Advice On The Pdi (pre Delivery Inspection) And Detailing Etc.

[ChesterD]

So... I get my van in about four weeks and I'm pretty new to the whole owning a fancy car thing. Never had a car worth more than 5K. I've already stipulated to the dealer for them not to do a PDI wash as I've read enough horror stories on here. Should I at least get them to remove the protective strips that seem to be on the vans when they arrive? If not will they come off easily? How do I inspect the vehicle other than the obvious? Should I take the car immediately to a car detailer? I don't care about the car looking fancy I just want to protect it from unnecessary damage. Any advice on the PDI much appreciated.

 

[Dellmassive]

Print out your spec sheet and check every single part/option to make sure its been fitted.

Take photos of everything up close.

Check every single switch and button.

Let them show you around the van.

Take your time and don't feel rushed by the sales guy.

Don't sign it off untill you are happy..

Again take your time.

As for the wash I'd just let them do it, then next time do it myself Etc... it's nice to collect a new van all shiney and new.

 

[Northern Monkey]

Like @Dellmassive said take your time have a good look over it, check the roof and don’t let them near it with a bucket and sponge.
Just do it yourself the delivery wax can be a pita but I just warmed mine up with hot water and wiped it off.

 

[Tourershine]

The dealer service wash is more for those with darker colours. The damage caused is pretty much an instant issue from day 1.
If you've purchased a Silver, or White T6, you will struggle to see the issues they can potentially cause.
To be fair, if like some owners, you intend on using cheap car washes or wash gangs, then all this is irrelevant anyway.

The protective foams just pull off quite easily. Sometimes the barcode stickers are made of paper, and a little more annoying to remove, but not impossible.

I recently collected a new Mini for my wife, and asked BMW to leave all the protective wrap on the car. Removing this was very satisfying.

 

[ChesterD]

Thanks for the advice guys! It is a darker van (Indium Grey)- not quite as fragile as black or Starlight Blue but I don't want to take any chances. I will never let a car wash near it. I like the idea of taking the wrap off myself- like unboxing a new laptop- part of the joy of buying new. Next thing I need to learn is how to clean a van properly...

 

[gal2009]

Some good threads for cleaning on the forum