Hey NAM,

A quick question for you all...I've been checking everyday,twice a day on the status of my Mini. It was slated to be completed on May 9th (Monday...This past Monday). However, ever since last Friday AskMini has been saying that my "Car is in the paint shop with an estimated completion date of May 9th 2005." Not to mention, the miniusa.com Owner's Lounge says that my car is still scheduled for production. So it got me wondering, so here is the question:

How accurate is AskMini or the Owner's Lounge? I know AskMini is more accurate, but how long is the delay between when something happens with my Mini and AskMini's database gets updated?

I'm hoping for the good news of there is a couple days delay before I actually get the real information, but I don't think that's the case.

Let me know!

Thanks!
-Nick

 

Actually, there's a good chance the news is good, Nick. The Owners Lounge tends to be very late, and the automated ASK MINI system less so. However, your best info (at most stages of the process) is to call ASK MINI and opt for a customer service specialist, rather than the automated system.

I have never had to wait more than 20 seconds to reach a human (incredible!), and every human has been intelligent, intelligible, and downright pleasant. I'm not even going to tell you how many of them I've talked to -- it's a bit shameful. Let's just say I recognize most of them by voice now.

Most important for you, though, is the fact that they've usually got the low-down on your car. Give it a shot. Good luck!

 

Hey Nick -

Try calling 1-866-ASKMINI and giving them your VIN (or order number). I noticed the same thing on my recently-ordered MCS, and learned that my completion date was last Saturday. Then things moved a little more quickly and I believe I'm on board CARMEN leaving for the USA today.

My guess is that your car is further along than the OL suggests.

Let me know what you find out!

Cary

 

davn8r is exactly right. As to speak to a customer service specialist. You shouldn't have to wait long.

Cary

 

So I just found out, my baby's at Southampton now, and is booked on the TAKASAGO. The vessel will be departing this Friday the 13th and arriving on Saturday the 21st next week!

Thanks guys for all the information!

-Nick

 

uh oh, friday the 13th, the evil MINI

 

Whaaaaaaaa

My MINI was completed the 9th also. I just called ASK-MINI and they just have info that it's "at the docks". I was hoping they would say the same ship and dates as yours. I hope my MINI can get on that ship and keep you're MINI company on the trip over.

- John

 

Fortunately not. We just checked the manifest on CARMEN (W&W's EA518-CAR voyage) and it looks like Nick's MCS will be sailing with mine. We leave at 2100 hrs. GMT, which means 4:00 pm ET.

dcm

 

Asterix, check your VIN number (found in the owner's lounge) on the Wallenius Wilhelmsen Auto Cargo tracking site. Here:

http://schedule.2wglobal.com/AppTrac...trackType=Auto

That will tell you what the status of your car is as far as getting on a vessel.

 

 

From memories of when I was anxiously tracking my MINI's progress through the "birth canal" in Oxford, the Owners Lounge info only updates once a week (used to be on fridays I think).
At least your MINIs won't get stuck in a dock-workers strike in California, sit off the coast of LA for a week, then head for Mexico like mine did. Owners Lounge had it on the ship when the WW site said that the boat was leaving Mexico for Yokohama. That worried me a little, but Alice got here fine. Worth the wait.

 

My car completed on the 6th and is scheduled on the carmen! dcmitchell it looks like were on the same ship together if everything goes as planned. I see that the ship left and is on its way over. But my status of my car still says its at the terminal. hmmmmm i hope it gets on the ship. Or thats more bad news i need to cope with on top of others this past week. :(

Garrett

 

Dude! Welcome aboard! Send me your VIN and I will check it against the W&W manifest. Send me your email and I will send you a copy of the manifest (PDF file).

According to the Southampton harbormaster's schedule, the CARMEN is delayed until 1 am tomorrow morning. Shouldn't be any trouble, though.
cary

 

Oh yeah. Checked the W&W site and I am on the Carmen. So I will be travelling with you all :smile:

I assume I will be getting off at Baltimore on the 21st (going to MINI of Sterling in NoVA) Can't wait!

- John

PS - Know all about the dock workers strike in CA. Bought a 1932 BSA Blue Star motorcycle from a restorer in Australia. Sat on the docks in CA for a month due to that stupid strike!!!

 

I get off at the New York dock. So ill have mine a few days before yours. But I am sure we will all be happy when we get our cars. With a lot of not so good things happening to me right now, waiting for the car to come my way is what is helding me up.

P.S. dcmitchell you have a pm.

Garrett

 

Ah, we are loaded on the vessel now!

 

And then some. We're just north of the Isle of Wight, where the harbor skipper makes his exit and the W&W captain takes over.

QUICK! Take a look at the radar map by following the link I posted at the end this other thread. It's really kinda neat...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=42889

Or skip the other thread and go here:
http://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/radcap.asp

It's 2:15 am there, so they've been underway for 1 hr. 15 minutes or so.

I will look for you at MINI of Sterling.

Cary

 

Amazing the amount of stuff on the Internet. Not that it will help me get my car faster, but it's cool to see!

- John

 

Ditto. I don't have any problems waiting a few more days/weeks. I'm just amazed at the kind of information that is available out there.

Now if I can only get this info sent to my cell phone...

dcm

 

Asterix, the MINIs that go to MINI of Sterling get off at the NY port, go through the VDC there, and head down to MINI of Sterling.

I know this because my car should be offloaded on Friday (The 13th! Eek!) in NY, and head my way.

Who is your MA? Mine is Jeff Wannall.

 

05MCSa,

Yeah, Jeff is my salesguy too. He's been really cool, no complaints. Hmm, I have an MCSa too, so guess he'll be doing 2 in a couple of weeks! Tell me how long from the 13th until you actually get yout car, then I'll know how long for me. Guess mine will be getting off at NYC on the 19th then. I'll be a week behind you.

- John

 

I'll definitely keep you updated; Jeff tells me that it only takes a day or two once the car is released from the VDC. So I just have to hope the car gets out of there asap!

And then, once it hits the dealership, the only things they need to do to my car are slap on the front chrome grill, toss some rubber S mats in the front, give it a good wash, and get ready to have me drool all over it when I take delivery!