M235i BMW European Delivery Journal #1/ Ask Me Anything

"Twinpowermeansoneturbo" (twinpower) 04/21/2015 at 09:54 • Filed to: None

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This will be my first in a series of journal entries documenting the European Delivery process for my 2015 M235i. I plan to share with you all the details of how the process works leading up to the trip, everything about the trip itself, and then my opinions following re-delivery and once I have had some time to spend driving the car.

Background

The M235i will be my fourth BMW, and will be used as my daily driver. I have previously owned a 2004 325Xi (the nightmare lemon), a 2006 330i, and currently own a 2011 335i Xdrive. I purchased the 335i Xdrive in November, because at the time I was unable to find a dealership willing to work with me on pricing for a M235i European delivery. I have actually been very happy with the 335, but the M235i is the car I had really wanted from the beginning, and I am now in a position to get it. Below is a picture of my 335.

The previous owner installed a Dinan Exhaust, Dinan Stage 2 tune, and BMW M3 CSL Rep Wheels.

M235i Specs

The build specs for the M235i are as follows:

Alpine White Exterior/Coral Red Interior

Manual Transmission (The only way this car should be ordered IMHO)

Technology Package

Cold Weather Package

Drivers Assistance Package

BMW M Performance Kidney Grills

BMW M Performance Rocker Vinyl

It will look something like this:

Current Status

As of right now, my build has been submitted to BMW, and I am eagerly awaiting their approval for my travel dates. With European Delivery, you pick up at BMW Welt, which is BMW’s Museum/Plant/Disney World for Bimmerphiles. They have to coordinate the travel dates with all the people intending to pick up their cars, because you take delivery while there and someone has to be available to walk you through the car. I should hear back within the week, and will post an update as soon as I do.

I want to open this thread up as an Ask Me Anything, so feel free to go ahead and post your questions, BMW related or not. I’d also love to hear if any other Opponauts have done European delivery or visited the Welt. I’m very excited to share my experiences with all of you!

Tripper > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 10:25

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What's the premium for euro delivery?

Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 10:27

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As someone hoping to do this some day, I look forward to this series.

I visited BMW Welt about 6 years ago and loved it. But I unfortunately left there in the same vehicle that I arrived in.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Tripper 04/21/2015 at 10:29

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That’s the beauty of it; there’s actually a price reduction. Because you pick the car up in Germany first, when BMW ships it here it is considered a 1 owner car. The cost to export it to the US is then substantially reduced, and they’re able to pass these savings along to the customer. Not to mention, you purchase the car using European pricing rather than US. This is also a savings. The purchase price of my car is roughly $6500 below US MSRP. That’s really astounding, as this is a car that usually sells for $2000 below MSRP. Also, the more expensive the vehicle, the more you save by doing European Delivery. M4 customers are saving upwards of $10,000 off of US MSRP.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop 04/21/2015 at 10:31

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How did you like the Welt and your time in Munich? I’ve never been to Europe before, so that will be an exciting part of my trip as well.

Bobbyzoom > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 10:35

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Very excited for you! I am going to be ordering a M235i manual within the next couple of days. 2 months for delivery however :(

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Bobbyzoom 04/21/2015 at 10:36

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That’s awesome! What are the specs for your build?

Tripper > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 10:38

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Nice, so you just take a personal vaca to Germany and pick up your car at a discount? Sounds good to me.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Tripper 04/21/2015 at 10:44

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Pretty much. I’m going with a buddy, and the trip will be under $1700 a piece, flights, hotel, and everything else included.

Bobbyzoom > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 10:55

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Well I am planning on getting a 228i M sport Manual, with HarmonKardon package (adaptive headlights and some other little goodies) and the power seat/sunroof/heated steering wheel package. After adding all those, the price isn't too far off the M235i with no options. So im debating a loaded (non-nav) 228i M sport or base M235i. With a Dinan tune (under warranty) the 228 is attractive at 310hp and 330tq. Im just having trouble going from a great sounding 5cycl to a turbo 4. What do you think?

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Bobbyzoom 04/21/2015 at 11:00

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I honestly never drove the 228i so it’s tough for me to say. But, if you are thinking of a tune, I would forgo the Dinan tune. You get much more bang for your buck with the JB4 or JB stage 1.

