What are the steps, and order of steps in production? I have been reading the different posts, but I am kind of confused about their order. The two common pieces I hear are in the paint shop and in the body shop. Are there others? Which comes first, and which is the last?

I've spent a couple of hours researching and not much farther than when I started.

Thanks to you all for your combined knowledge.

Tim

 

I copied this from another thread...credit goes to another member (lhigham2317) not me.

111 Order Accepted at factory
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
182 Released to Carrier
193 Arrived at Port of Exit
194 Selected for Shipment
195 Shipped from Port of Exit
196 Shipment Arrival

 

Hi Tim and welcome to the forum!

This question is asked so many times and the answer has been stated in numerous threads.

First, read the "How to track your Mini" thread in the 1st Gear forum (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d-updated.html)

In this forum, there are a number of threads specific to each stage of the process:

Who's Countryman is "Scheduled for Production"

Who's Countryman is released to carrier and waiting for transport?

On the Ship to USA

Who's Countryman is sitting at the VDC?

Each of these threads has volumes of information specific to that stage of the process. Many of us who ordered back in October created these threads and jumped from thread to thread as our car went through the mfg process all the way to delivery. Good reading!

 

I did a little more digging and found this information. If you don't know production code or order, this should help.

http://forums.5series.net/topic/2116...tus-code-what/

Second thread down is most helpful IMO.

 

Midnight,

Thanks. I sent my last note out before checking for updates. Can't wait to read yours. I think it will be most useful.

Tim

 

My CM is now scheduled to be complete on Monday. I'm trying to figure out how long after that before it gets to me via the Baltimore port. I was figuring 3 weeks from end of production to in my driveway....would that be a reasonable estimate? I'm trying to figure out when to put our MCS up for sale and was thinking it would be a good idea to do it right when production is completed on the CM. Don't want to put it up for sale too late and miss out as we have to sell it before closing on the CM but also don't want to do it too early.

 

Your best bet is to consult the shipping schedules. If you know completion date then you can pick which vessels you hope to make it on and when they arrive in Baltimore. Add padding to get to port, for the VDC to do it's thing, and for transport to your dealer and then their PDI. Timing can vary greatly (see the timeline in my sig for a loooong process) but you can narrow it down by knowing shipping schedules.

 

Mine was completed yesterday. Just called ask MINI and the automated response was Released to Carrier and awaiting transport.

If it were me I would put the car up for sell now. Get some fish on the line
and then reel them in slow if you don't have other transportation. You never know if you wait, you may not have any interest at that time. Better to have it out there now and see what you can get.
Matthew

 

Chase, our soon-to-be-CM is in the paint shop today, still, apparently on schedule to be completed tomorrow.

 

Based on the schedule, I'm hoping my CM can hop aboard the Tampa or Torino. The first leaves on 1/27 and gets to Baltimore on 2/10. The second 1/26 and gets to Baltimore on 2/11. At latest, I have to imagine it getting here on 2/18 (Departing from Bremerhaven on 2/3 and 2/5). That's if they do the WW line.

 

cyber,

I've been following a couple of your messages. If you are tracking your CM by the automated tracker at ASK MINI, I would recommend talking to a representative. Mine was in the Paint Shop all day, and when I talked to a representative she said it was actually in assembly. I think the representative has a little more up-to-date info.

I wouldn't be surprised if yours is in assembly like mine. I think we are on the same schedule.

Tim

 

Lenmonster, I am hoping the same thing. Maybe our CMs will be on the same boat.

 

My CM is completed today - right on schedule. Awaiting transport to Port. Sounds like we will have a crowded boat.

 

Good stuff! I was in the paint shop this morning, so I'm hoping to be complete by Friday.

 

I called this morinign to see how much progress has been made on my CM while I dreamed of it last night and it said that my vehicle is complete and it is waiting to be released to the carrier.

Based on the transport schedule I am hoping that my CM will be on the Torino or Independance II (leaving Bremerhaven on 1/26/11 or 1/27) and getting to Baltimore Port on 2/11/11. Does that sound reasonable?

Now another step of waiting...

 

Ah, the Tampa, didn't even see that one. Yet another choice. Lots of great options available. Hope mine get on one of them, too.

 

Just talked to ask mini and the woman said our car went into production on the 14th. She didn't have any other info such as if it was in paint or body shop, etc. Should she have been able to see this or will my MA be the only one who can get that info?

 

When mine went into the body shop it was updated on the automated system,then again when it went to the paint shop and was released to
carrier, on three consecutive days, 3 updates. I have yet to talk to anybody there, but the automated system has been spot on. The Owners Lounge, pfft, waaayyy behind on everything.

 

Car is complete! and went thru first quality check. Now I can hurry up and wait!

 

Mine was ordered 1/5 and I haven't even made it to production yet

 

Did your MA give you any details? We ordered on 1/5 also and ours is listed as in the body shop today and estimated completion Monday. A lot seems to depend on whether your dealer had any slots open or if you are waiting for one to open up.

 

I've got a production number and the OL and Ask Mini says it's on order with no set production date. But I'm patient, for now

 

Heck, I ordered early December and just hit production this week. It all depends on the allocation slots of your dealer. Your MA should give you an estimated week of production.

In the body shop, but still scheduled for completion tomorrow. Hoping for an update...

 

My experience is: OL has said Scheduled for Production since it changed from On Order without further updates since. 1-866-Ask MINI customer service rep has had the most accurate up-to-date info, while at the same time the automated info is a day or so behind (ie. Automated said paint shop and rep said complete and thru quality check.) I agree the wait is secondary to the allocation slots that vary by dealership.

 

Chase has been completed and is now sitting in a parking lot full of other Countrymans, waiting to get on a train to Bremerhaven.

Yippeee!