Tips for Audi European Delivery [Archive]

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jmkjjk

07-07-2007, 02:13 PM

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/123647/audi_pickup.jpg"></center><p>
(7/13 Update: Car arrived at local dealer today in Boston, MA. They said 4-6 weeks but it took 21 days total from drop off in Munich)

I just got back from picking up my new S6 at the factory. I stayed for two weeks, traveling through Bavaria, Austria, and Italy with my wife and 9 year old son. Here are some tips from our experience....

General Tips:
Make sure you let your credit card companies know you will be using the card abroad. Otherwise they may freeze it while your over there. And ask them if there is a surcharge on European charges. My Citi Visa surcharged 3%, and my MC did not have any surcharge. Make sure you check. I did a lot of research on my first ED trip a few years ago and the best way to pick up Euros is with my ATM card. The best rate and no surcharges.

I did the ED program for Volvo 2 years ago, and the delivery center seemed to be focused on handling delivery to customers from the U.S. Very polished with many people there to handle any issues that arose. However the showroom at the Audi Forum where you pick up your car delivers around 50 cars a day, mostly to Europeans whom they offer the same deal (tour. lunch, etc) without the 5% discount. The general staff, while friendly and helpful, are not that familiar with the nuances associated with the Audi U.S. European delivery program. So beware that if you run into issues (see missing GPS system later in this article), there were very few people there that were familiar with the specifics of the U.S. program.

DONT LET YOUR DEALER CHARGE YOU A "DESTINATION CHARGE": My dealer tried to charge me $750 destination charge (the charge for transporting your car from the US port to your local dealer) arguing that it was not included in the program. I had to show him in two different places in the ED literature that it was included in the purchase price, and he begrudgingly deleted the fee. Real sleezeball tactic.

Note:
Your Audi Dealer, Audi of America, and the Audi in Germany are actually 3 different companies with operating agreements. Neither really stands by the representations of the other. Know that your agreement for your ED purchase is with Audi of America, and not with your local Audi dealer or Audi in Inglostadt!

Now for the trip:
Assuming you are leaving the U.S. in the eve, arriving in Munich in the A.M., and picking up your car on the second day there, here are some initial tips.

Why waste your first day staying in Ingolstadt (no offense), when you can see Munich. You arive in Munich early in the morning and have the whole day in front of you. this is what I recommend:

- There is a third hotel option which is not listed in the literature that you can request. You can ask to stay at the Kempinski Hotel at the Munich airport. They will also pick you up here in the limo, just like from the other two hotels. However staying here has many advantages over the two in Ingolstadt.

*The first is that the hotels entrance is about 100 yards from the luggage pickup area, so you can keep your luggage on your push cart (which are free by the way), and wheel your stuff right up to hotel registration. This is fantastic when you are groggy getting off the plane. You are checked into your room within 15 minutes of going through customs.

* The second is that the hotel is large and modern (see picture in link), with all expected amenities and services, and looks really cool with a 100' high front lobby area. As a matter of fact, Audi had a few conventions staying here that were celebrating the roll out of the new R8.

* The third is that the hotel entrance is about 200 feet from the express train which takes you to downtown Munich in about 30 minutes. You can buy an all day pass for one person for about $20, or a family pass for up to 4 for only $24 total. Is was much more convenient for checking out Munich without the hassles of driving into and parking in Munich.
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* If you want to really feel like your in Munich, visit the beer garden which is next to the Chinese Pagota in the English Gardens (see photo). This is where they play the um pa German music and you can drink steins of beer and eat traditional German food in a gorgeous outdoor setting with hundreds of Germans. Not to be missed.

* The day of the pickup, try to book an early pickup as the restaurant at the Audi Forum is fantastic and you can eat a huge breakfast for free (actually, food is free here all day for you...as many visits and food/drink as you want). You can eat breakfast and then go back for lunch after the tour.

* Your GPS system wont work in Europe. However I was told by the US ED representative that they would arrange it so that when I picked up the car, I would receive a portable unit that I could use while in Europe and return at the end of the trip. However when picking up the car, the people handling the delivery didnt know what I was talking about. And since it was promised to me by Audi of America, the delivery center felt no obligation to oblige or offer any compensation. I was very frustrated by that.

* If you are driving into Italy, make sure you ask the delivery people for the two yellow "breakdown" jackets you will need to show the Italian police if they pull you over. They are free and you will be ticketed if you dont have them.

- If you bought the iPod connection option, you will still need to buy the cord that connects your iPod to the unit in the glove compartment. Luckily, they sell them in the Audi souvinere store for about $30.

* Also make sure they give you the info of who you are supposed to call if you have car problems wile in Europe. They feature this service in the ED literature but after I left the factory, I discovered they didnt give me any emergency contact info. And contacting the delivery desk once you leave is almost impossible.

* The car was missing the Audi medical kit that is supposed to be stored in the rear armrest. Make sure your car has yours.

* Both the museum and factory tour were very interesting and not to be missed.

* Make sure they take a photo of you with your car (as shown above) before pulling out of the showroom. Its a free service and they print at 8.5 x 11!

* Italian drop off warning...Italy is the only country where you cant drop off the car at a location where it is then flatbedded to the train or ship. In Italy, they have a driver pick it up at your hotel, and then drives it all the way back to Munich!!! No thank you please. Not in my new S6!!! My wife and son flew back from Florence and I drove it back to Munich myself and then flew home from Munich.

* Ask for your license plate when you drop off your car and you can bring it home as a souvenere!

Other memories:
- I was stopped by police twice, once in Germany and once in Italy, both times going over 120mph, and never received a ticket. They checked my documentation, asked me questions about the cars performance, and then let me on my way! I did get the car up to 150mph twice in Germany, much to my wife's dismay!

Outstanding Hotel Tip if your in Northern Italy:
Hotel Villa Del Sogno located on the Gardone Riviera (see pictures in link). Right on a lake with stunning views and grounds, friendly staff and great food. It was the highlight of our two week trip. Check it out online. It looks even better when there!

* When driving on European Highways, you will notice that no-one passes on the right. I came to learn that there are heavy fees for doing so. Be patient and the car in front of you will pull over to the right (I wish we were this discipled here!)

Well, Ill add more tips if I think of them!
Good luck, drive carefully and have fun!
Jim

(more photos below)

miwim

07-09-2007, 07:23 PM

I guess you car is exactly 50 cars after mine was pick up. My plate was IN 450 A, picked up on 5/21/07. Just a little difference information, I was told that they deliver about 300 audi a day at the Audi forum... i guess it somewhre in between 50 - 300.

Also one more thing that you could do if you are up to it is I arrived in Munchen at 8 am and the Limo took me to the hotel in Ingoslandt and he wait for me for about an hour to refrest up and you can also go directly to Audi forum and pick up the car right away. I got my car delivered before 11:30 am on the same day.

I think we all should try to writw a comment to Audi USA that they should provide a portable GPS unit for all the ED (I brough my own but would be great if I didn't have to find the Europe map for it). I definitely did try to make that point to Audi USA once I got back.

now you make me want to go back and order another Audi again

kimochi

07-09-2007, 10:29 PM

Hi Jmkjji & miwim,

Thanks for the detailed info. I'm going for ED in a month and your feedback is very valuable. Any additional tips that you might have will be appreciated.

Questions:
* Is the IDP (international driver's permit) required for car pickup? (or will only a U.S. driver's license work)
* You have 3 parties. I think the free buffet, free tour, etc are only for two people. Is this true?
* Any other `must see' places in/around Munich...

K2audi

07-10-2007, 12:54 AM

As for having more than 2 people in your party, I would ask, it may not even be an issue.

We also spent our first day in Munich. It was a great way to relax after the long flight and gave us a chance to tour Marienplatz and take a train up to Dachau before our delivery the next day.

If you have an extra day I highly recommend Audi Drivers Day. You get to pick pretty much any car in the Audi arsenal and take it for the day. We took out an S8 and toured the Valley just east of Ingolstadt (lots of twistys ;-) and made sure we got some time on the a-bahn with it as well.

Are you staying in Germany after you take delivery or are you visiting other countries.

Here is the link to our delivery we did back in December. Hopefully it will answer a few more questions and even give you an idea of things to do.<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/eurodelivery/msgs/54.phtml">http://forums.audiworld.com/eurodelivery/msgs/54.phtml</a</li></ul>

jmkjjk

07-10-2007, 03:59 AM

* Is the IDP (international driver's permit) required for car pickup?

A. No They give you an IDP when you are there as part of yur documentation.
(or will only a U.S. driver's license work)

* You have 3 parties. I think the free buffet, free tour, etc are only for two people. Is this true? they never asked how many people were with you They are putting so many through there,

A. I dont think they really care as its pretty loose. The restaraunt is actually an upscale "cafeteria" which was better than a lot of restaraunts we have been in. They give you a wrist band which is good for unlimited trips for the whole day. They will give one to anyone who is traveling with you.

* Any other `must see' places in/around Munich...

A. I'm sure there are but we only had so much time. Walking up and down the Leopold Strass at night is nice (many outdoor cafes where you can see and be seen). The Munich "Modern" museum was interesting as in addition to the artwork they had a few Salvatre Dali's.

miwim

07-11-2007, 06:50 AM

Questions:
* Is the IDP (international driver's permit) required for car pickup? (or will only a U.S. driver's license work)
-Not required, I have US driver license and I am not US citizen and everything still go without problem. All the IDP does is just translate your driver license anyway.

