Thinking of PCD....

STE92VE · 12-22-2006, 08:19 AM

I think doing the PCD in Spartanburg, SC is a great way to introduce yourself to your new ride and learn much about the handling capabilities. The only reservation I have is how will the long drive back to NY, about 750 miles/12 hours, affect the break in. I know that RPMs need to be varied but what about running the car continuously for 12 hours? Would it be better to break up the return trip into 2 segments? I can handle the long drive, used to do trip to Atlanta in 15 hours straight, so that is not a factor.

E36_325i · 12-22-2006, 08:35 AM

I think the 750 mile trip back will have no negative affects to the car. You already know you need to vary the RPM's along the way. The duration of the trip will not hard the car. Just make sure to watch the temp guage and make sure your temp is OK. Good luck and have fun.

BTW.
PDC= Park Distance Control (option on E9x)
PCD=Performance Center Delivery

Enjoy your new car buddy!

MBrown1003 · 12-22-2006, 08:36 AM

You're going from an '02 Jetta to an E9x? I'm going from an '03 GTI to 335i Coupe. (And from the VW sites I've frequented, the VW-to-BMW path is pretty well-traveled.)

I was thinking of doing the PCD, but decided against it due to the delay in getting my hands on the car, and the cost. OTOH, I've been there twice, so the OH WOW factor backs off a bit. If you're a BMW enthusiast, you gotta get there at least once.

If you can take a little more time, you might consider taking secondary roads so you don't have the engine droning on at one speed. I'd suggest that you take some side trips, too. When I was there for the M5 Driving Experience, we spent one day driving up to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Part of the trip was on highways, but part was on AMAZING mountain back roads. We were in Z4s; the instructor was in an X5, and we could barely keep up with him. If the PerfCtr can't get you the info, PM me, 'cuz I think I still have the booklet we received.

Another side trip that has now made it onto my Lifetime To-Do list is the Tail of the Dragon. Search here, Google it, and check out the recent article in Roundel (BMW CCA's magazine). Looks like a pretty amazing piece of road.

STE92VE · 12-22-2006, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

You're going from an '02 Jetta to an E9x? I'm going from an '03 GTI to 335i Coupe. (And from the VW sites I've frequented, the VW-to-BMW path is pretty well-traveled.)

Other than the first car I bought, a 1973 Capri, this will be totally for me. The 02 Jetta was bought with the intention of handing it down to my younger son, who is driving the 1994 Civic that was handed down to his older brother. With no restrictions on # of doors or transmissions at this time in my life, I figure it's a good opportunity to return to my first passion, a coupe with a manual transmission....the E92.

STE92VE · 12-22-2006, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E36_325i

BTW.
PDC= Park Distance Control (option on E9x)
PCD=Performance Center Delivery

Noted and corrected, thanks!

bronco · 12-22-2006, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerEnvy

Noted and corrected, thanks!

Still have the old title

STE92VE · 12-22-2006, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco

Still have the old title

Done

KL2DC · 12-22-2006, 10:02 AM

+1 on secondary roads on the way back. It'd add to the already amazing experience plus you'd have less risk of interstate rock chips/debris marring your new pride and joy.

krafty04 · 12-22-2006, 10:26 AM

After our ED (european delivery) on our 04, we logged 2,100 miles in 4 days. There were no prob's other than waiting until the break-in period to expire.

See my avatar!

Best of luck with the new ride!
Krafty

teknochild · 12-22-2006, 10:29 AM

i would avoid the drive, your going to end up driving at constant rpms even if you are trying not to, thats a long way to concentrate, plus the people behind you would get pissed eventually, nothing more annoying than someone who doesnt hold a constant speed

also its like a track thing right? wth do they get you to take delivery of your new car and then send you on a track... would be cool to go back a few months later and do it though O_O

MBrown1003 · 12-22-2006, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teknochild

i would avoid the drive, your going to end up driving at constant rpms even if you are trying not to, thats a long way to concentrate, plus the people behind you would get pissed eventually, nothing more annoying than someone who doesnt hold a constant speed

also its like a track thing right? wth do they get you to take delivery of your new car and then send you on a track... would be cool to go back a few months later and do it though O_O

As I understand it, you and your guest get a two-hour driving session in a group. It's in a Performance Center vehicle, not your car.

teknochild · 12-22-2006, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

As I understand it, you and your guest get a two-hour driving session in a group. It's in a Performance Center vehicle, not your car.

ahh that makes a lot more sense

m3power13 · 12-22-2006, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBrown1003

Another side trip that has now made it onto my Lifetime To-Do list is the Tail of the Dragon.

When you do make it to Deals Gap, try and stop by Shady Valley, "The Snake" on your way. It is very similar to Deals Gap, but less crowded. It is over 400 turns in 22 miles. It is about 4 hours north of deals gap just into Tenn, route 421.

jmonier · 12-22-2006, 12:13 PM

If you're going NE the Blue Ridge Pkwy/Skyline Drive is a great way to break in a new vehicle. Over 500 mi with minimal cross-traffic, moderate speeds (45 mph speed limit) and enough curves to keep your RPM's changing.

