For those of you waiting for a 2001. Just got a call from my dealer telling me things are moving along well. My car is in C status now. I ordered it about a month ago. As April says it could take 3 or so months, but at least progress is being made! Isn't this waiting the worst?

 

Did you happen to order the sport package?

 

Yes, it is the worst. It will be worth the wait.

 

No sports package. I heard this was not available on the early 2001s.

 

JP, did you get it?!

 

Sure did. I picked it up Friday. Other than a little rattle in the headliner during left hand turns, (probably the same one others have discussed) and a few optical flaws in the windshield, (not in drivers front view) it seems to be flawless.

The dealer did an "exemplary" job prepping and briefing us on it. You mentioned not getting it waxed - I had sent a letter asking for a wash ONLY and all other instructions for them some time ago (had plenty of time) based partly on your inquiry about items to check for.

Got the splash guards and clear bra on (over flawless unwaxed clear coat), and have an appointment tomorrow to get the side windows tinted. The Zaino Z1, Z2, and Z5 showed up Friday also! Pin stripping may not happen.

I must say - these cars are more than I had hoped. The Homelink even programmed the first time!

I'll post some pictures after I get some wax on it this weekend.

Thanks for asking.
..../jp

 

I know this sounds silly, but as much as you love it now you'll love it that much more as a little time goes by. At 1300 miles I'm just now really starting to "get into it" - kind of like getting to know the car in a deeper way.
Did you see my post about the Avus wheels? I initially didn't want to get 17" wheels because I'm leasing but I got them for a great price, and since I would've had to replace the tires anyway before going off lease I figured I may as well do it now. Please post your thoughts/impressions, and again, congratulations!

 

Now that my ding problem is solved I've started using the Zaino products. I purchased the Z1, Z2, Z5, Z6 (detailing spray), the wash, and the leather cleaner. I also like the Zaino cotton applicators - also bought several white Fieldcrest towels from Bed Bath & Beyond for about $5 apiece.

I'm pretty impressed. I experimented with techniques for washing the car and drying without water spots the previous weekend. I've found the best technique for drying the car fast is the California water blade - basically a large soft silicone rubber squeegee - followed by the soft white towels. The first coat of Z5 (swirl remover) actually looked pretty good - I put a little too much on but am now calibrated. I've got two coats of Z5 on now - I also like the Z6 detailing spray a lot - very easy to apply all round. The Z6 detailing spray goes a long way and adds extra gloss after washing the car. With low humidity and mid 60's weather the Z5 is ready to remove after about 1 hour. I'll move to the Z2 this coming weekend if it doesn't rain - after 1 last coat of Z5.

The biggest problem around here now is all the tree pollen coating cars. Think thick yellow dust - with an afternoon shower think thick yellow circles all over the car.

My Ming Blue A6 looks terrific. So far I'm very happy with the Zaino products - I'll be ordering more. The leather cleaner has a very strong leather smell - you'll either love it or hate it. The Zaino applicator pads are pretty expensive but work very well. When the Zaino stuff arrived my wife looked at the bill ($80) and asked if this was a lifetime supply.

Peter

 

I think that no matter how careful you are with washing/drying/100% Made in USA towels/drying time/etc..., the process of cleaning cars is going to result in light surface "scratches". I have 3 coats of Z5 on and can still see light imperfections. I'm going to do another coat of the Z5 and then no matter what I'm graduating to Z2. What do you think?

 

Congrats nancy! Mine is scheduled for a May build. I agree, the wait is excruciating. Keep us posted.