My Performance Center Delivery Experience!

DocRiSK · 06-23-2007, 02:23 PM

Okay so I finally decided to spend some of my free time (very limited here lately) writing this up instead of driving the car around. Sorry for the long wait.

First of all, if any of you have an opportunity to do the performance center delivery, DO NOT PASS it up! You’ll hopefully see why, shortly.

I left for Spartanburg, SC on the evening of May 29th, 2007. Departure was delayed because my friend who was coming along with me got delayed ( you can take one guest – and my wife wasn’t interested – Please forgive her as since then she has quickly grown very fond of our new Z) so we didn’t get there until midnight.

Anyway BMW PC had reserved a room for us at The Marriot Greenville. Upon check in I was given a letter from BMW PC that briefly outlined the schedule for the delivery day. The staff at the hotel is very friendly and very experienced dealing with the guests there for the BMW delivery. Dinner in their in house restaurant is included (we missed dinner since we were so late but the hotel staff had placed 2 deli trays in our room along with some dessert! see below

), as was a very nice breakfast buffet the next morning.

DocRiSK · 06-23-2007, 02:49 PM

At 7:45 a.m. we were shuttled from the hotel to the PC (a 10-15 minute drive). On arrival we were greeted by the staff who were involved in the delivery day activities.

The day is divided into three segments: 1. Delivery of the car; 2. Track time; 3. Tour of the manufacturing plant.

The day started with everyone heading out on to the track. The track portion is divided into 3 parts that consist of (1) the road course which is comprised of a slalom and some tight turns (2) the skid pad and finally (3) a segment of the track were we get to really work the ABS brakes. All of this is done in a vehicle similar to the one you are picking up. If you pick up an X5 – then there is also the off-road course as well. The road course was my favorite part.

I got to drive the white coupe below.

DocRiSK · 06-23-2007, 03:09 PM

After this we got to tour the manufacturing plant. As the plant is down and across the street we had to drive there so we were each given a 6 series coupe to drive!!! No cameras were allowed inside the manufacturing area! In fact the tours were closed starting June 1 for the retooling and preparation for production of the X6’s. The technology and coordination of everything is amazing! I thought it was very interesting how all models are built on the same line. There were a lot of X5’s and Z4 roadsters and a fewer number of coupes on the assembly line.

Oh our guide told us something that I thought some of you might find interesting… BADGING IS OPTIONAL!!! – You just need to let your dealer know when you order the car!

After the tour we were left to roam about the museum for 30-40 minutes.

DocRiSK · 06-23-2007, 03:12 PM

Can't go wrong with more pics...

DocRiSK · 06-23-2007, 03:15 PM

and some more...

DocRiSK · 06-23-2007, 03:17 PM

Pics of a beautiful Z8!!!

DocRiSK · 06-23-2007, 03:19 PM

We then headed back in the 6’s to the Delivery Center were we had lunch in the cafeteria (on the house of course). After lunch we got a special treat courtesy of Donny Isley (one of our instructors) who took each of us out on the course in an M5 and drove the car the way only an experienced driver like him could!!! He even did some drifting through the curves. For one of the guests he videotaped them in the car while he drove on the skid pad with all the electronic “assistance” stuff turned off – made it look like a piece of cake! It was one of the most amazing and unbelievable experiences I have ever had!!!!!!!!!! It also gives you a true appreciation of what these cars are capable of!

Video to follow - once I figure out how to upload them.

DocRiSK · 06-23-2007, 03:23 PM

Next and finally was the DELIVERY!!! My car was kept in the delivery bay with all of the manuals, keys, etc. neatly laid out on a table. My rep., I think her name was Ginger, did an okay job going over the car… I think part of this was because she was distracted by having to help make travel arrangements for a couple whose car was not ready for pick-up due to logistical reasons! (I think they flew them back to their home town courtesy of BMW for the screw up) Anyway, I really didn’t mind since I knew I would be reading through everything once I got home – besides I was way too excited once I saw the car and there was little that could have dampened my mood!

They then drove the car out the delivery doors and parked it there for me to do with it as I pleased!!!! And so began the run home!! (If I had had more time I would have probably done the run at the Dragon’s Tail – but that will have to wait for another day).

Hope this wasn’t too long/boring of a read.

Finally some pics of me and the car and another with my buddy.

DocRiSK · 06-23-2007, 03:26 PM

Oh, can someone please explain the easiest way to upload video files? TIA.

epbrown · 06-23-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocRiSK

Finally some pics of me and the car and another with my buddy.

You look pretty tall, Doc. How's the coupe fit? I'm 5'14" and I felt it was a little short on legroom compared to my roadster.

AlanL · 06-23-2007, 05:47 PM

Sigh - OK I am now insanely jealous of the experience you got to have - Congratulations!

