325Ci.com Tires Are Like Shoes. Dress Appropriately.

Home
My 325Ci
Story Of
Mods & Specs
Photos
Member's 325Ci
Resources
DIY/Mods
Euro Delivery
Buyer's Guide
Links

My Other Cars

325ci.com » Resources » European Delivery
Resources: European Delivery

I purchased my car through the European Delivery program. About 1% of all BMW buyers in the U.S. opt for this, so it's a very common thing and so everything is set up to be smooth, from ordering to picking up your car to dropping it off. I'll write a bit about my Euro Delivery experience and post copies of documents for reference. I 100% recommend you to buy your 325Ci this way, if you have a little bit of patience. I would definitely do it again without hesitation.

Why Euro Delivery?
  1. Drive your BMW where it was meant to be driven: The twisty mountain roads and pristine pot-hole free roads of Germany, and of course the Autobahn (120mph+? no problemo!)
  2. A great excuse to take a vacation to Europe and drive and drive and drive with a big grin on your face the whole time
  3. Save about $2200 off the cost of the car + taxes
  4. Save $$ on European vacation, compared to renting a car
Why Not?
  1. You have to wait 90 days after ordering before you get to see and drive your baby
  2. You have to wait another 4-6 weeks after dropping it off in Europe before it arrives at your local dealer
What's the Process like?
  1. Go to the dealer and negotiate on a price. Do this about 90 days before your intended pick-up date in Munich
  2. Fill out sales contract just like you would for a lot purchase
  3. Pay deposit (usu. $500-$1000)
  4. Dealer submits "Reservation Form"
  5. BMW NA sends letter back confirming reservation, assigning you with a Production Number and Order Number
  6. Dealer submits "Purchase Order" (you need to provide dealer with passport and other information: this is for BMW to register the car and get tourist plates for you).
  7. Wait. Suggestions to pass time: read/post on bimmer.org, joing BMW CCA and read the Roundel, browse bmwusa.com, etc.
  8. Wait...
  9. Dream about your 325Ci
  10. Plan your vacation and route, buy your plane tickets and reserve hotel rooms, etc.
  11. Wait...
  12. Finally receive a European Delivery packet from BMW NA, which contains a letter with your VIN number and confirmed pick-up date. Packet also contains voucher for free lunch at the Delivery Center, list of drop-off points, map of Munich, map of Munich subway/train and directions to Center, and a BMW keychain.
  13. 30 days before your pick-up date, arrange financing (either BMW FS or your bank/credit union/online bank, etc.) and pay for the full down payment balance of the car. If leasing, complete all paperwork and payment by 30 days before leaving. Your first payment isn't due until 30 after your pick-up date: so that's 60 days from your down payment until your first payment.
  14. Get yourself an International Driver's Permit at your local AAA. (Not required, but why take a chance?)
  15. Finally, fly into Munich, to the Delivery Center: show your passport and driver's license
  16. Have lunch while they prepare your 325Ci and all your documents
  17. Sign all kinds of documents, from insurance card to car registration.
  18. Smile and jump up and down as you see your car in the garage and try to control your excitement
  19. Let the representative walk you through the car functions and features
  20. Now go drive and have fun!!! (Take lots of pictures for the rest of us to see!)
  21. Hopefully you won't need this info, but if you have an accident call Gerling (it's in your packet), the insurance company. If you need roadside assistance, call Roland. When in doubt, call the European Delivery Center.
  22. Drop off your car at one of the many E.H. Harms drop-off locations
  23. The E.H. Harms representative will come out and inspect your car for damages. Give them one of your master keys, and let them photocopy your registration booklet. Fill out the simple form (E.H. Harms form). Take your floor mats, harzard warning triangle, first aid kit, and the front license plate (unless for some reason you don't want them). The car must be empty except for the spare tire and jack.
  24. Fly back home and wait about 3-4 weeks (east coast) to 6 weeks (west coast) until your car arrives via boat to New Jersey, clears customs, cleaned out, etc., and trucked to your dealer.
  25. Pick up your car from the dealer
Here are copies of letters, forms, documents, etc. I've gotten:


All content and design: Copyright © 2001-04 by Mike Choi / MoD Factory (Contact Mike)