Tracking Cars: Bavarian Motor Transport's Unique System

Tracking a car on Bavarian Motor Transport seems like a challenging task. While there are some methods suggested, such as camping out at a truck stop and following one of their trucks, it's not a guaranteed solution. One individual shared their experience of receiving a message that their car was released to Bavarian Motor Transport from the factory in Spartanburg, headed to Hartford, Connecticut, but they were unsure of a way to track it. This suggests that direct tracking may not be an available option for customers. However, it's important to note that some Bavarian Motor Transport trucks have distinctive features, like Freightliner cabovers with small sleepers, which might make it easier to spot them on the road.

Tracking a car's journey from BMW

In one instance, a customer on a BMW forum inquired about tracking their car, which had been released to Bavarian Motor Transport from the factory in Spartanburg, headed to Hartford, Connecticut. Unfortunately, another forum user replied that they were unaware of any way to track the transport. They suggested that the car would likely go straight to the dealer without providing real-time location updates.

BMW does provide delivery options, especially for military personnel, but these options do not always include real-time tracking. For example, BMW offers local delivery to customers' nearest Bavarian Motor Cars BMW Military Sales Center, ensuring that US specification BMWs can be conveniently accessed worldwide. Additionally, BMW has a Military Delivery Center in Wuerzburg, Germany, which includes a complimentary night of accommodation and a gift package.

BMW also assists with shipping vehicles purchased in Europe back to US ports, ensuring they are ready for customers upon their return from overseas deployment. This service is available through BMW's authorized shipping partners and includes transportation from designated drop-off points in Europe to US ports. However, these services still lack the ability for customers to actively track their vehicles' journeys.

While BMW and its partners may utilize transportation management systems internally to monitor deliveries, this information is not readily accessible to customers. As a result, BMW owners often rely on estimated delivery times and dealer communications for updates on their vehicles' whereabouts.

Using the MyBMW website

First, make sure you have a MyBMW account. You can sign up for a MyBMW account on the website by providing some basic information such as your name, email address, and vehicle details. Once you have an account, log in to the MyBMW website.

On the MyBMW dashboard, look for the "Vehicle Tracker" or "Location Services" section. This may be located under a "Services" or "Features" menu. Click on this option to access the tracking feature.

If you have not already enabled location services for your vehicle, you will need to do so. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate location tracking for your car. This may involve providing consent and authorizing MyBMW to access your vehicle's location data.

Once location services are enabled, you will be able to see the real-time location of your car on a map. The MyBMW website may provide additional information such as the vehicle's speed, direction, and even trip history.

You can also set up alerts and notifications to stay informed about the movement of your vehicle. For example, you can choose to receive a notification when your car enters or leaves a specific area, or when it exceeds a certain speed.

It's important to note that the availability and functionality of the MyBMW website and app may vary depending on your country and vehicle model. The MyBMW app is compatible with BMW vehicles from the 2014 model year onwards, and it requires the ConnectedDrive Services option and a compatible smartphone.

Tracking by phone with BMW North America

BMW North America offers a variety of ways to track your vehicle through their different services. If you have recently ordered a new BMW and received the production number or VIN from your BMW dealer, you can begin tracking your vehicle through the assembly process. This can be done by contacting BMW's Customer Relations team directly by phone at 1-800-831-1117.

Additionally, BMW North America provides a service called 'My BMW Garage', which allows you to track your vehicle. However, it is recommended to use an alternate browser like Google Chrome to avoid potential issues with the My BMW Garage platform.

For those in the military, BMW has a dedicated Military Sales Program with specific delivery options and benefits. The program is available through Bavarian Motor Cars, the official partner for US service personnel stationed in NATO countries. You can contact the various BMW Military Sales Centers through the WhatsApp numbers provided on the Bavarian Motor Cars website.

It is important to note that there may not be a way to track Bavarian Motor Transport trucks specifically. Once your vehicle is released to the carrier, it typically goes straight to the dealer. However, you can contact BMW's Customer Relations team or your local BMW Center for more information and assistance.

Shipping process and carriers

Bavarian Motor Cars Germany offers BMW delivery to US service personnel stationed in NATO countries. The company provides a range of shipping options, including local delivery to a BMW Military Sales Center, collection from the Military Delivery Center in Wuerzburg, Germany, and a home shipment program for those who want to take their BMW back to the US at the end of their overseas posting.

The local delivery option allows customers to take delivery of their BMW at their nearest Bavarian Motor Cars BMW Military Sales Center, even if they are stationed far from home. This option is available for US specification BMWs delivered directly from Germany to a non-EU country (excluding the US), with no sales tax incurred and paperwork handled by the Bavarian Motor Cars agent.

The Wuerzburg Military Delivery Center option includes the Cruise & Collect Gift Package, where customers can enjoy a night of Bavarian hospitality in a luxurious hotel in Wuerzburg, Germany.

The home shipment program assists customers in arranging transportation for their BMW from Europe to a US port. Customers can drive their BMW to one of the designated drop-off points in Europe and then collect it from the port of entry in the US. If their deployment lasted at least 140 days, they may be exempt from paying import duty on the shipment, provided there is pre-registration and mileage on the vehicle before entry.

Bavaria, the region, also has an excellent transport infrastructure, with a 41,000-kilometer road network, an efficient rail network, and multiple goods transport centers. The region's logistics sector accounts for around 18% of total German sales in the industry, employing over 400,000 people.

When choosing a car transport company, it is important to consider factors such as licensing and certification of drivers, real-time tracking updates, insurance coverage, and the company's ability to deliver to your chosen destination.

Ground shipping and truck tracking

Ground shipping is the transportation of goods or packages over land, usually using trucks. It is often the most economical option for shipping items within a country or region, especially when delivery is not time-sensitive.

UPS, for example, provides ground shipping services that are affordable, reliable, and secure. Their ground shipping takes between one and five business days, with 90% of packages delivered in three days or less.

UPS assigns a tracking number to each package, allowing customers to monitor their deliveries with ease. This tracking number can be found on the shipping receipt or confirmation email, as well as on the outer package of the shipped item.

Regarding Bavarian Motor Transport, there does not appear to be a way to track their trucks or shipments directly. However, some BMW forums suggest that vehicles released to the carrier go straight to the dealer, so you may be able to contact your local dealer for information on your car's whereabouts.

Frequently asked questions