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      11-06-2013, 07:25 PM   #1
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Lightbulb 2014 X5 Performance Center Delivery Experience and Random Thoughts

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I just got back from the Performance Center Delivery of my 2014 X5. This was my third PCD and it was just as great an experience as the other two. I'm a bit tired from my 1200 mile drive home, so I'll post some pics and add more info to this thread over the next day or so.

2014 X5 XDrive 35i xLine
Mineral White
Mocha Nappa Interior design Package
Poplar Trim
Cold Weather Package
Driver Assistance Package
Driver Assistance Plus Package
Luxury Seating Package
Premium Package
Space Saver Spare
Ceramic Controls
Harmon Kardon Surround Sound System


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Thanks to everyone for the congratulations and kind words.

There are a few different parts of the delivery experience. My wife and I did the track portion first which starts with a classroom session. We then were able to go out on the track with an X5 very much like the one we were about to pick up. Attached is a pic of the X5 we drove. We did an emergency braking test at 35, 40, and 45 mph and also a fun circuit with a short slalom. The instructor (Paul) gave us some tips on how to go faster. The X5 is surprisingly nimble for such a big vehicle.

We also got to drive a 335i sedan on a wet skidpad with and without traction control. It's a great demonstration of how effective those safety systems can be.

Finally, our instructor took us on a hot lap in the E92 M3 including power sliding (drifting) on the skidpad. Awesome car and great driver car control.

On a side note, the X5 we drove was the Sparkling Brown color with the two-tone ivory and black interior. When I first saw the car, I thought it was black. It is a very dark color. I could only tell it was brown later in the day when it was sitting in direct sunlight. I thought people who are considering the brown should be aware of how dark it is. I thought about the brown when I was choosing colors. After seeing how dark it is, I'm glad I went for a lighter color. The interior was nice, although if I were going for a light interior color, I'd go with the Ivory Napa Design package.


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After the track experience, I took delivery of my new X5. The original pics in the post are from the delivery bay. Our specialist was Nick and he was excellent. He went over all the systems in detail and was able to answer any questions that I had. He had already activated the satellite radio and we did a test call to set up the BMW Assist.

Afterwards we had lunch in the on-site cafe and then went out to the off-road course.

We took the same X5 from the morning session onto the course. The instructor (Arnie) was in an X3 as were the other customers taking delivery that day. The off-road course featured a water crossing, hill climb and hill descent, deep ruts, and sections where one or two wheels of the vehicle would be completely off of the ground. It would be great for any X vehicle owner or prospective owner to see how capable these BMWs are in an off-road setting. This was my favorite part of the day. Arnie was pretty entertaining, as well.

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Normally, a tour of the factory is included in the PCD. Unfortuately, the factory is closed to tours until the spring. I was able to tour the factory on my last PCD and it was very interesting. Highly recommended.

Instead, went to the Zentrum museum attached to the factory and saw a short film about the construction process. If you haven't been to the Zentrum, it's worth spending about 20 minutes checking out some of the BMW race cars and other vehicles on display.

Here are pictures of my new X5 in the "VIP parking area" at the Zentrum (it's actually just a sidewalk next to the building) and also in front if the Zentrum.

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All in all, a great experience and lots of fun. Aside from European Delivery, I can't imagine a better way to take delivery of a new car. If you have the time do Performance Center Delivery, you should give it a try.

Any questions?

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