[Go Autobahn]

Well, according to the 1-800 number for tracking status, my 335is is now in the Bodyshop, and they say it will be completed by May 5th (Wednesday!!).
I'm THRILLED, but a little confused by the information. I usually associate the "Bodyshop" as somewhere that they paint the car, and I would certainly hope that they would not paint the car as the LAST step of production, right?

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by Go Autobahn

Well, according to the 1-800 number for tracking status, my 335is is now in the Bodyshop, and they say it will be completed by May 5th (Wednesday!!).
I'm THRILLED, but a little confused by the information. I usually associate the "Bodyshop" as somewhere that they paint the car, and I would certainly hope that they would not paint the car as the LAST step of production, right?

Those body parts are painted way before they get near your car.

[Go Autobahn]

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

Those body parts are painted way before they get near your car.

That's what I thought as well, but I wonder why they've got it going back to the Bodyshop as the last production step. I really need to take Euro-Delivery one of these days so I can see their production line for myself!

[smaxon1]

I'm thinking of ordering mine some time this month(still getting the funds together). What color combos are you guys going with?

Bruno, your new flash is funny.

[bsamoul]

Maybe they consider bodyshops for detailing it before you get it?

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by smaxon1

I'm thinking of ordering mine some time this month(still getting the funds together). What color combos are you guys going with?

Bruno, your new flash is funny.

I went with Le Mans and Saddle.

[Go Autobahn]

Originally Posted by smaxon1

I'm thinking of ordering mine some time this month(still getting the funds together). What color combos are you guys going with?

Bruno, your new flash is funny.

Lemans blue + Black Dakota Leather

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by bsamoul

Maybe they consider bodyshops for detailing it before you get it?

Or minor detail where they make visual and hand inspection of paint and fittings....then your car will go on a dyno and have them rev all the way for testing....then reser ODO and get ready for shipment?

[Go Autobahn]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

Or minor detail where they make visual and hand inspection of paint and fittings....then your car will go on a dyno and have them rev all the way for testing....then reser ODO and get ready for shipment?

Wow, it's sure a great feeling to think that my 335is Coupe is FINALLY finished being built, and they are just tweaking & testing it before shipping it. I can remember that fateful day back in early February when I cancelled my order for my 2010 335i as soon as I found out about this new 335is model. I could have been in my 2010 335i for several months already by now. I'm certain my wait will be well worth it, I just can't stand the anticipation!

[Go Autobahn]

Nevermind. I just found the following list of build status codes, and I think they are listed in build order. My car has now moved too the Paint Shop. I've got a LONG way to go. The 1-800 line said that the estimated completion date is May 5th (tomorrow), so I guess when they give those estimated completion dates, they are referring to the estimate of when it will be done with the current build step, not the overall car build. UGH!

These are the BMW Status Code Description:
0 Order deleted by NA
17 Order not Specified
37 Order is at BMW NA
87 Production Week Assigned
97 Order sent to AG
100 Order deleted by AG
101 Error in data transmitted
102 Special Order (no Prod Week)
105 Order out of Prod. Period
111 Order Accepted at AG
112 Order scheduled for Production
150 Production Started
151 Body Shop Started
152 Paint Shop Started
153 Assembly Started
155 Production Completed
160 Released to Distribution
168 AG Stock
170 Waiting Workshop
172 Planned for Workshop
174 Workshop Entry
176 Workshop Complete
180 Waiting for Export Dispatch
181 Waiting for Domestic Dispatch
182 AG Load No. — Released to Carrier
190 Dispatched ex(port?) BMW AG
191 Returned to BMW AG
193 Arrived at Port of Exit (where my car was stalled)
194 Selected for Shipment
195 Shipped from Port of Exit
196 Shipment Arrival — ATA

[335BBS]

There is a "factory" tour on You tube I think.

