Called my MA Eang today, was unable to reach him, but his boss Andrew did have a minute. Let me know that they are showing Grover as 'released to carrier'. Not necessarily on a truck yet, but anytime. Andrew also let me know that once on a truck, them it's usually only 24 hours to the dealer. He was very helpful, and I told him I realized that mine wouldn't be the only MINI on the truck and would probably be a couple of days to prep. He assured me that they it shouldn't be a significant delay, and they'd make every effort to get me rolling ASAP. I can't ask for more than that. (Well, I can ask for the damn snow that's forecast for Monday not to show! I know it happens, I just don't like it.)

So, OL's EDD of 4/7 may not be exact, but should be close!

T J

 

>>Thanks for the link to the order tracking, but my production # is coming up blank. Everyone else seems to have a # in the 67... range, but mine is 3704406. Anyone know why mine would be different?

Ghawk, we're referring to the last 7 characters in our VIN when checking the WW tracking site, not your production number you posted above!

---> TJ, seems that there are many of us picking up our MINI's this coming week, YEAAYY!! [I'll be busy updating the website like mad!

Cheers,
Ryan

P.S. The MINI Sound Modul (correct spelling, btw) is a dealer installed audio upgrade package available for only non-H/K stereos. It replaces the speakers and amplifier. I don't believe it's in the '03 MINI Motoring Accessories book, but your dealership should have complete info! Also check Gabe Bridger's website for pdf's in the "How-To" section.

 

Hawk - The number you need to put in the tracking site is actually the last 7 digits
of your VIN (will be listed on the MINI OL site once your car is close to being built)
and it should start with a T.
Once you enter that number, you will get your ship name and arrival date.

Phil

>>Thanks for the link to the order tracking, but my production # is coming up blank. Everyone else seems to have a # in the 67... range, but mine is 3704406. Anyone know why mine would be different?

 

Actually Ryan your post is wrong...my car is not at the dealership....

I GOT IT!! Picked it up this morning....hopefully tommorow I'll get some photos and get them put up - but got a 5 hour drive home after meeting with some others here in chicago for a cruise.

 

Late again - Say, has anyone noticed that we have almost reached 2000 messages? Pretty amazing, for a thread that really just started a couple months ago.

On a whole 'nother note, is there a certain address that someone could, say, send a donation to encourage the Customs people to always put the MINI's through FIRST???
I mean, after all, they must be able to check over a MINI in half the time it takes to go through an S-class Mercedes. Or maybe some Provigil for their coffee? Perhaps Viagra would induce them to check out the good-looking cars first? On second thought, maybe thats not such a good idea.

I'm just a little anxious.

Phil

 

>>Actually Ryan your post is wrong...my car is not at the dealership....
>>
>>I GOT IT!! Picked it up this morning....hopefully tommorow I'll get some photos and get them put up - but got a 5 hour drive home after meeting with some others here in chicago for a cruise.

Har, Har, Har, thanks for trying to trick me :smile:

Cheers,
Ryan

---> Phil, the Viagra is definitely NOT a good idea

 

HI! My MINI shows that it has been "removed" both from the Jingu maru and the Camen. Any idea about what "removed" means? other than didn't arrive at the docks in time ???

 

>>---> Phil, the Viagra is definitely NOT a good idea

*snort*

yeah, dangit, you don't want to distract them!

Think I can talk my MA into taking a few pics of my car for me before I can go and pic it up? I've been researching how to get to the dealership from here since I don't want to do a car caravan on the way back. What seem to be the most entertaining choices are the Chinatown buses (whee!) and the Irish group. Without a doubt it's going to be an adventure.

~Rachel, chasing ferrets on one leg

 

Oh, I just had my first cool "MINI" expirience! I went out to check on the car, and since the weather is actually nice today, realized that where Poly was parked, under a tree, she was a prime bird poop target! So of course I had to move her, and ended up parallel parking her for the first time ever. This is the cool part, since the car is mini, I only had to back into the spot! No straightening out, no back and forth buisness, just backed her in right by the curb and perfectly straight. Smooth as silk! And not a single stall! Woohoo!

 

And some more pic-tare's :
Next to my lil' sister's car. If you think the MINI makes it look huge, you should see my sister standing next to it!

Home at last

Anthracite and profile leather close-up

Who said parallel parking was hard?

God, she's soooooooooo dirty already!!!!!!

_________________

Coop' du jour: VR/B,1, 2 & 3, profile leather, chrome, xenon, HK, anthracite, r87's. Status 196, almost home!!!!!

 

Katie, your pic of your interior looks amazing [drool]

I'm starting to get dangerously excited about picking up my MINI on Tuesday :smile:

Cheers,
Ryan

P.S. Here a bit of fun I found in the Roadfly photo gallery:


_________________
Wisdom is not a function of age, but a function of experience.
*Keeper of the CWFAC list*

 

Lastwave,we seem to be in the same boat together.Maybe I should say,not actually on the boat together. Our Mini's are in the same batch of 12 Mini's that were bumped.Maybe their having a hard time saying goodbye.There's no date when the cars will be loaded on a ship,so for now their just hanging out at the dock watching the birds fly by.

 

Fellow Motorers (present and future),

I hope you all are doing well. It's a cool but beautiful day here in Eastern, PA. I spent the morning out motoring in Valley Forge National Park. What a ride! I had a daylight photog taken finally. It's the first pic of me and my MINI!

Father and Son (Bonzo)


Your MINI's will be here soon and you'll be loving them just like I love mine.

Take care and God Bless!

Cheers,

Birdie

 

Sorry about that.......what a rookie.

 

Full size this time......

