Cannot make it to ED, what's next?

[They-si]

Early this year I have ordered 335ci and was supposed to pick it up in munich on 19th Feb (yeah next week...). Now i am faced with some unavoidable circumstances and wil not be able to make it. I am stuck for another 2 months... cannot take time off from work.
What options does this leave me with.... Am I in deep $#!t? Plz help!!!! What would be the additional cost I would incurr? Any penalties? What's the best way out? Also, how much would it delay the delivery (to USA) process?

How to tackle the dealer?

### why is it always meeeee###

[jcatral14]

Can't you take even one day off? Fly in on Sunday, pick up first thing Monday, drive to Harms and head to the airport. Fly back and be home by Monday night :)

[Calif65GM]

You better contact your CA ASAP. Maybe they can get the car transferred from the ED pool into your dealer's allocation and that may save you some time.

Sorry to hear about your problem. :cry:

[johnc_22]

You better contact your CA ASAP.+1
The sooner your CA knows of your situation the more time they have to react in your favor.

[mapezzul]

Best case is you get your car delivered to your dealer and you pay based on US delivery, but you need to tell them ASAP. Your car may already be in transport to the delivery center in which case I am not sure what penalty you may incur as you waited to tell them now. You should call your CA ASAP.

Best of luck:thumbup:

[beewang]

Early this year I have ordered 335ci and was supposed to pick it up in munich on 19th Feb (yeah next week...). Now i am faced with some unavoidable circumstances and wil not be able to make it. I am stuck for another 2 months... cannot take time off from work.
What options does this leave me with.... Am I in deep $#!t? Plz help!!!! What would be the additional cost I would incurr? Any penalties? What's the best way out? Also, how much would it delay the delivery (to USA) process?

How to tackle the dealer?

### why is it always meeeee###


Please check your PM

[JSpira]

Please check your PMWanna tell US what you told him please? Pretty please? This is a question that doesn't come up every day so if you have an idea of what is next, please do tell. Danke!

[They-si]

I had my trip planned for a week. Flying into Frankfurt on the 17th, pickup on the 19th and enjoying the drive until 23 (drop off) and back. I had already got the tickets for the entire week. Checked with the airline carrier to reschedule the trip and fly on the 17th and back on the 19-20th, they are asking for $1400 (change fee = $200 + diff in fare = $1200). So I had to cancel it, not a 100% refund either. Had to cancel the hotel reservation too (=$100) for the first night (I was given a reason of discount rates are not refundable) puff...I am goin to the dealer tommorow with my fingures crossed!!!

No matter what, for my next bimmer (6series) I WILL take an ED!

[Asteroid]

Hey They-si,
Sorry for your troubles, but didn't you already have to pay for your car (or sign the lease documents)? Whatever your situation may be it's too bad that you could not find out sooner.

[They-si]

Yeah, I did pay for the car on an ED program and not the US price. I think I got $2500 discount. So if I am not able to take the european delivery then I have to come up with the difference in amount. Not sure if that answers ur question!

[Bombay Jay]

Isn't this the situation where they hold the car there for Jspira and you have to keep making the payments?:dunno:

[They-si]

Isn't this the situation where they hold the car there for Jspira and you have to keep making the payments?:dunno:

I didnt get you? Has any one been in this situation before, if yes plz let me know! I am visiting the dealer in a couple of hrs, wil let u guys know whatz the outcome!

[They-si]

ok, an update: Checked with the sale rep. he did not have much information. He will have to contact the BMW NA (NJ) to check what I am supposed to do. Also he did mention something about my car being "held" in Munich. Well he did not qualify the word "held". Any one knows what's that suppose to mean?

[BayAreaBMWFan]

I didnt get you? Has any one been in this situation before, if yes plz let me know! I am visiting the dealer in a couple of hrs, wil let u guys know whatz the outcome!

He is just kidding. JSpira picks up a lot of cars...

You should be able to fly out on a Saturday and fly back on Monday which is holiday and not have to take time off work. Try using your FF miles. Also try flying in/out of FRA since there are a lot more flights or connecting through LHR. You may want to get a brand new ticket and use the value of the current ticket for some future travel.

[JSpira]

Isn't this the situation where they hold the car there for Jspira and you have to keep making the payments?:dunno:
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[mason]

Early this year I have ordered 335ci and was supposed to pick it up in munich on 19th Feb (yeah next week...). Now i am faced with some unavoidable circumstances and wil not be able to make it. I am stuck for another 2 months... cannot take time off from work.
What options does this leave me with.... Am I in deep $#!t? Plz help!!!! What would be the additional cost I would incurr? Any penalties? What's the best way out? Also, how much would it delay the delivery (to USA) process?

