Talked to my dealer this morning, inquiring about VIN or build date.
Dealer: "Oh yea, i'll be ORDERING it on Tuesday"
Me: Uh huh, when should I expect the car?
Dealer: "'Bout Jan 01, is that too late?"
Me: Hmmm, i'll get back with you on that.

What's the deal, aren't they supposed to order the car when you put down your deposit and choose a color? BTW, I put a deposit in June. Are dealers only allowed to order at specific intervals or times? I was told when i put down a deposit that the car should come in about 4 mos. F this i'm

 

They have to get an "allotment" or an "allocation" (I forget which comes first) before they can order.

Then after they get their allotment they can order it and specify color. Then a month or two later they get a "tentative build date" and then AFTER that step it shows up on a delivery schedule and THAT IS WHEN the VIN# is assigned.

As of now, as far as I can tell, no one has taken delivery, no one has seen a VIN# on a delivery sheet. My dealer called AHM about a week ago and was told the first MY2001's will be delivered "about the end of October." He asked for and got the VIN# for mine then (JHMAP11491T000052). My "tentative build date" was 23 August 2000.

SO, if you put down your order before your dealer had the "allotment" or "allocation" (whatever that first step is called), he could not have ordered it yet. He probably knew the "allotment" was coming based on his previous year's experience. It would have been nice if he had filled you in on the process when he took the order, or at least given you a "guestimate" of delivery date. When I ordered my in late April, I was told October or November and that seems to be about right.

Barry in Sheridan, WY
Silver/Black '01 #52 (undelivered)

[This message has been edited by Barry WY Silver/Black '01 (edited October 21, 2000).]

 

Sucks, doesn't it. I'm on the list for an E46 M3 and I'm now being told Summer 2001! If I'm lucky! What I would do, and am doing, is leave the deposit (a bird in the hand and all) and at the same time scour your little corner of the earth for a better deal. Realize though that less time == more money.

 

Barry is right. Allottment is the word my dealer is using. The order begins with an allottment then they order the car. I don't think mine has been ordered yet either. I could not find out what the time period is between allottments. Stick with the order, wait for the car. You'll have someting no one else has.

 

Thanks for the info guys. The dealer had heard about the seatbelt recall but thought that the delay shouldn't be that long.
He will be ordering the car on Tuesday, but i think i will shop around in the meantime.
Bill