I had been waiting for my car since I ordered in late January. Finally the day had arrived and I got word from my SA that the car had arrived.
I had timed a 4 day weekend almost perfectly, and with a buddy of mine along for the ride, we set off for Santa Barbara from the east bay (Emeryville California) via Amtrak's Coast Starlight. It takes a bit of time, but they have a very friendly guy that sells beer in the observation car! Here we are descending Cuesta Grade into San Luis Obispo California, just a couple of hours north of SB.
20130425-IMG_6201 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
It was after 7 by the time we were checked in, and my SA would pick us up at the hotel the next morning around 9. Nothing to do but take a stroll down the beach to dinner. We ate at a really nice place called "The Harbor" on the pier. For once a great view and great food were not mutually excusive.
PierSB by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
I had enough wine so that I could get a decent sleep. The next morning the wait was finally over! We sat out by the pool until a 528i pulled up, and we were on our way! It was only a short trip to Santa Barbara Auto Group.
Still, it was probably the best "taxi" I had ever ridden in.
20130426-DSCF0408 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
We parked right next to my new car, prominently displayed at the entrance with a ribbon!
20130426-DSCF0385 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
It's a very nice dealership btw.
20130426-DSCF0423 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
Soon I was ready to get my class in how to turn the thing on!
20130426-DSCF0402 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
I just had to grab a picture! This location might look familiar to some readers.
20130426-DSCF0505 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
This is a nice neighborhood!
20130426-DSCF0497 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
After lunch we went to the very nice Santa Barbara Zoo, where we saw lions!
20130426-AQ4E5440 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
Then back at the hotel, there was another brand new X1 in the parking lot. This was a X35 M Sport.
2X1s2 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
That afternoon we went exploring around the hills of Santa Barbara for some photo ops.
That's me!
20130426-IMG_6365 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
The day ended back at the place by the beach for a beer and some whale watching
20130426-AQ4E5500 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
The next day it was time to head back to the bay area. We had breakfast at the original "Sambos" restaurant. *Well, it is Sambos after all.
Sambos by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
One last pic in town
20130427-IMG_6434 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
After that it was a straight shot up 101 until lunch in Paso Robles. After a very fine organic burger, we took a detour through the local wine country.
20130427-IMG_6489 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
20130427-IMG_6462 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
A mustang club was out and about…The Boss 302 had an awesome exhaust tone
20130427-IMG_6443 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
20130427-IMG_6508 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
20130427-IMG_6452 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
Heading back north, we got off 101 outside of King City and headed inland a bit, aiming to get on Hwy 25 north to Gilroy.
20130427-IMG_6523 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
At the beginging of Hwy 25, I had just under a quarter tank with 51 miles to Hollister. No prob.
20130427-IMG_6528 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
It was nice and empty compared to 101. It is very hard to drive a car like this during the break in period, but I was a good boy. It really likes to go to 80 without even breathing hard.
20130427-IMG_6553 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
20130427-IMG_6546 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr
Eventually though, all good things come to an end. I was back home just after 6 that evening, tired, but smiling and glad I was sure I made the right purchase! I was home safe and sound.
20130427-AQ4E5620 by
lennycarl08, on Flickr