[10] Bmw European Delivery At Today Issue

The big day is here. At last.

But first things first. At noon, I take advantage of free admission at the BMW Museum (like the factory, normally about $11). My visit coincides with BMW's 100th anniversary -- on Oct. 3, the museum debuted its 100 Masterpieces exhibit.

The museum, founded in 1973 and refurbished in 2008, is another opportunity to immerse customers in the company's century of history and culture. Dozens of vehicles from throughout the automaker's life span are on display, plus placards describing BMW's history through inception, World War II and the present.

After a couple of hours, I cross the street back to the Welt. My delivery isn't scheduled until 4:50 p.m., the final one of the day. So I hang out in the Premium Lounge for lunch and wait for my appointment.

A little restless, I go downstairs to the gift shop to claim my 10 euro credit, which I use to get a BMW-branded drink tumbler. Also, I receive a complimentary key chain with my name etched on-site.

I head back upstairs to the observation deck. Then, it happens: My new convertible is driven off the elevator. I snap some photos, wait and grow more excited.

Finally, it's time for my appointment. I'm greeted by Bernd, my client adviser, with a friendly smile and handshake. It's time to greet my new car, right? Not so fast!

First, we visit the Product Info Center. Bernd escorts me to a new set of elevators, and we go to the second floor to an area well-hidden from the rest of the Welt. Its warm wood floors and carpeting and quiet are a stark contrast to the metallic, industrial motif of the Welt and the ambient noise from visitors.

Bernd takes me to one of several large screens. He calls up a computer-generated image of my new car. The image is an exact match of my order, from the mineral white exterior to the terra-cotta leather seats to 18-inch wheels to the aluminum interior trim to the Harman Kardon speakers to the navigation. No detail is missed. For about 15 minutes, Bernd walks me through a virtual presentation of the car while explaining the multitude of functions.

Afterward, we go back to the third floor for the moment: descending the "Stairway to Heaven." The staircase leads down from the top floor to a large landing, where customers are presented their new cars.

My new car is sitting in the prime position at the very bottom of the staircase. Bernd punches a few buttons on his tablet computer. Suddenly, my new 230i convertible is bathed in soft light, and a turntable slowly spins the car. It's like being on a game show. I shoot video of the car turning while gawking -- partly in silence and partly in disbelief that this was really happening.