October '03 production

I ordered a 330Ci early in September.
I got an expected production date of 10/11/02 (week 41).

I called BMWNA today (10/01) and they said the car is in the paint shop. It looks like they are 2 weeks ahead of schedule! My car is being built at Regensberg according to VIN and the FAQ.

I ordered mine (325i, 5-speed, Topaz Blue, Premium Package, black leatherette) on September 6. The website had me 'scheduled for production 10/04/02', but when I called BMWNA on 9/27/02, the car had been constructed and was 'waiting for transport'.

As of today (10/03/02) - it's Status 190 - in transport, on the train from Munich to Bremerhaven to be put on the ship.

And then the fun begins, because, 30 or so days later, when the ship arrives at the shores of the United States of America, Port Hueneme, CA, part of the port system of Lost Angeles - will there be someone to unload it?

Or will I have to swim out about 6 miles and climb on the boat to see it?

Hey, I ordered mine last Saturday, the 24th I believe, and as of 10/03 it was status 190 as well, we may be on the same boat. Let me know if you figure out what ship. I hope its one thats got a sober crew and plenty of bubble padding.

Originally posted by car_for_mom
I ordered mine (325i, 5-speed, Topaz Blue, Premium Package, black leatherette) on September 6. The website had me 'scheduled for production 10/04/02', but when I called BMWNA on 9/27/02, the car had been constructed and was 'waiting for transport'.

As of today (10/03/02) - it's Status 190 - in transport, on the train from Munich to Bremerhaven to be put on the ship.

OK. I just called (10/04). My car is built (status 155). They said should be 160 today. I'm getting really syc'd. I have topaz-blue/gray w/ manual.

I'm in Monrovia. I see you are close by in Chino Hills. I ordered my 330Ci through Shelly. What about you?

Matt

Originally posted by mwette


OK. I just called (10/04). My car is built (status 155). They said should be 160 today. I'm getting really syc'd. I have topaz-blue/gray w/ manual.

I'm in Monrovia. I see you are close by in Chino Hills. I ordered my 330Ci through Shelly. What about you?

Matt

Greetings, neighbor!

Weeelll, I first checked out Savage BMW in Ontario, and I took a test drive (of an automatic; they told me that hardly anyone asks for manuals - hmm....)

So I went down to Crevier BMW in the Santa Ana Auto Mall; my experience is that the Orange County/LA dealers tend to have better selections and treat customers better than the Inland Empire people. Crevier did have a 5-speed for me to test drive, the guy I'm dealing with (Paul Mooradian) is a good guy and cracks me up. I told him I was paying cash and wanted to get out the door for $35K - and that's what I'm paying (actually $34K; I gave them $1000 already)

It's great to hear that everyone's production is moving along!

I also have a 330Ci being built at Regensburg for week 41. I called today (10/4) and it's still at 150.

Oh well, guess I'll just have to wait. Hopefully my car will catch up with yours in production!

My original prod date was bumped from 9/27 to 10/25!

Of course with this dock worker strike on the West Coast who really knows when we'll actually lay our hands on little german funmobiles...

Maybe you'll get lucky, I hope!

Originally posted by machmeter
My original prod date was bumped from 9/27 to 10/25!

Of course with this dock worker strike on the West Coast who really knows when we'll actually lay our hands on little german funmobiles...

Maybe you'll get lucky, I hope!

How did your production date get bumped a month? That's ugly!

Originally posted by Buff_AGM
Hey, I ordered mine last Saturday, the 24th I believe, and as of 10/03 it was status 190 as well, we may be on the same boat. Let me know if you figure out what ship. I hope its one thats got a sober crew and plenty of bubble padding.

Where in New York did you order from ?

I placed an order for a 330i over at Rallye about 1 1/2 weeks ago, my car is at a 150 status and I was told by next Friday it should be completed . . . at this rate I am pretty sure my delivery will be earlier than my anticipated 11/27 date

Originally posted by Patrick330i


How did your production date get bumped a month? That's ugly!

Who knows? BMW must have their reasons. Anyway, the good news, I guess, is that I should get the third headrest in the back seat, and hopefully BMW will have worked out any initial-production bugs. So I hope.

I ordered from Gault Autosport, Binghamton NY, but I live near Rallye, couldnt get the right price from them. The dealer expects the car before the end of October.

