I was reading the Port Hueneme VDC thread and it shows different BMWs with different wraps or waxes applied after production, before transit. I think the thread is 3+ years old.

Does anyone know what kind of protection our MINIs get for the voyage?
Is this wrap or whatever it is removed at the VDC or is it left on for the truck ride to the dealership?

 

My understanding is that the protection is washed off at the VDC, and the MINI is transported in an enclosed carrier to the dealership.

 

I believe that the wax prep that is used by BMW is only used on the BMW branded cars, and not on the MINI's. From what I've read and seen, our little cars get a thin sheet of plastic protector on the right and left side of the hood that is easily removed. When I picked my car up I did see finger nail scratches on either side of the hood where I would gauge they put it, but I didn't want the dealer touching it, I had my porter cable at home and some polish ready to go. I'm not sure there's anything else done to protect the car during it's transport to the VDC.

 

There is some kind of wax product they use. I think it's called cosmoline. They put the cars thru a hot wash to get it off. Then they recycle the wax by using it to heat the water for the wash process. I believe I read that on some thread here on NAM. It did not all come off on my Mini, you can see it in various cracks & crannies all over the car. I've read of some people reporting that stuff oozing out for months, especially in hot weather.

 

On VWs they put waxy stuff on the inside of body panels and doors and it can leak through the door drains on hot days.