T6 VW California Delays

[DM]

Thanks for the heads-up on the LED headlight washers. I have them ordered without washers but the dealer hasn't mentioned anything yet so I'll be ready! I did see a stock of new 16 reg T6's last week with LEDs without washers so it looks as though the factory will do it.

This is a symptom of the fact that there seems to be no proper link between how dealers quote and the configurator. My dealer provided me a quote which was basically an excel spreadsheet. It didn't take account of any of the option inter-dependencies.

Basically, it is a legal requirement for Xenon or LED headlights to have washers (don't know why - does anyone?). So washers are included in the cost of the LED headlights. The VW configurator (which the dealers use to order) will flag this up and require either the washers or LED leadlights to be deleted. But of course the dealer won't go back and delete it from the quote - unless you know the above.

I think I actually gained very slightly from this. I think this has now changed but when I ordered AppConnect it was a dependency that you also order a second USB port at a cost of about £130 (as well as the 6.33 inch screen). The dealer missed the second USB off the spreadsheet and never came back to me to advise that it was necessary.

 

[DM]

Hi @fordyski100
I read that with interest after my very recent experience.

My Cali didn't arrive last week (in time for the Scottish Cali meet at Glen Nevis, Fort William.) The back-up plan was to take my folk's motorhome, which we ended-up doing. I've never driven/slept in one before (my folks have just recently bought it.) It's pretty big, so was a bit worried about driving a brand new vehicle that size. The point I'd like to make (as a huge VW car & California fan) is that I was pleasantly surprised. Got in to the swing of it after a few miles & when pitched-up on the site we absolutely loved it.
Obviously it could never be a daily drive & if wild camping, you'd be advertising yourself, so definite downsides. As for waving.....they are probably the most enthusiastic bunch.

I am expecting my missus to point out the 'missing' differences between the two, when we get the Cali this weekend... If I was facing a very long wait today, then I would at least try some other options, whereas before I was quick to dismiss them!

Hope things improve for yourself & everyone else on this thread.

haha - rod and back come to mind @Tommy Gun. Fingers crossed you can be driving your Cali soon.

 

[Spotlight Kid]

I think I actually gained very slightly from this. I think this has now changed but when I ordered AppConnect it was a dependency that you also order a second USB port at a cost of about £130 (as well as the 6.33 inch screen). The dealer missed the second USB off the spreadsheet and never came back to me to advise that it was necessary.

The second USB comes included with the App Connect option and doesn't need to be requested or paid for separately. Not at all apparent in the literature at all and took some digging by my dealer. Neither of us were completely confident until the van arrived and the USB port was there!

 

[DM]

The second USB comes included with the App Connect option and doesn't need to be requested or paid for separately. Not at all apparent in the literature at all and took some digging by my dealer. Neither of us were completely confident until the van arrived and the USB port was there!

I had a play with the Austrian configurator when I ordered mine. That definitely required the second USB to be added at additional charge before it would allow the AppConnect to be selected. But since we never had a configurator in the UK ..................

 

[Tommy Gun]

haha - rod and back come to mind @Tommy Gun. Fingers crossed you can be driving your Cali soon.

Thanks Dave.
Yes, rod & back indeed - I seem to have gotten off lightly so far .
Having the use of the MH did save my weekend though, so I was delighted.
Tuesday morning pick-up for me. Here we go...

Cheers

 

[CoboCali]

The second USB comes included with the App Connect option and doesn't need to be requested or paid for separately. N

not sure thats accurate @Spotlight Kid I ordered 6.33 screen and app connect... dealer didn't mention additional USB socket, I saw it on the demo vehicle and thought it was standard... when my Cali arrived... no additional USB socket in the drawer only the glovebox :-(

 

[Spotlight Kid]

not sure thats accurate @Spotlight Kid I ordered 6.33 screen and app connect... dealer didn't mention additional USB socket, I saw it on the demo vehicle and thought it was standard... when my Cali arrived... no additional USB socket in the drawer only the glovebox :-(

Interesting. That's exactly what I ordered and I did get the additional USB socket.

I do recall now that the USB had to be selected in the configurator by the dealer for no charge. Your dealr obviously didn't know this and you ended up without it.

 

[Spotlight Kid]

I had a play with the Austrian configurator when I ordered mine. That definitely required the second USB to be added at additional charge before it would allow the AppConnect to be selected. But since we never had a configurator in the UK ..................