Bobbyzoom > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 11:06

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I drove the 228 (haven't driven the 235, but I have driven a 135) and it was pretty good. Only reason I would get the Dinan tune over the rest is for warranty reasons. I don't want any warranty issues on a brand new $45k+ car. I have been looking at some 335i coupe's but since they are out of warranty I'm scared of $3,000+ repair bills per year.

citizennick > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 11:08

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When I had ordered my 2004 M3 I was given the option for European delivery, but at the time they didn't offer and price reduction for the M cars. I regret it to this day, would have been amazing!

citizennick > Bobbyzoom 04/21/2015 at 11:11

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I know it’s just my opinion, but I’d go for the base M235i or else you might get a case of “buyers remorse". After awhile those extra gadgets and toys won't mean so much to as the actual performance/drive of the car.

Officer Jim Lahey is not a real cop > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 11:12

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That’s great, you’ll have a blast!

I only spent a weekend in Munich and Salzburg during a 2-week trip to Frankfurt. I thoroughly enjoyed the little bit of Munich I saw, especially BMW Welt, but 2 points: First, I didn’t plan the weekend trip early enough to schedule a tour of the factory (where I believe they built roadsters, at least in ‘09). Second, I was in the early stages of automotive enthusiasm—so the things I saw were amazing and inspiring, but I’m sure I’d have a different experience now that I know more of the history and significance of the items in their collection.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > citizennick 04/21/2015 at 11:20

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Do you still have the E46 now?

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Bobbyzoom 04/21/2015 at 11:21

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That’s a reasonable concern, but for the most part people have been just fine with removing the piggyback before service. The Dinan tuner flags your car from the get go no matter what, it’s just that Dinan offers to back your car instead. Cars with the JB4 are only flagged if caught.

Bobbyzoom > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 11:22

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I hear ya. This is going to be my second car and just don't want to screw anything up with it being brand new. My first car I modded with tune/exhaust/suspension 2-3 years after I bought it new. I'd rather pay a bit more/get less power but still be covered under warranty. If not, ill just go and buy a used 335 and go nuts on that lol

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Bobbyzoom 04/21/2015 at 11:24

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If anything, I’ll only be doing a tune and nothing else. I may just leave it stock though.

Bobbyzoom > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 11:28

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Im planning on a tune and a mild drop with some springs. Im over the 'stanced' and 'slammed' life haha. Coming from a VW :P Maybe some nice wheels when the stock tires are roasted and turn those into winters

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 11:40

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Looking forward to doing this trip myself one day!

citizennick > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 11:41

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Nope, sold that a long time ago. Been thinking of buying my buddies. He's got an 03 with a 6-speed that he bought of a friend after he collected insurance on it (it had rolled into a tree and damaged the hood). The car somehow got a salvage title, so he got it cheap, but I want it because racecar.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > citizennick 04/21/2015 at 11:43

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Salvage title is sketchy, but because race car...

I’ve never driven a “real” M car of any kind. The E46 M3 is definitely on my list of cars I have to drive some day.

citizennick > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 11:49

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I agree but in this case we know why it got a salvage title. His friend had bought the car new. I honestly don’t know how the car ended up with a salvage title since it wasn’t a total loss. I’ll have to look into that more because I’ve always wondered why. I just want it to run some NASA events/track days.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > citizennick 04/21/2015 at 12:23

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I only think it is sketchy due to potential resale value issues. But, if you use it as a track car, and modify it accordingly, at that point resale will probably be the same whether it has a salvage title or not.

Textured Soy Protein > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 12:27

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Get the BMW LSD . It’s a dealer accessory so I dunno if it’s something that you could have done over there, or wait until you get back to the US.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Textured Soy Protein 04/21/2015 at 12:34

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With Euro delivery, it would have to be done at the dealership. I thought about it though, and for my needs as strictly a daily driver, it isn’t worth it to get the LSD. I’m building a 1986 Carrera 3.2, and that will be built to be my no compromises sports car.

AM3R shamefully returns > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 12:39

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How did you like your E9x’s? I have an E90 328i, still love it. Congrats on the m235i! Great cars, fitting successor to the 1 series.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > AM3R shamefully returns 04/21/2015 at 12:54

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The E9x’s have actually been great. The 330i and the 335i Xdrive each have their advantages. The 330i was RWD, and felt worlds lighter than the E92 Xdrive. It handled much better, but felt underpowered. The 335i Xdrive feels big and heavy, but packs the right amount of punch. Looks wise, I definitely prefer the E92 over the E90. I’m confident the M235i will have the best characteristics of both.

AM3R shamefully returns > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 13:33

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The m235i definitely will deliver, the power level is just perfect for the size of the car. Never feels underpowered. Hopefully the wait isn't too long for you!

