USA F10 M5 Step-By-Step Production and Distribution Delay?

MJ · 10th July 2012, 16:42

My sales rep sent me a text every time the status changed on my F10 M5 order. Here's a log from my Razr Maxx to demonstrate the production process on my car:

June 1- 111 Allocation hits dealer, this is where you spec your car
June 19-112 Order Scheduled for Production, you can still make changes in early 112
June 28-150 Production Started
July 5- 151 Entry Body Shop
July 6- 152 Entry Paint Shop
July 8- 153 Entry Assembly
July 9- 154 Assembly
Turned 155 Assembly Completed somewhere in between
July 10-160 Produced not shipped

As of today there is not EPA (CARB is also a factor) certification for the USA F10 M5. This could easily occur before the first units hit the USA, or there could be a couple of weeks delay like the E60 M5 in October of 2005. Just like for the 2006 E60 M5, the rumors of a coordinated release is unfounded and my sources say--not true. Here is an old link with lots of info on the process:

USA M5 Delay? Not Yet Emissions Certified

Now waiting for the train ride from Dingolfing to Bremmerhaven and then the voyage across the Atlantic to the VPC in Brunswick, GA. Next milestone: waiting to see what ship its loaded on, and you can track that also...

MJ

AGS · 10th July 2012, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ

As of today there is not EPA (CARB is also a factor) certification for the USA F10 M5. This could easily occur before the first units hit the USA, or there could be a couple of weeks delay like the E60 M5 in October of 2005. Just like for the 2006 E60 M5, the rumors of a coordinated release is unfounded and my sources say--not true.
MJ

MJ, any word from your sources on which cars they use for EPA and CARB certification? My CA thought they may use the first customer cars to arrive, which was surprising to me.

Also, good to hear no delay for a "coordinated release."

MJ · 10th July 2012, 23:48

July 10 update-182 Released to distribution in Germany. Waiting for train to Bremmerhaven.

MJ · 11th July 2012, 08:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGS

MJ, any word from your sources on which cars they use for EPA and CARB certification? My CA thought they may use the first customer cars to arrive, which was surprising to me.

Also, good to hear no delay for a "coordinated release."

AGS,

It is my understanding that The EPA and CARB can use engineering documents and can also test manufacturer cars for certification. There are numerous DCT and 6-speed manual F10 M5s floating around the country. You are correct, according to my BMW/NA sources that any of the first retail arrivals can also be tested.

MJ

cmhsam · 11th July 2012, 13:20

I have heard from forum members on M5post.com that their CA's have indicated US bound M5's will be held at port for a 9/1 launch. No one seems to have a clear answer to this question

MJ · 11th July 2012, 19:51

July 11- 193 Arrival at port (Bremmerhaven)

Checked Willenius schedule, there's a ship leaving today, 7/11, it would be lucky if it made that load. The next ship is Friday 7/13. After that the next load is 7/22. My sources again are saying NO coordinated release, just EPA emissions hold possible, but not a certainty.

MJ

Lizard1 · 11th July 2012, 21:10

As I follow your production, it seems your car is about 24hrs ahead of mine in production. I just spoke with my dealer and he gave me a status code 190 which i guess means it is awaiting arrival at port?

cmhsam · 11th July 2012, 21:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ

July 11- 193 Arrival at port (Bremmerhaven)

Checked Willenius schedule, there's a ship leaving today, 7/11, it would be lucky if it made that load. The next ship is Friday 7/13. After that the next load is 7/22. My sources again are saying NO coordinated release, just EPA emissions hold possible, but not a certainty.

MJ

How do you determine what ship your car is going to be loaded onto?

MJ · 12th July 2012, 08:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmhsam

How do you determine what ship your car is going to be loaded onto?

I do not know what ship it will be on yet, just looking at possibilities since I know the car loads in Bremmerhaven, Germany and will off-load in Brunswick, GA for my region. As soon as my car is assigned a vessel, the ship's name will appear on the BMW vehicle tracking page available to the dealer.

Here is the Willenius-Wilhelmsen page where you can get vessel schedules: Schedules Selection

Here is a massive dissertation on the order to delivery process that was written a few years back. I have not checked on current accuracy, but I'm sure most is probably still accurate. How-To: Follow a new BMW from Order, to Shipping and to Delivery

MJ

motoM5 · 12th July 2012, 19:00

I checked the California Air Resources Board (CARB) website and it seems like, assuming the website is up to date, the 2013 M5 is not certified. You can find all certification for the 2013 model year here. However, a quick parsing of BMW certifications from the 2012 model year yields this document, which was modified May 29, 2012 and certifies the 2012 BMW M5 as compliant in California. I can't imagine the 2013 M5 seeing extraordinary issues in getting California's certification, it just might not happen in time for uninterrupted delivery.