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09-07-2009, 12:04 PM | #45 |
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We had a fantastic breakfast downstairs in the hotel this morning. Afterwards we took the subway to the Louvre and spent a few hours taking it all in. (We have both been there before) Nice that the concierge had tickets to everything we want to see - so no need to wait in any ticket lines.
It was funny to see everyone rush in the direction on the Mona Lisa right from the start. Easy to do since they have directional markers posted. I actually think the Louvre building is prettier than Versailles - and has some amazing rooms. (Nothing compares to the gardens at Versailles however.) In fact, I think the Louvre building is one of the finest works of art of the Louvre! Although we generally enjoy paintings the most, I find taking pictures of objects and sculptures look better. A few random things: And finally, the biggest crowd pleaser: The photo may remind people just how small it is. For lunch, we were going to eat at Le Meurice (3 michelin stars) in the hotel of the same name... but we changed our mind and decided we'd save the special meal for dinner. Instead we ate at Le Dali (also at the Le Meurice) which was more casual... but still fantastic. We finished with a strawberry and pistachio sponge cake that had some gold leaf on it! Odd feeling eating real gold... but the cake was incredible. We came back to the hotel for a nice long rest - and will be heading out to dinner soon. Tonight its Taillevent. It was a 3 star restaurant, but lost its 3rd star in 2007. Good thing since 3 stars require a jacket & tie (2 stars only a jacket) - I didn't even pack a tie. I have an appointment with TT Car to drop off the car tomorrow at 8AM. I hope to be back to the hotel by about 9:15 - so Mrs. Hayden and I can have breakfast together. Our last full day tomorrow... we hope to see Montparnasse, the Musee d'Orsay and save the Eiffel Tower for after sunset.
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ED Vehicle: 2009 F02 750Li | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Nappa Leather | Fineline Matte Wood Trim
ED Tour: Aug 25th - Sep 9th 2009. (Trip Report | Route Map). ED Progress: Welt Delivery Aug 27th; Drop off at Paris Sep 8th; Redelivery October 30th. |
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09-07-2009, 04:16 PM | #46 |
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Beautiful 7-Series
Congrats, and thanks for sharing. I absolutely love your color combo.
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09-08-2009, 03:08 AM | #47 |
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Just returned from dropping off the car. I got up at 6:45 and drove off at about 7. Figuring I had about 15 minutes of extra time or so - I drove by a few of the sights again. Here is the Lourvre at sunrise:
I asked the valet to have the car washed yesterday... they did a good job. (This was only the 2nd wash - the first was at the Dolder Grand in Zurich... also from the valet) I arrived at TT Car at almost exactly 8. I walked inside and showed my BMW folder. They pointed me in the direction of a back office. (My guess is either the Manager or a Harms rep) I handed over the docs - he took the entire folder. The rep was not friendly at all. No pleasantries, no smile, nothing. He had someone go out and check the mileage. He printed out a "Car Delivery Receipt" for me and asked me to sign in several places. He showed me the damage form and said "No damage". (Didn't bother to check) I said I'd like to note a few chips on the rear bumper. I asked if the car would be trucked to Munich or Bremerhaven? (Bremerhaven direct). I asked when the next truck was scheduled for? (Shrug... maximum of 7 days) I was done in 8 minutes. They provided me a shuttle to the train station (seeing the traffic in the direction of Paris was reason enough not to take a taxi)... and I was back in the room at 9:30. A final goodbye from inside the shuttle: Time for breakfast!
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ED Vehicle: 2009 F02 750Li | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Nappa Leather | Fineline Matte Wood Trim
ED Tour: Aug 25th - Sep 9th 2009. (Trip Report | Route Map). ED Progress: Welt Delivery Aug 27th; Drop off at Paris Sep 8th; Redelivery October 30th. |
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09-10-2009, 10:32 AM | #48 |
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Great joutney! I envy you...but in good sense. It looks like to be ver exiting...the whole trip is amazing. And of course, the F01 is perfect. I hpe you will have great time with it. It's really great car!
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09-10-2009, 05:57 PM | #49 |
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Thank you all for the kind comments and support. It was fun to have you all along. We are home now - and back in the swing of things.
After I catch up with work I'll be back to add a summary and some final notes. I just discovered that I'm scheduled to be on the Goliath Leader - leaving bremerhaven in 5 days! Scheduled arrival in the US is Oct 11th. Adding 2 weeks for customs, VDC, and dealer redelivery would mean I can expect the car around Oct 25th. That's a full 2 weeks sooner than I anticipated based on other California delivery times I've seen - and would make my total wait about 47 days.
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ED Vehicle: 2009 F02 750Li | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Nappa Leather | Fineline Matte Wood Trim
ED Tour: Aug 25th - Sep 9th 2009. (Trip Report | Route Map). ED Progress: Welt Delivery Aug 27th; Drop off at Paris Sep 8th; Redelivery October 30th. |
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09-10-2009, 07:54 PM | #50 |
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just cause you are home doesn't mean you cant keep taking photos!!!!!!!
