how long after your build date did your dealer receive the car you ordered?

 

My case was somewhat unique. I used one of the dealer allocations to get my GL350. I was told the build date was 10/19, and I received it on 10/31. It hit the dealer on 10/29. I don't know if the build date was real, I suspect it got started earlier.

 

Makes sense, i am told a week to 10 days. Mine is a 11/15 build, I am afraid i won't have it for Thksgiving!!

 

I am working with a dealer now (just e-mail). He says he is able to make adjustments now (add power easy entry seats, thought it was done?) and will be at the dealership mid December...

 

i was told 12weeks - then again I think some options will be available later and hence the wait---

 

The 1st confirmation the delaer can access is when in 2nd/approx of the build Vance assigns the VIN# which is uploaded into the system - check each day with the dealer to have them check for VIN#.

Build is completed approx 3 days after VIN# date.

Next notice uploaded into the system is when production turns it over to "shipping" - that is the last formal notice the dealer can access.

"Shipping" adds non-production line items, then turns over to transport - there is no accessible track on this part of the process until literally the vehocle gets dropped off at the dealer.

From "shipping" notice in the system to delivery at the dealer is about 12 days -can be longer depending on where you are located.

Keep the beat !

 

Is it possible to order and pick it up form the Factory in Alabama ? The same way like BMW people do ... ?

 

Does anyone know how the vehicles are shipped? Is it rail, is it covered car hauler trucks, is it open air hauler trucks?

 

I know at least back when the W163 ML came out (99-05) open air trucks were used (visited the factory and that's what I visually saw). I know on the cars built in Germany they generally use closed air trucks to transport once in the US.

Not sure about today's models though.

 

I ordered my GL550 in early september, arrived late october, so roughly just under 2 months total from order to pick up. No too bad I think. Love the GL550 by the way, big improvement from prior gen of which we had 2.

 

No - factory pickup is not available.

Shipping - open car haulers which is same method German made MB's are delivered from port - and same method used by other luxury manufacturers use (Italians excepted).

 

i was told they come via rail.. i hope they stop using open trucks- though thats how they come to the dealer..

 

I always thought BMW was those closed trailers with the white tarp type sides?

I guess this gets into the debate as to if you should clay and detail your car as soon as you pick it up from the dealer?

 

I work one block away from the BMW dealer and always see the closed trailers (white rear door) with dark blue tarps on the sides driving to it.

I remember years ago they used to drive the Euro MBs to the MB dealer in a red closed trailer with tarps. Guess that's changed now then?

 

Rail can be used depending on your area/region - but quite frankly open haulers are fine.

I wouldn't "clay" a new car finish for at least 6 months - give a chance for the paint to breath and settle in..

 

Thanks for the advice! That's what I did with my last new car our of coincidence. Will plan to do the same with the GL finally gets here...

 

On delivery I would do a Einznett Glanz Polish (Blue can) which is a wipe on polish/sealant, but wait 30 minutes for the cure before the towel wipe off...

 

Thanks for the tip I will look into it.

 

if status says 'at Port' & status hasnt changed for a few days- any idea roughly how long before it shows up at the dealership? from Vance to midwest

 

Usually the midwest is a train shipment.....without serious weather issues, it could be as little as 3 days...a bit longer depending upon truck time from the railhead. The real holdup is that "at port" means they are building a load at the factory....the train does not roll until they have a full shipment for a designated region.

 

thanks- appreciate the reply
and yes it is via rail-