How to tackle the dealer?

### why is it always meeeee###

OK, Feb 19 is President Day. Most companies give the employee a day off. You can take off on Sunday night (Delta has direct to MUC from ALT). You get there on Monday morning, pick up the car and drop off at MADA and head to the airport for an afternoon flight. You will be back by Monday night.

Don't mind me asking. What sector are you in that forbids from taking President day off?

[JSpira]

Don't mind me asking. What sector are you in that forbids from taking President day off?I was thinking the same thing.

[LoneStarM3]

Early this year I have ordered 335ci and was supposed to pick it up in munich on 19th Feb (yeah next week...). Now i am faced with some unavoidable circumstances and wil not be able to make it. I am stuck for another 2 months... cannot take time off from work.
What options does this leave me with.... Am I in deep $#!t? Plz help!!!! What would be the additional cost I would incurr? Any penalties? What's the best way out? Also, how much would it delay the delivery (to USA) process?

How to tackle the dealer?

### why is it always meeeee###

You might check whether they can just hold the car at Munich till you are able to get over.
Might be a storage fee, but I bet this has happened before.
As slick as the delivery system is, it is hard to believe they couldn't adapt to a different date.

(or you might get some old retired alrline pilot with passes to go over and pick it up for you:) )

[chrischeung]

OK, Feb 19 is President Day. Most companies give the employee a day off. You can take off on Sunday night (Delta has direct to MUC from ALT). You get there on Monday morning, pick up the car and drop off at MADA and head to the airport for an afternoon flight. You will be back by Monday night.

Don't mind me asking. What sector are you in that forbids from taking President day off?

Off the top of my head, if you were deployed in a military capacity, you're personal time may be inflexible.

[alen]

on a side note, im wondering what would happen if:

pick up is fine, but on the day of drop off, there's a snowstorm

can i have my car towed to harms?
..also regarding the drop off paperwork, i can get those taken care of the day of pickup right?
how long does drop off usually take?

[JSpira]

(or you might get some old retired alrline pilot with passes to go over and pick it up for you:) )
know any? :rofl:

[Tanning machine]

Off the top of my head, if you were deployed in a military capacity, you're personal time may be inflexible.


Or if you're a lawyer, and you have a large trial coming up. Or you're putting together a deal/transaction and you're running numbers/reviewing details for an extended period. If you're on the "team" you don't take days off, and certainly not to fly to Europe, even with a 36 hour turn-around.

Unfortunately, at least in the U.S., there are jobs that can require work 7 days a week for extended periods of time.

ETA: I have to imagine this is not the first time BMW has confronted this question. I expect they have several options, and some flexibility (although probably less when it involves work, as compared to, e.g., death in the family). As I recall, after 9/11, they delivered the cars to everyone in the U.S. who didn't want to travel after 9/11. This obviously isn't that situation, but it's not like they are totally, inalterably requiring a Munich pickup.

[jfulcher]

I don't get president's day off. Most private sector companies don't. None that I have ever worked for have. Mostly banks, government, schools, etc give that day off.

[cwsqbm]

Don't mind me asking. What sector are you in that forbids from taking President day off?

I know I can't take next Monday off - we have meetings before our annual trade show appearance the next day. Most private sector companys don't give President's Day off.

[guppyflyer]

know any? :rofl:

Howz about active airline pilots........of course I would have to test it thoroughly on the autobahn. :D Quality control of course.

Erik

[FyteOn]

When I was an I-banker the only holiday I got off was Christmas - and that was only because there were enough jewish guys in my group to cover for me (we got a half-day for Thanksgiving). Taking the subway on New Year's Day morning to be at work at 10am was awesome, let me assure you.

[They-si]

Well, its easier to lol at some one else's pain...anyways

Another update of u guys...

Basically have two options:

1. Take my arse to Munich and get the delivery (only way to get my car to US or shud I say only way to get my car)
2. Cancel the order + pay a $500 fine and restart the entire process once again, this time with a US delivery

Pretty sure now I cannot make it to Munich...(+ the airfares are ridiculously highhh) and if I cancel (I am not worried abt the fine) I will have to go thru the pain of waiting another 2 months (if not more) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

So not sure what I am going to do....tending towards getting a used 6 instead of a new 3. Check'd with the dealer, nothing is available in US close to my car configuration. If I go with a 335i I will have to reorder...that's it i guess

[JSpira]

Fine? Who gets the money? The dealer or BMW NA?

