[Horseman]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

Only two more milestones on my timeline:
Tomorrow I complete the purchase and two weeks later I pick it up. Three months went by pretty quickly, but the next two weeks are going to be the longest of all…

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

Only two more milestones on my timeline:
Tomorrow I complete the purchase and two weeks later I pick it up. Three months went by pretty quickly, but the next two weeks are going to be the longest of all…

Congrats.

I'm sure Horseman will agree with you on the last 3 months flying by though. At least that's what I get when I read his posts.

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Congrats.

I'm sure Horseman will agree with you on the last 3 months flying by though. At least that's what I get when I read his posts.

This Friday will be the 4th week since I put in my order. It's gone pretty fast, yes... anxiety, stress-filled fast... absolutely. Mostly due to anticipation of getting this car and also extreme stress coming directly from work.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Horseman

This Friday will be the 4th week since I put in my order. It's gone pretty fast, yes... anxiety, stress-filled fast... absolutely. Mostly due to anticipation of getting this car and also extreme stress coming directly from work.

Try and reduce your stress and only stress over what you can control. You'll live longer for it.

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Try and reduce your stress and only stress over what you can control. You'll live longer for it.

That's been my motto for so long, but the stuff I can't control has a direct impact on the things I can and they tend to bleed a bit. It's been a rough year. I've certainly aged a bit because of it. This challenging year has certainly done alot to bolster my career, but ... the stress is real.

The Z4 build is a GOOD stress, but it's one of those things that's lingering that I just want to get over with.

I'm a destination kind of person.. not so much the journey. That'll change soon enough though. :P

[Kwajtrader]

Originally Posted by Horseman

That's been my motto for so long, but the stuff I can't control has a direct impact on the things I can and they tend to bleed a bit. It's been a rough year. I've certainly aged a bit because of it. This challenging year has certainly done alot to bolster my career, but ... the stress is real.

The Z4 build is a GOOD stress, but it's one of those things that's lingering that I just want to get over with.

I'm a destination kind of person.. not so much the journey. That'll change soon enough though. :P

All too true. I think we’re all looking forward to putting this year waaaay behind us. We can all start 2022 with the top down!

[Kwajtrader]

Okay, so now that I’ve done the deed and my account is quite a bit lighter, I have to decide if I should spend the $700 to upgrade the maintenance to Ultimate Care+. My takeaway is that the only benefits are three pairs of windshield wiper blades and the ability to opt in for adding 1, 2 or 3 years of additional maintenance at roughly $1k/year (for $700). The first major hit wont be until I need brakes somewhere between 40-60k miles, which will likely be 5yrs out, so I’m actually looking at more like $2700. Thoughts?

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

Okay, so now that I’ve done the deed and my account is quite a bit lighter, I have to decide if I should spend the $700 to upgrade the maintenance to Ultimate Care+. My takeaway is that the only benefits are three pairs of windshield wiper blades and the ability to opt in for adding 1, 2 or 3 years of additional maintenance at roughly $1k/year (for $700). The first major hit wont be until I need brakes somewhere between 40-60k miles, which will likely be 5yrs out, so I’m actually looking at more like $2700. Thoughts?

Considering how many automotive specialists and consumers alike have advised me not to buy into those things… I don’t plan on getting any extended warranty or maintenance plans.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

Okay, so now that I’ve done the deed and my account is quite a bit lighter, I have to decide if I should spend the $700 to upgrade the maintenance to Ultimate Care+. My takeaway is that the only benefits are three pairs of windshield wiper blades and the ability to opt in for adding 1, 2 or 3 years of additional maintenance at roughly $1k/year (for $700). The first major hit wont be until I need brakes somewhere between 40-60k miles, which will likely be 5yrs out, so I’m actually looking at more like $2700. Thoughts?

Put the money in an extended warranty through year 7. I did the extended maintenance for an additional 2 years on my 2015 thinking I would get the brakes and other high dollar maintenance done. I made a $2700 mistake. When the computer says replace brake pads is when they do it under the maintenance warranty and not before. Case in point, 6.5 years into my M235 and still have 3200 miles left on pads.

Also, back then, the maint. was 4yr/50k and now it is 3yr/36k. Go figure. Besides, a set of wiper blades cost what $20.

[Kwajtrader]

I think we’re all on the same page. I’m going to go with the “pay as I go” maintenance model after month 36.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

I think we’re all on the same page. I’m going to go with the “pay as I go” maintenance model after month 36.