I do feel like the 328i could use some more punch, but it definitely isn't slow. I really like the E9x chassis. I am thinking about picking up an M car (E36, E46, or E39) as a fun weekend car to compliment the 328i.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > AM3R shamefully returns 04/21/2015 at 16:12

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I think that's an excellent idea on your part. An E46 M3 is about as cheap it's going to get at the moment. You could use the 328i as a daily, and reserve the E46 your weekend warrior/ nice weather toy.

AM3R shamefully returns > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/21/2015 at 18:08

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Exactly what I was thinking about. I nearly bought this local E46, but it was SMG. The price was more than fair but I definitely will hold out for a manual.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > AM3R shamefully returns 04/21/2015 at 18:53

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Yeah, definitely wait until you find the exact one you want. If there’s anything I’ve learned from all the car buying and selling I’ve done the past few years, it’s not to rush into anything that isn’t exactly as you want it. It just ends up being expensive and turning into a headache.

Saracen > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/29/2015 at 20:34

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$6500 below msrp?!

omg.

and I have more than enough mileage to fly to europe for free.

hmmmmmm you have me thinking now.

Also...the original reason I clicked here was to make sure you ordered it with a 6MT. I was not disappointed.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Saracen 04/29/2015 at 20:57

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Haha, I’m glad I didn’t dissapoint you. And yeah, it was actually closer to $7000 off of MSRP. MSRP was $51,100 and the sale price was $44,250. It’s a crazy bargain. And according to others who have done it, it’s now the only way they would buy a BMW. The savings are a huge perk, but the trip itself is supposed to be unforgettable. The one caveat is that you need to have a car available to drive during the six weeks between your trip and the re-delivery stateside. As long as you have that, I can’t think of any logical reason a person wouldn’t do it.

Saracen > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/30/2015 at 09:59

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Wow, almost $7k! So did you get it for the ED invoice price? The BMW website indicates only a $3k savings off of MSRP.

having another car available won’t be a problem...so yeah, not a whole lot of excuses to not do it!

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Saracen 04/30/2015 at 10:09

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Actually, my price was $900 over Euro Delivery Invoice. It’s practically impossible to find anyone who will do ED invoice. You should expect to pay anywhere between $500-$1000 over ED invoice. The deal I got was the best of any out of all the dealers I called. I contacted six or seven dealers, and only four actually responded. Of those four, one wouldn’t budge at all off of Euro MSRP, another would only do $1000 off, another was $1000 over Euro MSRP, and then there was the one I went with. The Euro Delivery process is really a PITA for the dealership, and many don’t want to deal with the headaches at all. If you end up doing it, I would go with the dealership that offers the best combination of price and experience. I was fortunate enough to have it be that I got the best of both with the dealership I went with. It’s not worth saving a few hundred dollars to work with a dealership that is inexperienced with the process.

Saracen > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/30/2015 at 10:16

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Ah, I see. That’s still an amazing deal for a new European car. Thanks for the info!

Saracen > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/30/2015 at 11:07

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So I just calculated what the price of me theoretical M3 would be...yep, right around $10k off MSRP! holy cow.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Saracen 04/30/2015 at 11:43

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That’s awesome! I think you’d be one of our only resident F80 M3 owners if you go through with it. I hope you're considering Yas Marina Blue. That color is the business.

Saracen > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 04/30/2015 at 12:03

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It’s stupid tempting. Though I’m trying to buy a house right now, so any car purchase is not in my immediate plans.

And yeah. Yas Marina is the color to get. with black wheels, leather/cloth seats, adaptive M suspension, Harmon-Kardon, USB+Bluetooth, and of course a 6MT.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Saracen 04/30/2015 at 12:06

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Bahh, being a responsible adult is overrated. And that's the exact build I would have for an M3. You've done well sir.

Don M > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 12/30/2015 at 16:00

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I have done ED for BMW in 2001 & 2004 but things have changed quite a bit since then. I would like to have ED experience in 2016 for a 228iC or a 235iC. I would like to ask you two questions:

1. How did you find out the ED invoice price for your car?

2. What is the name & address of the dealer from whom you finally placed your order? I have tried a number of dealers in my area(Chicago) & so far I have not found one who will discount the ED list price & most in fact try to discourage me from going the ED route! I am certainly willing to order from a dealer outside the Chicago area if the price is right.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > Don M 12/30/2015 at 17:01

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1. There are various calculators for determining ED invoice. It is roughly 14% off of US MSRP though.

2. I ordered from Tulley BMW in Nashua NH. They will take very good care of you.

Alternatively, if you are not set on going with a new car, I am actually looking for someone to assume my lease. Due to a change in plans, I won't need a car the next couple of years. This could be a very lucrative way for you to get into a M235i. My car only has 4000 miles on it at the moment. If you are interested, please email me at azw131@gmail.com for more details.