[Whiskarina]

I will be picking up my car on 2/23.

It is possible for me to pick up your car on this date and drop it off directly at Harms?

I don't want to commit myself to do this yet without finding all the facts yet... but is it even possible?



Whiskarina :)

[mason]

OK, you guys make a point. (I will be working from home on Monday)

[They-si]

I think its BMW NA, would be a really bad question for the sales guy right now! He might be pissed on losing out on his comissions

[JSpira]

I will be picking up my car on 2/23.

It is possible for me to pick up your car on this date and drop it off directly at Harms?

I don't want to commit myself to do this yet without finding all the facts yet... but is it even possible?



Whiskarina :)
NEIN

[They-si]

I will be picking up my car on 2/23.

It is possible for me to pick up your car on this date and drop it off directly at Harms?

I don't want to commit myself to do this yet without finding all the facts yet... but is it even possible?



Whiskarina :)

That quite generous! thx for the offer, I doubt if that is even possible. If it could be done I am pretty sure guys here can find frinds in Munich who can take the delivery and drop the car off w/o the owner stepping out of his house and save ~$2500. Wud not make any sense

Also, Whiskarina, its a stick shift that I had ordered not sure if ur used to driving stick here in the US ;)

[Whiskarina]

Good luck!!

For the record, I can also drive a stick shift.

Whiskarina :)

[Northcar]

Where there is a will there is a way. At the very least your dealer should knock off $500 on your next purchase be it ED or from inventory or US ordered.

[JSpira]

Where there is a will there is a way. At the very least your dealer should knock off $500 on your next purchase be it ED or from inventory or US ordered.
I got the feeling the dealer was the one levying the $500 fine!

[ATL_Architect]

Or if you're a lawyer, and you have a large trial coming up. Or you're putting together a deal/transaction and you're running numbers/reviewing details for an extended period. If you're on the "team" you don't take days off, and certainly not to fly to Europe, even with a 36 hour turn-around.

Unfortunately, at least in the U.S., there are jobs that can require work 7 days a week for extended periods of time.

+1 ....and that usually means 12 to 14 hours a day / 7 days a week :thumbdwn:

[Calif65GM]

LOL I have Monday off.

BTW anyone needing a 335 coupe 6MT for ED on short notice- it appears one just feel into the ED pool :angel:

They-si: What are the specs on your 35 coupe?

[CK530]

The best way to get your car is to fly out on the 17th as original plan. Pick up the car on Monday the 19th, drop off at MADA and head straight to the airport. Go straight to your airline counter and tell the agent you have a family emergency back home at the State and you need to fly out ASAP. If the agent says no, then ask to speak to a supervisor.
This work about 99% of the time according to my brother-in-law (District manager for Liberty Travel). He also mentioned that if you used a travel agent, have the agent call the airline on Sunday or Monday and have everything set up for you before you get to the airport. He mentioned that airlines usually accomodate family emergency and the best part is they won't charge you a fee. If you use a different airline flying home, then there is a charge.

I'm flying out on the 17th, landing on the 18th and picking up my 530i on Monday 19th, drop off at MADA and head straight to the airport. I have my own business and I'll be working before I head to the airport and closing my business after landing on Monday night.

US MSRP $56,440, Cap Cost $50,120. Monthly payment $480, 36/12K with 7 MSDs. It was very hard to turn down this deal.

[JSpira]

Go straight to your airline counter and tell the agent you have a family emergency back home at the State and you need to fly out ASAP. If the agent says no, then ask to speak to a supervisor.

This is extraordinarily deceitful and just plain wrong. :thumbdwn:

[spots]

This is extraordinarily deceitful and just plain wrong. :thumbdwn:


x2

[mason]

I will be picking up my car on 2/23.

It is possible for me to pick up your car on this date and drop it off directly at Harms?

I don't want to commit myself to do this yet without finding all the facts yet... but is it even possible?

Whiskarina :)


Heck yes, I can throw away those break-in rules and rev up the engine.


This is extraordinarily deceitful and just plain wrong. :thumbdwn:


That's ok, the world is gray!

[Northcar]

Actually, the airlines really don't care about an early return. All they are going to give you is what amounts to an empty seat and from their perspective it is treated as a standby. By filling the empty seat on your early return it opens up another seat that you would have used that they may not have otherwise been able to sell. I have never had to pay a change fee when I have been willing to return on a standby basis. All bets are off though if you have to have the comfort of a guaranteed change in return date and actually change the reservation. Best advice is to get some indication of what flights back have the most empty seats and stand by for those.