Are you going to/did you drive it back home?

AlanL · 06-23-2007, 05:48 PM

BTW - Thanks gobs for sharing the pictures

PhilDZ4 · 06-23-2007, 08:08 PM

Doc, you going back for homecoming in September?

ward · 06-23-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epbrown

You look pretty tall, Doc. How's the coupe fit? I'm 5'14" and I felt it was a little short on legroom compared to my roadster.

by 5'14" do you mean 6'2"?

Dammmittt · 06-23-2007, 09:32 PM

Nice dude...I got a lil "performance" driving in on the way back from charleston today. I ran into my friend (he's got an X5) on I-26. He'd just got back from Germany so we had some fun on the way back (since he's got a built in detector I let him lead most of the way)...until we caught up to a cop...slowed down for while (80-90ish...keeping our distance back from him). Took 77 and he stayed on 26...so I showed him that I had the faster car for a lil while

God I miss the autobahn...

zednik · 06-23-2007, 10:09 PM

Thanks Doc,

That must have been just about too much fun for a mortal car nut. I'm definitely gonna do the Performance Center Delivery on my next BMW.

Very cool.

Rick Hunter · 06-23-2007, 11:33 PM

Awesome writeup, mate.

As for videos, I find that YouTube is a pretty straightforward place to upload vids. You can embed them into your threads too.

Have a safe trip home!

epbrown · 06-24-2007, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

by 5'14" do you mean 6'2"?

It's an old joke by Mae West: "How tall are you, Stretch?" "Five feet, eleven inches." "Forget the 5 feet, let's talk about the 11 inches." Doesn't quite work with 2 inches, ya know?

inTgr8r · 06-24-2007, 07:21 AM

Nice write up Doc....
Sure wish we had that option here

We can do Euro delivery, but not a SC delivery

155MPH · 06-24-2007, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epbrown

Doesn't quite work with 2 inches, ya know?

Now, there is no way I could possibly know, but I would bet that 2 is closer than 14 to the truth

takedown8 · 06-24-2007, 08:54 AM

Great pics! Congrats on the delivery!

DocRiSK · 06-24-2007, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epbrown

You look pretty tall, Doc. How's the coupe fit? I'm 5'14" and I felt it was a little short on legroom compared to my roadster.

I'm 6' 2" so the same as you I guess... After adjusting the seats I had no problems fitting in and getting into the "ideal" driving position.

Our driving instructors there told us that we should maintain three finger breadths distance from the top of our head to the top of the car, be able to comfortable rest both wrists on top of the steering wheel, and be able to comfortably push the clutch all the way down and still have some slight flexion left in the leg.

In fact I feel quite cozy in it. The only thing that sucks about it is the view out the rear... but you can't always get everything

.

Oh, I also love the M seats - definitely was worthing getting this option!

