[dimkalvov]

Hi,

Would like to hear some tips on what to check for during the new car delivery.

Thanks.

[kraken]

Originally Posted by dimkalvov

Hi,

Would like to hear some tips on what to check for during the new car delivery.

Thanks.

Nothing for me really, this ain't Tesla..... since I picked it up at performance center, I put my full trust in the team there. If I were at dealership for any car, I would go over the exterior to make sure no defects.

[Rottweiler]

Make sure they don’t drill the front “bumper” to mount a license plate

Tell them you’ll deal with that later

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by dimkalvov

Hi,

Would like to hear some tips on what to check for during the new car delivery.

Thanks.

After confirming that all ordered content is present, my habit dating back to examining pre-production prototypes is called "shotgunning" the body. In the case of normal production, it helps confirm to some degree that nothing unfortunate occurred post-production, perhaps in shipping. Stand in front of a headlight, and look down the length of that side of the vehicle for any underflush/overflush condition of a door or fender. Observe moulding alignment. Stand at the taillight and do the same looking forward. Repeat for the other side of the car and a similar move across the rear for the liftgate. Open all doors, hood, and liftgate. Examine the hinge attachment points for any signs of rework or being treated differently for paint versus the others. Check for small scratch marks. Any repair should be disclosed. When I ordered this X3, the first one that arrived from the plant had a dented door due to a shipping issue. It was fixable with a door replacement (aluminum sheetmetal) and the dealer disclosed it. I declined the car, which they then re-ordered for a new build.

[ContactPatch]

Make sure the fuel gauge needle points toward "F" rather than "E." In the X3 it's more of a digital graph...

[BMWbiker]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

After confirming that all ordered content is present, my habit dating back to examining pre-production prototypes is called "shotgunning" the body. In the case of normal production, it helps confirm to some degree that nothing unfortunate occurred post-production, perhaps in shipping. Stand in front of a headlight, and look down the length of that side of the vehicle for any underflush/overflush condition of a door or fender. Observe moulding alignment. Stand at the taillight and do the same looking forward. Repeat for the other side of the car and a similar move across the rear for the liftgate. Open all doors, hood, and liftgate. Examine the hinge attachment points for any signs of rework or being treated differently for paint versus the others. Check for small scratch marks. Any repair should be disclosed. When I ordered this X3, the first one that arrived from the plant had a dented door due to a shipping issue. It was fixable with a door replacement (aluminum sheetmetal) and the dealer disclosed it. I declined the car, which they then re-ordered for a new build.

Do you use a magnet as well?

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by BMWbiker

Do you use a magnet as well?

Not too helpful on our aluminum panels, but it would detect a bondo repair on a steel panel.

[SpencerPJ]

It's a car, look for Captain Obvious, let the salesman help you set-up basic technology, write the check, don't let them sell you the moneymakers, and take off. Congrats !

[NoIceTea]

If that's a M Sport model, check the clearance between the lower edge/corner of the door and the side skirts when doors half open. Should be about 1/20 but mine is below 0... Deep cut on the side skirt and sending back to dealership for a repair from day 1.

[Lady Jane]

Check for unaccounted for mileage. If the vehicle sits at the dealership for a few days before pick-up, someone might be tempted to take it out for a spin.

[Flippco]

Check the paint and make sure all the panel gaps look good. I like to bring a flashlight and someone else to help look. Transit damage happens all the time, I needed a rear trim piece repainted after my wife noticed a gouge.

As others have said check for all the equipment, options, and mileage and you should be good.

If you do find things, make sure they’re noted in a “we owe you” addendum.

If you do find something the next day or two just ask your CA if there is anything they can do and if you’re nice, more often than not they’ll help you out.

[NoIceTea]

Originally Posted by Flippco

Check the paint and make sure all the panel gaps look good. I like to bring a flashlight and someone else to help look. Transit damage happens all the time, I needed a rear trim piece repainted after my wife noticed a gouge.

As others have said check for all the equipment, options, and mileage and you should be good.

If you do find things, make sure they’re noted in a “we owe you” addendum.

If you do find something the next day or two just ask your CA if there is anything they can do and if you’re nice, more often than not they’ll help you out.

Just took a delivery and a couple panels have alignment issues. Dealer is taking it back for a fix

[gphin]

As stated above, take a good flashlight to check interior and exterior paint. I also like to use my hand with fingers spread to go over the entire exterior to feel any potential paint issues not noticeable to the eye. It's good to have a second set of eyes as well and do it by yourselves without the salesperson standing over your shoulder. Check the window sticker for all ordered options and confirm they are there. Keep us posted how you make out.

[hranow]

Take a good look at the paintwork - especially around the fitments between different elements. I speak from experience - i missed the below paint defect just under the tail light during the hand-over :

[avi66]

Originally Posted by dimkalvov

Hi,

Would like to hear some tips on what to check for during the new car delivery.

Thanks.

All of the above is sound advice as BMW G01 plant QA is shocking at times.

I would also ask them to double check wheel nut torque.

[bocabimmer]

Check for wind noise.

I also had a defective center console that required the entire bottom half to be replaced… and then the arm rest bubbled. These are one-offs but it goes to show look for the obvious because once you leave, your dealer may start pulling the “that’s normal” game like mine did.

[Flippco]

Originally Posted by avi66

All of the above is sound advice as BMW G01 plant QA is shocking at times.

I would also ask them to double check wheel nut torque.

QA can be shocking, the day after I picked mine up I was having Michelin Pilot Sports AS 4s put on and the tire guy came out and said they found a tortilla chip in my caliper. Odd stuff!

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Flippco

QA can be shocking, the day after I picked mine up I was having Michelin Pilot Sports AS 4s put on and the tire guy came out and said they found a tortilla chip in my caliper. Odd stuff!

Indeed...I would have expected cornbread.

[dimkalvov]

is 54 miles on odometer considered normal ? mind that i did not order the car from the factory... just picking up what they have in stock

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by dimkalvov

is 54 miles on odometer considered normal ? mind that i did not order the car from the factory... just picking up what they have in stock

Normal in the sense that, as a unit in inventory, prior customers may have test-driven (or some other brief usage). Fresh from the plant, typical is closer to 10 miles from testing, shipping, and prep work at dealer.

[ContactPatch]

Originally Posted by dimkalvov

is 54 miles on odometer considered normal ? mind that i did not order the car from the factory... just picking up what they have in stock

Salesman: this baby has the B58 in it: "punch it?" Prospective buyer: "wow, this thing is a beast." That's what probably occurred, not necessarily a bad thing, just so you know! There is a break-in period before you flog this car.

[SpencerPJ]

My ordered x3 came in, had 5 miles on it. They said factory put 4 on it, they took across the street and filled with premium gas for the other 1 mile. I believed them, much cooler cars on the lot to hot rod with. A new car with 20+ miles, people do test drive them. Most decent humans wouldn't trash a car on a test drive.