* You have 3 parties. I think the free buffet, free tour, etc are only for two people. Is this true?
-Don't know, I was by myself.

* Any other `must see' places in/around Munich...
-Dancun
-The museum was great
-Definitely take a factory tour

Can I ask what car are you getting? Anyway enjoy it. (I am getting my car this week after drop it on 5/29/07 in Netherlands). Also, as I say before, double or triple check your drop off date and make sure the drop off center that you are intend to you is open on that day. I was told that the one that I was intend to you is open and it was not (public holiday)

BajanS4

07-11-2007, 07:33 AM

Thanks for the tips! Just got my welcome kit yesterday, very excited! Couple of questions...

#1. I'm arriving in Munich at 10:45am. Do you think there's enough time to get the car delivered, and visit the factory and museum, on the day of arrival?

I wonder if I would be too tired to enjoy it all right after the long flight. On the other hand, I want to use the next day to drive the back roads of the Alpenstrasse to Salzburg (where we're staying that night).

#2. For those who have stayed in Ingolstadt, which hotel would you recommend? (ARA, Kult, or NH Ambassador). I'm thinking the Kult.

kimochi

07-11-2007, 11:00 AM

Hi Miwim & all,

Thanks for the tips!!

"Can I ask what car are you getting?"
-->I'm getting a TT 2.0T. We have 4 parties traveling, so likely we'll dropoff the TT shortly, and rent a bigger vehicle instead:(

kimochi

07-11-2007, 11:15 AM

Hi K2audi,

Thanks for the tips.

I read your ED postings. You mentioned that you did a couple more additional factory tours on the 2nd day. Which one did you take & which one do you recommend?

"Are you staying in Germany after you take delivery or are you visiting other countries."
-->we'll likely stay in Germany only. I plan on visiting places like Neuschwanstein & Zugspitze.

miwim

07-11-2007, 12:03 PM

I picked up 3.2 TT on May, it was great driving it in the Alps but definitely not for 4 people

FastMarkA

07-12-2007, 02:54 PM

I love the Kempinski hotel -- use it all the time when I'm in Munich for biz.

Just south of Munich are some very, very cool cities worth visiting -- Bad Tolz, Mittenwald, and Benediktbueren. There's great German countryside down there and plenty of photo ops for the new car in its "home country."

Some other tips:

*BMW provided us a "rule sheet" of the driving laws in each country -- most require that you carry a safety jacket. We bought one at a gas station for about $10.

*Some countries require stickers -- I think we purchased one for Austria and that was it. Never was a problem.

*We never got pulled over, although we did see a flash in the review mirror while driving in France. Waiting for the ticket to come in the mail. :)

*Tollroads in Austria, Italy, and France are NOT cheap. Fortunately, a lot of them have the ticket system (take a ticket upon entering and you're charged according to how far you've gone) and credit cards are usually accepted.

*Europeans are good drivers. You really need to pay attention to your driving.

cit1991

07-13-2007, 12:16 PM

Thanks for those tips, especially about the Italian pickup issue.

I'll be picking up my RS4 sometime in early September and had tentatively planned to take it to the Nurburgring, then across the alps to a dropoff in Milan. I know Milan well, since I go there on business often. But, no way will I turn over a non-broken-in RS4 to be driven back to Munich. Guess I'll have to rethink the plan.

ebusch

07-13-2007, 04:00 PM

From the "Tips for the Tourist laps" section:
"Vehicles with transfer or limited-time number plates are not allowed to drive on the NÃ¼rburgring."

I'm pretty sure the temporary export plates used for European Delivery fall under that description. So while you could still try to get a ride with someone or buy a ride in one of the BMW Ring Taxis, you probably won't be able to take your own car out on the track.<ul><li><a href="http://www.nuerburgring.de/1_nuerburgring/touristenfahrten/index.html?L=1">http://www.nuerburgring.de/1_nuerburgring/touristenfahrten/index.html?L=1</a</li></ul>

cit1991

07-14-2007, 09:24 AM

Yeah, I saw that yesterday and sent them an email for clarification.

Can anyone here positively confirm or deny that the Euro export plates are not accepted on the Nuerburgring?

FastMarkA

07-14-2007, 08:34 PM

miwim

07-15-2007, 04:06 PM

I can confirm a no go, took my TT there in May and got turn down :O

cit1991

07-18-2007, 08:40 AM

Crap. I was afraid of that.

But, thanks for the confirmation. Only on here can one get good info like that.

miwim

07-21-2007, 01:30 PM

#1,

I arrive in Munich at 8:30 am. got the car at 11:15 after stop by the hotel to get shower. Factory tour was at noon if I am right and the museum tour was at 3 and i had plenty of time to walk around. I walked the museum myself since i didn't want to wait and I got really tired at about 3 (and have to drive to the airport to pick up someone at 7 so I didn't want to go to long without some nap). I would say if you arrive at 10:45 you have enough time to pick up the car and museum tour for sure, I am not sure what other time slot they have for factory tour (in english) so you might be pushing it .

#2, i stay at Kult, like the hotel. ARA is bigger hotel though

miwim

07-21-2007, 06:01 PM

John Lee Pettimore

08-07-2007, 07:36 PM

Jason Teller

08-22-2007, 11:29 PM

Well done - fellow ED's will appreciate it no doubt. I had hoped to go through the program with our long term Q7 but our timing got messed up. Hopefully next year!

ARAD

10-05-2007, 08:12 PM

jmkjjk, very nice and useful posting! One thing though: all the cars are driven to Munich, no matter where you dropp it off. In Munich they load them on the truck and get them to Bremerhaven or the other smaller port (I forgot its name)that VW uses for shipments to US.So, it's always better to drop your car either in Munich or in Bremerhaven (although there's no direct flight to US from there...)

montolio

10-06-2007, 08:00 PM

Thanks for the info Im picking up my new tt on october 28 has anybody seen the s line? my dealer haven have one yet so I only seen it on the net.

mikeb SF

02-27-2009, 02:03 PM

TIME89

10-12-2009, 08:19 AM

This FAQ states "DONT LET YOUR DEALER CHARGE YOU A "DESTINATION CHARGE" but the language at http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/experience/european_delivery/program_benefits.html says "Destination charges apply."

Anyone knows for sure?

This is a quote from Audi ED Customer service e-mail:
Time,you can see the definitions on our website pages on European Delivery: “*All MSRPs exclude taxes, title/documentary fees, registration, tags, Audi Dealer prep, labor and installation charges, insurance, optional equipment and accessories, certificate of compliance and non-compliance fees, and finance charges. Destination charges apply.”

Audi does pay the shipping from the drop-off location to the port of shipping. Full information on what is and is not covered can be found in the pages indicated earlier in our correspondence.

Thank you again for your interest.

Marjorie
AudiTalk

Audi-X2

10-12-2009, 06:12 PM

I'm set to pick up my S5 on November 23. I'm told that's winter driving season, and cars driven in Germany that time of year are supposed to be equipped with snow tires. That's not what my S5 will be wearing, and all-season tires are not available. What to do?

TIME89

10-12-2009, 08:55 PM

CFGTTS

11-01-2009, 06:46 AM

There are a few drawbacks of Euro Deliver. This after doing it with Porsche, Volvo and latest Audi.

Negatives:

1. Extends the relationship with the sales department, never a good thing since the majority dealership sales departments are terrible.

2. You are actually buying the car, by paying in full, before you have inspected it, if there is a problem; it is now your problem.

Recently, September 2009, I picked up my Audi in Ingolstadt and the car had a scratched wheel/rim and a brake caliper that should have never made it through quality control! 3 hours to replace the wheel, but they gave a fix sheet in German to bring back to my dealership in the USA within 5 weeks. The caliper was another problem, they pushed it off on Warranty, however you can't just change out one caliper somewhere down the road. Not good. I would never have accepted this car as it was delivered to me at a dealership in the USA.

3. The obvious, you will be waiting for the car for 8-10 weeks.

4. Marine insurance. Audi uses an independent shipper as does MB and BMW does. On there disclaimer they have you initial a very troubling statement.

"Chips on glass and paint, minor nicks and scratches on paint, bumpers and wheels on cars which have been driven on own wheels fall into an area referenced as normal wear and tear and are excluded from any transport insurance coverage". Therefore if they are trucking along the Autobahn up to shipping and it receives a rock in the windshield, not cover?!?!

5. There may be more miles on your car than if it were shipped to the USA. My friends car had 3 miles on it, my car had 28 miles. Unusual. There is a lot for export cars that Audi has out in farm country, literally they have paved over parts of farm fields where they store cars till they are ready to ship. They might have driven my car there and back as my car was built a good 3 weeks before I picked it up. No idea???!

Positives:

1. Experience of driving your car in Europe.

2. Seeing the impressive Audi Forum.

3. Access to "Gary" the USA rep for Euro delivery for Audi. This is key as dealerships just don't have there act together.

Recommendations:

1. Hotel choice. Stay away from Hotel Rappensberger, there is not a quiet room in the hotel and with a bad nights sleep you will be exhausted for your full day at Audi. The Kempinski Hotel located in Munich airport is fantastic, for its location and airport amenities.

