39 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by starbai View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkstarZero View Post
Shame this program is dead, all because BMW NA executives couldn't figure out how to make European Delivery fair for US dealerships.

Someone in HQ needs to be fired.
Whats the backstory on this? I admittedly haven't traveled as much as I'd like to have in my life, but I did do EU with an f80 M3 and it was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I would honestly chose an MB or a Porsche over a BMW solely to have this experience again if I had to.

I originally thought it was temporary due to covid. I hope it comes back eventually!
I remember your ED trip from three years ago. I was fortunate for 3 ED's in the past, as once Oktoberfest was canceled for this year, I decided to skip ED. However, BMW NA cancelled my F83 order back in May, replacement was ordered wrong, so #3 of the F33/F83 chassis will not occur. Moved onto the F85 replacement with a F95 while I await the G83– who knows what the future will hold.
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      09-09-2020, 01:41 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ibiza View Post
Fly into a EU that has a open boarder and then take a train to Munich. I have read that the German airports are requiring COVID-19 testing for arriving nationals via private labs that cost $213.

An other route is get tested in the US within 3 days prior to departure and re-tested again in DE upon arrival, paying the $213 fee.
Austria and Switzerland also do not let US Citizens in. I spoke with the German Embassy and what they told me is that the COVID tests would not be an option for US Citizens. It's a hard block for them now. That's why BMW keeps on pushing my ED further and further.
Your ED is still scheduled for 9/25? What was the original end date for the program i.e. sunset delivery's? Wonder if they will push into October, but then snow tires are highly suggested after 10/15.
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      09-09-2020, 02:07 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ibiza View Post
Your ED is still scheduled for 9/25? What was the original end date for the program i.e. sunset delivery's? Wonder if they will push into October, but then snow tires are highly suggested after 10/15.
They now rescheduled me for October 29th.
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      09-09-2020, 02:25 PM   #28
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To answer several questions.

OP has dual citizenship.

No you cannot get in via some end-around. The EU countries letting Americans in, e.g. Croatia, are non-Schengen, meaning there is immigration involved in getting into Germany. If you managed to get to a land-bordering country and tried, it's been reported in my M2 Final ED thread that even those with German residency have had difficulties getting through.

The last day for ED was to be September 26th. I actually had what was to be the very last appointment for an orange M2C 6MT at 5 pm - the last car really should be some sort of M2 with a 6MT. In any event, that has changed with the push into October and it is apparently case by case. I am waiting to hear from Raven on my push into October, but also considering walking away altogether.

Apparently, the new rules coming out will require a mandatory 5 day quarantine on everyone except those with exemptions (Australians, EU Nationals, Kiwis, etc.) followed by a Covid test at day 5. No negative test on arrival option.
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      09-09-2020, 03:51 PM   #29
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Too much hassle for us on the other side of the pond May be just do a PCD delivery instead!
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      09-09-2020, 04:31 PM   #30
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drklion ,

Beautiful ride -- best of luck with it!

I picked up my car in Munich in July 19 and I must admit that it was a great experience, particularly stretching my car's leg on the Autobahn

A real shame that this program has come to an end

All the Best!
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      09-09-2020, 04:41 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbethesda View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by drklion View Post
It seems, according to my delivery representative at the BMW Welt center. I am the last of the US European delivery or until the program comes back again.

On September 3rd I took delivery of a 2021 M8 Gran Coupe.

Nope, no difference from the 2020. From what I have seen in the past few days I do not see any changes.
Until it comes back again!? Are you just saying that, or did BMW suggest it might return?
The did say once the COVID issue is cleared up they believe it may comeback but my feeling is the US dealers may not want it back because they were not making any money even though it was not from their allocations unless it was an M.
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      09-09-2020, 04:43 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RPiM5 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by F82PRETEND View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by drklion View Post
It seems, according to my delivery representative at the BMW Welt center. I am the last of the US European delivery or until the program comes back again.

On September 3rd I took delivery of a 2021 M8 Gran Coupe.

Nope, no difference from the 2020. From what I have seen in the past few days I do not see any changes.
How did you get into Germany? Assume you have an EU passport?
This. I have several American friends who had to cancel their ED because the EU wouldn't let them in.

