First, I want to thank Herbert and Robert at MB of Escondido for making this trip happen. They were most helpful, Herb especially. If you are thinking of doing the EDP, I'd recommend giving Herb a call.
So in order to give you the best perspective, I'll start from the initial steps and how I ended up with a C63 through the EDP.

The whole process started when I decided to look at a new vehicles. I wasn't really looking to purchase as it was more a fanciful idea. I looked at the M5, M6, Porsche 911 Carera, CTS-V, and the C63.

The BMW's are nice cars to be sure, but the interiors turned me off and I wasn't too keen on the lack of torque. The 911 is a beautiful car inside and out, but didn't feel leaps and bounds faster than my 350z. The CTS-V was quick but the quality just didn't feel there. Then there was the C63. I remember looking at one for the first time - I was actually startled standing by it when the sales guy started it up. The moment I sat in it and started it up myself, I fell in love. You know I'm talking about.

It was only after I had placed my order that I learned about the EDP offered by Mercedes. So I went back to the dealer and asked about it. They weren't very knowledgeable. They later came back and said that the discount did not apply to AMG models for the EDP. Not amused about being lied to, I canceled my order and called Herbert(after reading about him here and via google).

The process went as smooth as smooth could get - I got the car I wanted with the 7% off plus another 2.5%. I decided to go with the BFARP due to the great rates and some of the included amenities. While the BFARP is a great package, I wouldn't do it again unless I was taking a significant other. It was definitely on the romantic side, and I took my father on this trip. If I had to do it over, I would have spent a few more days at the Nurburgring and driven west to Paris then north to the UK. Food for thought for the next time.


I know. You're thinking "TL;DR and wtf are the pics?!"


So here you go. I apologize for the miserable quality of the point and shoot camera. My jerk of a gf wouldn't let me take her T2i or 5D with me.



Stuttgart :


Customer Delivery Center :






Car :




So what does the typical American do with their new C63? Drive straight to the Nurburgring, duh.

Entrance




Lotus off the track



Me



My favorite part of the trip, the AMG facility tour...
Harmut, our awesome guide(note the American flag out, a nice touch for all visitors)





The IRL AMG private lounge :



The house Hans-Werner Aufrecht and his wife built and lived in when AMG moved to Affalterbach :


The building where the AMG engines are put together. The top floor is where the V12 is assembled. The bottom floor is partitioned - the 6.2 and 5.5 are assembled here on opposite sides.





BFARP, first stop in Hinterzarten :






Porsche entourage arrived :



Next day, driving through Salzberg :

 

Interalpen Hotel, nights 2 & 3 :








Innsbruck, top of the Alps :







Munich, nights 4-5 :









Carrera GT. This car actually had Florida plates on it.


Leaving the car behind, but in good company :

 

Nice pictures, looks like a fun time. I want to do this!

 

awesome! Now I am really interested in doing ED

 

Awesome pics, and an incredible car...thanks for posting. Hoping to do this someday myself.

 

Awesome pictures of your ED experience... just curious, taking your brand new car to the track is part of the break-in? LOL How many miles have you put on the car before driving it to the shipping company?

 

Best way to break it in, right?

The car had approx. 1,680 miles when dropped for shipping. Definitely got my drive time in.

 

Nice car and nice way to break her in

 

^^ LOL Great job buddy!!

At least you wont have to worry about the break-in period once your car arrives in America.

 

Thanks folks for the kind words.

A worthwhile trip to be sure. I highly recommend it should the opportunity be available. Staying out of trouble with the law will be the trick once the car gets here.

 

What's the transit time?

 

Congratz and definitely looks like someone had a LOT of fun on their trip.
Great photos btw.

 

Wow, looks like you had fun. Unfortunately when I was looking for mine all the dealers in the L.A. area told me they no longer provided E.D. which I believed after speaking to over 10 dealerships. Next time I think about ordering a car, I'll definitely be in touch.

Congratulations & post up some pics when it comes in.

 

stunning!

When I have my chance to purchase an E63, I'll definitely bring my family for such a trip

 

Congra !!!!!!! Just hope your engine last more then 100K mile since you sure follow the engine "break in" procedure.

 

Thanks folks for the kind words.

 

Should be about 6 weeks or around late August(so I was told) from the Brunswick port to Dallas, Texas.

That is a bum deal. Frustrating that most dealers seem to have zero knowledge or just don't want to participate and steer customers away. Hopefully this thread will share some insight(and as always I'm happy to answer any questions).

You're probably right. Unfortunately(or fortunately?) the car will probably see under 5k miles a year due to all the travel in my work.

 

thanx for sharing these! very fun looking....
congrats on the car.......enjoy!

 

Congrats and thanks for sharing the pics.

 

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! I was last in that area in 1958, visiting my relatives. Fond memories for me, although I wasn't picking up an AMG, in fact, I didn't yet have a driver's license.

 

agree, thanks for sharing your experience~! It was cool going through these pictures

 

Beautiful car! Almost exactly like mine. It looks like I should have done the BFARP. Next time.

I didn't go to the "Ring". I had too many girls with me and I was worried about the break in (didn't put over 1k on her). I'm jealous that you got to do that. However, the roads/higheways of Germany offer a very pleasant drive.

Did you get the tracking info from IFFUSA? Once they've updated it to include the vessel's name, you can track it's progress here.

Thought it was kinda cool when I found this (I'm a bit anxious for her to get here).

Congrats and thanks for sharing.

 

I know the rule is "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" but how much extra does this royal treatment cost?

Gorgeous photos, by the way. Definitely a bucket-list thing to do.

 

Yeah me too i want to know.

 

You guys are way too **** about break in. There is another theory to just drive the hell out of it off the bat. There is no data to support either break in method is better than another.

This guy did it right, the engine will last just as long as any other.