2. Spend some time at Audi. The factory tour is "Average" compared to other companies, walking is required. You are given all day access to Audi cafeteria which is fantastic. Have a little breakfast before the tour, a little lunch after tour and a snack before you go, all on Audi.

3. Make sure when it is time for your delivery that you request a veteran delivery person. We were given a new delivery person which happened at Volvo and it can definitely leave you with a less than positive experience. It becomes a waste of time and can be a problem down the road (see below).

4. Make sure your car has 3 items that the delivery person must personally put in the car. Our new person forgot two of the items which could of cost us if we were pulled over by the police, which does happen in Germany as you have motorcycle temp plates on your car and bored or curious police can pull you over just to check you out. (2 mins out of the Ingolstadt factory this happened, this also occurred with the Porsche at a rest area by undercover police). 3 items required: First aid kit, safety vest and warning triangle. Also, have your car documents(insurance card/registration) in order.

5. On your first day try to make it a short day as you will be tired from your delivery day and if you can take back roads to your next destination.

6. Try to find a decent dealership that you have a good feeling about. Don’t accept anything less than the published discounts that Audi mentions. Example: “Up to 5 %” , don’t accept 3 %.

7. It seems that currency exchange is harder to come by, you should change over some cash and the airport is not the best place to do it. Smaller towns are becoming harder if not impossible to change money over for the whole trip even if you are planning on using credit cards.

8. Bring a general map as the Nav in the cars will not be working and the Garmin they provide is good, but never good for planning!

9. Austria and Switzerland require paid stickers for their Highways. “Autobahn/Autoroute Vignette” which is sold at gas stations.

Enjoy, there is no better place to run your car through the paces. Back roads and Autobahn.

TIME89

11-01-2009, 11:23 AM

Great post, CFGTTS!
-Sorry about your not a A+ experience and agree with you, this scratches should not pass QA.
-Did not have yet experience with Audi, but done BMW and spend good amount of time on Bimmerfest ED forum. In the past 4 yr I remember few glitches during car delivery and after - and all the time BMW stand up for their product and fixed problem.
-Thanks for Kempinski recommendation - I was thinking get closer to Forum, but after your and another member forum recomendation, decide that first night in Germany we will spend in Kempinski.
-You probably (as my self) leave on West Coast - and delivery to West Coast is take up to 2 month + time at VPC. For East cost it's 3-4 weeks.
-Get car with European Delivery it's a complicated process and owner has to prepare for this trip. When time came to go down to my local dealer and sign up my PO - I knew more about ED, Vignettes/Toll Stickers, Safety Vest then my ED salesperson. Same about First aid kit and warning triangle. And more I talk to my future Audi dealer the more I realize - they know nothing. The person who read this thread at list ones knew more about Audi ED than my local salesperson. Shame to Audi.

Thanks for sharing your experience with AudiWorld members - now time to post few pics from your trip.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/images/smilies/needpics.gif

Audi-X2

12-06-2009, 02:27 PM

I picked up my 2010 S5 at the Ingolstadt factory on November 23, and would highly recommend the experience. Here's a report on the program.

We arrived in Munich on November 21 and spent the night at a very nice hotel -- the Platzl -- in the heart of town, near the Hofbrau House (if you book this place, be sure to ask for a quiet room; mine was absolutely silent, but if you get a regular room you may front on the street by the Hofbrau House, which can get noisy). The next day, Audi sent a very nice A8 to pick us up at the hour we had chosen (3 pm) for the hour drive up to Ingolstadt. Wish it had been longer -- was a very nice trip in a great car (I've had two A8s in the past, but this one is by far the nicest). Stayed the night at the Rappensberger Hotel in Ingolstadt -- just okay. Rooms are incredibly small, even by European standards, and spartan to a fault. Didn't bother with its restaurant for dinner -- wandered out to check out the town, which is quite small and quaint, and found a nice place about 10-15 minutes' walk away. Simple but great fare at a good price, and a "locals" place rather than a tourist trap establishment. That also means you'll have a language issue unless you speak German, but I know enough that i was able to get through the menu and the pleasantries.

The next morning the Audi driver and shiny black A8 arrived at 9 am to take us to the factory, which is literally about a 5 minute ride from the hotel. The factory is right on the edge of town, and you're brought to the very attractive glass and steel Audi Forum and delivery center. Upon check-in, the luggage is whisked away and reappears later on a cart next to your car in the delivery center. I then completed the paperwork formalities, enjoyed some excellent cappuccino and orange juice (nice pastries were available, too) on the mezzanine above the delivery floor below. There was time to visit the gift shop where you can find some great items at reasonable prices. This is where you need to pick up the cable to attach your iPod to your Audi, so you may want to plan your visit just for that. A short while later I was scheduled to meet my representative – to be escorted across a small bridge and down to the delivery floor where I met my new Audi. A talented photographer snapped a few shots of me with the car, and brought beautiful 8 x 10 prints a few minutes later. A delightful woman spent about a half hour with me to go over the operating features of the S5, and even downloaded my cell phone data into the car’s information system. A Garmin Nuvi nav system was provided for my trip, and Audi even provided a pre-paid FedEx envelope and form to be used to return it after I handed the car to their shipping agent in Paris.

After all that, the luggage was loaded into the car, we jumped inside and turned right, down a row of a variety of Audis awaiting their owners, and then a two- or three-story set of glass doors slid open to allow passage outside, into a large Belgian-block courtyard in front of the Forum and Museum that makes a great setting for more pictures. You’re allowed to park your car in the protected courtyard while you are taking the 2-hour factory tour (the English language tour started at 11:30 am) and then while having lunch at Audi’s excellent buffet restaurant, where a great selection of wonderful entrees are all cooked to order. Everything is terrific, and the ice cream offerings were so good that I wondered if they would install a trailer hitch so I could tow the freezer containing the great stuff on my journey.

I had time prior to the factory tour to visit the exhibit of Audis and their predecessors at the Museum next door. It’s well worth it, and you can spend either a few minutes or more than an hour if you’d like. At 11:30 promptly, our tour guide met us and took us into the factory where we got to see stamping of the bodies, robotic assembly of the bodies, and the mating of the bodies with the chassis. Quality control is emphasized throughout production, which runs at a fairly high speed throughout the day. About every 90 seconds a new A3 rolls off the line – and each one goes immediately to a quality control check point for review.

After the tour there was time for that great lunch, after which I drove out of the courtyard and into the streets of Ingolstadt, in search of the autobahn and the start of several days of driving through Germany and into France. One point of order – I was stopped in France because 1) the gendarmes didn’t like the fact that my car had only a rear plate (it will be shipped to PA, where only a rear plate is required – so the car does not have a front mounting bracket, which meant there was nowhere to attach the front plate) and 2) all that didn’t matter anyway because they said that the plates were illegal in France. But, they didn’t even look at the registration papers I offered, and they never asked to see my license. They did, however, spend a lot of time talking with me about the car. We had a few laughs (their English was very good and got better as time rolled along) and after about a half hour or so they let me drive on – no problem at all.

There may be more to offer than I’ve written here, so if you have any questions feel free to ask. The entire process in Germany was handled very well and went so smoothly that it was truly a joy to pick up the car there. Also, as some have mentioned, Gary at Audi’s European Delivery program in Virginia is absolutely top notch – he made sure everything was in order and would go smoothly, and it certainly did. He’s terrific, and can answer any question or handle any matter in a professional, friendly, and totally unflappable manner. Think of him as one of the world’s top 10 butlers and you’ll have it about right.

Those of you waiting to go and pick up your Audi in Ingolstadt – I’m envious, even though I was just there. I’d like to return again, and am already looking forward to going back in a few years for my next Audi.

Tomcat84

12-06-2009, 02:43 PM

very nice writeup, thanks!

I cant WAAAAAIIIIT aahhhhhhhhhhh two more weeks (and two days)

Audi-X2

12-06-2009, 04:08 PM

Yeah, waiting is the worst part -- but it will go by fast enough. What are your plans while you're in Germany? Are you adding time before or after your trip? Where are you planning to go once you get your hands on your great new S4?

Tomcat84

12-06-2009, 06:21 PM

Well my European delivery is a bit unorthodox, I am actually from the Netherlands (country west of Germany as you may know, capital = Amsterdam) and am in the USA for two years for training.

So I am going on christmas leave for two weeks, in two weeks, and during that I am picking it up. I am not really going for a drive to anything special with it, I'll be doing that a year later when I get back home and take it with me, then there is a plan to go to Stelvio etc with some of my collegues then who will also be taking cars with em (M3, Cayman S, 335s, A4).

So for now it's pretty much straight back home to Holland, and showing it off to my friends haha.

I'll also be stopping my the local vehicle inspection agency to get figured out what will have to be changed on it later, if anything, to make sure it passes Dutch inspection, and then figuring out if those steps can be done cheaper in Holland or in the States.

So in all honesty, the big reason for the euro delivery is the nice 2,5 thousand bucks it saves me (I'm heading over to Europe anyway)...

Guess I am a true Dutch greedy/trader type guy at heart hahaha :o
I'll still try and get some cool shots, don't worry :)

Audi-X2

12-06-2009, 07:29 PM

The big discount for European Delivery is a great incentive. That certainly caught the attention of the two motorcycle policemen who stopped me in France -- it was something we discussed when they were admiring the car and inquiring about top speed, etc.