Well, in retrospect, the $700 for an added year may be worth it for the coolant flush and brake line flush. Hell, the oil change alone is $200 at the dealer. But anymore than that would be a waste of $$$$

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Well, in retrospect, the $700 for an added year may be worth it for the coolant flush and brake line flush. Hell, the oil change alone is $200 at the dealer. But anymore than that would be a waste of $$$$

$200 oil change? jeezus......

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Horseman

$200 oil change? jeezus......

Yeah, they use synthetic and their labor charge is between $75-$100 per hour. Enjoy the free maintenance while you have it.

Just to let you know, everytime I got my free oil change, i saw the normal charge of $150-$175. It is steep. I know of a good shop around my house that will do it for $95.

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Yeah, they use synthetic and their labor charge is between $75-$100 per hour. Enjoy the free maintenance while you have it.

Just to let you know, everytime I got my free oil change, i saw the normal charge of $150-$175. It is steep. I know of a good shop around my house that will do it for $95.

I know some places around me that can do it for cheaper I think too... Labor too much imo.. it's an oil change, not a brake replacement. I certainly will enjoy those free ones while I can. :P

If I don't see status change from Awaiting Carrier to Dispatched by Friday, I need to see what's goin on.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Horseman

I know some places around me that can do it for cheaper I think too... Labor too much imo.. it's an oil change, not a brake replacement. I certainly will enjoy those free ones while I can. :P

If I don't see status change from Awaiting Carrier to Dispatched by Friday, I need to see what's goin on.

Definitely. You may want to consider the $700 for an additional year. I recall my coolant change came around the 3.5 year mark.

On the status, my time was about 3 days. the wait at the port was 16 days. All told, from Awaiting to in transit, was 23 days. That is consistent with 2-3 weeks for a slot. If you call the Genius line to get status, be sure to ask if there are any outstanding service bulletins.

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Definitely. You may want to consider the $700 for an additional year. I recall my coolant change came around the 3.5 year mark.

On the status, my time was about 3 days. the wait at the port was 16 days. All told, from Awaiting to in transit, was 23 days. That is consistent with 2-3 weeks for a slot. If you call the Genius line to get status, be sure to ask if there are any outstanding service bulletins.

Decided to give a ring to Genius. No holds on the car, which is a good sign. She was even thinking the system itself might just be stuck. Advised to call again on Friday.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Horseman

Decided to give a ring to Genius. No holds on the car, which is a good sign. She was even thinking the system itself might just be stuck. Advised to call again on Friday.

Sweet!

[Kwajtrader]

Originally Posted by Horseman

Decided to give a ring to Genius. No holds on the car, which is a good sign. She was even thinking the system itself might just be stuck. Advised to call again on Friday.

Great News! I know I’m counting down the days.

BTW, I agree with both of you on the extended maintenance. I’m going to go the pay as you go route.

[Kwajtrader]

And to answer the burning question: Yes, they gave me a hat and a mug. Unfortunately my wife says the hat makes my ears stick out…

[pandzandr]

Originally Posted by pandzandr

as Queen Bee says, at last ..... Genius line confirms that the car left port on June 11 on the Pleiades Leader, eta P Hueneme July 6. Hoping my CA can (helpful Genius person could not access that info) determine whether the defective receiver audio module was installed prior to shipping or whether there will be another delay at the VPC. Now if only the start of hurricane season does not add to the possible things that could go wrong ....

Car is now enjoying a leisurely cruise (11.8 kn) through the Azores en route to the Panama Canal with eta of 6/26 at 2100 my time. I happened to catch the W&W Toreador passing through the Pacific side locks this morning as it began its final leg to P Hueneme. Perhaps I will be able to see the Pleiades Leader on the 26th, but maybe not as it will be at night. Genius is still showing no holds on the car and CA says that he is 85% sure the audio system module was replaced prior to shipping as he does not see a "stop sale" flag which typically happens when a part has to be replaced by the dealer/VPC prior to release to the customer. So here's hoping I will be picking it up on Bastille Day

Timeline so far is (beginning March 15) 44 days from order placement to build completed, 8 days to transport from factory to port, 31 days sitting at the port waiting for audio module replacement/ship assignment, 26 days to ship to P Hueneme, 8 days (if all goes well) to deliver and prep for pickup - a total of a little more than 16 weeks ...

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

And to answer the burning question: Yes, they gave me a hat and a mug. Unfortunately my wife says the hat makes my ears stick out…

That’s outstanding!! Gotta sport the swag!

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

And to answer the burning question: Yes, they gave me a hat and a mug. Unfortunately my wife says the hat makes my ears stick out…

Congrats. I have yet to get any swag. With my luck, I probably ordered from a "frugal" dealer.