That's the way I'm going after my PCD in early May.

STE92VE · 12-22-2006, 03:58 PM

I thought of that route but I'll need to plan some extra time. Sounds like it will be worth it.

Clem · 12-22-2006, 04:17 PM

I'm also considering Perf. Center delivery but haven't committed yet. I ordered on 11/21 with the understanding that I wouldn't get a December build. I am currently "Scheduled for production" with "no specific production date" according to the 800 line. I am assuming an early Jan. build and I'm hoping for a late Feb. or early March delivery.

Question: If I go PCD, how much time will this add to my wait. I'm told two weeks. Can anyone confirm?

I live in the DC area - about 500 miles from PC - and have visions of taking the BRP/Skyline Drive on the return trip. I also have visions of an ice/snowstorm which has me considering a traditional delivery. Tough decision!

STE92VE · 12-22-2006, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clem

I ordered on 11/21 with the understanding that I wouldn't get a December build.

Any reason why you don't want a December build? Are there any other months that should be avoided? I'm debating whether to get a late MY2007 or one of the first MY2008s.

rmorin49 · 12-22-2006, 04:55 PM

I'm planning a PCD but it will probably be April so weather will not be a factor. Having lived in the Carolinas for many years, I can tell you there are some really nice roads in upstate SC and western NC that would be fun to drive rather than going up I85 or I77. Yes, it will take longer but it is an excellent way to see some beautiful country as well as vary your speed without ticking off a bunch of folks on the interstate. The Blue Ridge Parkway is OK, but the speed limit is only 45 and it is pretty heavily patrolled. If you're in no real hurry it can be an interesting if not slow drive. It connects to Skyline Drive in Virginia that continues all the way up to almost where I66 out of DC comes into I81 near Winchester, VA.

If you haven't been to the factory in SC, it is definitely worth a trip. I've been twice but will probably go with a PCD anyway.

Clem · 12-22-2006, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerEnvy

Any reason why you don't want a December build?

Oh hell, I want it built ASAP, but my dealer had no allocation. Another dealer nearby offered me the same deal with a December build, but I felt more comfortable with 1st guy. I'm not likely to drive it much during the winter so I'll live with the wait. But I wouldn't mind looking at it!

jmonier · 12-22-2006, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clem

Question: If I go PCD, how much time will this add to my wait. I'm told two weeks. Can anyone confirm?

The overall wait from production to delivery is 7-8 weeks. In my case, for a May 2nd date, they said they needed the car built in week 11 which is the week of March 12th.

I understand they can get filled up fast so you would need your CA to get on it and coordinate a build date with an open PCD date.

Clem · 12-22-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmonier

The overall wait from production to delivery is 7-8 weeks.

Understood, but should I expect to wait more than 7-8 weeks total for PCD as opposed to dealership delivery?

jmonier · 12-22-2006, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clem

Understood, but should I expect to wait more than 7-8 weeks total for PCD as opposed to dealership delivery?

I don't quite understand your question. It's 7-8 weeks total for PCD delivery once you go into production. You'll have to ask your CA what the delivery is to your dealership. It does vary by location and other factors. To find the difference subtract one from the other. I can't give you an absolute answer because I don't have all the facts.