Also, what a bittersweet day. Cool car but under such dire circumstances it's difficult to be happy about this.
The car put a smile on my face but the place was dead, no one around. Sad, very sad.
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      09-09-2020, 04:46 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst View Post
How were you able to enter Germany with the US citizens being on the prohibited list for entrance?
Duel Citizenship
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      09-09-2020, 04:55 PM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst View Post
How were you able to enter Germany with the US citizens being on the prohibited list for entrance?
Duel Citizenship, only way now.
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      09-09-2020, 04:58 PM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by auggiem3 View Post
Yes, please let us know how you got into Germany. I'm scheduled for Sept 25 on my M2C.
Duel Citizenship, but they are randomly testing. I original went to Greece via Germany. Stayed in Greece and then flew back to Germany with no screening. Easy on and easy off.
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      09-09-2020, 05:06 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by -EndOfAnEra- View Post
A sad, sad day. European Delivery was on my bucketlist for years, always dreaming of saving it up for that first M car, waiting until my son was old enough to enjoy a lovely European vacation and feeling the thrum of that mighty engine on the Autobahn or even the Nurburgring if I dared.

I'm personally of the opinion that even as a loss leader, the experience was key to getting people to love the brand and stay with it through questionable marketing and design directions. How can you not love an organization sponsoring some of the greatest driving opportunities available to the average person?

I'm hoping COVID killed it, and when the dust settles it'll come back. But I have my doubts...

To the OP, and all who got to experience this, thanks for your words, your pictures and your journals. You helped those of us who never made it live vicariously through your experiences and I deeply thank you for that!
I feel lucky enough to have experienced ED from their original location which had a black 2x4 sign that said European Delivery stuck on the door that was ready to fall off its hinges. You had to get buzzed in. And now the Welt center. A very cool place to go and experience the delivery of your car, awesome but I would say and hope this end is just temporary.
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      09-09-2020, 05:14 PM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drklion View Post
Duel Citizenship, but they are randomly testing. I original went to Greece via Germany. Stayed in Greece and then flew back to Germany with no screening. Easy on and easy off.
I have a dual citizenship, but my kids and wife don't. I would hate for them to have to travel back and I stay in EU and enjoy the ED.
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      09-09-2020, 05:14 PM   #38
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Glad to have checked ED off my bucket list already. It is an epic experience.
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      09-09-2020, 05:15 PM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F82PRETEND View Post
To answer several questions.

OP has dual citizenship.

No you cannot get in via some end-around. The EU countries letting Americans in, e.g. Croatia, are non-Schengen, meaning there is immigration involved in getting into Germany. If you managed to get to a land-bordering country and tried, it's been reported in my M2 Final ED thread that even those with German residency have had difficulties getting through.

The last day for ED was to be September 26th. I actually had what was to be the very last appointment for an orange M2C 6MT at 5 pm - the last car really should be some sort of M2 with a 6MT. In any event, that has changed with the push into October and it is apparently case by case. I am waiting to hear from Raven on my push into October, but also considering walking away altogether.

Apparently, the new rules coming out will require a mandatory 5 day quarantine on everyone except those with exemptions (Australians, EU Nationals, Kiwis, etc.) followed by a Covid test at day 5. No negative test on arrival option.
My original plan was a total of 16 days. I would have to add 5 days in this case. That's a lot of money in hotel stays.
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      09-09-2020, 06:28 PM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drklion View Post
Duel Citizenship, but they are randomly testing. I original went to Greece via Germany. Stayed in Greece and then flew back to Germany with no screening. Easy on and easy off.
When you say randomly testing, I assume you mean for Covid and not passports? Last time I went into Munich (January of this year), a human stamped my passport as far as I can recall.

Quote:
Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst View Post
My original plan was a total of 16 days. I would have to add 5 days in this case. That's a lot of money in hotel stays.
Indeed.
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      09-09-2020, 06:34 PM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst View Post
I have a dual citizenship, but my kids and wife don't. I would hate for them to have to travel back and I stay in EU and enjoy the ED.
Couldn't they come in as your immediate family?
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      09-09-2020, 06:58 PM   #42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by auggiem3 View Post
Yes, please let us know how you got into Germany. I'm scheduled for Sept 25 on my M2C.
Email Raven and push your ED to October.
Thanks - did it earlier today
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      09-09-2020, 06:58 PM   #43
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I've done ED 3 times. Twice at the old center/factory and once at BMW World. World was so much fancier and you got the VIP treatment, lunch, etc. The first 2 times, I coordinated my trip with Oktoberfest and spent one night of each of my trips guzzling beer and meeting German locals before driving around Germany.

I've driven my BMW's from Munich to Augsburg, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Bonn, Essen. Before Covid, I had hoped that this summer I'd drive to Salzburg or Zurich. Sad to see it end.
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      09-09-2020, 07:12 PM   #44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Encanto View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbethesda View Post
Until it comes back again!? Are you just saying that, or did BMW suggest it might return?
It has to be back.
Love any color as long as it's black.
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