Ultimate Guide to BMW M3/M4 Series Tracking (Order and Delivery)

[GregW / Oregon]

For those obsessed on the exact position of their car on the ocean, this seems to be a good site: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/. Here is my ship as of today.

[christof30]

nice post man! thanks

[rubber_ducky]

I've plugged in the production number for my M3. I placed the order late last week. The website recognized the number and generated the correct model/color. Which is good.

However, I don't see anything about the car on the "My BMW" > "overview" page.

I do see the car if I go to "My BMW" > "Add/Remove Vehicles", but I don't see any ability to track the car.

Is it too soon for me to see anything? Does this mean that the order wasn't accepted by BMW AG yet?

Edit: I also see the vehicle under "Vehicle Profile" on the "My BMW" > "View/Edit My Profile" page, but still no ability to track.

[Sir Loin]

While you are waiting for your car, you can watch this MV Faust documentary from the Discovery Channel. You get see a lot of different BMW models in the documentary. They are packed like sardine. The documentary gives a good deal of how cars are processed after it has been handed over to the shipping company.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Sir Loin

While you are waiting for your car, you can watch this MV Faust documentary from the Discovery Channel. You get see a lot of different BMW models in the documentary. They are packed like sardine. The documentary gives a good deal of how cars are processed after it has been handed over to the shipping company.

Very cool; thanks! Glad my car is coming in the Summer!

[mkoesel]

I just did the same thing now that my car is in production and the status will be changing frequently. I was about to post a new thread with the same information, but I decided to check here first and I'm glad I did.

In my case, I used two pauses between the phone number and the "2", and then two between that and the production number. I'll have to check and see if I can reduce the first one to just a single pause.

Originally Posted by pikcachu

Was bored today so I created a quick production status shortcut phone number...

You can add this to your contact list and then it will call and automatically dial the options and production number so you don't have to do anything...

1 (800) 831-1117,2,,,XXXXXXX,1

where XXXXXXX is your production number....
If you have a VIN I suppose you can do the same and replace the last 1 for a 2 for VIN

On the iphone you need to create a new contact as you can't type "pause" on the keypad directly.

1) go to contacts
2) touch + to create new contact
3) enter 1 (800) 831-1117,2,,,XXXXXXX,1 (replacing XXXXXXX with your prod #)
4) touch "Done"

the "," is what on the iphone shown as "pause" and you can access this buttons by clicking the +*# on the bottom left when editing the contact number.

Now you have "one-touch" production status updates :-D

[CRtoE92]

Great write up! It answered all of my questions!!

[nrrads]

Thanks for this great thread.

I have a question about the plant designation. My vin has an "F". I don't see that listed in the original post. Which plant is this? Thanks!

[fabolous]

Originally Posted by nrrads

Thanks for this great thread.

I have a question about the plant designation. My vin has an "F". I don't see that listed in the original post. Which plant is this? Thanks!

I think that the vin decoder is out of date now. Mine also says F. I think its supposed to be Regensberg factory (all 3 series).

[ciaranob]

Originally Posted by LAnderson23

As an FYI, it looks like BMW has changed some things with the VIN. I just got mine, and portions of the OP's VIN description are no longer correct.

For example, in my VIN the restraint system identifier is 5, so they have changed the meaning or added a new code. Additionally, the Plant Code on my VIN is C, which is not listed in his description either. I did confirm my car was made in Germany so it looks like they have changed their codes. Just wanted to let everyone know.

In addition to differences noted above in respect the 5 code and plant code (mine is a J), I have a 6 digit sequential prod code not 5 as in OP, minor, but this no. is not the same as the 'production number' first given to me by my CA and which I used to first track the car on myBMW.

[soccer dad]

Originally Posted by fabolous

I think that the vin decoder is out of date now. Mine also says F. I think its supposed to be Regensberg factory (all 3 series).

All M3's are Regensburg
M4's are Munich

[Sir Loin]

This is how NYK Line's Metis Leader, the vessel carrying my M3, passes through the canal today.

[DC2015F80]

Aida arrived in NY!!!

[serieD]

Wow, this guide is amazing!

Thank you!

[shortseller]

Was allocated a week 33 production slot back on 6/2, which translated into an Aug 10th start date. I just wanted to let those know, status 33 or later, that to my surprise I went into production today, 2 weeks early, based on the BMWNA build tracking site. So the timeline is ahead of schedule guys!

[Sir Loin]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Was allocated a week 33 production slot back on 6/2, which translated into an Aug 10th start date. I just wanted to let those know, status 33 or later, that to my surprise I went into production today, 2 weeks early, based on the BMWNA build tracking site. So the timeline is ahead of schedule guys!

The BMWNA website is close to a week behind. If the website says it just went into production, most likely it is already built and is awaiting for transport to the port. Call 1800-831-1117 to get a more updated status from the automated system, then press 0 to talk to a human for the most up to date status.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by Sir Loin

The BMWNA website is close to a week behind. If the website says it just went into production, most likely it is already built and is awaiting for transport to the port. Call 1800-831-1117 to get a more updated status from the automated system, then press 0 to talk to a human for the most up to date status.

Thanks, just called and off the phone. Looks like they are synced up at this point in time. I was told it went into production yesterday, the 30th with an ET of completion on 8/11. Then was told a 12 day boat ride to my port, Baltimore. So looks like should have in my possession, fingers crossed, by end of the month. Thanks for the "press 0" tip, got someone this time that actually knew what they were talking about.

[m3less]

I'm scheduled week 33 and after checking online and calling 1-800, seems I won't get into production before the holiday break.. Anyone know if weeks 33-34 are for sure holiday period for the factory?

[m3less]

Anyone know the answer to above question?

[MWcoupe]

Does anyone know if they mount the license plate bracket at vpc or at the dealership? Who should I contact if I don't want my front bumper drilled?

[Fr1zGum]

Originally Posted by alpine330

Does anyone know if they mount the license plate bracket at vpc or at the dealership? Who should I contact if I don't want my front bumper drilled?

All these works are made at the dealership. So, you should call your dealer and ask him. However, when i asked my CA, he said that they don't drill the bumper, but use hook license plate holder)

[LukasAT]

does it take I will until information at bmwusa.com is available? I just got my production number and the system found the car .. but I cant do anything .. there is no track your vehicle like described in that thread.