Spartansburg (performance center delivery

thd13 · 09-08-2005, 10:36 AM

Hello all,
New member here and first time BMWbuyer. You all are great and I thank everyone for such valuable information that has helped me tremendously through my buying experience. I have one quick question to ask.
I am sure many enthusiasts here have done the Spartansburg delivery. Can you all post your experiences and suggestions and comments on your trip? If this is a repost, I am sorry. Thank you all.

THD

segfault · 09-08-2005, 09:28 PM

I did the Performance Center Delivery (PCD). It was awesome. Your only cost is getting to Spartanburg, and the fuel on the return trip. The accomodations at the Marriott are first-class. You get time on the practice track in a car similar to your own, under the supervision of an instructor. You get a very thorough delivery of the car, and drive over to the factory for a tour.

I have been to the Performance Center driving school (2-day) before doing the delivery. Both times, there was some sort of special treat that wasn't on the agenda. At the driving school (in 2001), we took turns driving each car in a "BMW buffet" consisting of a Z3, 325iT, M3, M coupe, and X5. At the delivery, we were offered a ride in an E39 M5 with a professional driver. It's not something that's guaranteed, but I think they try to do some sort of bonus with each group. Bonus or not, the track time is the most fun and memorable part of the experience!

I highly recommend PCD to anyone who can take a couple of days vacation to do it.

ward · 09-09-2005, 12:15 AM

can you do this with any car??

I thought it was only for M cars or the cars built at spartanburg

thd13 · 09-09-2005, 07:57 AM

Ward, I believe you can do this with any car. Thanks Segfault! How long was the Track segment? How long was the whole day? I am trying to get an idea of how long I would be in SC for that day.

Kimo · 09-09-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thd13

Ward, I believe you can do this with any car. Thanks Segfault! How long was the Track segment? How long was the whole day? I am trying to get an idea of how long I would be in SC for that day.

First . . . please change your "my other ride . . ." thing. It's offensive.

Any new BMW -- regardless of model -- can be delivered at the VPC. Some models, i.e. the 6er, have a special course that comes with the purchase. The e90 does not, and the Delivery is the same as any other model, except that they put you in an e90 for the track time. You'll be out by 3-ish. The whole thing is done first class -- we just did it on Aug. 29th. The track time consists of high speed ABS braking runs, and skid pad runs with and without DSC. It's very enlightening. The track time is about 1.5 to 2 hours -- including the classroom chalk talk and the waiting for other drivers to take their turns. You will not, however, take an e90 out on the loop and do high speed runs, so don't take your Jeff Gordon shirt. The delivery -- in your own glass enclosed room with a delivery specialist -- is another 2 hours, and the Zentrum/Plant tour is another 2 hours.
If you are within a reasonable drive to Spartangurg, you should do it. It makes the delivery very special. My wife loved it.
Mike

F32Fleet · 09-09-2005, 09:47 AM

Try to coordinate your delivery with the driving school. They have top knotch instructors up there.

bimmer4me · 09-09-2005, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socom

Try to coordinate your delivery with the driving school. They have top knotch instructors up there.

I thought the driving school was included no matter what!?!

F32Fleet · 09-09-2005, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer4me

I thought the driving school was included no matter what!?!

I don't know if it is or isn't.

Kimo · 09-09-2005, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer4me

I thought the driving school was included no matter what!?!

No.
The driving school(s) -- there are several different schools -- are 1 or 2 day events that cost you several hundred bucks. The track time that is included with the PCD is only a short "fam" -- and is included as part of the overall delivery.
More here: http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/...center/default

thd13 · 09-09-2005, 12:38 PM

How many other new owners were there? Did your guest also get a chance to drive or ride? Do they get to go through everything with you?

england1987 · 11-30-2005, 03:20 PM

I haven't done the delivery, but I have done a couple of courses there. I have done the new driver course twice. The new driver course is great, but I wish that they would only put 1 person too a car because you spend less time in the "ultimate" driving seat. However, when I did the "other roads" course, they only put one person too a car. The X5 handles a lot better than I was expecting. We spent most of the time on the track. We only went off road for the last 30 or so minutes (which was fine by me). The off road course is lacking adventure, but the track is great. Well worth the experience.

LEDZEP · 11-30-2005, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by segfault

I did the Performance Center Delivery (PCD). It was awesome. Your only cost is getting to Spartanburg, and the fuel on the return trip. The accomodations at the Marriott are first-class. You get time on the practice track in a car similar to your own, under the supervision of an instructor. You get a very thorough delivery of the car, and drive over to the factory for a tour.

