ED Pickup and Dropoff Question [Archive] - bimmerfest

loubct

12-05-2002, 07:41 AM

Can you share on experiences pickup up car at Delivery Center and dropping off at E.H. Harms in Munich

1) Is it possible to fly in by noon and be able to pick up car that day. What is the best travel means from airport to Deliver Center. Staying at Hotel Uhland. Any ideas would be appreciated.

2) Also plan on visiting Southern Germany for 10 days with last stop in Rothenburg. Does it make sense to drive in from Rothenburg to Munich Harms office, drop off car and travel to airport. How long will this take, what are the best means of transportation. I know this all depends on flight times out of Munich. I am just trying to get input from past ED'ers and there wisdom.

ZBB 325Ci

12-05-2002, 08:13 AM

When I did ED, I flew in the day before pickup -- I wanted to make sure I wasn't feeling dazed/jetlagged when I picked up the car. Plus I used to live in Munich, so I had a few things I wanted to do that didn't need a car.

It should be possible to fly in and pick up your car the same day -- Most flights arriving in Europe from the US land between 7:30 and 11:00 am (assuming you can fly direct to Munich-- connecting from another European airport would add a couple hours, but usually still get you in by noon). Customs in Munich is a fairly quick process, so you should be able to get out of the airport in 30 min to an hour after you land.

The Munich airport is way out in the 'burbs... S-Bahn (train) takes almost an hour to get to downtown (with a connection up to the delivery center adding about 10 min). You could take a cab straight to the delivery center and be there about 30 min after you get your luggage.

At the delivery center, you sign in and then wait for your turn. I didn't arrive until about 9:30 and had to wait about an hour an a half until they delivered the car. So as long as you can arrive by 1:00-1:30 you probably shouldn't have any trouble getting the car.

I dropped my car off in Amsterdam, so I don't have any experience with EH Harms in Munich... Hope that helps.

rkny

12-05-2002, 08:26 AM

As for the drop off, I did the drive from Rothenberg to Munich on the day I left Munich, so it's definitely doable -- if I remember correctly the flight out was around 6pm or so, and the drive was a couple of hours (2 and a half hours, I want to say, but memories fade . . .). The drop off took less than half an hour. When we got to Harms it was about an hour before they closed, the fellow at Harms asked whether we needed a cab -- we told them we did -- and he called a cab which came around as we finished the paperwork and we were able to just transport the luggage from my ED car to the cab. The ride to the airport was about 30 minutes, with some traffic. Definitely a well-run operation.

beewang

12-05-2002, 08:28 AM

I think you may be cutting a lil' close time wise. Delivery center closes at 3:00 PM, and it takes some time to prep the car. Unless you have nothing but carry-on luggage, you might be able to get out of the airport by 1:00 PM and find your ride to downtown Munich.

You can take a taxi to the delivery center, but it will be costly (Around $50~$60, or euros, since they are in parody). But it will probably be a lil' faster for you, as (I am assuming) this is your first time in Munich, using the public transportation system may take a few minutes to figure it out.

The cheapest and easiest way would jump onto the S-Bahn and head out towards the main train station, get out on MariePlatz and switch to the U-bahn to Freimann. This is quite easy, but may be a lil' confusing give its your first time.

Car drop off at Harms is easy, I believe they open at 8:00 or 9:00 am. If you have the Nav, make sure you ask the guys at delivery center to program it into the memory. Just remember, when you reached Robert-Bosch Strasse, Go ALL THE WAY DOWN to the end of the street, there is a RAMP on your left that takes you up to the parking lot. Look for Parking spots that says HARMS. If you are pressing for time on your departure day, I would probably go to harms on your first day, just so you are familiarize w/ where they are at. If you do this, stop by the office and tell them that you will be back to drop off at XXX day, this way, they will start your paperwork right there and then, and will arrange to call you a cab to goto the airport on you departure day before you arrive Harms for the dropoff. All you have to do is to drop off car, take your front plates off and take out the triangle and first aid kit. :)

