PCD Experience (Ordered w/ Ryan Amico and Steve Thomas BMW)

ksh937 · 07-19-2011, 09:15 AM

I picked up my 2011 BMW E92 M3 on Friday July 1 and took the holiday weekend to drive it back to Minneapolis (~1200 miles, coincidentally). Here's a brief summary of my experience.

I used Ryan Amico from Steve Thomas BMW. The entire process couldn't have been smoother. Ryan was extremely helpful, responsive and just great to deal with. I'm only 1300 miles into my current car, but my next one will be through Ryan as well!

The Marriott is great. The staff is super friendly (ex. I got in a day early and the concierge chauffeured me to/from a local golf course b/c I had an entire day to kill and wanted to be outside), the room is very good, and the amenities are really nice too.

PCD is an amazing experience. From the skid pad to the hot lap, the slalom course to the personalized service, it was a 5 star experience beginning to end.

If you're driving home from PCD, YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON!!! Located in western North Carolina, it's 11 miles of over 320 turns. I've never owned an M3 before, but this stretch of road really made me appreciate the engineering and craftsmanship that went into making this car. As reference, I was going to Louisville, KY and it was about 30 minutes out of my way to go to The Tail of the Dragon. Totally worth it!

Last but not least, thanks to this forum and all of its members for helping me throughout this process. I'm sure I'll have more questions throughout my ownership (ex. All-season tires?), but the comments and answers from everyone here made the experience that much better. Thanks everyone!

Ok, I lied, one more item, but this is totally random. I used the 4th of July weekend to drive back to Minneapolis. I stopped off in Chicago for two days and stayed with my friend who had also recently pulled the trigger on an M3. We had never really talked details before, but when we started talking numbers, we started to argue whose dealer gave us the better deal, was easier to work with, etc.... basically, whose dealer was better. Finally, he told me he went with a special dealer out in southern California... Ryan Amico! What a crazy coincidence!! So we were both right, our dealer was (is) awesome because it's the same guy! Thanks again Ryan for everything. My friend (who did PCD a week later) and I couldn't be happier with our experiences!

Ok, now to take my baby out and see what I can do now that the 5500 RPM limit is gonzo...

jqsmooth · 07-19-2011, 09:28 AM

Congrats man! It sounds like you had a great trip on top of getting THE M3. Hope to join you soon. You a golfer too? Man, I've been tearing up the courses just to keep my mind off the car. What's your handi? i'm a 10. Enjoy your M!!!

GOLFFRR · 07-19-2011, 09:44 AM

Ryan was telling me about that story of you and your friend thats awesome!!

Congrats on the car and thank you so much for the business we really appreciate it

lets see some pics of your car

ksh937 · 07-21-2011, 02:47 PM

@jgsmooth - I am a bad golfer, but I love the game. I have never calculated my handicap, but I shoot in the mid 90s. Bad, I know...

@Golffrr - Thanks again. Pics to come shortly. I spend a lot of time just looking at my car in the garage and admiring it though,

GOLFFRR · 07-21-2011, 08:10 PM

^^ i still find myself looking back at my car all the time when i park at work/store/etc

my gf just doesn't understand

jqsmooth · 07-21-2011, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksh937

@jgsmooth - I am a bad golfer, but I love the game. I have never calculated my handicap, but I shoot in the mid 90s. Bad, I know...

@Golffrr - Thanks again. Pics to come shortly. I spend a lot of time just looking at my car in the garage and admiring it though,

dude, mid 90s ain't bad. you just gotta play more. the more you play, your score will come down. 2 years ago, i was shooting in the low 90s. now, it's low to mid 80s. as long as you enjoy yourself, it's a good time on the course. it can be as challenging as you want it to be. i'm sure you won't have any time to play now that you got your M!!!

it'll be a challenge to drive an M3(first) and a manual transmission(second) for me. i can't wait!!! btw, pictures please!!!

