[Ozzie8]

Thanks for all of the great posts on your 8 series observations and experiences, it has really kept me going on what is becoming a very long wait for my new M850i. The US market is a clear and appropriate priority for BMW with any new models, which translates into relatively short ordering and delivery cycles. The same cannot be said for Australia, so I thought I would lay out my journey so far.

The 8 first appeared in Australia at a number of VIP events over the weekend of December 8/9, 2018. No test drives but you were able to sit in the car and start the engine and hear that amazing V8. The order book opened on 12/12/18 and I ordered my car on 12/14/18 and was advised that I was one of the first few people in Australia to order! So far so good.

BC42 M850i xDrive Coupe
C38 Barcelona Blue Metallic
VAHY BMW Individual extended Merino Tartufo/Black
1N6 20” M Y Spoke 728 Bi Color/Performance Tyres
Carbon Fibre roof plus a load of other options

Production number was assigned quickly with production week March 10, 2019. So a 3 month wait for a production slot.

On March 11, production week was pushed out to April 14, a one month delay (in line with other forum experiences).

151 Entry body shop / serial number assigned 29.03.19
152 Entry paint shop 29.03.19
153 Entry assembly 01.04.19
154 Assembly 02.04.19
155 Assembly finish / quality check 02.04.19
160 Vehicle handover to sales 09.04.19
181 Handover to distribution 09.04.19
182 Handover to carrier/load assignment 09.04.19
190 Despatched from AG 15.04.19
193 Arrival at port or compound 16.04.19

So while 155 to 160 and 182 to 190 were a bit slow April 14 production was on schedule.

Now the tricky part, getting my car on a ship to Australia. So far its been 16 days on the Bremerhaven dock and I’ve already missed four car carriers to Australia. Next car carrier departs May 3, will my car make one of these ships? It is very difficult to find out.

Shipping time to Sydney is around 45 days and then another 15 days from port arrival to car in hand. So that’s at least two more months. And that means a total lead time of 6 months for the very first 8 series orders to arrive in Australia.

The earth moves slowly, but the ox is patient.

Stay tuned.....

[Ozzie8]

Missed May 3....have BMW lost my car?

[Wing Co]

I doubt it. Remember anticipation is always better than the real thing, everything quickly becomes fairly routine! Joking aside I find mine is a very nice car - if I am honest I would prefer a 911 (it's a classic Porsche), but they are too expensive, Boxster too limited space. For me the price point of the 840d with great looks, ability to lug stuff around and 42 mpg it's great and far from routine - until the 2 year itch starts!

[Ozzie8]

Thanks Wing Co that's so true. Loved my 640d and agree on the diesel. But time for the V8.

[Ozzie8]

My car located - Antwerp. Looking at the wrong Port. Car due to depart May 7. Unfortunately for me its the long route to Oz. Wait for it - Antwerp - Bremerhaven - Southampton - La Havre - Santander - Baltimore - Jacksonville - Kingston - Panama Canal - Auckland - Melbourne - Port Kembla (port for Sydney). Arriving July - 7 months from date of order.

[mptpa]

Originally Posted by Ozzie8

My car located - Antwerp. Looking at the wrong Port. Car due to depart May 7. Unfortunately for me its the long route to Oz. Wait for it - Antwerp - Bremerhaven - Southampton - La Havre - Santander - Baltimore - Jacksonville - Kingston - Panama Canal - Auckland - Melbourne - Port Kembla (port for Sydney). Arriving July - 7 months from date of order.

Wow mate. That's the long way home; 2 months at sea. I guess it tests your patience! I'm still waiting for mine, still at the VPC. Cheers.

[Ozzie8]

Look forward to your pics....

[Ozzie8]

For all 8 series buyers looking to track their vehicle from port to final destination (no vehicle tracking service from BMW outside NA). I was assuming Bremerhaven as port of departure using Wallenius Wilhelmsen shipping using www.2wglobal.com click track & trace.

My vehicle is actually coming from Antwerp using Hoegh shipping. To track go to www.hoeghautoliners.com/my-cargo and enter the full vehicle VIN.

[Ozzie8]

Completed Antwerp - Bremerhaven - Southampton - Le Havre - Santandar! The Hoegh Trapper has now commenced the crossing of the Atlantic. It's a momentous occasion ladies and gentlemen. Baltimore please get the crabs ready, we'll need a feed.

[Ozzie8]

Thanks Baltimore, the crabs were excellent. Just about to berth at Jacksonville, looking forward to some blues in a cool bar. Need to chill.

[Ozzie8]

Completed Jacksonville, Kingston Jamaica, Manzanillo Panama and excitement as we now move through the Panama Canal....

[Ozzie8]

Exited Panama Canal and commenced the journey across the Pacific Ocean to the next port of call on the m850i world tour - Auckland New Zealand. That’s a mere 20 days away.

[Ozzie8]

And after what seemed like an eternity the pacific crossing comes to an end.....thank you New Zealand for the welcome.....only two more stops to go.....

[MPoweRo]

Originally Posted by Ozzie8

And after what seemed like an eternity the pacific crossing comes to an end.....thank you New Zealand for the welcome.....only two more stops to go.....

I'll wave at your car from Elwood beach!

[Ozzie8]

MPoweRo you can waive now mate. Arrived Melbourne.

To quote The Church “I’m almost with you, is this the taste of victory”.

[MPoweRo]

Originally Posted by Ozzie8

MPoweRo you can waive now mate. Arrived Melbourne.

To quote The Church "I'm almost with you, is this the taste of victory".

[Ozzie8]

Exactly 203 days since the date of order and after travelling 15,885 nautical miles (= 18,820 mi or 29,419 km) my m850i has arrived at Port Kembla. What a marathon! Not quite at final destination as we need to go from Port Kembla to the BMW VDC and then my BMW dealer in Sydney. Assuming an unload today, I am expecting another 10 days, so collection on the 12th. I did learn last week that a friend of mine who ordered a few hours before me that he received his car a month ago. Thrilled for him, but really hoping my dealer pulls out all stops.

[Ozzie8]

With image

[Ozzie8]

After some investigation Prixcar (I suspect the pronunciation is "Pree" Car and not the other possibility) is the BMW ground transport carrier.

Here we go. Only a Priority 3. Why not Priority 1 VIP **RUSH**? At least the P3 aligns to the shipping priority!

[redhot47fla]

Keep these updates coming. We're sweating this out with you. Here's the thing, though: To some extent, when the trophy finally is yours, you're actually going to miss the hunt (at least a little).

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by redhot47fla

Keep these updates coming. We're sweating this out with you. Here's the thing, though: To some extent, when the trophy finally is yours, you're actually going to miss the hunt (at least a little).

Enjoy the journey it's not just about the destination.

Very philosophical for a Bimmer forum but spot on.

[Ozzie8]

Enjoying the journey - even more today.

Movement.. Status has gone from 'To be confirmed', to 'Unbooked' and today 'Available'. Even better my car is going to be picked up today for dealer delivery. Why it takes 4 days to go 100 km remains a mystery, perhaps the road delivery route is going to mirror the shipping delivery route.