BMW communications stink

[dlchasen]

According to the E H Harms tracking site my ED E92, dropped off in Paris on 5/16, was due in Port Heuneme on 7/21. So, since Harms claims they're done and BMW is now in charge, I call my dealer to find out when it will arrive in CO. First, they tell me BMW doesn't supply them with information on delivery dates, the car just shows up. Not satisfied with that I email BMW customer service and they put me in touch with their specialist. He calls and tells me he can't find out anything for me!!! I really need to plan a 1,000 mile road trip and set up some business meetings, so I appeal to the general manager of the dealership. I hear back that the car reached port on 7/19 and that's all that is known.

Why is it that a high tech company like BMW can't tell me where my car is? There's a GPS built into the car and they can clearly find it. Why do they insist on maintaining this secrecy, especially since I'm paying $40+ per day on my lease? Why do you suppose they choose to be non-communicative and offer no assistance? I'm a little ticked since this is the 11th car I've bought/leased from them.

[starkraven]

Someone should have told you that once it is at the port, BMW can't tell you anything else until it has made it through customs. Once it clears customs, they should be able to tell you where it is.

It can take quite a while to make it through customs. Mine took a week. Cars right before mine were taking three weeks.

[dlchasen]

Three weeks through customs? That's longer than it took to make it!

[MTROIS]

....ask Voltigeur how long his car got stuck with the Customs... and what damage he had on his car once he finally got it back!

[Scoobe]

Mine was in customs port for nearly 3 weeks. It's not uncommon. That doesn't mean it's still in the customs process however. It's likely in a giant parking lot waiting to be loaded.

[RatchetM3]

Wow that really sux. Sorry to hear that

I lucked out. It took me exactly 34 days from placing order to reaching my dealership. I ordered from Fields. I guess it was good timing!

[kaykay]

Seems you got held up in customs (or still are).

It happens.

Regarding your "why doesn't BMW use the GPS" to tell you where you car is, well, you can't really be serious about that can you?


Based on the Priority status of your car (Priority 1 being car sold to customer), your vehicle is placed on a ship and the dealer has an approximate date (+/- 2 days) of when the ship will dock at port. Usually, the transition from port arrival -> VPC -> your dealership is anywhere from 3-7 days. Longer if your car isn't a priority 1 car.

What more do you want? Latitude and longitude of the car today at 10:20PST?

My car took 2 days to reach my dealership from the moment it landed at Port Hueneme. Pretty amazing, it was Priority 1, I understand they load P1 cars last so that they can exist first.

You also seem a little irate at your dealer and I don't blame you. Most dealers are pure idiots and deserve a daily beating. I've had to yell many times at dealers, SA, etc. to get them to do their damn job properly.

If they're not doing their job and not treating you properly, find another dealer or really give the GM/Owner an earful. Sometimes, it's good for them to hear it.

Hopefully your car gets here sooner rather than later.

[EJ_92606]

Your car was on the Rhea Leader and it's probably sitting in the US Customs lot right next to mine. Check this thread for more information
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=1#post5284626

[outie]

Originally Posted by dlchasen

Three weeks through customs? That's longer than it took to make it!

It took us 4 weeks to clear customs -> http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=393166

[dlchasen]

Originally Posted by EJ_92606

Your car was on the Rhea Leader and it's probably sitting in the US Customs lot right next to mine. Check this thread for more information
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=1#post5284626

Thanks for that info. Frustrating, but obviously nothing to do but wait.