Background:
Last year I was looking around at new cars and was naturally drawn to the M3 but ended up passing on it for a few reasons. So about 2 months later when I saw pictures of the 1M and details I realized that was exactly what I was looking for in a car and went straight to the dealership to place my deposit. Being that I live in the metro-NY area there were quite a few that beat me to the punch and as soon as I realized how few 1Ms would come to the US I actually left a few more deposits to increase my chances of getting one.
Months passed and I heard nothing from dealers but I kept hopeful, until one day I got a call from one of the CA's and he simply said "We are getting 3 cars and guess what, you are number three, if you want the car come in by the weekend and we'll spec it out". I did just that and placed the order and tracked it online. As time progressed I was told the car would arrive early to mid June, but instead I decided to give PCD a try because everyone spoke to highly of it. That delayed me about a month due to the PCD backup; I was skeptical whether it was the right decision but went with it anyways.
PCD:
It was well worth the wait, by far the best car delivery I have ever experienced. The hotel was nice as was them picking me up from the airport but the fun really began when I got on the shuttle bus in the morning. I couldn't have been any more different than the others on the bus, I was the youngest person by about 35 years so I just sat there quietly until someone turned around and said "Good morning, what are you picking up?". Then the ten or fifteen minute bus ride turned into a great conversation with people from all over (as far as CA).
By the time I got there I knew it was going to be a good day (especially since my VO 1M was sitting in the first delivery bay as we pulled in, although they wouldn't let me see it until later). We sat down in the short driving overview to go over details and then headed outside. Our group consisted of two 5-series, two M3's, a 135i and my 1M. However when I went outside and gave him my name he said "grab a 1 series", I then politely asked for a 1M and he said "sorry but right now we only have one for the person picking one up". They quickly realized the mistake and ran and got the 1M.
Then we went off to the handling course where I was paired with the 135 and one of the M3's. It was a blast, tossing the 1M around, getting to rev it all the way up and hit the corners. Keep in mind as with many of you this is the first time I've driven a 1M, after I have already purchased it. I do have a z4 35is also and have driven 135s and M3s so I had some idea of what it was going to be like, but it was 10 times better.
After that we went over to the braking exercise where I got to test just how good the 1M braking was, even in the wet. Not to mention when he would say "Ok, get that car up to 50mph then stomp on the brakes" I had the MDM mode on so I was spinning through first and second. It was funny when the instructor was talking about people breaking habits of pumping the brakes like people did when there was no ABS and everyone kept smiling and I was laughing because I've never owned a car without ABS, so I was taught that when you want to stop, pedal to the ground.
Following the braking we went to the skidpad where they showed us how the traction control really works. We were now in 335s and they were turning the traction control all the way off and telling us to floor it around a wet skidpad which felt completely unnatural. As soon as he told me to hit the gas I did and that car went crazy, I let off the wheel then with counter-steer was able to do a full 360. While that was fun I sure as hell wouldn't want to do that on the road. Then with the traction control back on I was thoroughly impressed with how it worked, even though I have had a few BMWs with the same system I was still impressed how it worked in this environment.
Now it was time for a hot lap where I learned that I didn't know the first thing about driving as the instructor sat very calmly on the seat as he beat the lights out of this M5 and would put it within and inch of the grass, then toss the wheel and throw the ass end the other way to make the turn, simply amazing.
Delivery:
With that completed they broke us into small groups again for delivery of our cars where they specifically chose the BMW employee that was most knowledgeable of the exact car you were picking up. I went off to the little room where my car sat and saw it up close for the first time. Paperwork was all over the table and the car just sat there nice and clean (mind you cleaner than any dealer prep I have seen before). They were smart enough to not drill plate holes and the guy said "So, CT is a two plate state, do you plan on running a front plate?", he didn't even finish before I said "Hell no" and he just laughed.
For the next two hours he went over every single thing possible in the car, from how to lock the car to how to program the car to turn the interior fans on before I get back in the car to keep it cool during the summer. In every other car I have been delivered at the dealers, I knew more about details than they did because they would just show you how to turn on the lights and then get someone to pair your phone. I was extremely impressed with his knowledge of BMW and the 1M in specific. He said he has done about 5 deliveries of them so far, and has taken some of the ones they have there home for fun. (They have 8 1Ms for their driving schools and two have license plates on them to drive off grounds).
Once this was complete it was lunch time where we got back with the group and saw some BMW employees. The food was good although I wasn't that hungry but better than the food was when the couple from CA was like "hey, there are seats over here" and we sat down and had a great conversation with them (they were picking up a 135i M Sport). After lunch it turns out we were doing the X5 off road (where I swore we were going to flip on of them over and roll down a hill), and then the factory tour. The factory left me in such awe that I literally could not speak. I felt like I was watching I-Robot with cars. The machinery was so advanced it was to the point where one machine could apply welds or adhesive to one panel of the car, then it holds it up to a camera to see if it was done properly. The camera then used pixels to measure if there were any gaps/ air bubbles and then it would approve the piece and the machine would continue with its job. Keep in mind the machines were fully automated as were those cameras. I don't want to go into too much detail because I don't want to spoil any surprises for those that will be doing the tour at some point.
This was the end of the day (about 3:15PM) and then we split ways with new friends and wished everyone a safe trip. Once my car was all loaded up and ready to go we headed off to our next destination in SC where we will stay for a few days for some golf, then off to Hilton Head and then head homeward bound.
So far the car has 101 miles on it, I'll reserve the second post for my overall impressions with the car as I simply have not had it long enough to make conclusive comments.
I hope you got something out of my story and for those of you debating PCD, do it, you will not regret it.
I don't know if I got lucky or the people are always as nice/happy as they were yesterday. I couldn't have picked a better group of people to do the PCD with and every single employee that was there looked like they were having as much fun as we were. I'm sure some of them still can't believe they get paid for work. I got the vibe from them that they weren't there for a job, but rather it was their lifestyle and I've heard many employees are actually forum members on the board here.
Chris