I've spent quite a bit of time in Amsterdam both on business and for pleasure. Wonderful city and I'd like to get back there again in the next year or so. You'll have a great trip taking your S4 to your home country. And I'm sure you'll enjoy the European Delivery experience -- it sure beats picking your car up at a dealer!

I'll certainly be looking forward to pics of your car, and your thoughts about the delivery in Ingolstadt.

infocor

12-09-2009, 06:28 AM

I am doing ED in January (date not set yet) for an A4 with summer tires? What did you about winter tires? I contacted ED Winter Tires about rentals but they don't carry the right size.

I agree with waiting being the hardest part, and I'm definitely waiting for the "go by fast enough" to kick in.

__________________

2010 Audi A4 6MTQ (ED 01/10)
Prem+, Deep Sea Blue, 18" Sports Pack

TIME89

12-09-2009, 08:23 AM

nvofevery1

12-09-2009, 11:30 AM

Just scheduled my European delivery for Mid-Feb:

Here's the intinerary:

Fly to Amsterdam, spend a day there, fly to Munich for 3 days to pick up the ride/tour Bavaria, Vienna for 2 days, Prague for 2 days, back to the Munich to drop the car off. Thoughts on good things to do?

perdido34

12-09-2009, 11:45 AM

Tomcat84

12-09-2009, 05:32 PM

I am doing ED in January (date not set yet) for an A4 with summer tires? What did you about winter tires? I contacted ED Winter Tires about rentals but they don't carry the right size.

I wanted to see if I could get all season tires but it was apparently impossible.

As far as winter tires go, when I went to my dealer to pay this weekend and got some delivery stuff, I also had to sign a release form about winter driving that basicly says that you are responsible for equipping your vehicle "appropriately" for winter driving. And you should check the laws of countries you plan to visit for what you are responsible for (if you HAVE to have winter tires or not etc).

I am driving straight out of Germany to Holland so I should be clear once I am halfway or so. But I still hope it's not snowing those days hehe *knock on wood*

Audi-X2

12-10-2009, 04:14 PM

Infocor -- German law requires snow tires at that time of year. You may not get stopped for having summer tires on your car, but if you drive in snow and have an accident or get stuck, you're going to have some major headaches.

There are places that rent winter tires -- may have to do a Google search -- but I saw some ads touting the service. Probably expensive, but in the long run may be worth it, especially if you'll be driving a lot in Germany.

Audi-X2

12-10-2009, 04:28 PM

nvofevery1 -- I've spent time in all of those cities, and they're all great.

In Munich, you simply must do one evening in the Hofbrauhaus -- the large beer hall with a great band, wonderful beer, and a terrific atmoshpere. Simple but good and filling food is available, too. The best part, though, is the party atmosphere that never ends. Also, you're not far from Neuchwanstein Castle, just south of Munich. It's a great drive, and the castle is absolutely fascinating. Take the tour -- it's well done and you get to see a one-of-a-kind place that you won't forget.

Vienna -- Plan now to get tickets to a performance in the opera house. Have dinner in the Hotel Sacher, where the sacher torte was invented (or just go there and have the sacher torte and great Viannese coffee). Tour Schonbrunn Palace, which has a great history, a few surprises, and eye-popping opulence. Also, there are places that rent the Segway Scooter, so you can tour much of Vienna comfortably on your own and have a great time doing so.

Prague -- Beware pickpockets!!! They are everywhere, and I caught one young hoodlum sneaking his hand into my pocket, which he regretted when I snapped two of his fingers. Great town just to walk around -- amazing architecture everywhere. Very photogenic town, so plan on taking a lot of pictures.

You have a nice collection of cities on your itinerary, each very different and all wonderful.

nvofevery1

12-13-2009, 09:29 PM

randy z

12-14-2009, 10:28 AM

I am new to this post and to European Deliver. I am planning a trip to pick up a new Q5 in March. I went into my dealer in October to order the car, but was sent away and told it was too early. The dealer told me that once the car was manufactured, I had 60 days to pick it up at the factory. I was advised to return in early December to order the car. The dealer just informed me that I am now too late, and that the delivery schedule is for mid-April, a month after my scheduled trip. I guess I need to get ahold of the EU guru at Audi USA. How much lead time did others need to order cars? Thanks.

Tomcat84

12-14-2009, 07:40 PM

G... is the man :)

randy z

12-14-2009, 09:36 PM

Cool!
Start planning your trip - what country you will visited, what cities you will stay more then 1 day, if hotel has secure parking, drop off location etc. You can imagine how fast this 3 month go.
Good luck!
P.S. Read Wiki - I add some info there. Read this forum Q&A.
Check Bimmerfest ED forum - #1 ED forum IMHO.

Since we will be traveling in March, we will not be planning any reservations. We plan to drive south from the factory, spend a few days in the German and Austrian alps (weather permitting), and then we will make our way up the German/French border to Belgium. 15 days total, flying into Munich and home from Brussels. I will be dropping the car off in Antwerp, Belgium. Is secure parking an issue in Western Europe? Most of our travels will be in smaller towns, but we will be staying in some larger cities along the way.

Randy

TIME89

12-15-2009, 08:24 AM

Is secure parking an issue in Western Europe?

Randy
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=393113
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=340824
and finally #1post: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=284965

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=146729&d=1210657943

kleinbus

12-16-2009, 01:08 PM

....Is secure parking an issue ...

It is like in any other part of the world, pick wrong place and say bye bye your bling bling.

I drove cars / charter busses / 18-wheelers through Spain, France, Italy, Swizz, Austria, Germany, Poland, The Netherlands, Some Russia and Nordic Countries and never had park issues like what happened to that poor beemer.

Only accident I had was when metro bus came too close my truck and smashed my driver mirror and lucky me the window didn't come in.

TIME89

12-16-2009, 05:30 PM

like what happened to that poor beemer.

.
It's a bimmer - beemer is a bike.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/images/smilies/drinking.gif

CFGTTS

12-16-2009, 06:29 PM

Since we will be traveling in March, we will not be planning any reservations. We plan to drive south from the factory, spend a few days in the German and Austrian alps (weather permitting), and then we will make our way up the German/French border to Belgium. 15 days total, flying into Munich and home from Brussels. I will be dropping the car off in Antwerp, Belgium. Is secure parking an issue in Western Europe? Most of our travels will be in smaller towns, but we will be staying in some larger cities along the way.

Randy

Larger cities can always be a problem, but just do research and have a few hotels picked in the cities you will visit and expect to pay for garages. Use common sense and you will be okay.

Tomcat84

12-20-2009, 10:08 PM

Am about to leave today towards Ingolstadt, arrive tonight, and pick up car tomorrow morning.

Weather is very wintry here in Holland and Germany so am probably not gonna make the off autobahn detour through some hilly country areas i had been planning and just make a straight beeline back here for safety. Snow showers arent great picture conditions anyway :)

So if anyone has any serious summer wheels quattro on winter roads driving tips (other than, dont go fast :) ) feel free to post em :)

There will be pics of the new car when i have it, just maybe not the german countryside ones :)

TIME89

12-21-2009, 08:52 AM

funmom

12-21-2009, 04:27 PM

I am getting my ED A4 in February with my two children. I am very excited. I am a little worried that I don't have snow tires. I think I already signed a statement saying that it is a law there. I just hope the weather is good. The dealer doesn't really like ED. They just want to sell a car off their lot and said they would "match the price." Sorry, we want the vacation. But once we insisted that is what we wanted to do, we arranged it. At first the dealer said five weeks, but it took much longer and despite the information on the Audi website, there is no factory pick up between Christmas and New Years, so we had to reschedule for February which is the kids' next time off from school.

TIME89

12-21-2009, 06:19 PM

infocor

12-21-2009, 11:07 PM

Tomcat84,

Good luck with your pick up. I'm eager to see pics. Hopefully they'll be sunny pics. If you get any good driving tips, I'll may need them for my January pick up. I might bite the bullet and buy winter tires there and mail them back. Maybe I can stuff my dirty laundry in them so I have less to check in. ;)

funmom,

Almost every sales person I talked to asked me why I would want a car built exactly to my specs, why I would want to take my car on the autobahn, why I would want to vacation in Europe and see the factory when I could have a car I didn't want off the lot right now? The one sales guy who had done ED before told me none of his ED customers would ever go back to buying off the lot.

__________________

2010 Audi A4 6MTQ (ED 01/10)
Prem+, Deep Sea Blue, 18" Sports Pack

Tomcat84

12-22-2009, 03:23 PM

Survived the initial trip through wintry Europe back to Holland. Awesome car :)

The whole delivery was very cool too, Fiona was very nice and waiting for me at the entrance in the morning. It's too bad I dont have time for a proper tour of Germany and the alps right now, but that is definately coming a year or so from now. It's highly recommendable.

As for the driving tips and all, the car held itself very well today, but then again, the Autobahn is cleaned pretty rapidly. I didnt really try it in less cleaned wintry roads. Big tip that my delivery dude gave me: be careful. Quattro helps alot when driving fast and accelerating etc, but when you need to brake, quattro doesnt do anything for you, you're on summer tires, and you're fooked haha

so thats big thing he said: be careful with slowing down, so keep your distance to guys ahead. Nevertheless I pushed it up quite nicely today and it was very solid. If you've got winter tires on a Quattro I can imagine being pretty much unstoppable (figuratively ;) )

Still, even then I'm sure you can push it too far haha

I'll be posting up pics of the delivery etc in a few days when I also have some (scenic?) pics of the car here in Holland.