Hope this helps,

beewang:bigpimp:

Civi330i

12-05-2002, 08:47 AM

Just returned 2 days ago from Munich....
This was my experience...
Flight arrived in Munich at 1:00, I did not have to pick up any bags so I was in a cab at 1:15, but i believe it is still quick maybe another 20 minutes to get your bags. I was at the ED center at 1:45, and taxi was 45 euro including a 5 tip.
I would say that you should be there no later than 2:30, although even 3 would be okay...the reason the center closes early (at 3pm) is so when ED'ers arrive at 3, they can still be outta there by 4....average pickup takes about an hour. I believe mine took 40 mins as I was the only one there. They did offer me a NAV disc but i had one already.

As far as the drop off in Munich...They should give you the Munich EH Harms pamphlet when you pick up the car at EDC, if they dont just ask them for it. The detailed directions in there are 100% accurate. And i agree with what others have said...very easy and courteous process, less than an hour, they called a taxi, i was at the airport in 20 mins/40 euros. All in all...EASY!!!
Good Luck !

seivwrig

12-05-2002, 07:30 PM

I did my ED in March 2002. I got to Munich about 12 p.m. I did not have a wait for my luggage but the airport was almost empty. My passport was glanced at quickly. I think they look at my birthplace and figure that I'm another European that could not wait to get out of Europe and move to the US. I spent more time trying to figure out the machine to get the ticket for the S-Bahn/U-Bahn. I took S-Bahn (S8) to Marienplatz and the U-Bahn (U6) heading to Garching-Hockbruck. Get off at the Friemann exit. Wait to the delivery center. I was probably in the Center from 45 mins to an hour. I was on the road in my car by 3:15. Went to Niederlassung Munchen to buy some goodies. I then drove to Spangdahlem AB (near Trier) (6 hour drive). No jet lag. Did not get to sleep until about 12:30 am. (family is always glad to see visitors). The drive sucked because of the break in period. I would not advise this to anyone, but this is normally the way that I travel to Europe. I hit the ground running

seivwrig

12-05-2002, 07:31 PM

Civi330i: Did the disk work or did you get another disk? Glad to hear you are back. Post some pics.

Civi330i

12-06-2002, 06:39 AM

Roy, The disk worked fine...thanks. And I did pick-up some brochures for you...basically what BMW did was give me the 2002 brochures, each with an insert for updated 2003 prices/options/accessories. I have not mailed them yet but I will this weekend...
Am also working on posting some pics very soon!

loubct

12-10-2002, 02:50 PM

Since there will be 4 of us, it appears that taking a taxi from the Munich Airport directly to the ED Delivery Center is both the fastest and economical means of travel. It would seem that I should expect to pay app 50 euros for taxi and Bus or Bahn transportation for the 4 of us would run about the same. Been looking at flights and Lufthansa has a direct arriving at 10am. Hope ti get a good rate on that one.

Also, I see others have driven from Rothenburg to Munich on departure date and had time to drop off and still make mid afternoon flight. I have ben conteplating betwen using Munich for a first or last stop on my 10 day vacation

bimmerman11

12-21-2002, 03:42 PM

Are the dropoff locations open on weekends? My trip will start on a Wednesday and end on Sunday. Do I have to drop off my car on Friday in Munich or are they open on Saturday or Sunday?

Where can I find this information on the web?

Marc

roots

12-21-2002, 04:23 PM

Originally posted by bimmerman11
Are the dropoff locations open on weekends? My trip will start on a Wednesday and end on Sunday. Do I have to drop off my car on Friday in Munich or are they open on Saturday or Sunday?

Where can I find this information on the web?

Marc

The drop off locations are closed on weekends. However, I've read on some people's post that they were able to do weekend drop off by advance arrangement and paying some "extra charges".

You should call them up once you get in Germany and inquire about the possibility. Otherwise you'll have to drop off your car on the Friday before you leave.

