[fletcher969]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Actually the in-transit damage report is no big deal (unless you absolutely don't want to know ) Its as accessible and freely volunteered as all the information we've been badgering our CAs for. The VPCs do a good job in touching up the cars. I read somewhere a good number of cars coming in need some sort of attention (usually small, minute things - not worth mentioning/fussing) ...

... on second thought, maybe I don't want to know as well...ignorance is bliss

Hmmmm....one the one hand I'd like to know so I could check their work...on the other...if their work is good enough I never see it in the first place...would I want to know?

[fletcher969]

Originally Posted by Scrooge4277

Sounds good to me. I'm actually going to be out of town from the 16th to the 23rd or so (how's that for poor timing?). The following week would be perfect though.

We'll look for favorable weather sometime in the 2-3 weeks following delivery, and get together then. Hopefully one of us is good with the camera!

[fletcher969]

Originally Posted by Scrooge4277

Yeah, you lose the cigarette lighter next to the ashtray. You still have another one in the arm rest and i think one or two more on the rear console. The only thing i've really ever used my outlets for was my garmin system, but i have the idrive in this car so i won't be needing that. That, and i'm really anal about keeping my sunglasses protected when they're not on my face.

I am too. I used to always purchase cheap sunglasses, and I'd lose them every few months. So, when my ex-girlfriend convinced me to spend a couple hundred dollars on a good pair, I was reluctant, but what's funny is I managed to hold onto those for well over 6 years before I lost them. Factor in cost over that time period, and I saved money on the expensive pair. Hoping for the same on the second pair. But yes, I don't usually just toss my sunglasses anywhere but inside its case, so perhaps the sunglass holder isn't really something I need to consider after all.

[Carguy1965]

If Zaino has the spray I will probably use it.. I use Meguiers on the truck and Flynns on the old Imp. Its sold by a local distributor who does all the local car shows, Its really the best in my experience, but you are correct in that it might strip the Zaino if its not made to work with it. Im funny that way I always put the same oil in the same car etc.. Same reason I never changed the truck to Flynns..

[fletcher969]

Originally Posted by Carguy1965

If Zaino has the spray I will probably use it.. I use Meguiers on the truck and Flynns on the old Imp. Its sold by a local distributor who does all the local car shows, Its really the best in my experience, but you are correct in that it might strip the Zaino if its not made to work with it. Im funny that way I always put the same oil in the same car etc.. Same reason I never changed the truck to Flynns..

I'd recommend the same thing I purchased (which others seem to recommend also). Get Zaino's Total Protection Show Car Kit for $84.70. It includes:

ZFX™ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive (this all but eliminates the usual cure time for Z-2 and Z-5)
Z-2 PRO™ Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes (used as initial coat)
Z-5™ Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches (used after Z-2)
Z-6™ Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray (the detail spray)
Z-7™ Show Car Wash
Z-18™ ClayBar (eliminates contaminants, prepares the surface for sealant)
Zaino Metallic Silver Decal
TWO Zaino Custom Polish Applicator for FREE!

It includes everything you'll need except for the various microfiber/cotton cloths you'll need. DO READ the instructions so you have a good idea how it's done. It will require a small bit of planning, but it's easy enough once you've seen how it's done.

[KL2DC]

Got in touch with my CA earlier. He mentioned 4-10 days but they are expecting the car at the dealership by middle of next week...but we know better than that ... I highly doubt the car would be at the dealership, ready for delivery next wednesday. For gawdsakess Carguy1965 is only expecting delivery Th 03/09 ... as I expected 03/11 it is

[CinciBlueBimmer]

I just got a call from my SA - my car is here in Cincinnati already! They must have cleaned it up and loaded it onto a truck the same day that it arrived... man I can't believe how fast they did that.

The car won't be ready for me until Monday, but I'm going down anyhow and taking a look at it. I'll post pictures when I get back.

I'm stoked!

