F55/F56 Week 27 build -- this is your status thread!
4th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 411
Likes: 2
It is easy for Mini fans to want too blame the 'evil' government, but the responsibility to test the cars is squarely with Mini/BMW. The rules and procedures and test requirements are all published and a large manufacturer like BMW that sells hundreds of thousands of cars in the US each year knows them very well. Proposed changes to these rules are posted years in advance so there is no reason for a late surprise. BMW tested these cars in 2013 but there seems to be some discrepancy in the test because it seems they were selling the 2014's through some sort of exemption. The terms of that exemption had to have been known to BMW/Mini. Whether it was some sort of unfortunate combination of the way the model change over happened, or some other issue that resulted in the 2015's not being tested until this week we'll probably never know. But the bottom line is that it is the manufacturers responsibility. Hopefully the testing was completed this week. Somewhere earlier in this thread it was reported that the processing timeline is 5-6 weeks which means approval by 1 Oct is still a risk unless someone is working hard to reduce that timeline.
Our car has been sitting in the VDC since 2 Aug and we are just as annoyed and frustrated as anyone. But this is Mini's responsibility. We have finally reached an equitable agreement on compensation so we will wait until ~9 Oct to get the car we ordered back in Jun. But it shouldn't have been this hard. Once we get the car, and time has pasted we'll probably have a different feeling about this episode, but until then it is no fun.
Our car has been sitting in the VDC since 2 Aug and we are just as annoyed and frustrated as anyone. But this is Mini's responsibility. We have finally reached an equitable agreement on compensation so we will wait until ~9 Oct to get the car we ordered back in Jun. But it shouldn't have been this hard. Once we get the car, and time has pasted we'll probably have a different feeling about this episode, but until then it is no fun.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 289
Likes: 8
From: Houston TX
I am not saying that Mini/BMW is not to be blamed, they definitely drop the ball on this. What I was saying that going forward they want to sell cars and make money. My dealer is down to just 3 F56. The milk has been spilled, and it is in the process of being mop up. Go forward you will never drink the milk that has been spilled. Yes it is no fun and it is frustrating!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
Im not sure how to approach the subject of compensation with my MA .... any suggestions? I dont want to seem like an *** but I think that since this is a problem of theirs I want something to make up for the delay
4th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 411
Likes: 2
How long have you being waiting? When were you suppose to received your car?
4th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 411
Likes: 2
Agree
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
i ordered my mini july 7 and it has been at the port for a few weks now. i know some have waited a lot longer im just curious. i dont want to talk to the dealer and say the wrong thing and get nothing
4th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 411
Likes: 2
I reach-out to MiniUSA with an email directly to the names that are listed in this thread. They asked me what my situation was and we came up with a solution for me.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 289
Likes: 8
From: Houston TX
We stopped by the Mini dealer today and they have a ton of non-F56's but they still have 10 F56's on the lot. Some have been sitting there over a month. I expected these to all be gone by now. Maybe locally they are not in as much demand as I thought. Or maybe these stock cars are not what buyers want. But the take away from me is that Mini probably doesn't want to lose a pre-sold car. They would take a bigger loose than $500 if it sat on their lot waiting for a buyer and no doubt having to discount it anyway. So actually they are more motivated than the buyers.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 289
Likes: 8
From: Houston TX
Only 38 more days left to wait.
They assured me the Testing was completed and that the 2015's will be released on or before October 1st. They also told me customer purchased cars will be the first out, so those worried about having to wait a little longer can rest a little easier. I'm setting my expectations to receive my new MINI the first week of October. If it comes sooner, then it will be a nice surprise. I actually don't mind the wait, it is allowing me to purchase odds and ends for the new MINI and will have a nice project weekend once it arrives.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
Thanks!!!
They assured me the Testing was completed and that the 2015's will be released on or before October 1st. They also told me customer purchased cars will be the first out, so those worried about having to wait a little longer can rest a little easier. I'm setting my expectations to receive my new MINI the first week of October. If it comes sooner, then it will be a nice surprise. I actually don't mind the wait, it is allowing me to purchase odds and ends for the new MINI and will have a nice project weekend once it arrives.
I have checked in here for the status of my dear StellaLuna since she was imprisoned on 8/22. I wanted her for my birthday on 9/21, but i will love her the same or more if I must wait a few more sleeps.
Stella Luna:
Metallic Black
Black and Grey Checkered Mirror Caps
Black and Grey Checkered Moon Roof
Black and Grey Side Scuttles
Chili Red Hub Caps
Premium Package
Media Package
Isn't she lovely?
Thanks again for all the info!!!
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Longmont, CO
I pinged my MA today who thought my car's-ready-at-the-dealership date of 20 October was probably pretty accurate. Build was completed on 9/1 and I'm thinking will get loaded on the Boheme on 9/10 (to arrive at Port Hueneme on 10/2).
