Club Information
Mailing Address:
Iowa Chapter BMW CCAPO Box 42113
Urbandale, IA 50323
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BMW European Delivery Experience – Summer 2017
We recently purchased a BMW 5 series through BMW European Delivery(ED) program, and I wanted to share our journey from ordering to delivery and overall experience.
Our experience, like so many others, was incredible. We spent 12 days and drove over 1,200 miles through Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. From BMW Welt delivery to driving through small towns in Switzerland, it was an experience that our family will never forget.
Ordering Process
Quite similar to how you order a new BMW at your local dealer. We ordered the car through Kimberly BMW in Davenport as they turned out to be the most knowledgeable and competitive dealer in the area in terms of pricing and ED planning. Dan and Kris were easier to work with, respected our time, and always kept us informed. We traveled with two young children, so their help and insight were critical.
Timeline
Please keep in mind that European Delivery could take three to four months from ordering to getting your car home, but if you can wait, it is well worth it. We placed the order in May, took delivery on July 20th at the BMW Welt (German for “world”) and the car was delivered back home in mid-September.
Pricing
BMW offers 5% discount on the base MSRP of the vehicle that you’re ordering. Please note that options are not discounted for the European Delivery. Also, i3, X3, X4, X5 and X6 vehicles are not available through ED program (X1 is an exception).
Planning
While trip planning is similar to any other trip that you may have taken in the past, there are few nuances that I’d like to point out.
Luggage – Make sure that your luggage will fit in the car that you’re picking up in Munich. If you’re not sure, try it out at your local BMW dealer in a similar vehicle. It is even more critical if you’re traveling with young children.
Child Seat – We took our kids with us, so child seat was a necessity. It is easier to bring your U.S. spec child seat with you and check it with your luggage. If you don’t want to do this, you can also buy a child seat at the BMW Welt (€200).
Hotel/Parking – Most hotels don’t have private parking so traveling with a brand new car could be stressful. Besides, parking spaces are just not large enough for a full-size sedan aimed at the US market. As suggested by others, we used Booking.com to book all our hotels as their website allows you to filter hotels that have private/dedicated parking. If you’re bothered by cars parked too close to you, private parking is the way to go(cost €10 per night). Also, private parking areas are usually empty as locals rarely use them.
Delivery
Once your order is in the system, you can request a pickup date/time. Delivery process takes about 90 minutes so plan accordingly. BMW lounge is available all day for delivery customers with breakfast and lunch included. BMW Museum and BMW factory tour (English tour at 11:45 am daily) are highly recommended. For BMW factory tour, please make sure to reserve your spot by emailing them your preferred date.
Driving through Europe
BMW provides a temporary tourist registration and insurance for 14 days (up to five months’ additional coverage may be purchased). You can drive around Europe before dropping off your BMW at one of 12 European locations. Please note that BMW tourist plates and insurance are not valid in every EU country so make sure you know exactly where you can and cannot go. Also, note that some EU countries require vignettes (toll stickers) before you can drive on their highways. During our trip, Austria and Switzerland were the two countries where we needed to purchase these stickers. These stickers can be bought from the gas stations near border crossings. There are steep penalties for not having them so make sure you have one before you cross the border.
If your car is equipped with navigation, BMW will load European maps in your navigation system before the delivery. To use the navigation efficiently, we found that entering GPS coordinates in decimal format was the quickest way to get the right address loaded into the system. Also, make sure to update the car display settings to show metric data (km and kph) rather than U.S system (FPS – mile and mph). While Autobahn has certain sections with unrestricted speed, other areas are speed restricted with speed enforced using speed cameras. Please make sure to adhere to the posted speed limit to avoid hefty speeding fine that will arrive at your home address in the United States. Also, traffic roundabouts aka Traffic Circles are everywhere, so if you’re uncomfortable with them, please brush up your knowledge on how to use them.
Drop Off
We dropped off our car at Log In Out located at the Munich International Airport. Drop off process is quick and takes about 30 minutes. You are expected to wash and returns your car in clean condition to avoid unnecessary delays later during shipping. If you don’t have the time or don’t want to wash your car yourself, Log In Out offers washing and waxing service for €40. Please note that vehicle drop off is only by appointment, and you must make the reservation at least five days before the drop off date.
BMW CCA Membership Reward Program
Did you know BMW CCA members receive an allowance based on the purchase or lease of a new or Certified Pre-Owned BMW from a BMW Center?
In addition to numerous membership discount programs, BMW CCA membership can also put some cash in your pocket if you’re considering buying or leasing a BMW. BMW CCA Membership Rebate Program is extremely simple, even allowing you to submit your application online and receive a check in the mail between four to six weeks after you submit your application. Rebates currently range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the model.