TIME89

12-22-2009, 03:55 PM

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/BeefyBeefo/ThreadWorthless.jpg

Tomcat84

12-28-2009, 12:31 AM

2 quick ED questions:

what happens to the fine if you get caught with a speed camera (far more common than roving patrol units here). Does Audi get it? Do they forward it or quietly accept it (if it aint to gross)

Havent been flashed yet, just curious :)

second: what do you do with the green German title and registration papers at the end? Keep them (as a keepsake or for a real reason) or turn them over to the EH Harms people, or ???

thanks!

funmom

12-28-2009, 04:52 AM

I am going to pick on my A4 of course in Munich on Feb 12. Actually, it will be my husband's car, but he isn't German and I am half German, so I go on the trip. I plan to tour Munich for at least a day with my kids (ages 14, and 11). I will drop it off in Frankfurt on the 19th of February. In between, I will be dusting off my conversational German and seeing my aunt in Mannheim, tour Heidelberg where my mother grew up, then head north to Koln where another bunch of cousins live, then drop off at Frankfurt and head back because the kids' winter break will be over. I am skipping the alps because one of my kids doesn't ski. My relatives tell me the ski resorts are really crowded - I guess I have to stick with NJ skiing. But I plan to go to France a little bit, Alsace, maybe Strassburg, both of which are close to the German border. Then, my kids can tell everyone they have been to Germany and France.

funmom

12-28-2009, 04:57 AM

Oh, and a while back , like 15 years ago, I got a ticket while I was parked (illlegally I guess) at the airport on the way home. I was in a rental car and I never saw that ticket again. Hmm, should I be worried?

TIME89

12-28-2009, 10:01 AM

TIME89

12-28-2009, 10:03 AM

Tomcat84

12-28-2009, 04:37 PM

I have only answer for first question: You will get your ticket by mail and you must pay in Euro.

hmmm ok good to know

wonder what happens if I go so fast that I should technically lose my license haha

CFGTTS

12-28-2009, 06:32 PM

2 quick ED questions:

second: what do you do with the green German title and registration papers at the end? Keep them (as a keepsake or for a real reason) or turn them over to the EH Harms people, or ???

thanks!

You can keep the papers when you leave it with the shippers.

CFGTTS

12-28-2009, 06:42 PM

I will be writing about my experience with Audi Euro delivery in the next few months. Unfortunately it was rotten from start to finish. If it could go wrong it went wrong and even worse when all was said and done.

However, I am not here to gripe, but to suggest to everyone that when you drop your car off at the shippers, to take pictures of every angle/side of the auto and when it arrives at your dealerhship stateside, make it a point to stop by when they are doing the "Perfect Delivery Inspection" and look it over thoroughly and that means while it is on the Hoist too.

Also, inspect your car at Audi's Forum before you drive away as I found damage to my car.

DarthRay

12-28-2009, 11:36 PM

CFGTTS, please do tell. I'm planning my ED for next year and would like to hear about your experiences when you have a chance. It may be worth its own thread in this (ED) forum.

Thanks!

Tomcat84

12-30-2009, 06:13 AM

ok so i can keep the papers at the dropoff

what about the keys? They get em all? Or do I keep a set? :)

TIME89

12-30-2009, 09:40 AM

ok so i can keep the papers at the dropoff

what about the keys? They get em all? Or do I keep a set? :)

They do need one set - rest is yours!

Tomcat84

12-30-2009, 11:31 AM

last Q I hope:

Any requirement for a full tank of gas or just "a little" ?

TIME89

12-30-2009, 12:34 PM

last Q I hope:

Any requirement for a full tank of gas or just "a little" ?

I got full tank of gas for my BMW (not anymore, now at Welt they fill 1/4 of tank) during delivery in Munich and redelivery in Los Angeles.

CFGTTS

12-30-2009, 04:18 PM

Any questions that you have such as this can be answered by your delivery person in Germany.

nvofevery1

12-30-2009, 06:43 PM

two questions all:

1) does Audi AG give you a portable GPS? my letter says that they do?
2) do you really have to drop it off 4 days prior to departure? again, thats what my letter says. thanks all!

TIME89

12-30-2009, 08:54 PM

two questions all:

1) does Audi AG give you a portable GPS? my letter says that they do?
2) do you really have to drop it off 4 days prior to departure? again, thats what my letter says. thanks all!

1- Yes
the vehicles delivered at the factory in the ED program are U.S. specific; their Navigation Systems are not compatible with European navigation software. Customers are provided with a portable European GPS during their stay in Europe; they return it at drop-off.2 - Where is drop off? R u sure you read correctly? I never herd about 4 days rules....
You have 14 days (15 officially, but then they mention that 1st day use to sign up papers in German DMV) from pick up day to drop off your car.
To ensure a worry-free and safe transport back to your dealer, please schedule your vehicle drop off at least four days prior to your return trip and within the maximum temporary registration and insurance period of your vehicle. Drop off appointments are necessary for all locations and can be made either by phone or email. Please be advised that vehicle drop offs are available Monday through Friday with varied hours of operation, so please make sure to contact your preferred office to avoid any unexpected delays. All locations are closed on nationally recognized German holidays.
Documentation Needed for Vehicle Drop Off

Customer Address, Phone number and Email address
Passport as photo identification and Social Security number for US Customs
Complete applicable export documents required by the drop off agent including a copy of your Sales Agreement from your Audi dealer
One master key (special wheel locks or other necessary mechanisms)
Military PCS or Diplomatic orders (if applicable)
Copy of Registration and International Insurance Card

If you have a question, that we can't provide to you - you can use this contact
europeandeliveryprogram@audi.com

audiexclusiveprogram@audi.com

(Gary.Warzecha@audi.com)

Tomcat84

12-31-2009, 10:05 AM

Well she's gone and in the hands of the shippers now! Hope everything goes well!

As far as the portable nav, as far as I know you dont get it if your ordered car doesnt have nav.

Anyway, I didn't really need mine and thats a good thing, it was pretty bad. Garmin something, it gave a warning when started that the maps hadnt been updated since 2008... lol

So I would look into that if you plan to utilize it :)

TIME89

12-31-2009, 11:25 AM

nvofevery1

12-31-2009, 01:19 PM

CFGTTS, please do tell. I'm planning my ED for next year and would like to hear about your experiences when you have a chance. It may be worth its own thread in this (ED) forum.

Thanks!

yes, please tell me what went wrong!

CFGTTS

01-01-2010, 03:11 PM

I am in the process of getting it resolved. I will give you my story soon, but please take my suggestion of taking pics of your car seriously and expect to take an active roll in the entire process, but most importantly by inspecting your car at every point of the process you can.

1. Receiving it in Ingolstadt: They have you sign the papers for accepting the car before you go to the car. I would suggest go to the car inspect it thoroughy, as mine had a serious cosmetic flaw with the Caliper and a scratched wheel. Also, if there is too long of a gap between when your car is completed and when you pick it up, it is driven to a Farm Parking lot to wait and then brought back to the pick-up center. Therefore damage can occur at this point as well. My car had close to 30 miles on when delivered to me. Take pics.

2. Dropping it off at the shippers. Take pics.

3. Arrival at the dealership. Go down and inspect it for damage. Take your camera and shoot pics at this point as well. Also, inspect the cars underneath while it is on the dealership Hoist.

I think without me stating what happened to my car that you can guess why I am suggesting keeping a close eye out for damage;-)

hwks1

01-04-2010, 08:15 PM

TIME89

01-05-2010, 09:48 AM

I'm not clear on this program... just talked to my local dealer. He explained that the discount is 'up to 5%' and it is no different then buying off the lot. In other words he depending on model etc may negotiate up to 5% off with or without ED.... So, whats the benefit (other than the experience itself)?

This dealer denied that his cost is 3% below invoice when doing an ED.
It's hard to get all truss from Audi. Is totally different for BMW - You have ED invoice price (7% less then MSRP).
If you get the same 5% discount then car from lot then - NONE (other than the experience itself). But ones you tried - you hook.

patinsd

01-05-2010, 09:41 PM

DarthRay

01-05-2010, 10:26 PM

I order a 2010 S4 on the 12/31/09
Received a phone call from the sale adviser yesterday ,he has the commission # and look like the car is going to production March 8/10 :)
I am now waiting for the European delivery packet

Pretty cool! Congrats!

Ok, so March 8th makes it about 3 months from order to production. From previous posts I would think that would be closer to 2 months. I wonder if I understood it wrong. :(

BTW, you probably want to start your own thread as this is the "tips" thread (although this thread is already "out of its tracks" as it is :))

DarthRay

01-05-2010, 11:28 PM

Duh! Ignore me, it's late and I'm not thinking right. 12/31/2009 to 3/8/2010 is roughly 2 months so we're all good. :)

nvofevery1

01-06-2010, 08:47 AM

Does anyone know if the Munich drop-off location is in downtown Munich or closer to the airport? Thanks!

