ED Journey: Over the Hills & Through the Woods

Exactly one year ago I took delivery on the fourth day of the opening of the Welt. At the time of writing this post I was just getting off the Alpenstraße onto 23 heading to Garmisch one year ago today. I have probably re-read my report and a few other great reports a few times. I can still recall each mile of our fantastic journey.

My one year review of ownership:
1. This is the most fun I have had driving a car, whether it is inward or outward I am constantly smiling while driving.
2. Umpteen compliments on the color combo.
3. Umpteen times of recounting a great trip to family, friends, friend of family, strangers, as well as directing them here for more info.
4. 15,700 post ED miles (18,000 currently)
5. 3 oil changes (one a little over break-in, one myself, one through BMW
6. 1 windshield see here: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=259440
7. Post ED drama getting ED damage fixed: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=262801
8. Plenty of BMWCCA events. Spring drive, chapterfest, volunteered w/ Street Survival, lots of socials. If you are not a member, become one: www.bmwcca.org
9. Few trips to my home State of Nu Joisey including a turn and burn to bring cousin back to college in DC and for BMFeast
10. Sold the RFs for $850. Replaced the day of redelivery w/ OEM staggerred set-up of Blizzaks LM-25s (we get very, very little snow here, so this set-up works for me). As soon as I got on the interstate is was like riding on pillows, this considering they are still low profile.
11. Purchased a set of M6 reps w/ Falkens from Modbargain as my summer set-up. The driving joy continues. The shop I used to install them only charges me $25 to rotate and re-balance. Under regular circumstances the rotation is free, but since the wheels have to be dismount ed and remounted to move them to the other side. Hence the charge.
12. Lucked out w/ getting a great SA @ Passport, Stephen Heath. Even after the BS I had to deal w/ concerning my contract, I still take Cooper to MD. They treat their service waaaaaay better than the finance guys treat customers.
13. Mods: brushed aluminum shifter, e-brake, pedals; Euro-split armrest, self-installed OEM alarm system, xenon interior lights
14. 1 warning for speeding 87 in 65 (I think officer found the zoll plate and the fact I picked the car up in Munchen more interesting + I pulled over before he was even off the median). 1 tix 45 in 25 non-residential for speeding in DC. I am fighting this one. Way to much traffic for him to say it was me.
15. Still having fun w/ all the photo equipment I purchased a few months before the trip.
16. 2 trip out to Shenandoah Nat'l Park and Skyline Dr.
17. Found out about the dreaded 29.2 software update before it was too late.

So all in all my first yr of ownership has been a blast and have no regrets. The ED experience just adds to the memories I have had since Bernard handed me the fob. Every time I look at my car knowing it drove Jaufen & Stelvio Passes (those that read the report know the comedic stroy behind Stelvio Pass), drove der Nurburgring, hit 155 will keep these memories fresh in my mind and a smile on my face.

PS If you want to comment on my write-up or ask me a question, pls post it here. A few people have PM'ed me questions instead of posting them here and I have posted the answers here. Keep in mind that no matter how old the thread, every report has info that may be helpful to another person. So your question may be one that another members was curious about. This advice would go for any other report you may stumble upon.

very nice!

Thanks

wow. i read the first two pages, and then skipped ahead to page #8, not sure if i could read through 6 more pages of what is surely the longest and most detailed ed trip report in the history of mankind.

Originally Posted by hts

wow. i read the first two pages, and then skipped ahead to page #8, not sure if i could read through 6 more pages of what is surely the longest and most detailed ed trip report in the history of mankind.

Just missed some really good stuff.

I want to thank you for the incredible detail in the reporting of your trip. I feel like I was there. Your comments will help me tremendously and I really appreciate the effort you put forth. The car is beautiful.

PARDON THE EDIT:

My mom came over to watch the kids and I had her read the entire post as this upcoming trip to Europe is really for her, and the car is a side add-on, really. She was just so blown away and impressed. You made her smile, and laugh, and I thank you for that. She's really looking forward to the trip and your detail allowed her to peek into your experience.