 

Anybody know of any good quick cleaning tips? My car has bird poop, mud, salt and waterspots on it. I know I wont be able to get to one of those do-it-your-self car wash places till next week, and I don't have the facilities to clean it infront of my apartment. I'm going to windex the chrome and glass right now. But how can I get bird poop off the hood? Also, does anybody make like handy wipes, for the break dust on your wheels?

 

Katie,

Careful with the Windex. If you can, get to a store and get some car wash soap....the better brand is a better wash. A couple of table spoons in a bucket with water will be enough to do your whole car and then some. There is plenty of information in the Forums section of this website. There's a "Car Cleaning 101" thread I believe or something like that. Obviously, rinsing will be a problem for you since you don't have a hose or water spicket. So, use enough to get the bird $#@!
off and rinse with another bucket of clean water. A good micro fiber or 100% cotton towel will dry it nicely. Be care not to press too hard and make sure the towel is of good quality.

I used the same carwash soap for the breakdust and it comes off with no problem. But, my research showed that any good grime remover will do the job. Spray is probably easier for you at this point.

FYI...I went to Costco and got a huge thing of Turtlewax Carwash, Cleaning Mitts, California Water remover, and a two bottle Zymol kit for less than $40. It does the trick for now, until I get my full Zymol kit with HD Cleanse.

I'm not an expert, but thought I would offer some advise.

Good luck,

Birdie

 

Visited Waldo at the dealership today in Southampton. He looks fine, just a little dirty from the trip. Looks as ordered, but no window sticker in it. The other cars did. Picking him up Friday.:smile:

Took pictures, but since I am still in the stone age, don't have digital pics. And the scanner is kaput. But nothing unique about it, except it's MINI MINE!:D

Taking my son to check out DU in Delaware Friday night, perfect chance to run up some miles, but I am afraid of the campus's parking lots (doors swinging open, etc.). And if someone dings it within 24 hours, my wife may say "I told you so".:smile:

 

Katie, here is the Detailing 101 forum. There should be lots of good info in there.

Birdie, love the new pics of you and Bonzo!

Red, I'd keep the MINI away from the college campus; they're car-wreckers! (think drunk frat-boys throwing open their 55 inch-long Camaro doors, ouch!)

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Hello Everyone!
Katie, the VR is beautiful! Congrats and great job on the drive down!

I need some expert car cover advice...I was going to buy the car cover from mini b/c I have to park under a tree at my condo, but now I see mossmini.com is selling one for a less than half of what my dealer was charging. Does anyone know if the Moss cover is good enough? Or should I just spring for the dealer one?

I Hope you all had a great weekend!

Moss Car Cover

 

The Moss cover looks good to me (although, I must say, I'm a garage-guy )
I'd say as long as it fits well, doesn't trap moisture, and doesn't scratch, it's good to go!

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Red, Drive the mini. Isn't that why you bought it?

Birdie, great pic. Am I missing something or is Birdie the only one willing to show his face in this club?

Katie is that you peering over the steering wheel in the pic of your mini next to your sisters car?

Let's see some pics of who we all are.

Andy

 

Yes it's me, but that's probably the best picture of me you'll get

 

Anyone else on the Tosca?

Cargo Id: TD67097
Booking Number: GBSOU117322 Bill Number: GB113205
Vessel: TOSCA Port of Origin: SOUTHAMPTON
Voyage: EQ308-TOS Port of Destination: CHARLESTON,SC
Priority: Customer Ref. Number:


Due in Charleston, SC April 7.... TOMORROW ... Whooohoooo

Now the real hard waiting begins....

Paul

 

Ok, here's the deal..........

I'm giving everyone a "One Week Later Overall Assessment" (OWLA) of my MINI. This is per Ryan's request and I think it would be a great tradition to start. Kind of your obligation as a graduate of the club. So, here is the first one and hopefully you all will follow suit when you get your MINI's.

Birdie's OWLA:

The first glance was awesome. MINI colors are definately unlike anything that I've seen on the street which helps with the car's originality. The inside is so impressive and modern looking. Couldn't wait to drive and show it off.

The first couple of driving sessions were a little awkward as to be expected. You need some time to get use to how your car handles, what it's limitations are, and how everything works. But, within a couple of days you are just about a pro. The HK is a little challenging with it's features so rich, but worth it with awesome power and sound. The climate control works well, but the defrost comes on a high speed which catches you by suprise. My MA warned me about that. The sport seats are snug and allow excellent comfort when turning into sharp corners. The locks take some getting use to. Two tugs on the handle, but that only unlocks the door. The boot needs to be unlocked manually. Get the glove box organizer, it's a no-brainer in my opinion. With back seats down, there's plenty of room in back for most quick errand pick ups (my golf clubs fit no problem.....that's key).

The ride is really hard, but fast and fun. You feel every bump, but I expected that. It doesn't bother me, but long drives make it tough if you are in the back seat. The engine has enough power to boom up to high speeds without the engine whining in 5th (Bonzo is an MC). I had him up to almost 100 on the highway and had plenty of room to spare. Back roads, what can I say, the car handles unbelievably. More fun than anyone should be allowed to have. The handling is fantastic and the seperate motor for power steering makes a big difference. Hills are no problem, the cars in front of me are. I like my 16" run flats, the Goodyear Eagles offer decent traction and handle slick roads well. The "go kart" feel is exactly right. Couldn't describe it any better. Turning radius is phenominal, which makes u-turns much easier.

Overall, I'm comletely in love with my car. Just like I knew I would be. The car gets so much attention and I love the vibe I get when I'm driving it. The car has beaten all of my expectations and I can't imagine driving anything else. I have more people interested in MINI's now and have heard several people say that they absolutely think this car is amazing. I am so happy with my pruchase, my purchasing experience, and my results. No regrets what so ever.

That's all I can say, without having an entire page to myself. If anyone has any questions just let me know. I will answer anything honestly and openly.

Cheers,

Birdie