BMW CCA Membership Program is one of the best rebate programs out there and even allows cars delivered through European Delivery. You can use it as many times as you want as long as you are a member is good standing with no lapse in membership during the 12-month period preceding the delivery date. Please note that only one reward request per calendar year is allowed. Both BMW CCA members and CCA associate members are eligible for BMW CCA allowance.
Terms and Conditions
Click here for details on your eligibility and Membership Reward rebate form.
Reward Rebate Application
Download the Membership Rewards Rebate Application.
Longest Day Driving School – June 8 – 10, 2018
When – Friday, June 8 — Sunday, June 10, 2018
Where – Raceway Park of the Midlands, Pacific Junction, IA
Join for this year’s exciting Longest Day driving school. The Longest Day Driving School is one of our longest standing High Performance Driving Events with an excellent safety record and an experienced corps of experienced volunteer Instructors. You’ll learn a lot about car control, you’ll find yourself much more comfortable at speed than you thought possible – and you’ll have a lot of fun!
You’ll be paired up with an in-car instructor for the weekend, plus you’ll have a number of classroom sessions to learn more about the dynamics of high-performance driving and techniques. BMW CCA driving schools are among the best values and experiences for the money.
We will have an exciting opportunity for our LDDS participants this year. Des Moines Valley Region SCCA will be hosting a Time Trials event at RPM during our driving school weekend.
SCCA Time Trials (TT) are timed competitive events where the drivers vie for the fastest individual lap time in their class. Time Trials is not wheel-to-wheel racing. For those who like the thought of being compared to others to see who can turn the fastest lap and want to add the pressure of competition to their track experience without the distraction or investment of racing wheel-to-wheel – SCCA Time Trials might be what you’re looking for. Cars are divided into classes by power/weight ratio and equipment to level the playing field. Drivers must comply with passing rules in these events.
This event will be open to all makes and models (including convertibles – see the event rules via the link below for specifics about vehicles). Drivers participating in the driving school are welcome to participate in the Time Trials on a day when they are not driving in LDDS. If you’re interested in the DMVR Time Trials, you’ll need to register for LDDS as one-day student, and register separately with DMVR as a one-day driver in Time Trials. Please visit http://msreg.com/DMVR-JuneTT for information and registration.
We’re expecting a huge turnout for all the usual “Longest Day” fun and entertainment. This is your chance to attend one of the best driving schools available in the country. We strive for and have developed a very effective program to teach novice and experienced drivers the finer points of car control, all at a great facility. We have gathered the best enthusiast instructors from around the Midwest to help you have the time of your life!
So, whether you are an experienced driver or just want to significantly improve your basic on-road driving skills, whether you have a fully track-modified BMW M3, another brand of sports car, or a normal everyday economy car, we welcome all driving enthusiasts. The Longest Day Driving School is the place to be this July. Open to all licensed drivers 18 years of age or older of all skill levels, and we love novice students.
The host hotel is Country Inn and Suites of Council Bluffs, located at 17 Arena, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Phone: 712-322-8282. We have a “BMW Club” block of rooms reserved at a price of $109/night, plus tax. The block is in effect until May 30, 2018, after which the hotel may change its rates.
Cost for the event is as follows:
- Taste of the Track – $49
- Three Day Advanced Student Registration – $399
- Two Day (Sat-Sun) Student Registration – $339
- First Timers (Sat-Sun) Student Registration – $289
- One Day Student Registration – $229
- Time Trials + One Day of Driving School(Also need to register with DMVR SCCA) – $149
- Friday Solo + Sat/Sun Time Trials (Also need to register with DMVR SCCA) – $99
- Friday Solo + 1 day DE + 1 day Time Trials (Also need to register with DMVR SCCA) – $199
- Three Day (Fri-Sun) Instructor Registration – $99
- Instructor Registration + Time Trials (You’ll also need to register with DMVR for the Time Trials event. Iowa Chapter BMW CCA will issue you a refund for your Time Trials cost.) – $99
Come on out and have some fun! Registration is available online at MotorsportReg. Please visit – 2018 LDDS
Longest Day Driving School 2016
When – Thursday, July 28 — Sunday, Jul 31, 2016
Where – Raceway Park of the Midlands, Pacific Junction, IA
Join us for this year’s exciting Longest Day Driving School. We’re joining forces with two of our neighboring BMW car club chapters – the Great Plains folks to our west, and the Kansas City Chapter to our south! This year’s driving school will include an Instructor Training School (ITS) on Thursday and Friday. Candidates must be pre-approved to participate in the ITS. Please contact LDDS Registrar if you have any questions.
