BMW Germany closed own for summer hols

[tjlees]

BMW Germany factory (well the one that produces f30 3 series) apparently closes down for the first two weeks of August. My local dealer was telling me that orders with a delivery date of the end of July usually get delivered early/mid July.

Possibly bullste, and ignoring my OCD habit of not wanting a car built by a bunch of Germans trying to rush orders through before they go on they summers hols, here's my question:

If you ordered your bmer in June with the 2014 spec for July delivery, and BMW have switched to the upgraded 2014 spec in summer, which one you you get???

Also noted that Dakota beige has gone and leather instrument available on m sport - nice only £815

Here is the press release for upgraded 2014 https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/pressDetail....

....

A richer experience thanks to intelligent networking: 8-speed Steptronic transmission with proactive drive system.
From the summer of 2014, the new 8-speed Steptronic transmission with a proactive drive system will also be available for the models of the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series. On vehicles equipped with a navigation system, the proactive drive system ensures that the moment to shift gears is precisely adapted to the prevailing driving situation even if the navigation system is not active. The Proactive Driving Assistant works in tandem with the navigation system and “sees” a bend or a roundabout ahead and takes into account turn-offs and motorway exits. If the vehicle is approaching a roundabout or a bend, the transmission automatically changes down to the most appropriate gear, making optimum use of the engine braking effect. Subsequently, the system again shifts to the optimal gear for accelerating out of the bend. Furthermore, unnecessary gearshifts and hunting between bends are avoided through intelligent interaction with the navigation system.

...

Edit sorry meant closed down - f-ing iPad

[tr7v8]

Yes quite correct, most of Europe production closes in August. Try getting air con kit from Italy in August.

[anonymous-user]

All of my business is with Europe, Middle East and Africa.

I've got a month of moaning to listen to first (Ramadan) with my ME clients and then the fun of most of Europe naffing off on holiday in August.

It's an interesting couple of months

[tjlees]

Early June configurator had Dakota beige and late June does not, plus upgraded 2014 spec includes auto gear changes based on sat nav - even if you are not using the sat nav, providing you have specced auto and sat nav.

If you ordered your bmer in June with the 2014 spec for July delivery, and BMW have switched to the upgraded 2014 spec in summer, which one do you get???

In my cack handed way does the BMW summer close down signify the break between old 2014 spec and new 2014 spec?


Edit f-ing iPad again cack to crack - doh

Edited by tjlees on Sunday 29th June 21:46

[Mattt]

I wonder if the older cars can have the gearbox firmware updated to suit?

[AOK]

Have you an order number? Should be 7 numbers starting with a 3.

[M3greg]

Not entirely sure about that sat nav linked to gearbox thing. I'll give it a try, and knowing BMW's skills with this gearbox no doubt it will work a treat, but just another step towards letting the car drive itself.

[tjlees]

AOK said:

Have you an order number? Should be 7 numbers starting with a 3.

Just looked at the paperwork - no order number nor vin.

I think I need to ring the dealer!

[AOK]

tjlees said:

Just looked at the paperwork - no order number nor vin.

I think I need to ring the dealer!

It's neither usual nor unusual to be given the order number so I wouldn't ring any alarm bells.

Regarding the tweaks (bluetooth, gearbox etc) it's all dependent on when the car is built, not when it is delivered. All cars built in June won't receive the amendments. All cars build July onwards will receive the changes. Simple as that!

[tjlees]

AOK said:

It's neither usual nor unusual to be given the order number so I wouldn't ring any alarm bells.

Regarding the tweaks (bluetooth, gearbox etc) it's all dependent on when the car is built, not when it is delivered. All cars built in June won't receive the amendments. All cars build July onwards will receive the changes. Simple as that!

The car is due to be built at the end of July just before close down. Currently the interior is Dakota beige, which has been replaced with Dakota oyster on the updated uk configurator.

[tjlees]

.... So BMW will not be building my car before their summer hols, since the build date has been moved to mid august and I will get the car in early September


... However the wonderful beige Dakota interior with walnut has gone from the build because it's after 1 July spec change , so it's back to black with aluminium.

Maybe go for merino leather?

[aeropilot]

tjlees said:

Maybe go for merino leather?

[Dr_Rick]

Having a look at your link, there's reference to a 'new' 8-speed auto for the X5. I have an X5 due for delivery in time for the new plate in Sept '14. Checking with the dealer (my cousins other half), he says that my car won't get the 'new' box. Thankfully everything else I ordered is still on the configurator so nothing changes.

[tjlees]

I think what is really annoying is the USA configurator still has Dakota beige with walnut. I could spend another £2k on merino + leather dashboard to get almost the same! but obviously better looking

I suppose Dakota is hard wearing and easy to clean because it's sprayed on rather than polished etc