Not sure how much stock to put in their information, however, as when I was working with the dealership Motoring Manager he was pretty adamant that all F56s were "being held in England" until the EPA situation was resolved.
My impression is that the dealership probably doesn't have any more information than is already available in this thread.
Not sure how much stock to put in their information, however, as when I was working with the dealership Motoring Manager he was pretty adamant that all F56s were "being held in England" until the EPA situation was resolved.
My impression is that the dealership probably doesn't have any more information than is already available in this thread.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 135
Likes: 6
I pinged my MA today who thought my car's-ready-at-the-dealership date of 20 October was probably pretty accurate. Build was completed on 9/1 and I'm thinking will get loaded on the Boheme on 9/10 (to arrive at Port Hueneme on 10/2).
Not sure how much stock to put in their information, however, as when I was working with the dealership Motoring Manager he was pretty adamant that all F56s were "being held in England" until the EPA situation was resolved.
My impression is that the dealership probably doesn't have any more information than is already available in this thread.
Not sure how much stock to put in their information, however, as when I was working with the dealership Motoring Manager he was pretty adamant that all F56s were "being held in England" until the EPA situation was resolved.
My impression is that the dealership probably doesn't have any more information than is already available in this thread.
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Longmont, CO
Yuck. I'm sorry to hear that. Best luck in getting on a boat ASAP!
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 289
Likes: 8
From: Houston TX
So what kind of testing is involved with that! 
That timeline seems doable. I think now that the testing is done they should be shipping the cars right over and work off the backlog of cars still in Southampton.
We were told the cars were moved off site and are being covered. But there is a ton of space at the VDC in GA. It is a massive facility. So there must be another reason. Maybe they processed them as they came in and they are just waiting to add the sticker and load them on the trucks and get them on their way.
I pinged my MA today who thought my car's-ready-at-the-dealership date of 20 October was probably pretty accurate. Build was completed on 9/1 and I'm thinking will get loaded on the Boheme on 9/10 (to arrive at Port Hueneme on 10/2).
Not sure how much stock to put in their information, however, as when I was working with the dealership Motoring Manager he was pretty adamant that all F56s were "being held in England" until the EPA situation was resolved.
My impression is that the dealership probably doesn't have any more information than is already available in this thread.
Not sure how much stock to put in their information, however, as when I was working with the dealership Motoring Manager he was pretty adamant that all F56s were "being held in England" until the EPA situation was resolved.
My impression is that the dealership probably doesn't have any more information than is already available in this thread.
We were told the cars were moved off site and are being covered. But there is a ton of space at the VDC in GA. It is a massive facility. So there must be another reason. Maybe they processed them as they came in and they are just waiting to add the sticker and load them on the trucks and get them on their way.
And complaining does what?
There were plenty of complaints when the delay just became known, but now, four weeks into a known situation, more complaining doesn't do much.
Besides, many of those affected have already reached an agreement with Mini or their dealer on how to make it up to us.
A few have cancelled their order.
Those of us who are waiting it out, do so, hoping that maybe we'll get lucky and things might clear on the sooner side.
So, WTF, what's your story? Sounds like you wish to complain.
Complain away ...
There were plenty of complaints when the delay just became known, but now, four weeks into a known situation, more complaining doesn't do much.
Besides, many of those affected have already reached an agreement with Mini or their dealer on how to make it up to us.
A few have cancelled their order.
Those of us who are waiting it out, do so, hoping that maybe we'll get lucky and things might clear on the sooner side.
So, WTF, what's your story? Sounds like you wish to complain.
Complain away ...
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 289
Likes: 8
From: Houston TX
And complaining does what?
There were plenty of complaints when the delay just became known, but now, four weeks into a known situation, more complaining doesn't do much.
Besides, many of those affected have already reached an agreement with Mini or their dealer on how to make it up to us.
A few have cancelled their order.
Those of us who are waiting it out, do so, hoping that maybe we'll get lucky and things might clear on the sooner side.
So, WTF, what's your story? Sounds like you wish to complain.
Complain away ...
There were plenty of complaints when the delay just became known, but now, four weeks into a known situation, more complaining doesn't do much.
Besides, many of those affected have already reached an agreement with Mini or their dealer on how to make it up to us.
A few have cancelled their order.
Those of us who are waiting it out, do so, hoping that maybe we'll get lucky and things might clear on the sooner side.
So, WTF, what's your story? Sounds like you wish to complain.
Complain away ...
4th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 411
Likes: 2
I think the problem is that some are just now finding out about this delay. For those who were never told I can understand their frustration and they have a right to complain. Those of us that have been dealing with this over a month now it is old news and we're over it.