I placed my order for a 325i on Sept 28th (SB, 5-speed, PP, SP, HK, Xenons, Sand Cow w/ folding rear seats) and as of yesterday (10/05) I was at status 150-- production started.

My car is being built in Munich (according to my VIN).

I'm am new to ordering a Bimmer and I was wondering... aren't most 325i's built is S. Africa? On the roadfly board a guy mentioned that his 325i is also being built in Munich. And I believe someone mentioned Munich in this thread for their 325i as well. Did the S. African plant go out of business? I don't really care one way or the other... or should I?

Are there differences between the German and S. African build qualities...

Sorry, I don't mean to guano this thread... I'm just a bit curious... and also very envious of all of those who will receive their Bimmers before me. Congrats~

Originally posted by SpiralingDown
I placed my order for a 325i on Sept 28th (SB, 5-speed, PP, SP, HK, Xenons, Sand Cow w/ folding rear seats) and as of yesterday (10/05) I was at status 150-- production started.

My car is being built in Munich (according to my VIN).

I'm am new to ordering a Bimmer and I was wondering... aren't most 325i's built is S. Africa? On the roadfly board a guy mentioned that his 325i is also being built in Munich. And I believe someone mentioned Munich in this thread for their 325i as well. Did the S. African plant go out of business? I don't really care one way or the other... or should I?

Are there differences between the German and S. African build qualities...

Sorry, I don't mean to guano this thread... I'm just a bit curious... and also very envious of all of those who will receive their Bimmers before me. Congrats~

Congrats on the order . . . from what I understand the 325's can be built in either the South Afircan plant or in Germany . . . as far as quality I wouldnt think twice about it. BMW has there strict procedures & Guidelines no matter where the cars are built and I have never heard anyone ever mention or complain about a car built in S. Africa and I have been on these boards for years.

Hang in there while going through the waiting period . . . it can be painful. Sheesh, I've have a 330Ci now and all of a sudden I am really wanting my new 330 (also at status 150).

Originally posted by Buff_AGM
I ordered from Gault Autosport, Binghamton NY, but I live near Rallye, couldnt get the right price from them. The dealer expects the car before the end of October.

Isn't Binghamton a REALLY long trip to buy a car ? Are you getting an incredible deal ?

I get what I think was a decent price from Rallye plus one main reason I bought from Rallye again was that the service advisor I have is excellent . . . he really goes the extra step to satisfy the customer.

Another reason to buy locally is the fact that you only get a loaner car from the dealer you purchased your car from.

While waiting for 'Karl' to arrive (probably early November, I'll probably get him around mid-November, due to various factors, including the Port Hueneme thing...) I've been giving thought to how I need to take care of him and keep him nice and clean.

Now, I have to admit to feeling verrrry intimidated by reading the Detailing forums (arrrgh! Zaino! claying! washing with Dawn! brake dust! arrrgh! ) I want to keep him nice, but not to the point of OCD (obssessive-compulsive disorder).

Soooo, I've decided to:

(a) Clean the brake dust off his wheels first, using dedicated
washing and drying cloths
(b) Wet his roof down first (at a self-wash place), wash with
Meguiar's Car Shampoo (or maybe Dawn)
(c) Dry his roof with either a sheepskin glove or speciality
drying cloth
(d) Wash the rest of him a panel at a time and dry (not in the
shade).
(e) Apply the Meguiar's Wax
(f) Get him professionally detailed yearly, by someone who
answers my questions with the answers from the
e46fanatics.com forum

My dealer also told me that they'd wash him for free for me; I think I need to think about this, because it means a trip to Santa Ana (but I do go to Irvine once a week, and I work in Brea, so this might not be so bad).

I think I agree with the folks that he should NOT be washed at a car wash, but maybe, again - that's being a little obsessive?

Also, I must remember he gets Premium Unleaded (meaning that the spouse ain't driving him, Mr. 'I Only Drive 1990 Honda Civics That I Can Pay Less Than $1, 000 For') - he'll put 87 in my Bimmer, and that will not be good! Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil, and probably an oil change halfway to 7,500 miles - need to do some more research!

SpirlingDown,
In addition to what Alan said, I believe the the 325i's are built in the plant in South Africa, Munich or Dingolfing. I've read before where the S. Africa plan has actually had better quality than the ones in Germany at time.

My 2000 323i was made in the Munich plan and I have been very happy with it. There have been minor problems here and there, however they were all minor and my dealership fixed them without a second thought.

