Where is luggage kept?

[Teach]

Sorry if I'm a bit anal retentive, but now that I have my date of March 19 set for an informative and fun day at the PDC, I have too much time to think about little details.
First I was concerned about whether or not they would allow me to bring license plates on the plane (flying in from Milwaukee), but I called TSA and they say it's not a problem.

Now I'm worrying about what to do with my luggage after we get picked up at the Marriott to go to the PDC.
Do I leave it at the hotel and then go back for it? Or, do I bring it with me to the PDC? If it's the latter, where is the luggage kept? (In the back of my new Deep Sea Blue 535xi ? :D) If any of you other people have gone through this anxiety, do you have any other tips about things that you obsessed over that ended up not being a big problem? Or better yet, any things that you wish that you had considered before you flew down?

This is my first BMW and I've really enjoyed learning about my car and other BMWs from all the knowledgeable people on this board. But, since I am a newbie, if I'm asking questions that have already been addressed, maybe one of you could be so kind as to direct me to the right thread or forum?

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this site and especially this forum.

Teach

(A special thank you to Jonathan for holding my hand through some of my registration angst. :thumbup:

[cjfreitag]

They hold it at the PDC. It sits back behind the desk manned by a big, burly security guard. I left mine there (including my briefcase with my MacBook Pro) with total piece of mind. And since my delivery actually took place in the beautiful lobby it was easy to get to my iPod and phone to get everything connect (by the ever-popular Jonathan Stribble!).

The whole operation is first class even down to these little details. Have a gas!

[Rubber Ducky]

Yes, is kept at PDC. But you might consider booking an extra night (your cost) at the Marriott - the delivery day is pretty fast paced while your at PDC especially if the factory is open for tour. I've done it both ways and will opt for the extra night in any future PDC deliveries.

BTW, if you are on Mariott Rewards, give the front desk your Rewards number when you check in and Marriott will credit your account for the night's stay, even though BMW paid for it.

[cjfreitag]

I'd respectfully disagree with RD. The factory tour won't be open yet, and depending on how the day goes you'll be done between 2 and 3. There is plenty of time (and light) to take a nice drive up to Asheville and spend a night there. Well worth the trip, and a very pretty and fun drive if you take Jonathan's route.

I think cooling my heels for another night in Greenville would have driven me nuts. I wanted to DRIVE!

[Rubber Ducky]

I'd respectfully disagree with RD. The factory tour won't be open yet, and depending on how the day goes you'll be done between 2 and 3. There is plenty of time (and light) to take a nice drive up to Asheville and spend a night there. Well worth the trip, and a very pretty and fun drive if you take Jonathan's route.

I think cooling my heels for another night in Greenville would have driven me nuts. I wanted to DRIVE!
YMMV...

[The BoatMan]

Im going to be brutally honest with you....It's a first class operation all the way. Im not meaning to trivalize your questions but there is really no reason to worry about a thing when doing PCD. Try and relax and enjoy the trip. If anything happens to come up it will be handled.

[I-Won-Today]

Thanks for all the compliments :thumbup:

You'll have a letter awaiting your arrival at the hotel which will give you all the information you need regarding breakfast the morning of your delivery, what to do when you checkout, and what time the shuttle will leave to bring everyone over.

Just an FYI to future readers, we do have some customers that drive to the hotel and leave their other vehicle there with the luggage. That is also acceptable, but please be sure to bring your plates and registration information with you.

[Teach]

Thanks to all for the advice.

My angst is lot better now. :)

After the PDC, since I'll be over half way to Florida, I'll be heading down to see my daughter in Orlando. And like CJ, I wanna get some drive time in.:drive:

We'll probably head about 100 miles south and stay at a less expensive motel. I want to get to the motel fairly early because I don't really enjoy driving at night. I make it practice not to drive on the Interstate, unless there is no other choice, and rural roads can get dangerous after dark between animals, drunks, and falling temps.

I know that I'll be getting the best introduction to my car possible by the PDC staff, but being the anal retentive guy that I am, I want to get to the motel early enough to review some of the things discussed at the PDC in the Owner's Manual. :)


Thanks Again. :grouphug:

Teach

[need4speed]

I don't think you told us the date of delivery. Falling temps. may not be an issue. In SC you are more likely to need your AC than your heater in April. That is not to say bad weather is not possible, just not likely. I would offer one other bit of local wisdom. The terrain in the upstate changes radically in the Greenville-Spartanburg area. If you drive 30 minutes North you are in the mountains, lots of twisties, scenic over looks. If you drive South toward Columbia (and Florida) it gets very flat very quickly. If you like a long fairly flat straight drive(cruise control driving) you will be happy. If you want to do some "spirited driving" you may want to stay that extra day and head to Asheville, Brevard or Highlands NC. Cheers.

[Teach]

Need4speed,

I appreciate the advice, but not to worry. I've driven in the area before by car and motorcycle. I will be on two laners going south, and then on the return trip we will come back through the mountains and possibly Tail of the Dragon, :D as I take the long way to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge so my wife can shop. :cry: Then I'll take all the back roads that I can find in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana on the way back to IL.

Being a new car that I want to break in the right way, I will not be using cruise.

I pick up my 535xi March 19.

Teach

[GeorgeT]

If you're worried about luggage, you would have a serious probems on the Plant Tour - your cell phone is collected and held until you finish the tour. I think the same big, burly guard that oversees your luggage searches makes overseas call on your phone.

Really, it's nothing to worry about: like the previous reply, it is a first class operation and BMW is not about to have it's reputation ruined by lost/stolen luggage. I had my cell phone fall from my pocket during the driving portion of the delivery and did not notice until the actual delivery was being made and we went to pair the phone with the car. The delivery person simple called someone who went to the car I used and retrieved my phone wihin minutes of the call.