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09-17-2009, 02:34 AM | #51 |
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Hayden, I have to say that this is a brilliant thread. Not only were you fortunate enough to pick your car up from the Welt, but you had the opportunity to traipse around Europe in it. This has put the thought of doing an ED one day in my head, and while some of the places you've been are familiar, there are quite a few that I've yet to visit. Thanks for sharing!
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09-18-2009, 01:10 PM | #52 |
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Here's my pro and con list...
The Good:
We’ve been home over a week now and are missing Europe and the 7. It’s comforting knowing that it’s been loaded on its ride home already. A testament to how much we enjoyed the trip was the fact we had already begun to talk about our next ED in the middle of it! It truly is a fantastic experience. Besides a few issues early on (lost baggage, “controlled” twice by the police) we had an uneventful trip with no serious issues. I can testify that having navigation on the car (as well as the head-up display) simplified things immensely and allowed us to focus on enjoying the view rather than unfolding a giant map every few minutes. I’m experiencing a little sticker shock as the Dollar managed to test a new low just as we were getting ready to come home! Here were our favorite moments:
Provence. The idea sounded good, and the photos looked pretty… but we enjoyed the coast so much more and should have spent those nights near the water instead. (St. Tropez maybe?) We also could have spent a few more days in Munich… but we can always save that for next time! Hotel Ratings: (rating of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best – all hotels were booked through the Fine Hotels and Resorts program from American Express except in Zurich) Mandarin Oriental, Munich Room: Mandarin Superior Jr. Suite – 4 (upgraded at time of booking) Bathroom: 4.5 (good separate shower) Staff: 5+ Breakfast: 5+ (absolutely fantastic buffet and a la carte choices – best of the trip by far) Cost: Very Reasonable Overall: – We will without a doubt return. It was the best value (room rate) of the entire trip. The Dolder Grand, Zurich Room: Jr. Suite Deluxe, Spa Wing – 5 (upgraded at time of booking – virtuoso) Bathroom: 5 (good separate shower) Staff: 3 (some were very arrogant) Breakfast: 2 (a la carte - poor menu with small portions) Cost: Expensive Overall: Villa D’Este, Lake Como Room: Suite – 4 (upgraded from Jr. Suite Top - room was very dated, but view was a 5!) Bathroom: 2 (very small and dated, shared shower/tub) Staff: 4 Breakfast: 4 (buffet) Cost: Very Expensive Overall: - Mainly due to the view! Hotel Principe di Savoia Room: Elegant Suite – 4 (no upgrade – room somewhat dated, but with intricate woodwork) Bathroom: 3.5 (separate shower) Staff: 3 Breakfast: 4 (buffet with a la carte options) Cost: Reasonable Overall: (we should have stayed at the Four Seasons or Park Hyatt – or in a whole other city!) Hotel Métropole (my favorite of the trip) Room: De Luxe Junior Suite – 5 (upgraded prior to arrival - very elegant and tastefully decorated with modern features) Bathroom: 5 (separate shower) Staff: 5+ (exceedingly polite and professional) Breakfast: 5+ (fantastic in the Joel Robuchon restaurant) Cost: Expensive Overall: – The only place to stay in Monte Carlo. Four Seasons Provence Room: Premier Four Seasons Executive Suite - 4 (upgraded at time of check in - rather ordinary room) Bathroom: 4 (separate shower) Staff: 4.5 Breakfast: 4 (buffet) Cost: Expensive Overall: - This resort made us feel as though we were in the US. (Not in a good way) Food selection and taste was poor for every meal. Chateu de Bagnols Room: Suite - 4 (upgraded at check-in) Bathroom: 4 (shower in tub) Staff: 4.5 Breakfast: 4 Cost: Reasonable Overall: – A really unique experience. Four Seasons George V, Paris (my wife's favorite of the trip) Room: Deluxe Room - 5 (no upgrade, but room was spacious, nicely decorated, and had a great view) Bathroom: 4.5 (separate shower – only 1 sink with a large vanity) Staff: 5 (very polite) Breakfast: 4.5 Cost: Very Expensive Overall: - Highly recommended. Favorite Breakfast: Mandarin Oriental, Munich – The selection is enormous. 10 different kinds of juices, a large buffet which included numerous a la carte choices. Favorite Lunch: Joel Robuchon at the Hotel Métropole, Monte Carlo. Very reasonably priced. Order the famous mashed potatoes on the side. Favorite Dinner: Le Ciel at the Intercontinental Berchtesgaden / Yoshi at the Hotel Métropole (Tie). Both were phenomenal! (Both were far superior to Taillevent in Paris – and cheaper) Random Facts: Total Miles Driven: 1732 Total Fuel Cost: $691.64 I should also say that driving back in the US now is incredibly annoying. (And not because of the speed!) Most American's simply don't know how to drive. The fast (left) lane is intended for passing... which a lot of people just don't get. I never saw anyone (not one person!) pass a car on the right in Europe on the freeway. In the US people will get around you in whatever way possible.