Digging into my hazy memory banks (they were scrambled by the intense confusion over options) I remember that the dealer had to select the additional USB but there was no charge as AppConnect had been selected

 

[Spotlight Kid]

Okay, haze of memory clearing...

This is what my dealer wrote to me at the time of ordering:

"When we added App Connect to your order, the configurator automatically asked to add either UI2 (2 USB ports per above) or UI4 (One USB port in the glovebox). There was no cost involved hence why we added 2 ports to your order."

 

[DM]

not sure thats accurate @Spotlight Kid I ordered 6.33 screen and app connect... dealer didn't mention additional USB socket, I saw it on the demo vehicle and thought it was standard... when my Cali arrived... no additional USB socket in the drawer only the glovebox :-(

How does your AppConnect work then? My understanding was that it works with the second USB only and not with the one in the glovebox.

Like you I ordered the 6.33" screen + AppConnect. I didn't order the second USB, however the configuration print-out from VW had the second USB listed with a specific option code.

 

[DM]

Okay, haze of memory clearing...

This is what my dealer wrote to me at the time of ordering:

"When we added App Connect to your order, the configurator automatically asked to add either UI2 (2 USB ports per above) or UI4 (One USB port in the glovebox). There was no cost involved hence why we added 2 ports to your order."

The fog thickens at my end. This suggests that the single USB in the glovebox can be used for AppConnect. Not what I was told. All I know is that I paid for the 6.33" screen and AppConnect and ended up with 2 x USB ports as well.

 

[Spotlight Kid]

The fog thickens at my end. This suggests that the single USB in the glovebox can be used for AppConnect. Not what I was told. All I know is that I got paid for the 6.33" screen and AppConnect and ended up with 2 x USB ports.

I thought the same thing so the UI4 option made no sense. However, I really wanted the convenience of the USB close at hand in a nice little compartment that my iPhone fits in perfectly so UI2 was a no brainer especially at no extra cost.

 

[Spotlight Kid]

The fog thickens at my end.

...and that conjures up an image I didn't want in my brain!

 

[Stevecaterham7]

Now been talking with 2 more dealers today in a search for a used one, or base vehicle to get converted by someone.

General conclusions I can draw from it are 1) I'm by no means the only one fed-up, disillusioned and being let down by VW. and 2) Despite no clear info from customer services both dealers who aren't supplying my van agree that it won't in all likelihood be built before August (meaning 8 months from order to delivery and a missed summer of camping.

One pointed out that they get hammered by VW for any failure to keep a customer informed, so felt it was ironic that VW customer services were unable to tell me anything about likely delivery date.

According to one of them I was the 4th person in the last couple of weeks to call looking for a used Cali as they were giving up waiting on a new one.

 

[cundf]

AppConnect works also with a wifi Connection over your Smartphone

 

[cundf]

Oh no sorry I thought you were Talking about the Guide and Inform. AppConnect works only with USB !

 

[Teejay]

Thanks for the heads-up on the LED headlight washers. I have them ordered without washers but the dealer hasn't mentioned anything yet so I'll be ready! I did see a stock of new 16 reg T6's last week with LEDs without washers so it looks as though the factory will do it.

Confirmed, with the MY17, if you specify LEDs it forces the headlight washers also if you select ACC it now forces a multi-function steering wheel at extra cost. I've been told by the dealer that they will not know if it's going to be free or £330 !! I managed to get my order in on the 23rd May so it 'should' be under MY16 prices. Not too happy about the unknown final price situation. Accepted the fact that it may be '17 plate.

 

[DM]

How does your AppConnect work then? My understanding was that it works with the second USB only and not with the one in the glovebox.

Like you I ordered the 6.33" screen + AppConnect. I didn't order the second USB, however the configuration print-out from VW had the second USB listed with a specific option code.

I just checked - Apple CarPlay does not work on the USB in the glovebox. Only works on the second USB in the small compartment with the 12V socket.

 

[Black Sheep]

I have read the recent threads about some forum members receiving very frustrating and disappointing news (or no information at all) about their Cali orders. There really does not seem to be any rhyme nor reason to the ordering process.
To be fair to our dealer I received an update today to confirm that our van should arrive in the UK in approximately 10 days time. Our dealer had looked at a computer screen and also spoke over the phone about our order with someone in the factory in Germany before contacting me. I will keep folk posted - but so far (fingers crossed) our van should arrive within the time that was specified when we ordered back in January.

