Goodbye to One X3

[xx3]

Originally Posted by White05X3

We still have the automatic, which will be replaced with an 08 X3 3.0 in December.

You had two X3's?! Post pics !?!

[White05X3]

Originally Posted by xx3

You had two X3's?! Post pics !?!

I had 2 identical 05 X3 3.0 Alpine white/black with SP, Prem, Nav, CW, Xenon, Prem Sound, Priv Glass, and Servotronic. One was auto and one (the now departed one) was 6-speed.

It is not because I love the X3 THAT much, but was the result of a euro delivery error/great customer service.

I will post pics of the 335i when I get back from ED.

Here is the Civic...I need to take some better pics now that the weather is better.

[E61Silver]

Please tell us about euro delivery and the deal you got on the 335.

[White05X3]

The ED is happening in mid-July. Sorry for being dense...are you asking about the ED program or my particular trip?

[E61Silver]

I am asking about the pricing and your experience with it in the past.

How long did it take to ship the car and how your local dealer treat you?

[White05X3]

Gotcha...ok...

I have done 3 EDs in the past (an 01 330ci, an 04 325it and an 05 X3). Each car has been through Shelly BMW in Buena Park (the fleet dept.). The price saving varies by model but usually ranges between 3k and 7k. The cost inlcudes shipping, registration in Europe and 2 weeks of ED insurance. Additional insurance costs extra (but not that much). BMW pays for the first 2 months of a lease to offset the amount of time you don't have the car.

The only problem was with the X3...miscommunication between me and the dealer led to the car being built as a 6-speed. The dealer made it right with an example of the best customer service ever! They earned my eternal loyalty by swapping out the stick for an automatic (identically spec'd) and letting us drive the stick on the trip. It was truly no hassles and no problems despite the fact that legally they could have made me keep the 6-speed.

Our experiences have been unforgettable!!! The pick-up couldn't be easier and the drop-off is a breeze. The car usually gets to the dealer 6 weeks after drop-off. It comes into the country in BMW's normal stream of commerce. However ED cars get priority at the VPC since they are already paid for.

With the X3 we flew into Munich and drove south into Italy. After that we went into the south of France, down into Spain, then back up through Switzerland and into Germany. Over 3 weeks we covered 2,600 miles. It was an incredible trip!!

Our up-coming trip will start in Munich (obviously) and will take advantage of Lufthansa's 2-for-1 ticket offer for BMW customers. From there we will head down to the southern tip of Italy for a family function. Most of the trip will be at beach towns or mountain resorts. After Italy we will spend a couple of days in Salzburg then back to Munich. I am really looking forward to it!

As for the price of the 335i, we have not discussed that yet. You pay for the car 2 weeks prior to delivery so I wont know the price until closer to then.

If anybody has ever considered doing this, I highly recommend it!!

[vern]

Originally Posted by White05X3

Well, I have sold my 6-speed X3. I am planning to get a new 335i coupe for european delivery in July. We still have the automatic, which will be replaced with an 08 X3 3.0 in December.

In the interim I am driving a 2007 Honda Civic Si 4-door. Reading my posts on this board reveals that I am truly a BMW fan. Perhaps to a fault... I must confess (as much as it pains me) that the navigation in my Civic is head and shoulders above the system in the X3. The ease of entering addresses, the ability to enter waypoints, to switch voices, the clarity of the instructions (it specifies street names in the verbal instructions for example), the organization of destinations...just superior.

Now, the nav in the X3 has gotten me all over europe and all over California. It works fine, it is just that other systems work better.

The X3 is a wonderful car which my good friend will enjoy driving for another couple of years.

I would say your going in the right direction,the 335i is a great car and ED to get it you can't beat that.You will have a good chance to get the feel of the car on the Autobahn and drive it like it should be driven Enjoy and good luck. If you want tons of information on ED and any questions answered go to www.bimmerfest.com and scroll down to European Delivery Again good luck
cheers
vern

[SSG.Santiago]

i trade in my X3 for a 335 last month

[Juanted]

Congrats on the new car. That may be my next car also... Post pics!

[White05X3]

Originally Posted by vern

I would say your going in the right direction,the 335i is a great car and ED to get it you can't beat that.You will have a good chance to get the feel of the car on the Autobahn and drive it like it should be driven Enjoy and good luck. If you want tons of information on ED and any questions answered go to www.bimmerfest.com and scroll down to European Delivery Again good luck
cheers
vern

Thanks! I have spent a ton of time on that fourm! Tons of good info!

I am really looking forward to the 335i! It is the first car in a really long time that I am THIS excited about. I am questioning my wisdom in getting the coupe (since I drive 2 young kids to school every day) but just can't get past how beautiful it is.