This is an independent website and is in no way related to, or supported by BMW AG or its subsidiaries. The name BMW and all of the names of vehicles manufactured by BMW are registered trademarks of BMW. Any reference to these names in this website are for descriptive purposes only and are in no way to be confused with BMW's own online efforts.

BMW Ship Tracking Guide with Production Codes

Once you place your order and give your dealer a deposit, they can then put your configuration into the ordering system. Unless your vehicle goes into an Order Bank, your dealer will be able to give you a production number. The dealer will modify an existing non-customer order.
You can take your Production Number and go online to track your vehicle's status. Please understand that this system is usually a day or more behind. It was previously known as the "BMW Owner's Circle." It is now known as the "BMW Owner & Financial Services Account" (BMWOCFSC) BMW Owner & Financial Services Account gives you a little information to simplify the waiting process. We've broken the order process into 5 stages:

On Order
As soon as your dealer gives you your production number, it shows up in BMWOCFSC as 'On Order.' You should also get a Production Week Number, this will be when your car will be produced. One thing to note, that when you go online right after you get your production number, the options you selected when you placed your order will not show up. Please understand that the dealer is modifying an incoming order that was going to their dealership. However, when the system is updated with your order, it will change. Don't panic. This usually takes a few days to update. Remember the actual date that it goes into production depends upon the Production Date/Week. Ask your dealer for details.

Scheduled For Production and Production
This stage lasts approximately a week to a week and half. The 800 automated information number is much more accurate than BMWOCFSC (about two days), so use it with your production number to figure out what's going on with your car. The number is 1-800-831-1117. After dialing say "Vehicle Production Status" and then read out your production number. If your car production is complete, it will say "Your vehicle production is complete."

Awaiting Transport
Your car gets loaded onto a train and is then taken to Bremerhaven, where it is unloaded and then has to wait for a ship. This is potentially a big waiting time. The amount of waiting time depends upon how many cars are ahead of yours in line to be loaded on a ship. I have seen times of two or three days and I've seen times of almost a week and half week. A ship sails every 3-4 days destined for the United States East Coast. I do not have information on the wait times are for the West Coast.

En Route
As soon as your status changes to "In Transit" on the 800 number, or to "En Route" on the BMWOCFSC, check the shipping company's website (Schedules) to figure out what ship your car is on. Or just call your dealer; they know which ship your car is on, and the estimated times of when it will arrive. Also, please understand these are estimated times. I have seen estimated times change while it is intransit.

At Preparation Center
We have our vehicles enter the South Carolina port. The amount of time that it spends here is usually just a few days. However, I have seen vehicles that have had have extra clean up take a week or more.

At your BMW Center
Once your car reaches your dealer, they have to PDI the vehicle. They have to remove shipping blocks, the plastic on the inside, program certain functions, add any dealer installed options and generally check out the vehicle. Finally they will call you up to come pick up your new Bimmer.

_________________________________________

0 - Order deleted by NA
17 - Order not Specified
37 - Order is at BMW NA
87 - Production Week Assigned
97 - Order sent to AG
100 - Order deleted by AG
101 - Error in data transmitted
102 - Special Order (no Prod Week)
105 - Order out of Prod. Period
111 - Order Accepted at AG
112 - Order scheduled for Production
150 - Production Started
151 - Body Shop Started
152 - Paint Shop Started
153 - Assembly Started
155 - Production Completed
160 - Released to Distribution
168 - AG Stock
170 - Waiting Workshop
172 - Planned for Workshop
174 - Workshop Entry
176 - Workshop Complete
180 - Waiting for Export Dispatch
181 - Waiting for Domestic Dispatch
182 - AG Load No. -- Released to Carrier
190 - Dispatched ex(port?) BMW AG
191 - Returned to BMW AG
193 - Arrived at Port of Exit
194 - Selected for Shipment
195 - Shipped from Port of Exit
196 - Shipment Arrival -- ATA

If you have any questions, contact your dealer for more information.