The ED drop off locations are in bmwusa.com as well as in the information booklet that you'll receive with your ED packet.

ian

njbimmerman

01-16-2006, 03:19 PM

I'm planning my ED for next month. I will be staying in the Mariott Munich and have planned U-bahn from subway stop near hotel (Nordfriedhof) to Freimann on U6 (3 stops just like the bimmerfest guys said). Now the questions:

1) Is there a U-bahn stop anywhere near Harms (Robert-bosch-strasse 13)? I'll be gloing back to the Marriott.
2) Where is the BMW facory tour located (I've learned here that the tours are in English on Mondays and that they take about 2-1/2 hours). And what are the hours of the factory tour?
3) From experience, which is better - to call or email Harms in advance for the drop off date and time? or both?
4) Is it too ambitious to pick up car in the AM, do factory tour and drop off at Harms in the PM on same day? I know Harms closes at 4:00pm so I'd want to be there by 3:00.

Thanks all.
Can't wait! :thumbup:

Uncle Fester

01-16-2006, 04:23 PM

Factory tour the main factory in Munich was on a Friday when I went (in English) and was at 2pm, IIRC. So if I'm right you could not do that.

Calif65GM

01-16-2006, 04:25 PM

1) Is there a U-bahn stop anywhere near Harms (Robert-bosch-strasse 13)? I'll be gloing back to the Marriott.
2) Where is the BMW facory tour located (I've learned here that the tours are in English on Mondays and that they take about 2-1/2 hours). And what are the hours of the factory tour?
3) From experience, which is better - to call or email Harms in advance for the drop off date and time? or both?
4) Is it too ambitious to pick up car in the AM, do factory tour and drop off at Harms in the PM on same day? I know Harms closes at 4:00pm so I'd want to be there by 3:00.

Thanks all.
Can't wait! :thumbup:

Wow you brought up a post from 2002.
1. There's a stop in Garching (end of the U6-line) but no idea how far away. Theoritically, you can ask Harms to call you a cab to get to the u-bahn.
2. Depends which factory tour, you're taking. I did the Munich (3-series plant). English tour like on Tues, Thurs and Fridays. Tue and Thurs like about 5:45pm for about 2-2.5 hrs.
3. For Harms-Munich, you can pretty much just show up or tell the Delivery person at the ED Center.

JSpira

01-16-2006, 05:15 PM

4) Is it too ambitious to pick up car in the AM, do factory tour and drop off at Harms in the PM on same day? I know Harms closes at 4:00pm so I'd want to be there by 3:00.

Can't wait! :thumbup:
Can't wait for what? It sounds like you will be in your new car for 2 or 3 hours.

What is the point of going to the factory to pick up the car if you are just going to drop it off again in the p.m.?

am_ver

01-16-2006, 05:19 PM

Is there a U Bahn station near the factory tour? It doesn't seem very far from the Marriott - is Nordfridling the nearest station and is that distance walkable?

JSpira

01-16-2006, 05:25 PM

Is there a U Bahn station near the factory tour? It doesn't seem very far from the Marriott - is Nordfridling the nearest station and is that distance walkable?

You must mean Nordfriedhof (I think I can recite the order of U-6 stops from Marienplatz in my sleep after years of ,,Nächster Halt, Giselastraße``.

I seem to recall they started out at the Musem - has this changed during the renovation? The factory is behind the 4 Zyl Haus.

Calif65GM

01-16-2006, 06:15 PM

Is there a U Bahn station near the factory tour? It doesn't seem very far from the Marriott - is Nordfridling the nearest station and is that distance walkable?

If you mean the Munich Factory, it's at the end of the U2 or U3 line (Olympiastad sorry spelling). The tour entrance is like 2-blocks (around the corner) from the U-bahn stop.

You take the U6 from Nordfriedhof and transfer to the U2 or U3. I forget the name of the stop (1 before Universitat sorry spelling again). It's only like 2 or 3 stops from Nordfriedhof. I have to check my Munich tour book.

Yes the Nordfriedhof stop is like around the corner and down the street from the Marriott and Renaissance Hotels (closer to the Renaissance though).