Car For Mom,
I'm looking forward to taking car of my new 330Ci as well. I probably will not do a full wax until next spring. However I will be having the plastic clear protectant put on the nose before. I may be scolded for this, but I just power wash my car once a week at the local self serve place with fairly good results. I can recommend using a separate towel for the wheels, but I just use plan old terry cloth towels.

GimpyMcFarlan - Your 323 looks incredible . . . nice going !!!

Uuuhh . . . I can call you Gimpy for short right ?

Alan and Gimpy,
Thanks for the great info! I appreciate it and am happy to be learning more and more about my car every day!

Gimpy,
That's a mightly perttty Steel Blue you have there! I am so glad that I chose that color! However, I admit that I struggled a bit between it and red... so we must have similar color taste.

CFMom,
Glad to see that I'm not the only who names my cars. I'm still trying to figure out a name for the new Bimmer... but sometimes it's difficult to actually put your finger on one until you see/drive it for a day or so. I've always said, "the sooner you name it, the sooner you bond for life!"

Best to you all!
SD

Alan,
Sure thing on the name. Gimp, Gimpy, whatever...

Spiraling,
Here is my Steel Blue story...

The year is, 1999. I'm ready for my first Bimmer! (Had 2 sporty Honda's previously.) I do my research and head to the dealership to order a 323 coupe in blue. I walk in the front door and what greets me but a sparkling Steel Blue 323i that had arrived the week before. My heart falls to the foor. Love at first sight! It is almost identical to the car I had in mind, however it did not have HK sound and it was a sedan. Sat down with the salesman and pounded out a good deal since it was on the lot. I haven't regreted it since!

Needless to say, I don't have any doubts that you will love the Steel Blue. To this day 3 years later (exactly as a matter of fact!), I still find myself glancing back to look at her.

Enjoy!

Gimpy McFarlan,

Your car is looking good!

Ah, my 15-year-old son has delusions of driving 'Karl' when I get him; notice the current car in my profile - the venerable 1996 Toyota Camry CE 5-speed - I think the journey towards a Bimmer begins with proper handling of a 96 Camry, don't you?

Mom's had:

Chevrolet Monza (aka 'deathtrap'!)
Chevrolet Chevette (not too bad)
Toyota Tercel SR-5 Wagon (blue)
Ford Escort Wagon
Nissan Axxess
Toyota Tercel SR-5 Wagon (yellow)
Toyota Camry

And now (Lord willing) - her very first Bimmer; I'm a 1958 baby (44); the 15-year-old needs to appreciate being able to get a Bimmer (someday), not just have one handed to him (ha).

If (operative word: if) he gets anywhere near it - (a) It'll be in the church parking lot and (b) Mom will be in the driver's seat - so much for trying to impress women!

actually it was north shore I tried, not Rallye. The place in Bing was great, even over the phone, seemed extremely knowledgeabe. Also they have this program where you get track time and driver instruction included. I have friends in the area so I'm probably gonna stick around for that. It seems reputable as a Gault stock 330i won its division at One Lap of America. Check out he web site www*****bmw.com , my dealer was Rich Rea, great guy.

Greetings, fellow Bimmerphiles!

I just realized that my Karl (VIN WBAET37443NH02322 - 'N' is South Africa, 'NH' means he's a 5-speed) was born in Rosslyn, South Africa - so he has to be sent to Bremerhaven from there, then to Port Hueneme.

Sooooo - he might not show up until close to December, with the South Africa - Germany - United States connections and the Port Huemene thing .

Where's transparent aluminum and dilithium crystals when you need them? If only he could just be Transported to Crevier BMW!


Hey, Jon - I think the US should send some C-130's to Germany, load up a bunch o' cars, and bring them into LAX! Or, maybe Lufthansa?

I called again today on my order, originally scheduled for 10/11 production.

01Oct02 152
04Oct02 155
09Oct02 193

It is now waiting at the port of exit.

Matt

Just called for a status update:

Ordered on Sept 28th...

10/5- 150 Production started
10/9- 151 Body Shop started

Moving right along...

Ordered on AUGUST 4th!

Scheduled for prod. 10/25. Delivery perhaps LATE November, assuming the West Coast strike fiasco doesn't push things into December. AAAAAaaaaagghhh!!! 4 Months is TOO long