Thanks again~

Over the last few years few report stand up - yours is one of them. Thank you for sharing!

This thread is a classic, and an inspiration!

Originally Posted by BMR2009

I want to thank you for the incredible detail in the reporting of your trip. I feel like I was there. Your comments will help me tremendously and I really appreciate the effort you put forth. The car is beautiful.

PARDON THE EDIT:

My mom came over to watch the kids and I had her read the entire post as this upcoming trip to Europe is really for her, and the car is a side add-on, really. She was just so blown away and impressed. You made her smile, and laugh, and I thank you for that. She's really looking forward to the trip and your detail allowed her to peek into your experience.

Thanks again~

Thanks for the kind words. I am glad people are still getting a kick out of, as well as, useful info from my trip.

Originally Posted by MB330

Over the last few years few report stand up - yours is one of them. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you, Thank you.

Yes, it will be a hard feat for someone to surpass your great ED report. I remember it like it was yesterday. What I vividly remember was how you clearly stated for no one to post a reply so that you could finish the report in its entirety.

I think I also sat down in one sitting and read the whole thing as my ED was coming up; I needed something to contain myself, being so antsy...

Originally Posted by bagbklyn

Yes, it will be a hard feat for someone to surpass your great ED report. I remember it like it was yesterday. What I vividly remember was how you clearly stated for no one to post a reply so that you could finish the report in its entirety.

I think I also sat down in one sitting and read the whole thing as my ED was coming up; I needed something to contain myself, being so antsy...

The surprising part was people actually listened to my request to wait.

I just finished reading your entire report for the first time just now, over 1 year since your trip. What an amazing experience! I loved your comical insights and photos. Thanks!

Sorry I meant to send a PM.

Originally Posted by LM2010

Sorry I meant to send a PM.

PM sent

I just finished reading your ED experience, WOW. As others have stated, I felt like I was there with you. Great job. I have been lucky enough to experience 2 ED's, my first in 2003, spending 3 weeks in Europe, mostly Germany and Switzerland and my second in 2008, both times E60's. I travel to Germany at least once a year to see my SO (long distance relationship would be an understatement). I love GERMANY and I find my self constantly saying how brillant they are when I experience something that we should do here in the USA. I hope to retire to Munich someday. I just received confirmation of my delivery date for my 3rd ED, an F10 550i, July 30, this time I am taking my 15 yo son, first time in Europe for him, I think he is really excited about going, I know I am. Was able to secure two business class tickets on Lufthansa so I know that will be a huge part of the experience. I just had to share how awesome I thought your story was and how it made me re-live my delivery experiences. If you have any maps you can share with me regarding Stelvio, that would be great, I am putting the itinerary together now, and I want to make sure I get in several Mt. Passes.

Originally Posted by kenhamm

I just finished reading your ED experience, WOW. As others have stated, I felt like I was there with you. Great job. I have been lucky enough to experience 2 ED's, my first in 2003, spending 3 weeks in Europe, mostly Germany and Switzerland and my second in 2008, both times E60's. I travel to Germany at least once a year to see my SO (long distance relationship would be an understatement). I love GERMANY and I find my self constantly saying how brillant they are when I experience something that we should do here in the USA. I hope to retire to Munich someday. I just received confirmation of my delivery date for my 3rd ED, an F10 550i, July 30, this time I am taking my 15 yo son, first time in Europe for him, I think he is really excited about going, I know I am. Was able to secure two business class tickets on Lufthansa so I know that will be a huge part of the experience. I just had to share how awesome I thought your story was and how it made me re-live my delivery experiences. If you have any maps you can share with me regarding Stelvio, that would be great, I am putting the itinerary together now, and I want to make sure I get in several Mt. Passes.

First thanks for the great feed back.
I don't have any maps, I can give you the route I took to get to Stelvio if that helps. Let me know.

Wow, what a report!

Great stuff, the fact you kept up the detail for such a long trip is amazing.

Fantastic write up of a first class experience!! Thanks for sharing.