I have been to the Performance Center driving school (2-day) before doing the delivery. Both times, there was some sort of special treat that wasn't on the agenda. At the driving school (in 2001), we took turns driving each car in a "BMW buffet" consisting of a Z3, 325iT, M3, M coupe, and X5. At the delivery, we were offered a ride in an E39 M5 with a professional driver. It's not something that's guaranteed, but I think they try to do some sort of bonus with each group. Bonus or not, the track time is the most fun and memorable part of the experience!

I highly recommend PCD to anyone who can take a couple of days vacation to do it.

Sounds fun! Might have to consider that next time. Although the next BMW I buy will probably be the M3 I promised Jason!

pharmb · 11-30-2005, 08:05 PM

I took performance center delivery last month and it was amazing! I had a blast. I think they've stopped the factory tours until the hard top Z4 comes out because we saw a prototype by mistake, and they freaked out a little. I'm sure they'll substitute something in place of that though, and I would definately do the PCD again!!

Good luck & have fun.

Jason · 11-30-2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Sounds fun! Might have to consider that next time. Although the next BMW I buy will probably be the M3 I promised Jason!

After seeing photos of your house, I'll be happy to be adopted.. nice house to live in and M3 to drive

rmorin49 · 12-19-2006, 06:45 PM

Has anyone picked up their car at the SC factory in the last month or so? Is the delivery process still the same? Includes one night stay before delivery? Please post or PM me with details. Thanks.

valeram · 12-19-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pharmb

I took performance center delivery last month and it was amazing! I had a blast. I think they've stopped the factory tours until the hard top Z4 comes out because we saw a prototype by mistake, and they freaked out a little. I'm sure they'll substitute something in place of that though, and I would definately do the PCD again!!

Good luck & have fun.

My wife and I will do it on the 19th of January and the letter mentioned that the factory tour is suspended for now because of new model production. I am looking forward into it.

bonedaddy1977 · 12-19-2006, 07:52 PM

I'm doing it on January 18th and can't wait.

pseto · 12-20-2006, 06:25 AM

I did PCD right before Thanksgiving and its basically the same. No tours when I went, but they should be starting Jan 8th. I was so lucky when I went because they still had a fleet of new X5s from the week before marketing campaign. Since there were no tours at the time, they let us take them on the track and off-road course. It was a lot more fun than driving the 330s

fueledbymetal · 12-20-2006, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmorin49

Has anyone picked up their car at the SC factory in the last month or so? Is the delivery process still the same?

Here's a link to my trip from October:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34488

rmorin49 · 12-20-2006, 05:23 PM

Thanks to fueledby metal. I think you have convinced me to do a factory delivery. I have relatives in Greenville, SC so I can combine it with a visit as well. Sounds like a great opportunity.

SpiralOut · 12-20-2006, 10:40 PM

So when you schedule a PC delivery and they give you a date... how do they know that your car will actually be there by the date they give you? Seems like some cars get stuck at VPC or somewhere along the line and can sometimes get delayed by days or weeks and looks like they schedule these days up to like a month in advance.

fueledbymetal · 12-21-2006, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmorin49

Thanks to fueledby metal. I think you have convinced me to do a factory delivery. I have relatives in Greenville, SC so I can combine it with a visit as well. Sounds like a great opportunity.

Have fun, you won't regret it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ismithnc

So when you schedule a PC delivery and they give you a date... how do they know that your car will actually be there by the date they give you? ...

There's usually a buffer of a week or two between when your car arrives in the states and when your scheduled delivery date is, so I think that helps prevent any potential delays. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the PCD cars get preferential treatment at the VPC to make sure they arrive on time.

I have yet to hear of somebody's car being delayed for the PCD, so I think they have their system down.