 

[fordyski100]

I have read the recent threads about some forum members receiving very frustrating and disappointing news (or no information at all) about their Cali orders. There really does not seem to be any rhyme nor reason to the ordering process.
To be fair to our dealer I received an update today to confirm that our van should arrive in the UK in approximately 10 days time. Our dealer had looked at a computer screen and also spoke over the phone about our order with someone in the factory in Germany before contacting me. I will keep folk posted - but so far (fingers crossed) our van should arrive within the time that was specified when we ordered back in January.

Hi @Black Sheep . Can you tell me when in January you ordered ? Only i also ordered in January and am getting no updates since being given provisional build of wk 16 and then wk19! (Was you given build dates? )
Thanks

 

[fordyski100]

Hi @fordyski100
I read that with interest after my very recent experience.

My Cali didn't arrive last week (in time for the Scottish Cali meet at Glen Nevis, Fort William.) The back-up plan was to take my folk's motorhome, which we ended-up doing. I've never driven/slept in one before (my folks have just recently bought it.) It's pretty big, so was a bit worried about driving a brand new vehicle that size. The point I'd like to make (as a huge VW car & California fan) is that I was pleasantly surprised. Got in to the swing of it after a few miles & when pitched-up on the site we absolutely loved it.
Obviously it could never be a daily drive & if wild camping, you'd be advertising yourself, so definite downsides. As for waving.....they are probably the most enthusiastic bunch.

I am expecting my missus to point out the 'missing' differences between the two, when we get the Cali this weekend... If I was facing a very long wait today, then I would at least try some other options, whereas before I was quick to dismiss them!

Hope things improve for yourself & everyone else on this thread.

Hi @Tommy Gun . Thanks for your comments. I am seriously considering looking + Motorhome if i don't get some info very soon . Problem is that i think if i make the move to MH their will be no coming back even if I want too .

 

[Black Sheep]

Hi fordyski. We placed our order on the 20th Jan. Like you we were advised our build date had moved from wk 16 to 19. Good luck with your van.

 

[calimera]

We ordered 20 th January collecting Saturday. Arrived at dealers Friday 13 th May. Unable to collect till now.
Confirmed build date about 2 wks before, week 16

 

[Skinnee D]

Confirmed, with the MY17, if you specify LEDs it forces the headlight washers also if you select ACC it now forces a multi-function steering wheel at extra cost. I've been told by the dealer that they will not know if it's going to be free or £330 !! I managed to get my order in on the 23rd May so it 'should' be under MY16 prices. Not too happy about the unknown final price situation. Accepted the fact that it may be '17 plate.

I've seen pictures of T6's with Led's and no washers, and half a dozen or so in the flesh.

This is a symptom of the fact that there seems to be no proper link between how dealers quote and the configurator. My dealer provided me a quote which was basically an excel spreadsheet. It didn't take account of any of the option inter-dependencies.

Basically, it is a legal requirement for Xenon or LED headlights to have washers (don't know why - does anyone?). So washers are included in the cost of the LED headlights. The VW configurator (which the dealers use to order) will flag this up and require either the washers or LED leadlights to be deleted. But of course the dealer won't go back and delete it from the quote - unless you know the above..

I have an excel spreadsheet too, sounds much the same. I've seen pictures of T6's built with LED's and no washers, plus half a dozen or so in the flesh in the UK - all very confusing. Will tee up the wife that if ours turns up without them she may be on the bonnet with a wet sponge in each hand to keep us road legal...

 

[DM]

I've seen pictures of T6's with Led's and no washers, and half a dozen or so in the flesh.

I have an excel spreadsheet too, sounds much the same. I've seen pictures of T6's built with LED's and no washers, plus half a dozen or so in the flesh in the UK - all very confusing. Will tee up the wife that if ours turns up without them she may be on the bonnet with a wet sponge in each hand to keep us road legal...

You've got me wondering now. I know it is definitely a legal requirement to have washers and self levelling with Xenons. I just presumed it was the same for LEDs - perhaps not.

I actually ordered Xenons but got LEDs. Maybe I got washers because they were in the Xenon pack. They were not specified as a separate option on my VW build confirmation. Perhaps they aren't automatically included with LEDs.

ACC options are also confusing. It can be ordered with or without sidescan. If you order without then the steering wheel is additional cost. If you order with sidescan then the package price includes ACC, Front Assist, the Steering Wheel and sidescan. That way the side scan only costs a fraction of the cost if you ordered it separately. The 'all in' option was not in the price list when I ordered but someone here (@SusiBus I think) posted an updated price list here on the forum. The dealer denied it existed until I sent him a copy!