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ED Vehicle: 2009 F02 750Li | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Nappa Leather | Fineline Matte Wood Trim
ED Tour: Aug 25th - Sep 9th 2009. (Trip Report | Route Map). ED Progress: Welt Delivery Aug 27th; Drop off at Paris Sep 8th; Redelivery October 30th. |
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09-18-2009, 04:15 PM | #53 | |
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Thanks Hayden for summing it all up. GREAT writeup. I for one enjoyed reading every post and especially liked the beautiful pictures you posted. Again, thank you so very much! In regards to some of your findings: I have to agree with every point you listed in the Good column! In the Bad column: The starting from a stop should slowly fade as the car learns your acceleration behavior unless you always accelerate hard and jerky I agree with you on the Active Cruise Control, I found it a bit abrupt as well, not so much when it was accelerating but rather when it slows you down, but then again, for safety reasons I guess they need to do that when someone pulls right in front of you and the car determins that the distance you selected is far greater than the actual distance to the car that just pulled ahead of you! I have no complaints about the sound system. It also depends on the quality of the source material that you play. If you play highly compressed files from your iPod/iPhone, then you can't expect the system to do wonders for you. I usually use either uncompressed or loss less type audio files and the playback is awesome. What did you use as reference when you were listening to it and are say that the system could/should be better? I'm not sure if this is what you are referring to in regards to your active side bolsters comment, but when I get into the car, the seats are 'open' and when I start the car the side bolsters (on the rear seat portion) close to my preferred seat width! At the same time it lowers the steering wheel into position. When I turn the car off, the steering wheel goes up and the side bolsters open up so it's easier to get out of the car. I agree with you on the sunroof button and it's functionality! My instrument cluster digital screen isn't fuzzy, in fact it is really sharp and very detailed. Maybe it's a setting in your car? I think the contrast changes with the dashboard illumination setting?!? I don't use an iPod/iPhone so I can't comment on that. I use a 64GB USB stick that's always plugged into the center arm rest USB. I always have the lane departure warning enabled and find it quite useful. What you experienced may have something to do with the width of the European streets Give it another go once you get your car... Passenger side massage feature. I still don't understand why they offer this feature in Europe and the rest of the world but they don't offer it for the NA market... If you ask me, I think that's ridiculous! Any window stops it's movement as soon as you open the corresponding door, it does that on mine as well as my wife's BMW. I think that they consider that a safety feature. Goes along the same way as not being able to close the power trunk from the 'open only' button inside the car or from the remote!!! Anyway, thanks again for all your great pictures
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09-18-2009, 04:44 PM | #54 | |||||
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Thanks xDrive! Happy to have had you along for the ride. Here are some follow-ups:
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ED Vehicle: 2009 F02 750Li | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Nappa Leather | Fineline Matte Wood Trim
ED Tour: Aug 25th - Sep 9th 2009. (Trip Report | Route Map). ED Progress: Welt Delivery Aug 27th; Drop off at Paris Sep 8th; Redelivery October 30th. Last edited by hayden; 09-18-2009 at 05:25 PM.. |
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10-12-2009, 03:12 AM | #55 |
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10-29-2009, 10:42 PM | #56 |
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I pickup the car at the dealer tomorrow morning! It's been a long 52 days since drop-off in Paris...
09/08/2009 Paris Dropoff 09/15/2009 Loaded on to Goliath Leader in Bremerhaven 10/12/2009 Unloaded at Port Hueneme, CA 10/21/2009 Cleared Customs/USDA - Moved to VPC 10/27/2009 Arrived at Dealer 10/30/2009 Redelivery
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ED Vehicle: 2009 F02 750Li | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Nappa Leather | Fineline Matte Wood Trim
ED Tour: Aug 25th - Sep 9th 2009. (Trip Report | Route Map). ED Progress: Welt Delivery Aug 27th; Drop off at Paris Sep 8th; Redelivery October 30th. |
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10-29-2009, 10:54 PM | #57 | |
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I look forward to some more pictures
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11-02-2009, 04:19 PM | #58 |
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The car is being tinted right now. $420 for Ceramic tint! Can't wait to see how it looks. After the no-wash period expires I'll give it a good bath and take some new pictures.
Two little annoyances after driving it for a few days back in my element.
Anyone at BMW paying attention?
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ED Vehicle: 2009 F02 750Li | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Nappa Leather | Fineline Matte Wood Trim
ED Tour: Aug 25th - Sep 9th 2009. (Trip Report | Route Map). ED Progress: Welt Delivery Aug 27th; Drop off at Paris Sep 8th; Redelivery October 30th. |
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11-02-2009, 05:34 PM | #59 | |
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1) +1 This has been discussed before also on other BMW models in other forums that have powered trunks. Everyone I discussed this problem with seems to have the same issue with it. I also wish you could close it from the inside, especially when it's cold outside or raining! 2) You should be able to press the light switch on the center light cluster in front of the sunroof and that should turn the cabin lighting on. I have the reading lights in the back which are part of the individual package. I don't know what the standard rear seating lighting looks like. I actually just tried it in my car and it does turn the front seat and rear seat reading lights on... works quite well...
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11-03-2009, 02:57 PM | #60 | |
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ED Tour: Aug 25th - Sep 9th 2009. (Trip Report | Route Map). ED Progress: Welt Delivery Aug 27th; Drop off at Paris Sep 8th; Redelivery October 30th. |
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