[mcsquared]

So, it’s finally pick up day. You’re excited that the ship made it, you no longer have to deal with tracking, and you’re at the end of the process. Before you leave the dealership/PCD/etc. what are some of your tips/checks prior to driving off?

I’ve compiled a small list, over the years, just checking to see if others have any that I may not have paid close attention to in the past.

1. Tire Pressure. After one dealer over inflated my tires, I’ll never not check the pressures again. I always check them.
2. Strut blocks, make sure they are removed. I’ve read lots of threads that mentioned some service departments, or the port, fail to remove them.
3. Check to make sure no scratches in the paint or rims, and no bubbles in tires.
4. Check to make sure all lights are working, interior and exterior.
5. Check to make sure both main and any alternate keys (cards/valet/etc.) work as expected.
6. Check the fluid levels (brakes, windshield washer, power steering, etc.).
7. Track wrap if driving a distance, and your OCD would cause you mental anguish the whole way home.
8. Take a test drive of the vehicle you are picking up, before signing the papers, in case you notice something is off putting or not working correctly.
Update:
9. Check to make sure the rear brake caliper M clips are present. If not, have the dealer order them for you, as they should be included.

Anything else you do/don’t do when picking up your car?

[sixspeedshift]

great tips. how do you check strut blocks - just look around the wheels while the steering wheel is turned?

[hhkb]

Originally Posted by sixspeedshift

great tips. how do you check strut blocks - just look around the wheels while the steering wheel is turned?

Yeah. There will be noticeable blocks tied to the coil springs.

[hhkb]

One note of the test drive: I like to do a proper shakedown. I won’t redline or anything but I’ll get up to a good speed, swerve left and right while listening for anything unusual, hit the brakes pretty hard while listening and feeling for anything unusual, then come to a stop. I’ll also look through the engine bay.

[mcsquared]

Originally Posted by sixspeedshift

great tips. how do you check strut blocks - just look around the wheels while the steering wheel is turned?

Thanks to Limegrntaln for this post, re shipping blocks:

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=10

[Needsdecaf]

mcsquared Let me guess, you've owned a Tesla before.

Other than shipping spacers and checking for any obvious damage, that's it. Everything else is for warranty to take care of.

[mcsquared]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

mcsquared Let me guess, you've owned a Tesla before.

Other than shipping spacers and checking for any obvious damage, that's it. Everything else is for warranty to take care of.

Haha, no. My brother has a model X, but, EV’s aren’t my thing.

I just like to make sure all is good before I drive away, so I don’t have to visit the svc. dept. too soon after pick up.

[TopJimmy]

I tap all around the dash and doors to make sure there’s no squeaks or vibrations, and a test drive with the stereo cranking some deep bass. That uncovered a squeaky mess in one F-body car a few years back. These G-bodies are pretty tightly built, no noises so far.

[Forzanerazzurri]

Check to make sure your VIN matches the documentation. Youd be surprised.

[Habber]

Read the darn charges. My dealer continues to add “alarm system, finance charge” and other small stupidities that I make them remove.

They expect people to be so excited and just sign anything so that they can leave with the car.

[harperium]

Tires! I'm collecting in December, where summer tires won't work. So I'll be slowly driving to a tire shop to have my winter set put on (michelin all seasons 4 in this case - since they aren't the star spec tires, the dealer won't mount them).

[Anderson11]

Resist the full court press from the finance manager to buy tire, wheel, dent insurance. Also was pushed to get upholstery ceramic coat. Leave my leather alone. LOL. The aforementioned have high commissions. That goes for extended warranties too. You can worry about that as your warranty expiation aproaches.

[Casone238]

Originally Posted by Anderson11

Resist the full court press from the finance manager to buy tire, wheel, dent insurance. Also was pushed to get upholstery ceramic coat. Leave my leather alone. LOL. The aforementioned have high commissions. That goes for extended warranties too. You can worry about that as your warranty expiation aproaches.

If you live in the north east I highly recommend the tire protection. It will pay for itself within the first year. With my M340 that I had for 3 years I wish I had it with all the tire puncture and bubbles I had from the messed up roads here in the tristate. Within the first month of owning my24 X5 we already had to use it, in the night plus rain it’s near impossible to see the potholes. I’m sure parking in the city my wife is bound to scratch her black rims. Since we used it and literally you pay nothing and since it’s through bmw it’s no claims, they replace it no questions asked. I highly recommend it

[golf4kal]

If you get the rim/tire insurance and don't run OEM tires (summer or recommended winters) does anyone know if BMW still covers it?

[rcz22]

Anyone taking delivery in the north east during winter months (Nov-Feb) - do you ask that the dealer swap the summers for whatever winter setup you purchased - or wait for an above 40degree day to drive home?

[Casone238]

Originally Posted by golf4kal

If you get the rim/tire insurance and don't run OEM tires (summer or recommended winters) does anyone know if BMW still covers it?

I have the protection through BMW, and I can confirm tires that you buy are covered as long as the tires specs are within the OEM specs. Also when you call for a claim they won’t know what tires your car came with, they will ask for the tire brand and specs.

[golf4kal]

Originally Posted by Casone238

I have the protection through BMW, and I can confirm tires that you buy are covered as long as the tires specs are within the OEM specs. Also when you call for a claim they won’t know what tires your car came with, they will ask for the tire brand and specs.

Got it, so its a matter of being reimbursed for repair/replacement?

I had coverage from Audi for my S5. When I'd have an issue, I'd bring it in, dealership would see I had coverage and then do the work for no charge.

[Casone238]

Originally Posted by golf4kal

Got it, so its a matter of being reimbursed for repair/replacement?

I had coverage from Audi for my S5. When I'd have an issue, I'd bring it in, dealership would see I had coverage and then do the work for no charge.

No reimbursement or deductible, they swap tires with no questions asked & only the brand and specs of the tires. For rims they repair it or swap it. They repaired mine but they oversprayed the hell out the rim so I’m going back to ask them to replace it.