TIME89

01-06-2010, 08:56 AM

Does anyone know if the Munich drop-off location is in downtown Munich or closer to the airport? Thanks!

map link (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110821429868584278764.00044f1cf5ea24e93b8c3&ll=48.239881,11.592808&spn=0.076257,0.186253&z=13)

Audi use Harms/Vikase tracking company for drop off location in many cities, including Munich. You need to call a taxi to get you from Harm to the airport or your hotel.

nvofevery1

01-06-2010, 11:13 AM

CFGTTS

01-06-2010, 06:38 PM

I'm not clear on this program... just talked to my local dealer. He explained that the discount is 'up to 5%' and it is no different then buying off the lot. In other words he depending on model etc may negotiate up to 5% off with or without ED.... So, whats the benefit (other than the experience itself)?

This dealer denied that his cost is 3% below invoice when doing an ED.

The benefit besides the experience: None.

If you fancy a Volvo, they will give you two RT Air tickets.
Bmw: 2 for 1 tickets!
If you are looking for other benefits, these are the way the Companies rank IMHO.

1. Volvo
2. Bmw
3. Mercedes
4. Audi
5. Porsche - if you qualify for "On case Basis" you pay to do it!

CFGTTS

01-06-2010, 06:42 PM

map link (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110821429868584278764.00044f1cf5ea24e93b8c3&ll=48.239881,11.592808&spn=0.076257,0.186253&z=13)

Audi use Harms/Vikase tracking company for drop off location in many cities, including Munich. You need to call a taxi to get you from Harm to the airport or your hotel.

I would like to add to TIME89's very accurate info. Becareful when typing it into a Garmin as the street is identical just South of Munich, therefore make sure you type the Suburb in correctly or else!!!

Also, if by chance you are traveling with bicycles, it is a very nice bike ride back to the Munich airport. Germany cycling is one of Europe's best kept secrets;-)

TIME89

01-06-2010, 07:51 PM

The benefit besides the experience: None.

If you fancy a Volvo, they will give you two RT Air tickets
Bmw: 2 for 1 tickets!
If you are looking for other benefits, these are the way the Companies rank IMHO.

From Volvo web site:

Two round-trip tickets with Scandinavian Airlines
A free first class hotel night in Gothenburg, Sweden
Savings off the U.S. MSRP on U.S.-model Volvos (varies by model)
Free shipping to your U.S. Volvo dealer <-- they didn't mention that you payed shipping fee in US when purchase your car

They have 20+ drop off location, only GÖTEBORG, SWEDEN is free - rest, from
BREMERHAVEN, GERMANY (€29) to most expensive GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (€577)
And there cars is fugly :eek:
and last recall (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/volvo-recalls-over-140k-2001-2005-and-2010-my-vehicles-over-fuel/)
Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

----------------------------------
2-4-1 ticket in BMW it's a BS. You have to buy 1 ticket for $1300 + pay taxes on second ($350)=$1650. If you not flying during summer - you can find tickets $700/per (west coast)

BMW and Audi provided free buffet on day of delivery.
Audi provide hotel for first night

CFGTTS

01-07-2010, 08:21 AM

From Volvo web site:

Two round-trip tickets with Scandinavian Airlines
A free first class hotel night in Gothenburg, Sweden
Savings off the U.S. MSRP on U.S.-model Volvos (varies by model)
Free shipping to your U.S. Volvo dealer <-- they didn't mention that you payed shipping fee in US when purchase your car

They have 20+ drop off location, only GÖTEBORG, SWEDEN is free - rest, from
BREMERHAVEN, GERMANY (€29) to most expensive GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (€577)
And there cars is fugly :eek:
----------------------------------
2-4-1 ticket in BMW it's a BS. You have to buy 1 ticket for $1300 + pay taxes on second ($350)=$1650. If you not flying during summer - you can find tickets $700/per (west coast)

BMW and Audi provided free buffet on day of delivery.
Audi provide hotel for first night

Volvo has swedish meatball lunch too!!!

Let's not forget about what you get when you get home too! Warranties and Maintenance perks from some.

Shipping fee for Volvo? are you talking Destination charge? Which is what Audi charges too?!?! Is that what you mean?

TIME89

01-07-2010, 09:06 AM

Volvo has swedish meatball lunch too!!!

Let's not forget about what you get when you get home too! Warranties and Maintenance perks from some.

Shipping fee for Volvo? are you talking Destination charge? Which is what Audi charges too?!?! Is that what you mean?
Yes, destination charges include in every car price - it doesn't matter if you pick up your car at dealer or fly to Germany.

Audi-X2

01-07-2010, 09:15 AM

I left my S5 with Audi's shipper in Paris on November 27.

Haven't heard anything from my dealer about expected arrival (which should be soon), so I called my salesman yesterday.

He didn't know where the car is. Actually asked me if I had been given any tracking info so I could find out myself.

He later found what he believed was info on my car -- that it was loaded on a ship on December 28 -- a month after I had left the car in Europe.

That means I may not get my car until some time toward the end of this month. And that presumes that the info he was seeing is correct.

He was going to check on this and get right back to me. That was around mid-day yesterday, and so far to reply.

Really beginning to regret the European delivery program. I'd strongly advise against believing any claims that your car will arrive in about 6 weeks after you leave it in Europe. My 6 week date is tomorrow, and Audi can't even tell me where my car is, much less when to expect it.

Very unhappy here.

TIME89

01-07-2010, 09:21 AM

CFGTTS

01-09-2010, 05:25 PM

nvofevery1

01-10-2010, 10:14 PM

patinsd

01-11-2010, 09:23 AM

I'm picking up mine February 11. Congrats and let's hope for good weather!

When did you order your car ?

rbt

01-11-2010, 04:31 PM

I am going to pick on my A4 of course in Munich on Feb 12. .

I hope your kids know what a cool mom they have for doing this! Have fun (wait... that is already implied in your name...nevermind).
Almost guaranteed that the experience will make them auto fans for life.
cheers.

nvofevery1

01-11-2010, 10:45 PM

I'm picking up my S5 Coupe in Feb and driving to Prague--should I pay for the winter tire service? Is it necessary with the Quattro? (assuming it's not a blizzard). Thoughts??

nvofevery1

01-12-2010, 08:50 AM

When did you order your car ?

I ordered mine on 12/2.

CFGTTS

01-12-2010, 07:49 PM

I'm picking up my S5 Coupe in Feb and driving to Prague--should I pay for the winter tire service? Is it necessary with the Quattro? (assuming it's not a blizzard). Thoughts??

It is the Law. You are required to sign a release form.

The Federal Law in Germany requires that all drivers equip their vehicles appropriately for winter driving conditions. Although all-season tires delivered with most Audi vehicles are suited better for winter driving than the S-line performance tires, neither may provide the same level of winter-weather performance as snow tires, especially when driving through snow or ice.* Other countries may have similar or more stringent laws. Please check the appropriate requirements of the country you plan on visiting before driving your vehicle.

* Please see customer Release Form for Winter Driving
Source Audiusa.com

Tomcat84

01-13-2010, 04:30 PM

yeah

i said f*ck it though and just drove it home to Holland (where it isnt required) on summer tires. No problems as long as you are somewhat smart, and it was not outright snow on the autobahns. Did some slippery work off of the autobahn and it held up good as long as i wasnt gunning it...

patinsd

01-13-2010, 05:21 PM

Tomcat84

01-14-2010, 04:49 AM

patinsd

01-14-2010, 07:08 AM

Amsterdam.

I still need to do a full writeup but am a bit busy with my work/study situation.

Asked Gary about current car status: it's in Emden waiting for a slot on a boat.... hope it doesn't take too long

Anything to say about Amsterdam drop off location ?
I am dropping off mine overthere ,my sister in law lives in Amstelveen ,
Any idea how far it is from there ?
I'll have to ask you other questions about sending the car back to Europe after a year or so ,do you mine if I send you a private email ?

TIME89

01-14-2010, 09:41 AM

Just to remind that this thread is called " Tips for Audi European Delivery " - let's stay on topic.
Thank You!

http://www.broken-fish.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/stay-on-topic.jpg

Tomcat84

01-14-2010, 04:13 PM

Anything to say about Amsterdam drop off location ?
I am dropping off mine overthere ,my sister in law lives in Amstelveen ,
Any idea how far it is from there ?
I'll have to ask you other questions about sending the car back to Europe after a year or so ,do you mine if I send you a private email ?

sure send a message

and to stay on topic here's two tips:

if you wanna use an iPod, get the cable at your dealer in the US before you go, I didnt and paid 38 euros over there or something cause I had to have it :)

second: when you get the nav unit, if you want to use it, make sure to check it's up to date, mine kept starting with a warning that the maps hadnt been updated since 2008 or something. Not a big deal to me since I was driving on my home turf, but a big deal if you arent (which will usually be the case :) ) Additionally: i tried to use it to find the drop off place in Amsterdam, and since that was in a newer area, it couldnt find it. So it was good that i had done some route study as a backup before hand and still managed to find it.

CFGTTS

01-14-2010, 07:28 PM

Always bring a map/atlas, regardless of a Sat Nav system. Navs are great for telling you where you are and sometimes where you are going, but if you don't set the parameters properly or are not familiar with how to operate a Garmin Nuvi, it is best to have a map. Plus! Nice to have a map to bring to your room to plan the next day's trip, not easy to use a Garmin to do that task!

Audi-X2

01-15-2010, 04:43 PM

Update...

My car was cleared by US customs today. Took about a week. It will be transported to my dealer next, which means arrival there some time next week.

I should note that today marks the 8th week since I left the car in Paris. So if I do, in fact, get the car next week, it will be closer to 9 weeks from drop-off in Europe to pick-up in the US.

