Well we're back from our 18 day vacation in Europe, out of which 9 were the ED trip. We're still walking in a daze and attempt to strike conversations in German with the cashiers at the grocery store...

Delivery went very well, the waiting time was under 1 hour which enabled us a quick breakfast and a diaper change (oh yes, way more important than breakfast if you're picking up a brand new car). While there, someone picking up an ambulance car decided to test the siren, which I'm happy to report works flawlessly indoors as well as outdoors.

The car was everything we expected it to be, with the only minor question mark being the light wood that does not work as well as we'd hoped with the Terracotta interior (it's not light enough, or dark enough, to give that perfect contrast). But then again, it's not ugly either, so we're happy. We've found the X3 sport pack to handle like a dream both on the perfect roads in Germany as well as the not-so-perfect ones in Austria and the Check Republic. Since we only drove 880miles (technically still within break-in), the fastest I went was 120mph which was nudging 4500rpm or so in 6th. Doing this legally felt great - the only place where I can do this legally in the US is at Summit Point, but it's over very quickly and then you have to brake for your life (literally).

The engine loosened up a bit after about 500 miles and seemed to be very happy to run on the occasional 100 octane gas. We loved the sunroof but found that it generated a harmonic beat at around 70-80mph - I hope it was the strange baggage configuration at the time. I forgot to scientifically test the adaptive headlights (duh!). Traction in the rain was sublime, and I was surprised at the lack of acquaplaning at 80mph in very heavy rain - maybe in the past 5-6 years since I last checked them, the all seasons have finally graduated from "no-season" capability.

Our itinerary took us from Munich to Prague, then Vienna, then Salzburg and finally back to Munich. We managed an interesting mix of Autobahn, local roads and city driving through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. All in all a great experience which left me with withdrawal symptoms and an irresistible urge to plan for the next one.

Time permitting, I'll try to post a few pics. In the meantime, if you have any specific questions please fire away.

Latest update: our car made it on the Undine with an ETA for NY of 7/29. So the car - with a large helping of luck - might arrive at the dealer in the first week of August...


adc
03 330 ZHP
05 X3 on the way