We’re expecting a huge turnout for all the usual Longest Day fun and entertainment. This is your chance to attend one of the best driving schools available in the country. You’ll learn a lot about car control, you’ll find yourself much more comfortable at speed than you thought possible – and you’ll have a lot of fun! You’ll be paired up with an in-car instructor for the weekend, plus you’ll have a number of classroom sessions to learn more about the dynamics of high-performance driving and techniques.
So, whether you are an experienced driver or just want to significantly improve your basic on-road driving skills, whether you have a fully track-modified BMW M3, another brand of sports car, or a normal everyday economy car, we welcome all driving enthusiasts. The Longest Day Driving School is the place to be this July. Open to all licensed drivers 18 years of age or older of all skill levels, and we love novice students. This year we are also offering a “Taste Of The Track” option for those who are not ready to do the full driving school but want to explore what it’s about. The Taste Of The Track includes riding with an instructor “at speed”, attending classroom sessions, and all the social functions at the school.
The host hotel is the Country Inn and Suites of Council Bluffs, located at 17 Arena, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Phone: 712-322-8282. We have a “BMW Club” block of rooms reserved at a price of $89/night, plus tax. The block is in effect until June 27, after which the hotel may change its rates.
Cost for the event is as follows:
- Two Day (Sat-Sun) Student Registration – $339
- First Timers (Sat-Sun) Student Registration – $289
- One Day Student Registration – $229
- A-Solo (Fri-Sun advanced student) Registration – $399
- Instructor (Fri-Sun) Registration – $99
- Thursday option for A-Solos and Instructors – $50
- Taste Of The Track – $49
- ITS Candidates – $399
Registration Information
Registration is open at Motorsportreg and follow registration link to register for the school. Please note that ITS candidates must be pre-approved to register. Come on out and have some fun! Register prior to July 14 and we’ll throw in a free event shirt!
Registration Forms
Participant packet – Participant packet [pdf]
Tech inspection form – Tech inspection form [pdf]
Emergency Contact/Medical form – Emergency Contact/Medical form[pdf]
LDDS session schedule – Schedule [pdf]
Special passing exercises – Passing exercises [pdf]
Instructor supplement – Instructor supplement [pdf]
Please contact the LDDS Registrar if you have any questions or need additional information.
Longest Day Driving School – July 29 – July 31, 2016
When – Friday, July 29 — Sunday, July 31, 2016
Where – Raceway Park of the Midlands, Pacific Junction, IA
Join us for this year’s exciting “Longest Day” driving school. We’re joining forces with two of our neighboring BMW car club chapters – the Great Plains folks to our west, and the Kansas City Chapter to our south!
We’re expecting a huge turnout for all the usual “Longest Day” fun and entertainment. This is your chance to attend one of the best driving schools available in the country. You’ll learn a lot about car control, you’ll find yourself much more comfortable at speed than you thought possible – and you’ll have a lot of fun! You’ll be paired up with an in-car instructor for the weekend, plus you’ll have a number of classroom sessions to learn more about the dynamics of high-performance driving and techniques.
So, whether you are an experienced driver or just want to significantly improve your basic on-road driving skills, whether you have a fully track-modified BMW M3, another brand of sports car, or a normal everyday economy car, we welcome all driving enthusiasts. The “Longest Day” Driving School is the place to be this July. Open to all licensed drivers 18 years of age or older of all skill levels, and we love novice students.
The host hotel is Country Inn and Suites of Council Bluffs, located at 17 Arena, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Phone: 712-322-8282. We have a “BMW Club” block of rooms reserved at a price of $89/night, plus tax. The block is in effect until June 27, after which the hotel may change its rates.
Cost for the event is as follows:
- A-Solo (Three Day Student) Registration – $399
- Two Day (Sat-Sun) Student Registration – $339
- First Timers (Sat-Sun) Student Registration – $289
- One Day Student Registration – $229
- Three Day (Fri-Sun) Instructor Registration – $99
Come on out and have some fun! Registration and additional information will be available on Motorsportreg.com in coming weeks.
Want to Make Your Teens Safer, Smarter Drivers?
What: Tire Rack Street Survival® teen safe driving program for drivers ages 15-21
Who: Presented by the SCCA Foundation, a 501(c) (3) public charity, in partnership with Iowa Chapter BMW Club and Des Moines Valley Region SCCA.
Where: Iowa Speedway parking lot, 3333 Rusty Wallace Drive, Newton, IA
Why: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 80% of accidents among teenage drivers are caused by driver error. The Street Survival program has been designed to provide teenagers with the skills needed to avoid costly mistakes.
Street Survival takes teens well beyond basic Driver’s Education classes. It teaches them driving techniques on how to avoid accidents before they happen.
