Have any of you chosen the European Delivery option for your X3 or X5? If so, which package did you go with and how was your experience? I'm seriously considering it but would like to know if it's worthwhile. My fiancee and I could potentially extend it into a honeymoon :kiss

All X5s are built in Spartensburg, SC, thus no ED.

Why would you want to do that? Isn't it much more expensive?

All X5s are built in Spartensburg, SC, thus no ED.

then they should offer a in-person pickup in SC :)

then they should offer a in-person pickup in SC :)

They do for the X5 and the Z4...you can get the BMW Experience (I think that is what they call it) for any model you like. They will deliver your car there or you can pick up your SAV there and then drive it home. Plus they will let you take it out on their track (road track for cars or dirt track for the SAVs) and give you a tour of the plant and all kinds of stuff.

You can do european delivery on X3's though as they are built in Austria, for now.

^^curious what is the discount like?

How is there a discount? It's about $900 to have it shipped stateside then you still have to pay the import taxes.

How is there a discount? It's about $900 to have it shipped stateside then you still have to pay the import taxes.

I think the European Delivery deal is a promotional thing. There is no discount if you do ED, but they do ship it back to the States at no extra charge (the normal $695 delivery charge still applies). The import taxes are already paid for since it works out as if you're buying your car Stateside (you can arrange this at any US dealership). The deal is that you get to drive your car in Europe, which you had already paid for. When you're done, drop it off at the BMW center and they will ship it back to the States with the rest of their new cars. On certain models, I think BMW even provides discounted airfares and/or accomodations.

The way BMW phrases it, the savings from European Delivery practically pay for the expense (which you pay for) of the airfare and accommodations in Europe.

It seems as if your vehicle cost is significantly less if you purchase it this way, to justify the cost of the trip (which they receive referral $$$ from I'm sure). As BMW USA puts it:

Taking delivery of your new BMW in Europe will definitely make you smile. So will the savings. You may save up to 7 percent of the retail price -- up to $8,220. Those savings may pay for your trip. You'll also save by eliminating airplane, train, taxi, and bus fares while in Europe.

2005 X3 3.0i SAV
MSRP: $36,300
European Delivery Price: $33,760
Savings: $2,540

So that's just off MSRP...you can probably get comparable savings off MSRP just buying locally depending on model and time of year.

BTW, I'm planning on buying an X3 once the new motors are in. :cool

Thats very interesting, I had no idea you could do that. That'll be a lot of fun! :)

We bought ours through the military sales program while we were stationed in Germany. I think BMW uses a a company called EH Harm for shipping stateside. Good luck! :D

Halo, where at in Europe do you pick the car up from?

Here is a bit more information. . . looks like a very nice trip. I know that Porsche offers the same thing, don't know the details though.

http://www.chamberware.com/Europe/M3Trip.htm

That's fantastic! What a cool deal. :)

This thread caught my eye... I did a ED on my M3. If you have any questions, PM me. I can fill you in.
But if you're buying a new car, this is the way to go...

Here are some pics of mine...

My M3 Euro Delivery... (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99898)

Thanks so much for sharing! Great pics! :redspot

Rommel...thanks for chiming in. Amazing pics and details...I'm SOLD! :)

I just received the ED brochures in the mail last week and really like the option that takes you from Munich to Lucerne and then Lake Como and finally Milan.

How fun it must have been for you to drive through the streets of Monaco! The Interlagos Blue is my favorite color on the M3. Absolutely beautiful.

Thanks to everyone for your posts in this thread! I'm going to do a bit more research to try to plan this out.