[fletcher969]

Originally Posted by Cinci330i

I just got a call from my SA - my car is here in Cincinnati already! They must have cleaned it up and loaded it onto a truck the same day that it arrived... man I can't believe how fast they did that.

The car won't be ready for me until Monday, but I'm going down anyhow and taking a look at it. I'll post pictures when I get back.

I'm stoked!

NO WAY!!!!!!! Wow, that was fast!!! I'll have to check with my CA sometime this weekend to see if mine is going to take the express route like yours, though I'll not get my expectations up.

Congrats Cinci!!!

[fletcher969]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Got in touch with my CA earlier. He mentioned 4-10 days but they are expecting the car at the dealership by middle of next week...but we know better than that ... I highly doubt the car would be at the dealership, ready for delivery next wednesday. For gawdsakess Carguy1965 is only expecting delivery Th 03/09 ... as I expected 03/11 it is

Maybe it will get in sooner!!!

[KL2DC]

Really!! Congratulations Cinci330i!!

Wait our cars arrived on the 03/01 and was at the VPC at 03/02 and one of the pack is already in OH? Wow! That's fast!! (kegger in the trunk??)

Waiting to hear from the rest of the shipmates...

[no_exit]

Originally Posted by Cinci330i

I just got a call from my SA - my car is here in Cincinnati already! They must have cleaned it up and loaded it onto a truck the same day that it arrived... man I can't believe how fast they did that.

The car won't be ready for me until Monday, but I'm going down anyhow and taking a look at it. I'll post pictures when I get back.

I'm stoked!

Grats! I'm looking forward to seeing the pics - the first ones from the DJ Valentine voyage

[no_exit]

I'm curious on a couple of things regarding your new cars:

1. Is this your first BMW?
2. If not, what other BMW's have you owned?
3. Are you leasing or buying?
4. If you are buying - cash or finance?
5. If financing - what is your rate?

This will be my first BMW and I'm really looking forward to the BMW ownership experience.

I will be financing the car - got 2.9%. I was going to pay cash but then the 2.9% became available and now I am going to finance 30k and put that 30k of "borrowed" money from BMWFS into CD and bonds - I calculated that if I keep the car three years, I’ll make about $2000 after taxes. If I keep the car the full five years, I’ll make at about $3500 after taxes. Thank you for the cheap money BMWFS

[CinciBlueBimmer]

OK, here it is. The car was rolling off the truck at 10AM this morning.
They are going to have it ready for me on Monday after work - woo hoo!

Just to give you an idea of its condition before it's cleaned up, here are a few observations:

• There was still some "transport wax" on the hood but most of it was cleaned off. The finish on the car was pretty dull.
• The car had funny little blue "transport wipers" on the wiper arms. I assume they're just in case it's raining during on/offloading.
• The real wipers were in the trunk along with the license plate mounts
• There was plastic over: door sills, front seats, steering wheel BMW logo
• There was a custom-formed plastic tray in the drivers-side footwell.
• There was a switch connected to a cord that went back to the battery. I'm assuming this is the battery shut-off switch.
• Even though I didn't order the alarm system the rear-view mirror had the red "lens" hanging underneath it. It also had the Homelink buttons and the compass in the mirror (part of Comfort Access, I believe)
• The car had 0.9 miles on it!!

OK, enough of that stuff. Here are the pictures. I'll use my good camera for the next batch, but these are decent enough to wet your whistle!

[CinciBlueBimmer]

Originally Posted by no_exit

I'm curious on a couple of things regarding your new cars:

1. Is this your first BMW?
2. If not, what other BMW's have you owned?
3. Are you leasing or buying?
4. If you are buying - cash or finance?
5. If financing - what is your rate?

1. This is my 3rd BMW
2. My first was a 1997 E36 M3. Awesome machine - it was my dream car! Second was a 2001 540i. Great "Euro-Cruiser" - fast, big V8, very comfortable. Awesome driving experience but it lost its value very rapidly.
3. Leasing. I seem to want a new/different car every 3 years or so and these days I'd rather trade money for hassle. This way there's no selling my old car, no maintenance costs, etc.