mshab356 · 07-25-2011, 09:21 AM

Haha I actually did PCD with my E92 on June 30th, the day before you

I LOVED it!!! The Tail of the Dragon is an amazing stretch I've heard. I never went to it, but when I used to drive a Golf R32, we would have annual Tail of the Dragon road trips for the east coast R32 owners. It was a big event for us. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

mshab356 · 07-25-2011, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

^^ i still find myself looking back at my car all the time when i park at work/store/etc

my gf just doesn't understand

She's just jealous you don't look at her as often as the M

GOLFFRR · 07-25-2011, 09:33 AM

hahahahah I def can agree with that

07-19-2011, 09:15 AM	#1
ksh937 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (0)	PCD Experience (Ordered w/ Ryan Amico and Steve Thomas BMW) I picked up my 2011 BMW E92 M3 on Friday July 1 and took the holiday weekend to drive it back to Minneapolis (~1200 miles, coincidentally). Here's a brief summary of my experience. I used Ryan Amico from Steve Thomas BMW. The entire process couldn't have been smoother. Ryan was extremely helpful, responsive and just great to deal with. I'm only 1300 miles into my current car, but my next one will be through Ryan as well! The Marriott is great. The staff is super friendly (ex. I got in a day early and the concierge chauffeured me to/from a local golf course b/c I had an entire day to kill and wanted to be outside), the room is very good, and the amenities are really nice too. PCD is an amazing experience. From the skid pad to the hot lap, the slalom course to the personalized service, it was a 5 star experience beginning to end. If you're driving home from PCD, YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON!!! Located in western North Carolina, it's 11 miles of over 320 turns. I've never owned an M3 before, but this stretch of road really made me appreciate the engineering and craftsmanship that went into making this car. As reference, I was going to Louisville, KY and it was about 30 minutes out of my way to go to The Tail of the Dragon. Totally worth it! Last but not least, thanks to this forum and all of its members for helping me throughout this process. I'm sure I'll have more questions throughout my ownership (ex. All-season tires?), but the comments and answers from everyone here made the experience that much better. Thanks everyone! Ok, I lied, one more item, but this is totally random. I used the 4th of July weekend to drive back to Minneapolis. I stopped off in Chicago for two days and stayed with my friend who had also recently pulled the trigger on an M3. We had never really talked details before, but when we started talking numbers, we started to argue whose dealer gave us the better deal, was easier to work with, etc.... basically, whose dealer was better. Finally, he told me he went with a special dealer out in southern California... Ryan Amico! What a crazy coincidence!! So we were both right, our dealer was (is) awesome because it's the same guy! Thanks again Ryan for everything. My friend (who did PCD a week later) and I couldn't be happier with our experiences! Ok, now to take my baby out and see what I can do now that the 5500 RPM limit is gonzo...
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07-19-2011, 09:28 AM	#2
jqsmooth Captain 160 Rep 773 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (2)	Congrats man! It sounds like you had a great trip on top of getting THE M3. Hope to join you soon. You a golfer too? Man, I've been tearing up the courses just to keep my mind off the car. What's your handi? i'm a 10. Enjoy your M!!! __________________ 2008 E64 M6 2011 E92 l SSII l Fox Red - 145k and Totaled. 2012 Toyota Prius C - 145k and Totaled. 2002 Nissan Pathfinder - 301.6K and Junked. 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport - Rolled & Totaled. 1995 Cadillac Fleetwood - RIP.
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07-19-2011, 09:44 AM	#3
GOLFFRR 10817 Rep 27,600 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	Ryan was telling me about that story of you and your friend thats awesome!! Congrats on the car and thank you so much for the business we really appreciate it lets see some pics of your car __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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07-21-2011, 02:47 PM	#4
ksh937 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (0)	@jgsmooth - I am a bad golfer, but I love the game. I have never calculated my handicap, but I shoot in the mid 90s. Bad, I know... @Golffrr - Thanks again. Pics to come shortly. I spend a lot of time just looking at my car in the garage and admiring it though,
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07-21-2011, 08:10 PM	#5
GOLFFRR 10817 Rep 27,600 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	^^ i still find myself looking back at my car all the time when i park at work/store/etc my gf just doesn't understand __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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07-25-2011, 09:21 AM	#7
mshab356 Go ///M or go home 276 Rep 1,280 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 M3 6MT Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (5)	Haha I actually did PCD with my E92 on June 30th, the day before you I LOVED it!!! The Tail of the Dragon is an amazing stretch I've heard. I never went to it, but when I used to drive a Golf R32, we would have annual Tail of the Dragon road trips for the east coast R32 owners. It was a big event for us. Glad you enjoyed your trip! __________________ 2015 AB/SO F80 M3 6MT \| 19" Black M437 \| KW H.A.S. \| AutoTechnik Black Front Grills \| BMW Performance Side Grills \| Painted Front Bumper Reflectors \| Gloss Black Exhaust Tips GONE 2011 SG/Blk E92 M3 CS 6MT
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07-25-2011, 09:33 AM	#9
GOLFFRR 10817 Rep 27,600 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	hahahahah I def can agree with that __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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