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Tips on European Delivery

Old 03-09-2017, 10:24 PM
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quattroboy
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Default Tips on European Delivery

I'm scheduled to pick up my 911C2 manual in Leipzig in June and was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to make things go a smooth as possible.

This is a huge deal for me as its my first Porsche and its been about 30 years since I've been to Europe, when I backpacked through 6 countries in 2 months, staying in youth hostels and a euro-rail pass, so bear with me.

I've been reading up on rules of the road (no passing on the right!) and general customs (Du and Sie) and I'm pretty comfortable with that, but the one thing I'm a little concerned about is security when parking the car at night. I'll be staying at decent hotels, but not sure how they deal with parking, and if its secured or not.

The dealer asked me if I want a front plate mounted, so I assume they will be drilling hole in the bumper cover? Where I live, its mandatory to have a front plate, so I no real other options?

I'll probably get a international driving permit, just to be on the safe side as I plan to go to Austria and Switzerland.

Any other tips or comments are welcomed.
Old 03-10-2017, 12:00 AM
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MaxLTV
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There is an option to not have holes drilled, but then you need to sign a paper that you will bring a tow-hook mount. or another alternative mount for the license plate. I have one of those on a Cayenne, and it looks great. But it may look goofy on a 911. I do not want holes in the bumper, but not sure about license plate being on a side either.

Regarding safety - it depends on where you go. Should be safe for the most part. In Germany, there is plenty of 911s street parked at random places, so I think it's safe. But I saw some nice cars with graffiti on them in Paris, so you mileage may vary...
Old 03-10-2017, 07:40 AM
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subshooter
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I think you over worrying about these things. (understandable). If you spend too much time worrying, you wont have as much fun.


Hotels will be safe. Park it yourself instead of valet. Need vignettes in Austria and Switzerland to drive on their autobahn.


If you need a front plate, let them drill the bumper. Otherwise, you can bring a mount for the tow hitch. Need to work with PCNA ED specialist to ensure that they wont drill the bumper.
Old 03-10-2017, 11:00 AM
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Fred R. C4S
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The PCNA ED contact told me that they do not drill holes at the Leipzig delivery center. They will provide a tow hook mount for the front plate. Your dealer should be able to give you the contact info for the PCNA fellow so you contact him directly with your questions as opposed the running every little thing through the dealer.

I'll be picking up a 911C2 there on June 7.
Old 03-11-2017, 05:10 PM
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paxton
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Originally Posted by quattroboy
I'm scheduled to pick up my 911C2 manual in Leipzig in June and was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to make things go a smooth as possible.

This is a huge deal for me as its my first Porsche and its been about 30 years since I've been to Europe, when I backpacked through 6 countries in 2 months, staying in youth hostels and a euro-rail pass, so bear with me.

I've been reading up on rules of the road (no passing on the right!) and general customs (Du and Sie) and I'm pretty comfortable with that, but the one thing I'm a little concerned about is security when parking the car at night. I'll be staying at decent hotels, but not sure how they deal with parking, and if its secured or not.

The dealer asked me if I want a front plate mounted, so I assume they will be drilling hole in the bumper cover? Where I live, its mandatory to have a front plate, so I no real other options?

I'll probably get a international driving permit, just to be on the safe side as I plan to go to Austria and Switzerland.

Any other tips or comments are welcomed.
Picking up a manual Carrera myself on June 27th, when are you picking up yours? What specs did you go for?
Old 03-12-2017, 03:47 AM
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signes
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Leipzig will give you a tow hook mount or a front plate sticker if you choose the option on your ED form that your state doesn't require a plate.

A lot of hotels won't let you park by yourself, be prepared for that. I had the same problem with my RS and it was nerve wracking but ok in the end, each place treated both me and the car well.