[Tanning machine]

Actually, the airlines really don't care about an early return. All they are going to give you is what amounts to an empty seat and from their perspective it is treated as a standby. By filling the empty seat on your early return it opens up another seat that you would have used that they may not have otherwise been able to sell.

Even so, a number of them have started charging $25 or more for the standby privilege, at least domestically. Obnoxious, of course, but they figure you want the seat enough to pay something for it.

[SignHere]

We've had cases of a customer being unable to make it to Germany for whatever reason and ED can send the car through, although it does become a US delivery. I believe they can also keep the car and sell it to someone who would like to do an ED, but no time for build. I don't think you can have someone go to Munich on your behalf, otherwise some enterprising young German would set up ED's for US citizens for a fee, and obviously that is not what BMW intended the program for.

[335i Driver]

This is extraordinarily deceitful and just plain wrong. :thumbdwn:

Not only that, but it won't work. At least if it's a different day. If it's same day travel you can go stand by, but don't expect it to work for a day earlier. I travel constantly and I've actually had a family emergency twice and been basically told by both american and US Air basically to pay $500 or go to hell.

In fact, the ticket agent at American made the change for me for $100 change fee. But, when I got to the gate I was stopped, asked to pay an additional $600 and told if I didn't and tried to get on the plane, they would call security. This was right in front of everyone boarding the plane. I will never fly American again.

So, maybe this stuff worked 15 years ago when airlines made $, but not today.

[Northcar]

Thanks for the alert. I have never been that fond of American anyway. It seems they set the standard for low service which everyone else has now copied. If I recall correctly they were the first to yank pillows too. Changing a reservation is one thing, but being willing to suffer the inconvenience of standby is something else regardless of the travel day. Once I missed a flight due to my rental car keys getting locked in the car and another time due to a connecting flight on another airline being cancelled. In both instances the airlines went out of their way to accomodate me even though neither had anything to do with the delays. Same thing when returning from Europe when our Luftansa flight from Munich to Frankfurt was delayed due to de-icing causing us to miss the Northwest trans-atlantic flight out of Frankfurt.

[JSpira]

Thanks for the alert. I have never been that fond of American anyway. It seems they set the standard for low service which everyone else has now copied. If I recall correctly they were the first to yank pillows too. Changing a reservation is one thing, but being willing to suffer the inconvenience of standby is something else regardless of the travel day. Once I missed a flight due to my rental car keys getting locked in the car and another time due to a connecting flight on another airline being cancelled. In both instances the airlines went out of their way to accomodate me even though neither had anything to do with the delays. Same thing when returning from Europe when our Luftansa flight from Munich to Frankfurt was delayed due to de-icing causing us to miss the Northwest trans-atlantic flight out of Frankfurt.

I recently went to Paris on American for a very quick trip and was very happy (I fly AA a lot but I haven't flown into CDG in ages). They have redone the 767-300 cabins and introduced a New Generation Business Class Seat (there is no first class on the plane, just BC and main cabin). They did an extraordinary job on the seats; to start with they are made by Recaro. They are comfortable, the service was incredible, and the food was pretty good for airline food.

Since I fly a lot, my take on airlines is really quite simple: they all have good moments and bad.

Regarding family emergencies, I think that the airlines realized a long time ago that this is not something that could be documented so they no longer have provisions for this. I think the only thing they make provisions for is a death in the family and they sometimes offer bereavement fares.

Personally, I don't see why the airline should give me a special rate for a family emergency which is beyond their control anyway. One person's family emergency is another person's minor issue.

[They-si]

Quick update... I had to make a quick trip to munich on the 16th, pickedup the car, drove a little bit and dropped off on the 19th. That was the only way I could get my bebe home! Still covering up the mess it caused at work., things getting better now! check out one of my other post's "Vessel: TOLEDO"

[Tanning machine]

Quick update... I had to make a quick trip to munich on the 16th, pickedup the car, drove a little bit and dropped off on the 19th. That was the only way I could get my bebe home! Still covering up the mess it caused at work., things getting better now! check out one of my other post's "Vessel: TOLEDO"

Hey, as long as you don't get fired . . .
:D

[JSpira]

Quick update... I had to make a quick trip to munich on the 16th, pickedup the car, drove a little bit and dropped off on the 19th. That was the only way I could get my bebe home! Still covering up the mess it caused at work., things getting better now! check out one of my other post's "Vessel: TOLEDO"

How did you do in terms of fees for changing flights etc?

[jcatral14]

Glad you picked the car up in Munich :thumbup:
Any pics or write-up albeit short?

[Northcar]

Alls well that ends well?