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by Go Autobahn

Nevermind. I just found the following list of build status codes, and I think they are listed in build order. My car has now moved too the Paint Shop. I've got a LONG way to go. The 1-800 line said that the estimated completion date is May 5th (tomorrow), so I guess when they give those estimated completion dates, they are referring to the estimate of when it will be done with the current build step, not the overall car build. UGH!

These are the BMW Status Code Description:
0 Order deleted by NA
17 Order not Specified
37 Order is at BMW NA
87 Production Week Assigned
97 Order sent to AG
100 Order deleted by AG
101 Error in data transmitted
102 Special Order (no Prod Week)
105 Order out of Prod. Period
111 Order Accepted at AG
112 Order scheduled for Production
150 Production Started
151 Body Shop Started
152 Paint Shop Started
153 Assembly Started
155 Production Completed
160 Released to Distribution
168 AG Stock
170 Waiting Workshop
172 Planned for Workshop
174 Workshop Entry
176 Workshop Complete
180 Waiting for Export Dispatch
181 Waiting for Domestic Dispatch
182 AG Load No. — Released to Carrier
190 Dispatched ex(port?) BMW AG
191 Returned to BMW AG
193 Arrived at Port of Exit (where my car was stalled)
194 Selected for Shipment
195 Shipped from Port of Exit
196 Shipment Arrival — ATA

So I guess your car just dip into the solution for coating and bake....

[DTRJ]

Originally Posted by Go Autobahn

Wow, it's sure a great feeling to think that my 335is Coupe is FINALLY finished being built, and they are just tweaking & testing it before shipping it. I can remember that fateful day back in early February when I cancelled my order for my 2010 335i as soon as I found out about this new 335is model. I could have been in my 2010 335i for several months already by now. I'm certain my wait will be well worth it, I just can't stand the anticipation!

My 335i coupe was sent to the body shop on 4/30, was at the paint shop on 5/3/10, and at assembly today 5/4. Was told production should be completed 5/5 tomarrow. I don't know if our cars are on the same assembly line but would be interesting to see if the VIN's are close to each other.

[Go Autobahn]

Originally Posted by DTRJ

My 335i coupe was sent to the body shop on 4/30, was at the paint shop on 5/3/10, and at assembly today 5/4. Was told production should be completed 5/5 tomarrow. I don't know if our cars are on the same assembly line but would be interesting to see if the VIN's are close to each other.

I never got my VIN. I only track my vehicle using my production number. I have bothered my sales rep too much to ask for the VIN right now. I wouldn't be surprised at all if your car and mine are in the first batch of 20 to go through the assembly line.

[Dannys M3]

Once its on the boat and you track it across the ocean will be a thrill. Good Luck

[Go Autobahn]

Well, yesterday my car was in the "Paint Shop", a very early step in the many production steps listed below. However, just now when I called, the computer voice tells me that "production of my vehicle is COMPLETE, and it is awaiting a carrier to ship the vehicle". Either they went through all those other assembly steps in just a 24 hour period, or they painted my car after assembly using a ton of masking tape!

0 Order deleted by NA
17 Order not Specified
37 Order is at BMW NA
87 Production Week Assigned
97 Order sent to AG
100 Order deleted by AG
101 Error in data transmitted
102 Special Order (no Prod Week)
105 Order out of Prod. Period
111 Order Accepted at AG
112 Order scheduled for Production
150 Production Started
151 Body Shop Started
152 Paint Shop Started
153 Assembly Started
155 Production Completed
160 Released to Distribution
168 AG Stock
170 Waiting Workshop
172 Planned for Workshop
174 Workshop Entry
176 Workshop Complete
180 Waiting for Export Dispatch
181 Waiting for Domestic Dispatch
182 AG Load No. — Released to Carrier
190 Dispatched ex(port?) BMW AG
191 Returned to BMW AG
193 Arrived at Port of Exit (where my car was stalled)
194 Selected for Shipment
195 Shipped from Port of Exit
196 Shipment Arrival — ATA

[mrbelk]

It's only takes about 8-10 hours from when the first frame elements are welded together to when a completed vehicle rolls off the line ready for shipment.