That's a bit too long, and outside the 8 weeks Audi promises.

TIME89

01-15-2010, 05:01 PM

CFGTTS

01-16-2010, 05:56 AM

For East Coast - 9 weeks.... :eek:

Mine took 4 weeks to clear customs as it was forgotten by customs that flagged it for examinaton and EH Harms would not follow-up on it because they didn't want to bother Customs, even though I requested they do so.

Remember, if you drop your car off, for example in Munich, they wait till they have enough cars to fill a truck or two before they start the journey! So, if it is slow and you drop your car off first..........but the good thing is that Vikasa in Munich is filling trucks with Mercedes/BMW/Vovlo/Audi. Here is a question for you all, does your car sit in the cramped parking lot for that time or do they move it to some other empty lot?

infocor

01-17-2010, 01:39 PM

infocor

01-17-2010, 01:41 PM

Oh, you might want to make sure what you ordered is what is being built. That's probably the better tip.

CFGTTS

01-17-2010, 04:01 PM

Here's a European Delivery tip: bring your order form. It will be very helpful when you get the wrong car and your dealer claims they "lost" it so you can't prove what car you are supposed to get. My delivery date was 15 Jan. When I saw the car, I could see the rims were wrong. Upon closer inspection, I could see the 18" sports package was not included (tires, steering wheel, seats, suspension, etc.) I did not take delivery of the vehicle. Both Fiona (the coordinator on the Germany side) and Gary were very helpful. I think Fiona woke Gary up. Given the time difference, we had to wait until the dealership opened. When they finally answered their phones, they claimed they lost the order form. Funny, they managed not to lose my check. The Forum was prepared to issue me a loaner if it was proven that I ordered a different car. Since I didn't have proof at the time, AoA offered to pay for a rental car. It's a Passat. Not bad for two wheel drive. And since it was Friday night and Monday is a US holiday, nothing was going to get resolved until Tuesday at the earliest.

Oh, I feel so bad for you. I heard of this problem before, not with Audi. So when it was time to order my Audi, I requested that Gary send me via email what I had ordered. What I don't like about Audi, is you really don't know what you are getting. You don't know if the car will be delivered properly or if there will be a communication between dealership to factory. When I picked up my Porsche in 06, they gave you a copy of the Monroney label copy and you were required to bring that to pick up the car. This listed everything on the car. You still needed to check the car, but you had proof.

Sorry for your misfortune. Would love to know the dealership!?

TIME89

01-18-2010, 08:46 AM

Here's a European Delivery tip: bring your order form. It will be very helpful when you get the wrong car and your dealer claims they "lost" it so you can't prove what car you are supposed to get. My delivery date was 15 Jan. When I saw the car, I could see the rims were wrong. Upon closer inspection, I could see the 18" sports package was not included (tires, steering wheel, seats, suspension, etc.) I did not take delivery of the vehicle. Both Fiona (the coordinator on the Germany side) and Gary were very helpful. I think Fiona woke Gary up. Given the time difference, we had to wait until the dealership opened. When they finally answered their phones, they claimed they lost the order form. Funny, they managed not to lose my check. The Forum was prepared to issue me a loaner if it was proven that I ordered a different car. Since I didn't have proof at the time, AoA offered to pay for a rental car. It's a Passat. Not bad for two wheel drive. And since it was Friday night and Monday is a US holiday, nothing was going to get resolved until Tuesday at the earliest.
Infocor, sorry for your trouble. Please, let as know, how everything working out. If you need additional communication help in US - send me PM with name and Phone number and message need to be delivery and I will make call for you, from LA.
Good Luck

I already write this here and on Q5 thread. It's scare me how Audi dealership treat their customers.

infocor

01-25-2010, 04:58 PM

The dealer is Len Stoler in Owings Mills, MD. I went in today to talk to them.

The salesman and GM I worked with during the original order are both gone (quit, fired, who knows). They obviously got all the blame. The current salesman and GM showed me the order they had in their database. It was way off. Not only did it not have the 18" sports package, it included a couple options I did not order. It's a miracle the color was right. Since I didn't take the car, it gets shipped to them and counts against their normal allocation. If anyone wants a blue 6MTQ, P+, w/o a sports package in two months, they'll probably give you a good deal.

They offered to change one of their Stage 10 vehicles to match my specs. This car has an Actual Production week of 07/2010 (7th week/2010) which I'm guessing is the week of 15 Feb. It would arrive in the US around the same time as my ED car would have. They offered this car to me at invoice which only works out to ~$300 less than what I paid. This includes charges for Dealer Advertising Group ($204) and port charges ($195). The salesman said those are charges that dealers have to pay on every vehicle. They gave me the Vehicle Order form and the invoice price sheet, and showed me samples of other vehicle invoices. I imagine the DAG varies on your market, but shouldn't the port charges be wrapped in the destination charges?

The GM is trying to comp Audi Care. He says he's asked and hasn't gotten approval yet. I told them I am considering ED'ing this car so I would also like them to pick up the cost of airfare. The GM said he would check with the dealership and AoA to see if something can be worked out.

If $300 is all I get out of this, I will get refund and go to a different dealer. It sounds like Gary and the Area Manager ripped them a new one. I'll wait to hear what AoA comes up with. Hopefully, it will be applicable at any dealership.

On a positive note, the rental car was good practice. I discovered a 6MT downshifts much more smoothly if you go from 6th to 5th instead of 6th to 3rd. ;)

I dropped the original dealership (Len Stoler). The GM said they didn't need to hold a deposit while waiting for the car to be reordered. He wasn't aware that ED requires you to pay in full. So I asked for my money back and said I'd bring him a new check when the car was ready. A week of unreturned voice mail messages. When he finally calls back, he says it will take the finance dept another week to get me a check. I tell him I'm on my way to the dealership to discuss the issue in person. Magically, he's able to get a check cut in 10 minutes. Bye bye Len Stoler.

The AoA area sales manager referred different dealership (Hunt Valley Motors) that has done a decent job of keeping me informed through the process. I had to reorder the car, and they modified an existing order. It saved me a couple weeks. The car was built last week. My delivery date is 8 April. I have copies of the Order Form this time so I'm confident the car will actually be built as spec'ed.

I'm still waiting to hear if AoA will do something to make up for this mess. I'm not happy with their lack of response. Outside of Gary and Fiona, all I've gotten is a "so sorry, sucks to be you." I haven't signed any purchase agreements or paid anything yet. I could still walk away. I should see the purchasing/price info later this week. Once I see that, I'll have something more concrete to discuss with them.

TIME89

03-02-2010, 08:47 AM

I am a big fan of the following websites:

www.hrs.com/ (http://www.hrs.com/) - my favorite site for booking hotels in Europe (and elsewhere around the world) bar none. They don't require prepayment in most cases, but please remember to cancel if you are not going to use the reservation.

www.venere.com/ (http://www.venere.com/) - my second favorite site. Has more unaffiliated and non-chain hotels. Also, more in the way of better prices on 2 star hotels.

www.gtahotels.com/ (http://www.gtahotels.com/) - somewhat interesting site. All the rates include breakfast and taxes.

https://www.hotelclub.net/

http://www.eurocheapo.com/

TIME89

05-26-2010, 07:35 PM

Venice Hotels Map (http://www.venice-hotels.it/venice-map.html?source=googles-garibaldi+relais+hotel+florence)

Tronchetto Parking Garage in Venice (http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/tronchetto_parking_garage.htm)

Milan Hotels Map (http://www.milan-hotels.it/milan-map.html?source=googles-garibaldi+relais+hotel+florence)

Florence Hotels Map (http://www.florence-hotels.it/florence-map.html?source=googles-garibaldi+relais+hotel+florence)

Restaurant "Ambasciata D'Abruzzo" in Rome (http://www.ambasciatadiabruzzo.com/inglese/index.php?cmd=storia)

Villas in Italy (http://www.hiddenitaly.com/index.cfm)

http://www.visiteurope.com/home.aspx

TIME89

05-28-2010, 09:45 PM

Original Post (http://www.linquist.net/geek/travel/)

Travel Tips

As of today...

I've flown 192,000 mlies on United. 60,000 on American and another 30,000 combined on other random airlines. I've decided to give you some flying tips. Many of these may be centered around United, but these strategies can be applied to most other airlines.

Find your flight.

A great site is Mobissimo.com (http://www.mobissimo.com/), it checks all of the airline sites at once.

Sign up for the frequent flyer program.

Do this online prior to making your reservation (not required, but it helps). Log in to your new "account" on the airlines' web page and make your reservation from there. You'll then automatically get credit for your flight.

Even if you only fly every 5 years - simply being a member of the program makes you "better" than other passengers. Little known fact: If you are waiting standby for an upcoming flight, they don't allow standby passengers in the order on which they were placed on the standby list. They allow them based on how many miles are in the passenger's frequent flyer account. Even if you've flown 0 miles, that's "more" than someone who isn't a member of the program.

Choose your seats online.

When you make your reservation, most airlines will show you what type of aircraft your flight will be on (On united.com, you can see more information by changing your 'display preferences' to 'expert'). Once you see that information, go to www.seatguru.com (http://www.seatguru.com/) to help you select a seat. Seatguru will show you how much leg room you have, if your seat does not fully recline, and even if it's in a loud location (next to the galley). Some seats may be listed as "premium" and will only be available to individuals that have earned "status" (flown >=25k miles in the current or previous year). I believe American Airlines lets you view your reservation and change your seats anytime between the time you make the reservation and check-in. Check every few days to see if a better seat opens up!

