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My love of BMW's started in 1988 with the purchase of my E30 325ic. I loved that car and like many of you, I have had the pleasure of owning many of these wonderful cars through the years. In 2000, as a graduation present I gave my son the E30 and it served him well through 450,000 miles - he drives a 335i today and loves the brand. I am happy to have passed this obsession on to my family and we had the pleasure of doing a PCD delivery last October form my wife's X5. Finally, after years of dreaming of ED the purchase of the 1M finally came true and to share that with my son was especially great! I am sincerely grateful to everyone on this forum for their willingness to share and support by sharing invaluable information - we were able to have a better trip as a result! I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge the sales team at Otto's in West Chester, Pa. (especially Mike) who were ethical, supportive and enthusiastic from the very beginning over an eighteen month period where I insisted on being on a list before the car was announced
- yes, I got plenty of heartburn with the crazy allocation process but believe me, it all goes away when you get to hit the "start button" on your special day. Ok, our goal was to drive passes (Grossglockner, Stelvio, Gotthard, Susten) and visit Koln and finally drive the "ring" ...... off we go ....
(this is my first time posting photos and videos so have patience and be gentle)
Our first night in Munich we did all the touristy things ..... seriously, if you did not have a beer or two how could you sleep?
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Of course we had fun on the streets identifying Alfa's, Renault's and various cars that do not come to America but this one was a shocker ....
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..... not sure this one was "007" approved.
As they say "it's a small world" .... here we are with Forum Member "NachoB" and his wife who were having their 1M serviced. Great to get some good tips and make new friends! Safe trip home to Cali you guys!!!
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We had a 8 am appointment and a 9 am delivery so we were at the Welt at 7:30. The stay at Leonardo Royal was great (had a unique way to use the AC by putting in your room card) and very close - the bar staff there are also motor heads. I walked up to the observation platform on the chance my car was already in place and spotted a new convertible (another forum member and couple from Illinois). It was only a few minutes before I heard the whirring of the glass elevators and .....
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goosebumps, the realization of a long pursuit was finally here. The next hour passed slowly in the lounge but our new friends were great in keeping us all busy and words do not express the efficiency and hospitality of the Welt Crew! It was not long before the "stairway to heaven moment" came - so glad I didn't faceplant on the way down just staring!
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Our delivery specialist was "Tillman" and he was a delight.
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Very efficient and patient as we pelted him with questions he had heard a thousand times over. He helped us put a few location in the Navi and since many people on the forum have been posting delivery mileage - here it is.
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So we headed off to the autobahn toward Salzburg and then south through Zell Am See toward Grossglockner ...
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We got a real kick out of the snow plow and there were people sledding on the snow in some areas. I had not idea the amount of tunnels and waterfalls we were destined to see on this trip.
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Great drive through the pass and it was somewhat crowded for a Thursday. Great fun for the first day with the car that immediately gave us both driving confidence amongst some brave motorbikes and tight curves.
Finally at the top ... now off to our targeted first day destination - Gerlos!
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Video of "victory lap" at the Welt and some footage of driving Grossglockner ..... kinda long but give a good sense of the roads/views.
The light was starting to fade so the VO was starting it's personality shift ...
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This may be my favorite photo during the trip ...
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So we saw our fist "cow" road signs and it is not a joke .... cows could be around any corner crossing the road. Did however like the sound of the bells
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Almost dark but a beautiful waterfall ..... and a local native below ...
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Finally made it to Hotel Elisabeth ..... great hosts, great food, great town!
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More to come (if I figure out video) .... again, many thanks to all of you on this forum and to BMW for making a great car and having such a great delivery program!