Have fun!
Old 03-12-2017, 11:26 AM
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otisdog
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Zuffenhausen provides the tow hook plate mount, signed paperwork required.
My # 1 tip...don't try to do too much...this is your vacation. Leave the american schedule and stress behind!
Old 03-15-2017, 02:58 AM
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Arrive early. At least a day or two prior to your delivery. Do your sightseeing and shopping ahead of your delivery. Once you get the car... all you'll want to do is go drive it!
Old 03-15-2017, 04:55 PM
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I'll be going on my ED to Leipzig in 2 days. my pickup is on 3/21. I'm not sure if you've booked all your hotels yet, but I made sure all of them have parking (all for a surcharge) at the hotel. None stated if they were valet or not, I sure as hell hope I can park my car myself.

Also, I vaguely remember there beiong a way to limit the engine revs in a valet mode (at least for my macan). Anyone know how to do that?

Also, what is an international driving permit? What countries need this?
Old 03-17-2017, 07:28 PM
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Originally Posted by LOUISSSSS
I'll be going on my ED to Leipzig in 2 days. my pickup is on 3/21. I'm not sure if you've booked all your hotels yet, but I made sure all of them have parking (all for a surcharge) at the hotel. None stated if they were valet or not, I sure as hell hope I can park my car myself.

Also, I vaguely remember there beiong a way to limit the engine revs in a valet mode (at least for my macan). Anyone know how to do that?

Also, what is an international driving permit? What countries need this?
I can help you with the parking. In Leipzig the Steigenberger valets will either let you park right out in front of the hotel (a walking only area) or they will ride with you to the secure garage if you want to drive your own car. Just ask.

Driving permit primarily for Austria. It's basically a AAA translation of your driving credentials. Easy and cheap to get at a AAA location.

Don't forget to pick up an Austria and Switzerland highway vignette (decal) at a gas station when you enter those countries. They are cheap. You can order them in advance but be mindful they take a while to arrive stateside.
Old 03-17-2017, 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by quattroboy
I'm scheduled to pick up my 911C2 manual in Leipzig in June and was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to make things go a smooth as possible.

This is a huge deal for me as its my first Porsche and its been about 30 years since I've been to Europe, when I backpacked through 6 countries in 2 months, staying in youth hostels and a euro-rail pass, so bear with me.

I've been reading up on rules of the road (no passing on the right!) and general customs (Du and Sie) and I'm pretty comfortable with that, but the one thing I'm a little concerned about is security when parking the car at night. I'll be staying at decent hotels, but not sure how they deal with parking, and if its secured or not.

The dealer asked me if I want a front plate mounted, so I assume they will be drilling hole in the bumper cover? Where I live, its mandatory to have a front plate, so I no real other options?

I'll probably get a international driving permit, just to be on the safe side as I plan to go to Austria and Switzerland.

Any other tips or comments are welcomed.
For the most part parking is not an issue but in places like Prague or whatnot, best to book hotels that have secure parking. I wouldn't book on the fly while you are over there in otherwords. Best to plan.

Leipzig will not drill ANY US cars. They will either tape, tow hook mount, or even use a vinyl decal version of the front plate. In any case, you don't have to worry.

If you go to Austria, yes get a permit from AAA to be safe though I never needed mine. For both Austria and Switzerland you'll need highway vignettes (decals) which you can simply buy when you arrive at the gas stations near/in those countries for cheap. You can find them online and order in advance be mindful as it takes a while for them to show up in the mail.
Old 03-20-2017, 09:18 PM
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Link to order the Austrian Vignette in advance and they will mail it to you. Done it multiple times and when it arrives I place it on a sticker shield so its easy to apply to the new car

https://www.tolltickets.com/default....ng=en-GB&mnu=c

Other thing... Do not speed in urban or highway zones. On side-roads you can have a little fun (except in Switzerland)
Old 03-23-2017, 09:06 AM
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You can pickup the vignettes in any gas station near the borders. Yes pick them up (either preorder online or while driving). The 5-10 euro is worth it. I go over at least once a year for friends and family and one year didn't pick it up and the fines ended up being 125 euro in austria.
Old 03-26-2017, 11:58 PM
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Watch the speed in Austria and Switzerland....they have insane penalites (could be $3k+ in some cases)...Switzerland bases it on your income/net worth..
Old 03-27-2017, 02:24 AM
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Watch out for speeding cameras everywhere besides Germany.

Take a radar detector and bring some blue painters tape.

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