This story has been sent to us by Phillip O. or known by his username: 335i

The full website to view all pics is : http://335i.white.prohosting.com

Words alone would prove to be grossly inadequate to describe the sensation of a European driving experience, especially the adrenaline rush that arrives at 155mph. The feeling is indescribable, leaving pictures and memories to tell stories that words sometimes cannot. Before leaving the US, I would never have imagined it to be difficult to describe what many see only through books or movies. A picture is worth way more than just 1,000 words.

There is a lot to be said about BMW's European Delivery program, and the benefits that go with it. I first learned about it through their website, and after months of deliberation, I placed an order for a 2007 Alpine White 335i with saddle brown leather, sport package, iPod adapter, and the premium package.

While deliberating, I did plenty of research, and educated myself on several fronts, which helped keep down costs on transportation, hotel, and even ordering the car. Many thanks to bimmerfest.com and Irv Robinson for the invaluable knowledge.

We kicked off the trip to Europe on May 20, and flew from Kansas City to Philadelphia, connecting in Nashville. From Philly, we flew into London on an overnight flight, and arrived Monday morning.

After arriving in London, we checked into the Holiday Inn after riding the train and connecting with the underground. The Holiday Inn Kensington Forum was a very nice hotel, with several amenities to offer. After a brief cleaning up, we hit the road to see London. Along the way, we saw several picture-worthy icons, including a Lamborghini dealership, Christies, some beautiful English architecture, and a nice Italian place with excellent food. A meal (and lighter wallet) later, we headed off to the underground to see some sights, and happened to run across the Monument, and the London Bridge. It was on London Bridge No. 1 that most of our night photos were taken, as there was a beautiful view from all angles.

The second day in London led us to the appreciation of our own transportation, as we walked the entire city more than once. Public transportation will only get you so far, and seeing the London Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Big Ben and the British Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, the Wellington Arch, and several other monuments, our feet needed some rest. We wound up checking into the worst hotel that we have ever laid eyes on that day, with a "4 Person" elevator barely big enough for me (I'm 6' 0" 140 lbs) let alone the 3 bags I was hauling. Needless to say, you could sit on the toilet, shower, and brush your teeth over the sink simultaneously if one desired. We checked out early to catch our flight to Munchen, and from the Munchen airport, we headed over to the BMW dealership to pick up the car.

Our flight went smoothly from London, and heading into Germany was much easier and faster than getting a VISA into England. After our complimentary lunch in the bistro, we waited for my name to be called, and soon enough, Petra delivered my 07 335i to me around 3:00 in the afternoon. We snapped some pictures, and were off to experience more of Europe, this time behind the wheel.

We found the hotel with little trouble, and after a minor incident in the parking garage regarding their location and method in which payment is made, I moved the car into the hotel parking garage, which was both spacious, and very convenient to get to the hotel from the garage. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in city center, which had just recently been renovated inside and out, and was by far one of the best hotel experiences I've had. Great customer service, and excellent rooms.

We spent the following day in Olympia Park, the site of the 1972 Olympic games, and had a blast. With plenty to do and see, there was hardly a dull moment. In the mid afternoon, we headed to Sea Life and the BMW Museum, both attractions within or close to Olympia Park. We then headed back to town to grab a bite to eat at a local cafe that served doner kabobs (sandwich that includes meat from a huge roasted meat-kabob) and headed to the Marienplatz to walk around. A couple of dozen photos later, we found ourselves driving to our hotel, getting lost along the way, and finding a massive statue/monument, and stopped to take some more pictures.

The next morning, we set out for Paris, first heading to Fussen to the Neuschwanstein Castle, and then across the Alps to Zurich. After losing the car for ~ 3 hours due to our photography obsession, we continued onward toward Paris, not stopping except for fuel, and a short 30 minute nap. We arrived in Paris at 7:30 in the morning, ready to check into our long overdue hotel. We were "upgraded" thanks to my platinum Marriott rewards status, and received a master suite upgrade at no charge (not bad for $80 per night (US dollars)). The soon to be fiance was ecstatic for the room, and while trying to not spill what was to come, I had to play it down so there wasn't anything to be found out too soon. We headed out to a rainy Paris that afternoon, and saw the Eiffel tower, and the Arc D' Triomphe, and made reservations atop the Eiffel Tower for dinner the next evening. We also stopped at a grocery store that wasn't big enough to walk into to get some groceries, and headed back out for some dinner, before calling it a night.

By the 7th day of the trip, it was all I could do to hold in the surprise which I had in store for my then-future fiance. After a busy day seeing the palace of Versailles, and the Louvre, we primped for a night on the town, and headed to the Eiffel Tower for a nice dinner overlooking the city. For some time, I had been planning this proposal, and with the help of many, including the hotel staff, and Tiffany & Co, I found a secluded section above the observation deck on the Eiffel tower, and set up my camera with a remote control shutter release, and practiced to make sure I wouldn't miss the moment. It was chilly that evening, so I went to get Ashley from the gift shop to "take some pictures", and after a few shots, I turned to tell her that I just had one question:

After several emotions and even more photographs capturing the moment, I turned to my right to see a crowd of 50+ gathering at the end of the observation deck watching contently, and letting out a roar of applause, and cheers of congratulations. It was truly an amazing moment. She had absolutely no clue until I was on one knee that I was going to propose, which made it all the more fun for me. We had a truly memorable experience atop the Eiffel tower.

We headed to London the following morning, and enjoyed the sight of the French countryside before getting to take a ride on the Chunnel to cross into England. From there, we made our way back to the hotel, and I prepared the car for its journey across the pond.

3,104 pictures later,I dropped the car off in London, and we flew back to Philly for the evening before traveling the rest of the way to Kansas City the following day. The experience picking up the car was seamless. There were no glitches to report regarding pick-up and drop off, and I couldn't recommend any better way to be able to experience Europe. The thrill of the autobahn at 155 MPH, the view of the Alps, and the French and English countryside are all things you will never see from any interstate. It was a way to actually experience the European culture, and connect with your new car all at the same time.

Roundtrip airfare to Europe: $1261BMW 335i: Don't Ask

32 Gallons of Gasoline: $243

Master Suite in the Courtyard by Marriott Nieully: $80

Tiffany & Co engagement ring: Don't Ask

Dinner atop the Eiffel Tower: $91

Being able to drive 155mph across Germany to Paris to propose to the love of my life on top of the Eiffel Tower: Priceless

 

Many thanks go out to Irv Robinson, who has been wonderful organizing the BMW portion of this adventure, even a couple of states away. It couldn’t have gone more smoothly. All phone calls are returned promptly, and no question was too much. It was truly an experience of a lifetime that will most likely be repeated.