How long does it take to pick up the car after the BMW VIN is issued?

[Wade]

Generally, it takes 10-15 days to pick up the car after the BMW VIN is issued. Time when the VIN is issued: Typically, the VIN will be issued one week before the vehicle rolls off the production line. Once the dealership can check the VIN, the salesperson will send the number to the owner. Then, the owner will need to wait for a period of time until the vehicle arrives at the dealership for pickup. Additionally, for customers who have opted for car accessories, the dealership staff will need time to prepare the vehicle after it arrives. If the dealership has a high customer flow, the more people there are for car repairs and maintenance, the slower the preparation of the new car will be. Precautions for picking up the car: Visually inspect the car's paint surface to check for scratches and wear. Observe the paint under ample sunlight to see if there is any color difference. Open the car door and push and pull it from several angles to let light shine from different directions to check if the sheet metal is even. If possible, use a paint thickness gauge for inspection.

[AveryDella]

From my experience of buying a new BMW, the appearance of the VIN indicates that the vehicle has completed production and rolled off the assembly line. The next steps mainly depend on transportation time and dealer preparation. For example, my 530i was manufactured in Germany—it took three weeks from VIN issuance to arrival at Shanghai port, including shipping and customs clearance. The dealership then conducted PDI (pre-delivery inspection) and cleaning, adding another three days of waiting. So in total, I waited nearly three weeks before taking delivery. However, if you purchase a ready-made car or one from local inventory, the process could be completed within days, as it eliminates logistics delays. Other factors affecting timing include weather, port congestion, or dealer workload. I recommend confirming the estimated timeline with your salesperson when placing the order and tracking status updates via the app to minimize uncertainty.

[LeviLynn]

As someone who frequently assists friends with car purchases, I find that the typical delivery period after the VIN is issued ranges from 7 to 14 days. The VIN indicates the vehicle's registration, but it still needs to go through the logistics phase: transport from the factory to the distribution center and then to the dealer. Domestic models, such as those from BMW Brilliance, may arrive faster, possibly within 5 days, while imported cars shipped from Germany to China can take up to three weeks. Upon receiving the vehicle, the dealer conducts inspections, touch-ups, and other prep work, usually taking 1-2 days. Therefore, it's best to allow around 10 days in total. Custom orders may have an earlier VIN issuance but a longer delivery time, whereas in-stock vehicles are much quicker. Remember to stay in touch with the salesperson and track the logistics progress to minimize unexpected delays.

[BrandonLee]

Just ordered a 3 Series, got notified as soon as the VIN was out. The salesperson said transportation takes about a week to the Beijing warehouse, followed by a two-day inspection before pickup. I waited 10 days to drive the car off. However, the car was from the dealer's stock, so the wait was shorter. For out-of-town pickups or imported cars, it could take even longer. So, it's most convenient to ask your salesperson directly for accurate timing.