06-23-2007, 02:23 PM	#1
DocRiSK Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0si [0.00]	My Performance Center Delivery Experience! Okay so I finally decided to spend some of my free time (very limited here lately) writing this up instead of driving the car around. Sorry for the long wait. First of all, if any of you have an opportunity to do the performance center delivery, DO NOT PASS it up! You’ll hopefully see why, shortly. I left for Spartanburg, SC on the evening of May 29th, 2007. Departure was delayed because my friend who was coming along with me got delayed ( you can take one guest – and my wife wasn’t interested – Please forgive her as since then she has quickly grown very fond of our new Z) so we didn’t get there until midnight. Anyway BMW PC had reserved a room for us at The Marriot Greenville. Upon check in I was given a letter from BMW PC that briefly outlined the schedule for the delivery day. The staff at the hotel is very friendly and very experienced dealing with the guests there for the BMW delivery. Dinner in their in house restaurant is included (we missed dinner since we were so late but the hotel staff had placed 2 deli trays in our room along with some dessert! see below ), as was a very nice breakfast buffet the next morning. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-23-2007, 02:49 PM	#2
DocRiSK Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0si [0.00]	At 7:45 a.m. we were shuttled from the hotel to the PC (a 10-15 minute drive). On arrival we were greeted by the staff who were involved in the delivery day activities. The day is divided into three segments: 1. Delivery of the car; 2. Track time; 3. Tour of the manufacturing plant. The day started with everyone heading out on to the track. The track portion is divided into 3 parts that consist of (1) the road course which is comprised of a slalom and some tight turns (2) the skid pad and finally (3) a segment of the track were we get to really work the ABS brakes. All of this is done in a vehicle similar to the one you are picking up. If you pick up an X5 – then there is also the off-road course as well. The road course was my favorite part. I got to drive the white coupe below. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 03:09 PM	#3
DocRiSK Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0si [0.00]	After this we got to tour the manufacturing plant. As the plant is down and across the street we had to drive there so we were each given a 6 series coupe to drive!!! No cameras were allowed inside the manufacturing area! In fact the tours were closed starting June 1 for the retooling and preparation for production of the X6’s. The technology and coordination of everything is amazing! I thought it was very interesting how all models are built on the same line. There were a lot of X5’s and Z4 roadsters and a fewer number of coupes on the assembly line. Oh our guide told us something that I thought some of you might find interesting… BADGING IS OPTIONAL!!! – You just need to let your dealer know when you order the car! After the tour we were left to roam about the museum for 30-40 minutes. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 03:12 PM	#4
DocRiSK Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0si [0.00]	Can't go wrong with more pics... Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 03:15 PM	#5
DocRiSK Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0si [0.00]	and some more... Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 03:17 PM	#6
DocRiSK Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0si [0.00]	Pics of a beautiful Z8!!! Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 03:19 PM	#7
DocRiSK Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0si [0.00]	We then headed back in the 6’s to the Delivery Center were we had lunch in the cafeteria (on the house of course). After lunch we got a special treat courtesy of Donny Isley (one of our instructors) who took each of us out on the course in an M5 and drove the car the way only an experienced driver like him could!!! He even did some drifting through the curves. For one of the guests he videotaped them in the car while he drove on the skid pad with all the electronic “assistance” stuff turned off – made it look like a piece of cake! It was one of the most amazing and unbelievable experiences I have ever had!!!!!!!!!! It also gives you a true appreciation of what these cars are capable of! Video to follow - once I figure out how to upload them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 03:23 PM	#8
DocRiSK Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0si [0.00]	Next and finally was the DELIVERY!!! My car was kept in the delivery bay with all of the manuals, keys, etc. neatly laid out on a table. My rep., I think her name was Ginger, did an okay job going over the car… I think part of this was because she was distracted by having to help make travel arrangements for a couple whose car was not ready for pick-up due to logistical reasons! (I think they flew them back to their home town courtesy of BMW for the screw up) Anyway, I really didn’t mind since I knew I would be reading through everything once I got home – besides I was way too excited once I saw the car and there was little that could have dampened my mood! They then drove the car out the delivery doors and parked it there for me to do with it as I pleased!!!! And so began the run home!! (If I had had more time I would have probably done the run at the Dragon’s Tail – but that will have to wait for another day). Hope this wasn’t too long/boring of a read. Finally some pics of me and the car and another with my buddy. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 03:26 PM	#9
DocRiSK Private First Class 17 Rep 195 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0si [0.00]	Oh, can someone please explain the easiest way to upload video files? TIA.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 05:47 PM	#11
AlanL First Lieutenant 8 Rep 332 Posts Drives: 2010 328ix Sports Wagon Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (0)	Sigh - OK I am now insanely jealous of the experience you got to have - Congratulations! Are you going to/did you drive it back home? __________________ 2010 328ix Sports Wagon
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 05:48 PM	#12
AlanL First Lieutenant 8 Rep 332 Posts Drives: 2010 328ix Sports Wagon Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (0)	BTW - Thanks gobs for sharing the pictures __________________ 2010 328ix Sports Wagon
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 08:08 PM	#13
PhilDZ4 Private First Class 11 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2004 3.0 Z4 Roadster Join Date: May 2007 Location: Greater Atlanta, Hell... Greatest Atlanta iTrader: (0)	Doc, you going back for homecoming in September?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 09:32 PM	#15
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 167 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	Nice dude...I got a lil "performance" driving in on the way back from charleston today. I ran into my friend (he's got an X5) on I-26. He'd just got back from Germany so we had some fun on the way back (since he's got a built in detector I let him lead most of the way)...until we caught up to a cop...slowed down for while (80-90ish...keeping our distance back from him). Took 77 and he stayed on 26...so I showed him that I had the faster car for a lil while God I miss the autobahn... __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 10:09 PM	#16
zednik Private First Class 8 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0i Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego, California iTrader: (0)	Thanks Doc, That must have been just about too much fun for a mortal car nut. I'm definitely gonna do the Performance Center Delivery on my next BMW. Very cool.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2007, 11:33 PM	#17
Rick Hunter Skull Squadron Leader 304 Rep 2,031 Posts Drives: '07 M Coupé & '16 435xi GCoupé Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Emerald City iTrader: (20)	Awesome writeup, mate. As for videos, I find that YouTube is a pretty straightforward place to upload vids. You can embed them into your threads too. Have a safe trip home! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2007, 07:21 AM	#19
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2426 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	Nice write up Doc.... Sure wish we had that option here We can do Euro delivery, but not a SC delivery __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-24-2007, 08:54 AM	#21
takedown8 Major 56 Rep 1,068 Posts Drives: 2005 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Great pics! Congrats on the delivery!
	Appreciate 0 Quote