09-08-2005, 10:36 AM	#1
thd13 Major 46 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Spartansburg (performance center delivery - PCD) Delivery Hello all, New member here and first time BMWbuyer. You all are great and I thank everyone for such valuable information that has helped me tremendously through my buying experience. I have one quick question to ask. I am sure many enthusiasts here have done the Spartansburg delivery. Can you all post your experiences and suggestions and comments on your trip? If this is a repost, I am sorry. Thank you all. THD __________________ My other ride is your mom.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-08-2005, 09:28 PM	#2
segfault Private First Class 9 Rep 137 Posts Drives: No longer own a BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: . iTrader: (0)	I did the Performance Center Delivery (PCD). It was awesome. Your only cost is getting to Spartanburg, and the fuel on the return trip. The accomodations at the Marriott are first-class. You get time on the practice track in a car similar to your own, under the supervision of an instructor. You get a very thorough delivery of the car, and drive over to the factory for a tour. I have been to the Performance Center driving school (2-day) before doing the delivery. Both times, there was some sort of special treat that wasn't on the agenda. At the driving school (in 2001), we took turns driving each car in a "BMW buffet" consisting of a Z3, 325iT, M3, M coupe, and X5. At the delivery, we were offered a ride in an E39 M5 with a professional driver. It's not something that's guaranteed, but I think they try to do some sort of bonus with each group. Bonus or not, the track time is the most fun and memorable part of the experience! I highly recommend PCD to anyone who can take a couple of days vacation to do it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2005, 12:15 AM	#3
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	can you do this with any car?? I thought it was only for M cars or the cars built at spartanburg
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2005, 07:57 AM	#4
thd13 Major 46 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Ward, I believe you can do this with any car. Thanks Segfault! How long was the Track segment? How long was the whole day? I am trying to get an idea of how long I would be in SC for that day. __________________ My other ride is your mom.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2005, 09:47 AM	#6
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3566 Rep 10,346 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	Try to coordinate your delivery with the driving school. They have top knotch instructors up there.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2005, 12:38 PM	#10
thd13 Major 46 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	How many other new owners were there? Did your guest also get a chance to drive or ride? Do they get to go through everything with you? __________________ My other ride is your mom.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2005, 03:20 PM	#11
england1987 Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 280 Posts Drives: Z4 M coupe Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NC, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Z4 M Coupe [7.50]	Performance Center I haven't done the delivery, but I have done a couple of courses there. I have done the new driver course twice. The new driver course is great, but I wish that they would only put 1 person too a car because you spend less time in the "ultimate" driving seat. However, when I did the "other roads" course, they only put one person too a car. The X5 handles a lot better than I was expecting. We spent most of the time on the track. We only went off road for the last 30 or so minutes (which was fine by me). The off road course is lacking adventure, but the track is great. Well worth the experience.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2005, 08:05 PM	#13
pharmb Enlisted Member 0 Rep 47 Posts Drives: X5 4.4i/ 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (0)	I took performance center delivery last month and it was amazing! I had a blast. I think they've stopped the factory tours until the hard top Z4 comes out because we saw a prototype by mistake, and they freaked out a little. I'm sure they'll substitute something in place of that though, and I would definately do the PCD again!! Good luck & have fun. __________________ E90 TiAg/Black/Walnut, Manual, ZPP, ZSP, CW, NAV, PDC, Alarm, V1.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-19-2006, 06:45 PM	#15
rmorin49 Major 53 Rep 1,162 Posts Drives: 11 335d/10 Z4 s30i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hagerstown, MD iTrader: (1)	Performance Center Deliver? Has anyone picked up their car at the SC factory in the last month or so? Is the delivery process still the same? Includes one night stay before delivery? Please post or PM me with details. Thanks. __________________ Colonel (Retired), US Army/Hagerstown, MD 2016 518ixdrive/MSport AW/Ivory White ED-01-10 2010 Z4s30i AW/Beige/Burl/ 6MT/SP/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB/CA (retired) 2011 335d BS/Oyster/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB(Daily Driver) 30+ mpg(retired)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-19-2006, 07:52 PM	#17
bonedaddy1977 Private 7 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Space Gray coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	I'm doing it on January 18th and can't wait.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-20-2006, 06:25 AM	#18
pseto Major General 807 Rep 7,750 Posts Drives: E92 M3 ZCP, F80 M3 ZCP- beater Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (4)	I did PCD right before Thanksgiving and its basically the same. No tours when I went, but they should be starting Jan 8th. I was so lucky when I went because they still had a fleet of new X5s from the week before marketing campaign. Since there were no tours at the time, they let us take them on the track and off-road course. It was a lot more fun than driving the 330s
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-20-2006, 05:23 PM	#20
rmorin49 Major 53 Rep 1,162 Posts Drives: 11 335d/10 Z4 s30i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hagerstown, MD iTrader: (1)	Thanks to fueledby metal. I think you have convinced me to do a factory delivery. I have relatives in Greenville, SC so I can combine it with a visit as well. Sounds like a great opportunity. __________________ Colonel (Retired), US Army/Hagerstown, MD 2016 518ixdrive/MSport AW/Ivory White ED-01-10 2010 Z4s30i AW/Beige/Burl/ 6MT/SP/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB/CA (retired) 2011 335d BS/Oyster/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB(Daily Driver) 30+ mpg(retired)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-20-2006, 10:40 PM	#21
SpiralOut Captain 148 Rep 880 Posts Drives: 2022 X5Mc Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NC iTrader: (11)	So when you schedule a PC delivery and they give you a date... how do they know that your car will actually be there by the date they give you? Seems like some cars get stuck at VPC or somewhere along the line and can sometimes get delayed by days or weeks and looks like they schedule these days up to like a month in advance.
	Appreciate 0 Quote