Right, make him feel bad that he is stuck in China when he could driving his MINI.

 

Panama Canal for the Wave, anyone know? Silly I know, I just think it's fun to follow it around the world.

 

It is schedule to arrive today (or was it running late?).

It still isn't showing up on sailwx with current location. Would you recognize it if you saw it? Here is the link for the Panama Canal web cams:

http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html

 

We don't want to make meche feel bad, but we do have a responsibility to each other. Meche has clearly lost track of what's truly important.

 

An email just popped up from my MA. My car is at the dealer. He said they need to do the PDI inspection. (What does that stand for?) He's hoping it will be finished during the overnight shift and available to me tomorrow.

I jumped out of my chair.

 

Pre-Delivery Inspection inspection

 

It's suppose to be arriving at its Panama Port today, but I think it should be a day behind. However, that port is on the other side of the canal. Sooo, I'm venturing to guess it should be near, at, or going through the canal today, maybe?

I'm not sure exactly what the Wave looks like, but many of WW's ships look a lot like this...

 

Great Panama Webcam!

You're always quick with the links, thanks Robin!

 

tell them that you are sure the PDI is fine, and that you want it... NOW. very exciting jyarrow.

 

you know i could watch that webcam all day and never know if the wave went through

 

Looks like I'll get it tomorrow. It will be ready by 1:00. The dealer's 3 hours away so I'm still working on a plan to get there, but I think I can figure it out. If I don't get it tomorrow, it will be next week so I better figure it out.

 

you need to figure that out. for all our sakes. and dont forget the camera

 

Thanks for all the support guys :-)

I do not get back home until May 12th which is a really long time for my mini to sit at the dealer lot.

I am doing something automotive related while in China. I have a design review with a tier 1 automotive supplier working on a new active cruise control for lower end cars. I helped design in one of my companies’ parts. The new system will lower the cost so it can be used by all instead of the high end cars (like 7 series). It will to go into production next year with one of the big 3 German companies.

 

This might be the only case of a MINI waiting on a person rather than the other way around. Have a safe trip back Meche.

News on the Wave front. It appears to be making up time. In and out of Manzanillo, Panama on schedule (the origninal one that is). It is now chugging to last and final destination (as far as we're concerned). It looks as though the 24th might be the date after all (exactly one week away). : ) = quick reply smilie face

 

Picked up today and driven home. It's great. None of the problems I've heard about like wind noise, rattles, etc. Has the secret compartment and a jack.

There's one problem - the factory gave me the wrong wheels. I ordered bridge spokes and it has S-winders. I didn't even notice for quite awhile. I was waiting for the MA to bring floor mats and all of sudden noticed the wheels are wrong.

They're the same size and price. The dealer didn't have time to do it today, but they will swap out the wheels if I want. We'll have to trade in the next month.

All things considered, I'm completely thrilled. My MA and dealer were great. Here's a couple of photos. They're not great, but the best I could do before dark tonight.

 

Congrats jyarrow! It's a beauty! Don't short sheet us, more pics please! : )

 

jyarrow--mine came with wrong wheels as well. Ordered Bridge Spoke as part of the Sport Package and she shows up with standard 15" wheels/tires. They were able to switch out with another Cooper (not S) on the lot, so we were OK. Nervous moment though. Took something out of that "first time seeing" her experience. All I could utter was, "she has the wrong wheels".

 

I've got an estimated delivery date of 4/19 -- AS IN TOMORROW!!! However, i know from reading these that most people's estimated date is off. How far off was anyone whose already taken delivery?

 

My estimated date was 4/15 and took delivery on 4/17. Use the estimate as an excuse to call your MA for an update.

 

Hey Michelle, I also got that same estimated date... Time to call in!

 

Jyarrow! beautiful, great color combo.

 

This is a great car. I took it easy on the 3 hour drive home from the dealer - following the (controversial) break in recommendations and really wanting to avoid a ticket (having already spent too much money that day). The first half was interstate and just fine, but when I got off on the mountain backroads it was amazing.

Kept my fingers away from the sport button until I was almost home. I just wanted to get a feel for the car without it. It absolutely changes everything. Goes fast. Stops nicely. Takes our turns beautifully.

Don't know exactly why I'm writing this, but I knew you all would listen. Hope you get your car soon.

 

Congrats jyarrow! I just ordered the same color. I been debating the black bonnet stripes.. After seeing yours I might add them on my order.

 

for break in Jyarrow are you saying you went the drive it like you stole it off the lot technique?

 

I'm leaning more toward the little old lady break in and following the manufacturer's instructions. My MA was actually more conservative than the manual - said keep it under 4,000 RPM and 90 MPH. Even staying within those restrictions, the driving is super fun.