12-22-2006, 08:19 AM	#1
STE92VE STEVIL Empire 218 Rep 6,297 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	Thinking of PCD.... I think doing the PCD in Spartanburg, SC is a great way to introduce yourself to your new ride and learn much about the handling capabilities. The only reservation I have is how will the long drive back to NY, about 750 miles/12 hours, affect the break in. I know that RPMs need to be varied but what about running the car continuously for 12 hours? Would it be better to break up the return trip into 2 segments? I can handle the long drive, used to do trip to Atlanta in 15 hours straight, so that is not a factor. Last edited by STE92VE; 12-22-2006 at 09:54 AM..
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12-22-2006, 08:35 AM	#2
E36_325i Private First Class 9 Rep 142 Posts Drives: E36 325i + '06 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	I think the 750 mile trip back will have no negative affects to the car. You already know you need to vary the RPM's along the way. The duration of the trip will not hard the car. Just make sure to watch the temp guage and make sure your temp is OK. Good luck and have fun. BTW. PDC= Park Distance Control (option on E9x) PCD=Performance Center Delivery Enjoy your new car buddy! __________________ '06 M3 \| Jet/Cinn \| ZPP \| Xenons \| NAV \| Military Sales.
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12-22-2006, 08:36 AM	#3
MBrown1003 Eight Bimmers and counting 35 Rep 761 Posts Drives: 2014 F10 M5 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Massachusetts, USA iTrader: (0)	You're going from an '02 Jetta to an E9x? I'm going from an '03 GTI to 335i Coupe. (And from the VW sites I've frequented, the VW-to-BMW path is pretty well-traveled.) I was thinking of doing the PCD, but decided against it due to the delay in getting my hands on the car, and the cost. OTOH, I've been there twice, so the OH WOW factor backs off a bit. If you're a BMW enthusiast, you gotta get there at least once. If you can take a little more time, you might consider taking secondary roads so you don't have the engine droning on at one speed. I'd suggest that you take some side trips, too. When I was there for the M5 Driving Experience, we spent one day driving up to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Part of the trip was on highways, but part was on AMAZING mountain back roads. We were in Z4s; the instructor was in an X5, and we could barely keep up with him. If the PerfCtr can't get you the info, PM me, 'cuz I think I still have the booklet we received. Another side trip that has now made it onto my Lifetime To-Do list is the Tail of the Dragon. Search here, Google it, and check out the recent article in Roundel (BMW CCA's magazine). Looks like a pretty amazing piece of road. __________________ 2014 F10 M5 Previously... Threes: '08 E90 M3, '07 E92 335i, Fives: '11 F10 550i, '02 E39 M5, '00 E39 540i/6, '97 E39 528i, '92 E34 525i Others: VW, MBz, Peugeot, Toyota, Olds
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12-22-2006, 10:02 AM	#8
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	+1 on secondary roads on the way back. It'd add to the already amazing experience plus you'd have less risk of interstate rock chips/debris marring your new pride and joy. __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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12-22-2006, 10:26 AM	#9
krafty04 First Lieutenant 5 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 04 Jeep Gr. Cherokee Overland Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Azores, Portugal iTrader: (0)	After our ED (european delivery) on our 04, we logged 2,100 miles in 4 days. There were no prob's other than waiting until the break-in period to expire. See my avatar! Best of luck with the new ride! Krafty __________________ 07/335i/Sedan/TiAg/black/alum/sport/CA/step/nav/assist/PDC 04 JGC Overland 04 HD Nightrain 04 325 (sold) 98 318ti (daughters ride now)
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12-22-2006, 10:29 AM	#10
teknochild Your resident 4um troll 123 Rep 2,020 Posts Drives: 335 coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: fl iTrader: (0)	i would avoid the drive, your going to end up driving at constant rpms even if you are trying not to, thats a long way to concentrate, plus the people behind you would get pissed eventually, nothing more annoying than someone who doesnt hold a constant speed also its like a track thing right? wth do they get you to take delivery of your new car and then send you on a track... would be cool to go back a few months later and do it though O_O
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12-22-2006, 12:13 PM	#14
jmonier Captain 11 Rep 812 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E92, 2002 325i Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (0)	If you're going NE the Blue Ridge Pkwy/Skyline Drive is a great way to break in a new vehicle. Over 500 mi with minimal cross-traffic, moderate speeds (45 mph speed limit) and enough curves to keep your RPM's changing. That's the way I'm going after my PCD in early May.
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12-22-2006, 03:58 PM	#15
STE92VE STEVIL Empire 218 Rep 6,297 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	I thought of that route but I'll need to plan some extra time. Sounds like it will be worth it.
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12-22-2006, 04:17 PM	#16
Clem Major 149 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 M3 AW/FR ESS VT2 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (4)	I'm also considering Perf. Center delivery but haven't committed yet. I ordered on 11/21 with the understanding that I wouldn't get a December build. I am currently "Scheduled for production" with "no specific production date" according to the 800 line. I am assuming an early Jan. build and I'm hoping for a late Feb. or early March delivery. Question: If I go PCD, how much time will this add to my wait. I'm told two weeks. Can anyone confirm? I live in the DC area - about 500 miles from PC - and have visions of taking the BRP/Skyline Drive on the return trip. I also have visions of an ice/snowstorm which has me considering a traditional delivery. Tough decision!
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12-22-2006, 04:55 PM	#18
rmorin49 Major 53 Rep 1,162 Posts Drives: 11 335d/10 Z4 s30i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hagerstown, MD iTrader: (1)	I'm planning a PCD but it will probably be April so weather will not be a factor. Having lived in the Carolinas for many years, I can tell you there are some really nice roads in upstate SC and western NC that would be fun to drive rather than going up I85 or I77. Yes, it will take longer but it is an excellent way to see some beautiful country as well as vary your speed without ticking off a bunch of folks on the interstate. The Blue Ridge Parkway is OK, but the speed limit is only 45 and it is pretty heavily patrolled. If you're in no real hurry it can be an interesting if not slow drive. It connects to Skyline Drive in Virginia that continues all the way up to almost where I66 out of DC comes into I81 near Winchester, VA. If you haven't been to the factory in SC, it is definitely worth a trip. I've been twice but will probably go with a PCD anyway. __________________ 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)
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