Now I'm excited ... I have a build date of 20 Apr 2017, so it's finally alive. Now for the fun of tracking it through the system until delivery.

I typed the VIN into the bimmer.work site and there it was in detail and in pictures. Really cool site! You can type in the last 7 digits of any MINI/BMW VIN and it will give you a lot of info on the car.

I was surprised, but not disappointed, to learn that the production plant is Born, NL. Actually, I was pleasantly surprised since I lived near there (Brunssum) for three years in the 1990's.

I had read that JCWs were being built at the Oxford plant, so I decided to do a bit of research. I pulled VINs from used cars at the nearest dealer and, surprisingly, starting in 2015, all of the 2- and 4-door hatch cars were built in Born, same for the 2016 cars, and all of the new cars (including 4 JCWs). From my limited research, about 20 cars, it seems that much, if not all, of the US-bound production has been shifted to the NL.

Now I get to track the progress of the car as it moves through the production, transportation, processing and delivery cycle. I was pretty patient before, but now I getting really excited since I know it's real!

 

Dealer informed me that build was completed yesterday, 24 Apr. Much better info from the dealer than the MINI Owner's Lounge, which is very old and delayed.

Getting closer!

 

You probably already know this but once the dealer tells you which ship it's on, you can track it via various maritime sites.

 

It showed up as "Awaiting Transport" today ... it's starting to move.

 

I have an F54 JCW on order and checked it on this site and it said BORN as well but I know for certain it is being built in UK plant. While I can't say for certain with hard tops but it seems to be reporting wrong for the F54 cars.

 

Congrats! The entire process from entering the dealership -> ordering -> the wait, -> to getting your butt in seat and hands on the wheel are all part of the experience. Can't imagine why your new ride wouldn't but I hope it meets/fulfills all your expectations, Motor On!

 

An experience it is. The car is still at port awaiting transport. Didn't think it would be there that long.

 

My F54 JCW is waiting for transport as well. The boat better get there soon

 

Just moved to "En Route" status ... no other info and WW Lines has no record. At least there's progress.

 

Your dealer should know which ship it's on, some are on K-Line as well as WW.

 

Waiting to hear from them. If K-Line, it will be at the VPC on 17 May. If WW Lines, probably 21 May. Hoping to have it before the end of the month.

 

Looks like it will be at the VPC on 14 May ... I'm assuming Brunswick, GA. I did not "hyperstalk" the shipping since I've never been able to determine which ship it is on, but I did check the shipping schedules and have a pretty good idea. I was surprised that the dealer had so little info ... they thought I would have more details on the owner's lounge.

I'm thinking it will be ready for delivery o/a 20 May.

 

Not to disparage your dealer too much, but my MA could pull up real time info on my car as soon as production started. She knew when it was finished, knew it was on the dock, and the the day and which ship it was on once it left. Mine arrived at Galveston VPC on the Thursday before Christmas and I picked it up four days later on the 26th.

 

It arrived at VPC today and is scheduled for delivery at the dealer on 20 May. They have a few mods to install and prep the car, so I will probably pick it up o/a 27 May.

 

Yes ... it has been an eternity. Order date was 18 Feb so it's been a long wait. Granted, I did not want it to arrive before m BMW lease ended in mid-Apr, but it took longer than expected. No issues there ... better late than early.

Dealer (Orlando MINI) has been great. They have kept me posted and are lined up for some custom work before delivery. This will be our third car from them and they have always been great for us.

Biggest disappointment has been the limited nature of the Owner's Lounge. It is always behind on status and the links do not work ... not a big confidence builder in a company that prides itself on technology. Also, the MINI Help line is way out of date. According to them, the car is still awaiting transport ... not impressive. Hope the self-driving technolgy is better!

 

Arrived at the dealer today. Still needs a few additions so not ready for pick up until next week.

 

Looks sharp. Congratulations. My one on order gets built next week in Born. This is my third time through the process.

 

Lookin Good. Congrats!

 

Picking up tomorrow ... will post pics ASAP.

 

Mine arrived at the dealership yesterday. Got to see him. Picking him up on Tuesday after getting stripes and tinting