BMW European Delivery Program Ending for North American Customers!

[*bimmervibe]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Sure. As Covid 19 will still be around next year and air travel not expected to hit pre-Covid 19 levels for 3-4 years, I'll happily take that bet.

I really hope you guys are right.

I was planning to pull the trigger in March on an M2C ED. Of course after COVID started I didn't but I was hoping to do it next spring before end of production form the m2.

This is so sad.

[euro*]

Damn that sucks big time! I'm glad I've done my 2 Euro Deliveries, and it was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

I've worked with BMW Canada on their ED program last year, and I know for a fact that BMW looses a lot of money on the Euro Delivery programs. So probably combined with COVID, this just doesn't make financial sense right now. It is also a sad day for everybody involved with Euro Delivery programs, I've met a lot of people behind the scenes who make this program possible, can't imagine how difficult it will be for them....

[325iExecutive]

This is bad news. This was on my bucket list to do. I really hope they bring it back.

[Sedan_Clan]

RIP!

[kechang]

OMG.. I'm so glad I did my bucket list ED trip few years back...

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Sure. As Covid 19 will still be around next year and air travel not expected to hit pre-Covid 19 levels for 3-4 years, I'll happily take that bet.

You and me both. This will be an impact for quite awhile.

[tke743]

This really sucks. My last 5 cars were ED. It was an awesome program and helped inspire brand loyalty.

[Ibiza]

This is the entire announcement, as GOLFFRR left this out:

Ultimate Delivery Experience Continues in SC as Sun Sets on European Delivery

European Program to Begin Phasing Out Operations in May

As the global market has evolved and BMW NA sales volumes have shifted more heavily towards SAVs during the past serval years, the Performance Center Delivery in Spartanburg, South Carolina has seen continuing growth. Since its beginning in 1999, Performance Center Delivery has grown to more than 28,000 vehicle deliveries, while European Delivery, which has delivered approximately 30,000 vehicles since the 1970s, has experienced a significant decline in participation. Although BMW NA has historically represented an average of 2,000 European Deliveries annually, such deliveries have declined in recent years to under 500. Based on these trends and long-term evaluation, BMW Group will end the European Delivery Program in 2020 and cease accepting reservations as of May 18, 2020.

[M///Fanatic]

So broken hearted... this is part of what made the brand who they are!

We will miss you ED program!

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Ibiza

This is the entire announcement, as GOLFFRR left this out:

Ultimate Delivery Experience Continues in SC as Sun Sets on European Delivery

European Program to Begin Phasing Out Operations in May

As the global market has evolved and BMW NA sales volumes have shifted more heavily towards SAVs during the past serval years, the Performance Center Delivery in Spartanburg, South Carolina has seen continuing growth. Since its beginning in 1999, Performance Center Delivery has grown to more than 28,000 vehicle deliveries, while European Delivery, which has delivered approximately 30,000 vehicles since the 1970s, has experienced a significant decline in participation. Although BMW NA has historically represented an average of 2,000 European Deliveries annually, such deliveries have declined in recent years to under 500. Based on these trends and long-term evaluation, BMW Group will end the European Delivery Program in 2020 and cease accepting reservations as of May 18, 2020.

Their business case makes sense. It is what it is. A more than 75% decline in ED's, but a significant increase in deliveries at the PC makes the decision a no-brainer much to the chagrin of the enthusiast crowd. BMW held on as long as they could, just like with the MT.

[Ibiza]

Wonder how much the ED tags will go on e-bay? I decided earlier this year not to ED/PCD my F83 replacement, and wait for my next ED the G83. Have lasting memories of my 3 ED's, as all good things eventually come to an end.

BMW NA reducing the ED discount from 7% to 5%, BMW AG cost cutting due to high R&D of EV, US Center's hating ED due to the loss of AVP and complaining to the BMW National Dealership Forum, and finally the nail in the coffin was COVID-19– all contributing factors.

[JustChris]

Wow, sad for you guys. Seems an amazing experience and always annoying not possible from the U.K.