With Iowa winters and Iowa country roads, it just makes sense to enroll your teen.
How: Street Survival is a unique hands-on driving experience that puts each student behind the wheel of his or her own car along with a trained instructor. After classroom discussion, students go out on course with their instructors to practice the exercises. The instruction takes place on a closed, wetted-down parking lot, so students experience emergency driving situations in a controlled environment. We teach accident avoidance, skid control, emergency braking, and many other driving skills. Students get to practice maneuvers many times over to gain skills and learn from their own mistakes in this intense one day class.
When: Sunday, Oct 6, 2013, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $75 fee – includes in-car training, lunch, and a free family membership provided by the Sports Car Club of America.
To register: Visit www.streetsurvival.org to register or contact registrar Becky Brighton at streetsurvival@bmwia.org for more information.
Registration deadline is Sep 30th, so hurry!
Spaces are limited. Register early!
www.streetsurvival.org
Brian Smith of Osceola
Name:
Brian Smith
Hometown (Where you live now):
Osceola, Iowa
BMWs owned:
“Junior” E30 M3. Also “Pepper” Mini Cooper S
What made you decide to purchase your first BMW?
My first BMW was a 1972 Bavaria, purchased in Austin, Texas, in 1986. I had a perfectly fine and noble car (1969 Ford Country Squire “Thunderwagon”), but thought it’d be fun to have something more entertaining. I’d considered a Datsun 2000 roadster (with broken front suspension) owned by a friend of a friend in Houston. I regularly perused the want ads – 1970 Alfa GTV, anyone? An ad for a Bavaria, slightly modded (suspension stiffened, mild cam, Webers, lovely Cromodora wheels) appeared one day. I thought “too much money, too many modifications!” Then I happened to park next to it one Saturday morning in the grocery store lot. I took this as a sign. Eventually test drove the car on a highway heading east out of Austin. The speed limit dropped, so I checked the speedometer – and learned I was going 20 mph faster than I’d guessed. It felt like fine machinery – I was hooked. Mr. W was part of the family over 20 years.
Do you have any fun stories about your car?
With both Mr. W and Junior, any time I’m driving is fun. But to pick one: My brother was kind enough to road trip with me to Detroit to pick up Junior. The first time I sat in the driver seat and started him, I thought “it sounds like a French tractor engine!” I later learned that sound is typical of the Getrag gearbox; the engine itself sings from 5000 to 7000 rpm. Despite the attractions of the engine, I most enjoy Junior’s steering, whether on the track or at street legal speeds. It’s accurate and communicative; you’d need to wrap your hands in gauze or hit them with a local anesthetic to miss the messages from the wheel.
What is your favorite BMW Club event and why?
I love our Longest Day Driving Schools. It’s great fun to drive Junior, but also to work with students in the classroom. I can see them learning, both in class and on the track. Helping folks learn what they can do, helping them gain skills that can save them in daily driving – that’s tremendously satisfying. It’s also a great place to catch up with folks I only see at our events.
Do you have a dream car? I think the last dream car I had is one I have had since 1972 – an Austin Cooper S. I fell in love with stories of such a small car –10 feet! 1400 pounds! 1275cc! space for 4 high school boys!– doing so much. I remember Dad taking the new-to-us car through a construction zone on North Central Expressway in Dallas. The speedo cable was broken at the time; we opined that it was a little bumpy. We later calculated that 5000 rpm meant we were traversing the imperfections at 80 mph. As I noted again years later with Mr. W, a good car feels relaxed when you’re going quicker than you realize. As for a current dream car, I’m cautiously optimistic that soon someone will produce a relatively small vehicle that’s got space for 4 adults, is efficient in its use of space and natural resources, and that just feels good when you drive it.
One Lap at 2013 Longest Day Driving School
Tool Loan Program
A reminder that the chapter has tools available if you want to do some work on your car and your garage toolbox is missing something you need.
Tool list:
- 3000 lb floor jack
- Jack stands
- Rechargeable impact wrench
- 80 ft-lb torque stick and 17 mm thinwall
- Impact socket
- Air compressor
- Tire gauge
- Brake bleeder kit
- Brake bleed catch bottle
- SRS (airbag system) diagnostic tool
- 1/2” and 3/8” drive torque wrenches
- 5 mm, 7mm, and 17 mm sockets
- 6 cylinder engine crank/camshaft locking tool
- Spring compressor
To borrow any of these, contact Fred Bell at past-president@bmwia.org or call 515-224-4179 to arrange a pickup time. You will be asked to sign a liability release (this is the U.S., after all) and leave a check or the replacement value of the tools borrowed. When the tools are returned in good condition, you get your check back – it’s that simple.