2.9% is a great rate - you're doing it the right way!!

[KL2DC]

Cinci330: We Have A Winner!!!! CONGRATULATIONS

Your car must've been the first one out of the D J ...

P.S. it looks as if you barely gave your dealership prep boys a chance to touch it up. What gives with the cosmoline residue on the hood, the VPC didn't get that? Wow 0.9 miles...car's practically a virgin . What's the custom-formed plastic tray in the passenger-side footwell for?

She's a real beauty ... Thank you for posting your pics so soon after delivery...enjoy your weekend!!!!

Must admit a slight touch of jealousy ... ah heck what's another few days ...

Keep the pictures coming guys ... I have an idea for a pic montage with all the D J shipmates cars showing location and screen names. Would make a nice wallpaper or commemorative picture...

[KL2DC]

no_exit: 1) 1st BMW 3) Buying 4) Mostly Cash

Btw 2.9% is a spectacular rate ...

[CinciBlueBimmer]

I took those pictures about 1 hr. after it came off the truck. I'm sure they'll do a nice job cleaning her up - I can't wait!

Oh, and the tray in the footwell was just to protect the carpet. The pedals were of course exposed. Just another nice touch to protect the interior.

[Scrooge4277]

Originally Posted by no_exit

I'm curious on a couple of things regarding your new cars:

1. Is this your first BMW?
2. If not, what other BMW's have you owned?
3. Are you leasing or buying?
4. If you are buying - cash or finance?
5. If financing - what is your rate?

1. Yes. I'm especially proud of the fact that i'm less than half the age my father was when he bought his first 3. Not that we compete or anything, but i heard the "i didn't grow up with any of the benefits you have" speech many times during my childhood and it's nice to think that i've managed to reach the "first bmw" milestone well before either of us anticipated.
3. Leasing. 45070 MSRP, 311/month for 36/10k with a 10.5k trade in.

[Carguy1965]

I think I will for sure get the Zaino Kit.. Sounds like it has everything you could need. How many applications worth do you think it has?? Might try it on the Impala..It only comes out for car shows and Sat night cruise ins.. Funny but quite a few of our car show, muscle car friends drive Bimmers as there every day drivers.. And we have a shop full of micro fiber towels etc.. As to no_exits questions.

First BMW. Wife wanted a C230 Benz until I convinced her to drive the 325 one time.. That was all it took. Buying the car 50/50 cash finance, and I dont really know the rate. Wife is a teacher and she got the rate from the credit union. Heard a bunch about the 2.9 but my CA swears its only on the CPO used cars in the east coast areas..

[fletcher969]

Originally Posted by no_exit

I'm curious on a couple of things regarding your new cars:

1. Is this your first BMW?
2. If not, what other BMW's have you owned?
3. Are you leasing or buying?
4. If you are buying - cash or finance?
5. If financing - what is your rate?

Yes, my first BMW, but if not for a divorce intervening 10 years ago, I would have purchased my first BMW at that time instead. Oh well...better late than never! I'm leasing $39,900 MSRP ($37,400 purchase price) with no cash down, and a $2000 trade-in (my beloved '96 Camaro which I purchased for cash post-divorce...in leiu of the aforementioned BMW). Monthly payment will be $455/month, 36 months, 12K miles/year.

[fletcher969]

Great pics Cinci!!! Seeing them got me all excited, knowing it's only a matter of days/hours before I get to make my trip to the dealer to take my own pre-delivery pics!!

Congratulations!!! What a LOOOOONG Sunday you'll have to endure!

[CinciBlueBimmer]

Yes, it's going to be a long Sunday... in many ways...

Anyhow, I'm trying to figure out how your monthly payment is so low. Mine is $618 based on a $43,145 MSRP, 36-month 12k/yr. If I put your setup into BMW's calculator it comes up as $513/month... What magic did you work to get a $60 smaller payment?