[chicagofan00]

Sucks. One of my bucket list items was to always do ED on an individual M3. I only have myself to blame for not having done it already but still a bummer to see the program go away.

[mundo74]

really shocked at the 500 number. though it would be in the thousands. hard to keep up the delivery infrastructure for 500. Sure will miss it. such a impressionable life experience. [IMG]undefined[/IMG]

[lowrydr310]

While not quite the same personal experience, you could always visit Germany and rent a very nice car and flog the crap out of it. Last time I visited I rented a 118i (3 cylinder turbo) with less that 1000km on it., and within 30 minutes of leaving the airport I was steadily cruising at 220 km/h. That car was FUN!

This made me wonder about the ED program. I'd be afraid to run my own car that hard fresh out of the factory.

[Ibiza]

It's not the end of the world, as the M fans can always do a BMW Driving Experience.

Just remember these positives:

1. No more ED lease MF modification
2. No more stress of tracking the vehicle upon ED drop-off, e-mailing the shipping agent to figure out the boat it is on and the US customs delay prior to release to the VPC
3. Can add PIA to our lease payments


I always drove my ED car for less than a few days, as I 'd rather have a car rental in Europe especially outside off Germany.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by pz619

We don't know if it's virus related or not, at least not at this stage. So maybe your partisan commentary is better served in, you know, the politics section.

I am making an assumption as to the catalyst behind the abandonment of the program, however nothing partisan was said.

Why do you think the program was canceled?

[RowanBuds]

Whoa. Okay, that's a wrap for me guys. I was trying to figure a way to talk myself into an M2 next spring if my 911 dreams can't materialize, and the ED is the selling factor to have done it.

First the discount was trimmed, now the program altogether disontinued - not even 'same price' as some other OEM's. If this is COVID related, a bit premature IMO especially without including any language to reference this as temporary.

Anyway, just my thoughts - I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience it when I did. Hopefully Porsche/MB/Volvo/Audi(?) don't all follow suit. I'm going to be itching for a Eurotrip badly by the time I'm ready for another new car.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Dog Face Pony Soldier

I am making an assumption as to the catalyst behind the abandonment of the program, however nothing partisan was said.

Why do you think the program was canceled?

Your presumption holds water. The issue with COVID was the final hammer strike. I think it's pretty obvious to anybody paying attention.

[pz619]

Originally Posted by Dog Face Pony Soldier

I am making an assumption as to the catalyst behind the abandonment of the program, however nothing partisan was said.

Why do you think the program was canceled?

Right. CCP Virus

Ok moving on here because I lack the capacity to care about this any longer, here was the reason as posted by another member, Ibiza.

European Program to Begin Phasing Out Operations in May

As the global market has evolved and BMW NA sales volumes have shifted more heavily towards SAVs during the past serval years, the Performance Center Delivery in Spartanburg, South Carolina has seen continuing growth. Since its beginning in 1999, Performance Center Delivery has grown to more than 28,000 vehicle deliveries, while European Delivery, which has delivered approximately 30,000 vehicles since the 1970s, has experienced a significant decline in participation. Although BMW NA has historically represented an average of 2,000 European Deliveries annually, such deliveries have declined in recent years to under 500. Based on these trends and long-term evaluation, BMW Group will end the European Delivery Program in 2020 and cease accepting reservations as of May 18, 2020.

[JCZ5]

Was about to call a bunch of dealers and try to get my M2C order in before the 5/18 cutoff. Then, thought better of it. Who knows what it will be like in August/September. May as well stick with PCD.

[Wiles]

At least I got to experience it 4 times .
I did Euro Delivery in 2007 self 335i Coupe, then again 2008 with my brother for his 335i Coupe. Took the wife in 2010 for a 135i and back again in 2011 for a Z4 3.5i. Some of the best driving of my life.

I miss touring Germany and would have gone back again but my current drives are from Spartanburg, X3 M40i and X3M.

Still have the Z4 too. Had hoped to get the next M3 however I picked up the X3M after seeing the nose in spy photos. I would have loved to go again. Maybe a 918 to replace the Z4?