When I toured the Spartanburg plant some years ago, there was this huge "filing cabinet" of unpainted and painted body shells waiting for the final assemby step.

BMW's production management system is getting much more efficient in not having to keep around those "extra" body shells so that the assembly line is always working.

They don't actually get VIN numbers until they move from the paint shop to the final assembly line.

It used to be that for European Delivery, your car was built at least 1 month (and sometimes longer) ahead of your delivery date; now it's more like 2-3 weeks regardless of which plant actually assembles the car. I am going to pick my M-Sport 335i E90 on the 25th of this month, and it's going to be finished this week. Pretty impressive, considering that it might also have to be transported from the plant to the delivery center in time for my delivery.

-MrB

[Go Autobahn]

Originally Posted by mrbelk

It's only takes about 8-10 hours from when the first frame elements are welded together to when a completed vehicle rolls off the line ready for shipment.

When I toured the Spartanburg plant some years ago, there was this huge "filing cabinet" of unpainted and painted body shells waiting for the final assemby step.

BMW's production management system is getting much more efficient in not having to keep around those "extra" body shells so that the assembly line is always working.

They don't actually get VIN numbers until they move from the paint shop to the final assembly line.

It used to be that for European Delivery, your car was built at least 1 month (and sometimes longer) ahead of your delivery date; now it's more like 2-3 weeks regardless of which plant actually assembles the car. I am going to pick my M-Sport 335i E90 on the 25th of this month, and it's going to be finished this week. Pretty impressive, considering that it might also have to be transported from the plant to the delivery center in time for my delivery.

-MrB

Very informative. It's hard to believe that such a complex vehicle can be assembled so quickly!

[mrbelk]

Originally Posted by Go Autobahn

Very informative. It's hard to believe that such a complex vehicle can be assembled so quickly!

So much of the car is subassemblies that are either pre-made or assembled in parallel to the main chassis. For example, after painting, the doors are pulled off; assembled on a separate line; then re-attached to the car towards the end of the line. Drivetrain assemblies are prepared in a similar fashion.

What's really crazy is that from one car to the next the spec and options can be _completely_ different. One car might be a stripper LHD 328i with black cloth bound for some customer in Lithuania and the very next car could be a loaded "Individual" RHD 335d bound for Japan or the UK. Ridiculous synchronization.

-MrB

[Go Autobahn]

Originally Posted by mrbelk

So much of the car is subassemblies that are either pre-made or assembled in parallel to the main chassis. For example, after painting, the doors are pulled off; assembled on a separate line; then re-attached to the car towards the end of the line. Drivetrain assemblies are prepared in a similar fashion.

What's really crazy is that from one car to the next the spec and options can be _completely_ different. One car might be a stripper LHD 328i with black cloth bound for some customer in Lithuania and the very next car could be a loaded "Individual" RHD 335d bound for Japan or the UK. Ridiculous synchronization.

-MrB

Now that is really surprising to hear. I assumed they would put a batch of twenty 335is all in a row and build them together. No falling asleep on the job for those BMW line workers, that's for sure!

[DTRJ]

Originally Posted by Go Autobahn

I never got my VIN. I only track my vehicle using my production number. I have bothered my sales rep too much to ask for the VIN right now. I wouldn't be surprised at all if your car and mine are in the first batch of 20 to go through the assembly line.

I don't have a VIN as of yet. As of last night 5/4 car was in assembly. This morning 5/5 at 8:00 AM it said being transported to the port of exit.

[Go Autobahn]

Originally Posted by DTRJ

I don't have a VIN as of yet. As of last night 5/4 car was in assembly. This morning 5/5 at 8:00 AM it said being transported to the port of exit.

Yup. We've got to be getting onto the same boat. Please post any details if you find out info on the vessel & schedule.