[Shigaman]

I'm looking forward to picking up my F55 MCS next month and wondered what advice people might have as to what I should be checking on the vehicle when I take delivery. I trust the dealer to check the car thoroughly before the hand-over, but naturally I will also want to have a careful look myself before signing off on the deal and driving away. Of course, I will have a copy of my original order with me, so I'll begin by checking that everything I've asked for has been included. What else should I be looking for, do you think, in terms of bumps / scratches or any other damage that may have occurred in transit, for example? I can imagine that in all the excitement I might miss something, and in any case, I don't think there will be time to go over every inch of the car inside and out, looking for potential blemishes. I'm just wondering whether there might be particular things that I should checking, such as parts where there may have been known issues, or which are especially prone to damage in transit. Would appreciate any advice on what to include on my collection checklist.

 

[TheScotsman]

I would check the roof to ensure there are no dents, some people previously have found dents there caused during transit. Since the bonnet metal is relatively thin, I would also check to make sure nobody has closed the bonnet the wrong way (by pushing down on it). I also had the chrome headlight surround where it had a rough edge. This was swapped out easily, but I would still look for it. Generally look for paint defects such as scratches during transit, and if possible in a properly lit area where they should be more noticeable. I would recommend taking a friend who can walk around one side while you do the other, it will give you a second set of eyes and will ensure you get a more thorough look. as you already mentioned, make sure to check your spec. Make sure yours seats, trim, stereo, steering wheel are all correct, you have the three driving modes shifter around the gear lever (if it's part of your spec), and you wheels. Also check your wheels for marks during transit.

 

[Stingray82]

If you live somewhere where your car will travel by rail to get to the dealer, check for railcar brake particles stuck to the paint. These are tiny hot metal particles that come to the car in the form of sparks. They are hot enough to stick to the paint and are hard to remove. When they get wet from rain or washing, they leave rust coloured streaks.

They can be removed with a clay bar but it is a time consuming job.

 

[MintMark]

I looked on the internet for advice before collecting my car and one thing I wouldn't have thought of is to feel the carpet in the front foot wells. If any moisture has got in that's where it will end up.

Do that

 

[Shigaman]

Thanks very much, TheScotsman, Stingray82 and MintMark. That's very helpful indeed.
Quite a few suggestions from you that I wouldn't have thought of myself. Shall definitely include the chrome headlight surround in my check, TheScotsman. I'll have my wife with me to act as my 'second pair of eyes'. A good tip about checking for railcar brake particles, Stingray82. My Mini will be coming by road, but I'm sure others will find that useful. And yes, MintMark, I will do the foot well carpet check! Thanks!

 

[Christian6984]

If you live somewhere where your car will travel by rail to get to the dealer, check for railcar brake particles stuck to the paint. These are tiny hot metal particles that come to the car in the form of sparks. They are hot enough to stick to the paint and are hard to remove. When they get wet from rain or washing, they leave rust coloured streaks.

They can be removed with a clay bar but it is a time consuming job.

Here's the easier way to do it, Car Pro Iron X (other fallout removers are available, Autobrite purple rain, bilt hamber korrosol, ), still would clay after the fallout remover and tar remover if required.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/carpro-iron-x-500ml/prod_726.html

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engin...korrosol-iron-remover-1-litre-/prod_1338.html

 

[johnan]

Some people, me included, have had the non-chrome hatch handle or the non-chrome Cooper grille fitted by mistake. The sales team in my case hadn't noticed the hatch handle was not correct and were rather embarrassed about it.

Took a week to get the correct one from Germany.

That sort of mistake should be impossible the way factories are supposed to work these days, but obviously not, so it is worth a check.

 

[sirron]

I bought three plastic boxes, that exactly fit into the storage hole. (From Home Depot,) less than $5 each, then I bought a rubber tray for the back area (back seats folded down) From Pep Boys ($19)

The Mini accessories are ridiculous in price.