On United, you can only choose a new seat online at time of online check-in, which begins 24 hours prior to your flight. If I've got a crappy seat, I'll continually refresh the page at exactly 24 hrs prior to my departure, check-in online, and (more often than not) get a better seat. Remember: even if you can't print your boarding pass when you check in online, you can still get a "reprint" at the airport (from the automated check-in kiosks or from a person) - and you'll still have your good seat!

On Southwest, which you simply get an "A" "B" or "C" boarding pass, determining the order on which you can board the no-seat-assignment plane, you can checkin 24 hours prior to takeoff with your mobile phone via http://mobile.southwest.com (it'll look different if you go to that page from a PC). You'll get your "A" and then print your boarding pass when you get to the airport.

Sign up for email and text message notifications

Most airlines give you the ability to turn on text message flight notifications. You'll receive a notification x hours (usually 2) prior to the flight with the gate information as well as whether it's on time or not. United will also send you a text message with information on your flight landing.

Keep in mind that most airlines will allow you to turn on your phone as soon as the plane lands now. The text notifcation is not necessarily helpful prior to your trip, but it's invaluable when you've got a tight connection. As soon as my first-leg flight lands, I'll turn on my phone and immediately receive the queued text messages informing me of what gate we're coming in to as well as what gate I'll have to run to. Look in the back of the in-flight magazine for maps of airports - you'll know which way to go before even leaving the plane.

Program your airline's reservation phone number in your cell phone

Here's a very possible scenario: You're signed up for text messages, and as soon as you land and turn on your phone, you've discovered that your connecting flight is canceled. There are 5 other people on your flight that are trying to make that same connection. There are 3 open seats on the next available plane to your destination city. You see that the flight is canceled so you immediately call the airline, inform them of the situation, and immediately get a confirmed seat on the next available flight - even before the other passengers know it's canceled. Every minute counts here. A gate agent actually gave me a $50 flight coupon because I had already called and found myself a seat on another flight, only requiring her to print my new boarding pass. She had been dealing with jackasses all morning, and was surprised by my politeness.

Link to airline phone numbers (http://www.mytravelguide.com/travel-tools/airline-phone-numbers.php)

Don't bother using the outside skycap.

Use the self-service kiosks then take checked bags up to the appropriate counter position. The "skycaps" outside usually "require" a tip and they rarely save you time (in my opinion/experience, of course)

Come prepared.

Bring:

iPod, magazines, books.
Your laptop with DVD movies. If you want to save battery power, use something like DVD Decrypter to copy movies to your hard drive first. Also, a 3M laptop privacy filter is good if you don't want other people watching your porn. It's a polarized piece of plastic you put in front of your screen that restricts the viewing angle to within a few degrees.
An iGo power supply. Use Seatguru.com to determine whether there's a power plug under your seat. It may be a proprietary 15V DC plug OR a regular 120V AC plug. You can buy an iGo power supply that works with either + a car cigarette lighter. You can buy "power tips" for it so the same power supply will charge your laptop, cell phone, ipod, etc. Very handy to only take 1 power supply when traveling.
a pair of your own headphones and a 2-to-1 headphone adapter for older planes (which have two headphone jacks next to each other - one for left, one for right). Here (http://www.headphone.com/productphotos/large/0060080000_1021.jpg) is a picture of the adapter.
An extra laptop battery. I recommend the ones that look like a thin notebook and sits under your laptop. They're easier than trying to swap out the OEM battery in a confined space.
A long-sleeved shirt. I don't like bothering with jackets in the close quarters - I'll just wear a long-sleeved shirt. When you get on the plane, immediately begin looking for a pillow and/or blanket in the overhead bins.
A bottle of water. not allowed as of 8 Aug 2006
A powerbar. Even if you think they taste gross, they work when you're hungry.
Lotion (planes are very dry) not allowed as of 8 Aug 2006
Chap stick (once again, very dry)
Tums/Rolaids (in case the food/snacks didn't agree with you)
Immodium. You never know, right?
Hand sanitizer. Airplanes are pretty germ infested. not allowed as of 8 Aug 2006
Gum. Helps your ears pop when the pressure changes.
Earplugs. The screaming baby WILL be sitting behind you.

Overhead bin space

First of all, don't bring a huge carry-on that won't fit in the overhead bins. My carry-on suitcase is 21"x14"x7", and I think it's the perfect size. Keep in mind I still have to "gate check" it on very small/commuter route/"express" planes (where you drop it off at the end of the jetway and pick it up in the same place when you exit the aircraft). Mostly Embraer or Canadair planes.

Overhead space is quite valuable on many flights. Put anything you may need during the flight in a smaller bag that you can put under the seat in front of you. When you get on the plane, immediately begin looking for an overhead bin for your carry-on suitcase. Don't be afraid to stick it above row 10 - even if you're in row 20.

Don't be a dick.

Flying is a very stressful event for a good percentage of passengers - especially around the holidays (when there are less business travelers and more personal travelers). The flight attendants have to put up with a lot of ****. A friend of mine - someone who flies even more than I do - makes a point of occasionally buying a few boxes of chocolate ($2 each from the airport store) and passing them out to flight attendants as a "thank you." This often earns him free drinks :).

Curious? Channel 9.

United is one of the only airlines that lets you listen to air traffic control on channel 9. Here (http://meted.ucar.edu/nas/glossary.htm) is a glossary you may want to skim beforehand. In busy cities like Chicago, you'll never hear more than a few seconds of silence. In not-so-busy cities like Des Moines, I've heard the pilot talking with the tower about when the next runway will be completed.

You can also listen to ATC online @ http://www.liveatc.net/

Noise-canceling headphones

If you can afford a good pair of noise canceling headphones, your body will love you - especially on long flights, I've found that I feel more relaxed and less tired upon arrival after using them.

Active noise canceling headphones have a microphone on the outside of them - they "listen" to ambient noise, then actually broadcast an opposite sound wave into your ear, thereby canceling out the sound. I've found that cheap noise canceling headphones bother my ears more than regular headphones. Bose QuietComfort IIs are expensive ($300), but they feel like pillows on your head.

Passive noise canceling headphones (or 'canalphones') are simply earbud-type headphones that you push into your ear canal. These actually have the ability to suppress MORE noise than active over-the-ear phones. I've got a pair of Etymotic ER-4Ps that I use (currently $179 on Amazon, a great deal). The trick is finding the right tips (many different types are available) that are comfortable in your ears. They sound amazing.

Red-eyes

Have to take a redeye? Stay up all night the night before a red-eye. When you do the trans-oceanic segment, pop some Tylenol PM immediately after takeoff. You'll start falling asleep right about the time dinner has ended, won't wake up until you're landing, with no jet-lag at all. (Thanks to Dave (http://www.classicaljunk.net/) for this tip)

Pack light.

Check out http://www.onebag.com/ for great luggage packing tips.

Lost luggage

If your luggage does get lost...

Put extra identification on the INSIDE of the bag. If there is nothing on the outside, they may have to go inside to find who it belongs to.
Know what your bag looks like and what you've got in it. I've actually seen people show up at the lost luggage counter and they couldn't tell whether the bag was a softside or hard side, or even the color.
When you give the address the bag should be delivered to, give the address you are actually going to be if you're away from home.
In most locations, the guy delivering your luggage once they find it does NOT work for an airline. They are independent contractors who deliver for a number of airlines (this falls under "don't be a dick"). Be nice, THEY had nothing to do with your luggage being misrouted.

Going through security

I believe that the US should adopt something that comedian Bill Maher came up with- add a $10 fee onto every ticket sold. If you make it through security without it "beeping", you get your $10 back. Otherwise, you just paid a, "inconveniencing other passengers fee." PRIOR to getting into the security line, take off your belt, remove anything metal from your pockets (cell phone, change, etc) and place it into your carry-on bag. Remember, laptops have to come out of the bag and be scanned separately.

Giving yourself enough time

Some airports have phone numbers you can call to get the current security wait times. Research your local airport to see if yours has such a feature. Since you've already printed your boarding pass, the security line is all you really have to deal with. I'm comfortable showing up to my local airport only 45 minutes prior to the flight if I know there is no wait at the security line.

Picking someone up from the airport?

Track their flight using FlightAware (http://www.flightaware.com/), the best online tracker that I've found.

More questions?

Feel free to email me. Also, for deals and other frequent flyer talk, check out the FlyerTalk.com (http://www.flyertalk.com/) forums.

airportparking

09-13-2010, 10:44 PM

http://parkservice-flieger.de/Icons/smileyhappy.ico Nice post... interesting !

Thank you very much for your efforts!!
Greatly appreciated!!!

Fithian

12-09-2010, 09:53 AM

It appears that the newest loyalty rewards from Audi ($1000-$3000 for A3 - A8) are compatible with European Delivery but no S5's or R8's. Valid til Jan 2012.

DarthRay

12-09-2010, 09:25 PM

It appears that the newest loyalty rewards from Audi ($1000-$3000 for A3 - A8) are compatible with European Delivery but no S5's or R8's. Valid til Jan 2012.

Good to hear. Care to share the source?

TIME89

10-08-2011, 08:32 PM

European train tickets web site (http://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-tickets.htm)