JSpira

01-16-2006, 06:47 PM

If you mean the Munich Factory, it's at the end of the U2 or U3 line (Olympiastad sorry spelling). The tour entrance is like 2-blocks (around the corner) from the U-bahn stop.

You take the U6 from Nordfriedhof and transfer to the U2 or U3. I forget the name of the stop (1 before Universitat sorry spelling again). It's only like 2 or 3 stops from Nordfriedhof. I have to check my Munich tour book.

Yes the Nordfriedhof stop is like around the corner and down the street from the Marriott and Renaissance Hotels (closer to the Renaissance though).
You transfer at Münchner Freiheit to the U3 and take the U3 to Oly Dorf.

Calif65GM

01-16-2006, 07:59 PM

You transfer at Münchner Freiheit to the U3 and take the U3 to Oly Dorf.

thanks Jspira.

vrrooom

01-17-2006, 06:40 AM

I have taken delivery 3X from the Mariott. A couple of notes for you... it is a 3 block walk from the Mariott to the U6. Buy your ticket from the concierge very convienient. The Harms drop off is within walking distance to the U6 station, however it is 2 miles, but if the weather is nice you can walk by the M development center and BMW Individual factory on the way to the station.

marcpotash

01-17-2006, 06:50 AM

If you want to drop off when they are closed you can visit when they are open, leave a key and sign the paperwork. Thay can also arrange a cab to pick you up to take you to the airport when you actually drop off the car.

tvo7

01-17-2006, 09:48 PM

Calif65GM

01-17-2006, 10:29 PM

I was wondering, I am so busy for the next several months that I just want to do ED to save money. HAS anyone flown in, picked up the car, drive around 2-3 hours, then drop it off the same day then fly back? Anyone done this before?

Yes it's possible. Typically they do it over a long weekend. Fly in on Friday AM, pick-up and drop-off Monday AM.

I'm not sure how your body is going to feel though unless you're doing 1st class. Not exactly many non-stop flights from Vegas to Munich.

shandonguy

01-17-2006, 11:59 PM

BillKach

01-18-2006, 12:06 AM

I was wondering, I am so busy for the next several months that I just want to do ED to save money. HAS anyone flown in, picked up the car, drive around 2-3 hours, then drop it off the same day then fly back? Anyone done this before?

I did something similar but slightly less rushed last year. The extra day turns a mad rush into a fun long weekend.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84504

jon330cic

01-18-2006, 05:59 AM

Is there someone with drop off expereince in Zurich that can share their experiences. I am planning to pick up in Munch on 2/16 and drop off in Zurich on 2/28. From ViaMichelin.com it seems Zurich airport is very close to the drop off location - but any tips on getting to airport appreciated.

We just dropped off in Zurich on Jan 3rd. The dropoff location was very easy to find and the staff was friendly and efficient. The whole process only took about 15 min.

Yes, this location is about a 5 min cab ride to the airport. We were headed down to Grindelwald rather than to the airport, so we took the trains. The Glattbrugg train & bus station is directly behind the Gondrand office - about a 1 min walk. You can take the train to the Zurich airport (about 13 min), but you'll change trains once at Zürich Oerlikon. The fare is about CHF2.90/person. Whether or not this is convenient probably depends on how much luggage you've got.

One last suggestion - there are no car washes in Glattbrugg, so if you want your car to start the trip clean you'll need to find a car wash before arriving in Glattbrugg. Also, there is a Shell station just down the street from Gondrand that has 100 octane gas - like jet fuel in your new car. We filled the tank with this stuff before dropping off.

brol

01-18-2006, 09:50 AM

I just found out that the airport in Florence Italy is closed until April and I'll be departing out of Pisa instead. Pisa's 40 mi outside of Florence.

Is it possible to arrange an Italian pickup outside of the posted cities?

3/6 ED - 530xi

JSpira

01-18-2006, 10:10 AM

Calif65GM

01-18-2006, 06:14 PM