RJC

Just got off the phone with my dealer, start of all 2012 E class production is Sept, he believes this may in part be due to a lack of certain electronic components coming from Japan. This production delay is certainly subject to change but this is the latest news so far from what I've been told.

Dr-Nab

Yeah, MB certain paint finishes aren't available and the COMAND navigation system is out of stock too.

BenzMan369

Duplicate of my post over in the W212 forum:

Curiouser and curiouser.

I was at my dealer today speaking with my salesman.

The chief wheeler/dealer who sits in the middle of the showroom floor (and, I believe, controls the entire universe with his computer) stated he has a few 2012 E Coupe ordering slots available for both June and July, with delivery approximately 1 month after placing the order.

Wish we knew the facts for certain.

Dr-Nab

Couple of guys I know of have had an order for a coupe placed since February and have been told that the spec for their build date which was at the start of June is no longer available due to a shortage of parts and won't be available until at least September.

BenzMan369

Oh dear, that is not good.

On a selfish note, my CLK passed state inspection today with only an oil change, so I can wait it out, if necessary. But, I do feel bad for folks with actual orders pending for the 2012's.

On second thought, I feel bad for me too! I've been waiting since April, 2010 to order a '12 with the new engine.

nauticalx

Is there a 2011 production halt? How are they building those if COMAND units are not available?

C63vancouver

I have also heard of the delay from my salesman, some parts of the COMMAD system is from Japan and there is no delivery date on those parts AFAIK the 2012 E coupe is NOT accepting order until further notice in CANADA, the fastest production date for 2012 E coupe will be end of September delivery date will be around October to November.

Mashat

good news for for the 2011 E coupe owners =) ..

BenzMan369

The latest PR blurbs seem to be sticking with a July release for the E350 coupe/cab, with the E550 coupe/cab not arriving until October.

Interesting disparity between the two versions' reported release times, since the two are so similar, other than the power train and trim of course.

Does anyone have any additional info?

My dealer is still claiming he can take E350 coupe orders now (without hard pricing data) for July delivery.

Crudler

Currently driving a 2010 E550 and I love it to death - still debating about upgrading to the 2012.

My dealer in Canada confirmed the COMMAND issue and mentioned they may be sourcing an alternative supplier in China. He even volunteered that it may not be the best quality as the COMMAND units may now be built in a rush fashion by a chinese supplier and they won't know the issues until they start running them in cars.

I'd avoid the first builds of the 2012's if I were you.
Dealer suggested September 2012 is the earliest we will see one in Canada, but obviously said he can take an order.

BenzMan369

Thanks for the information, Crudler.

I had also heard of the possibility of finding alternative suppliers and was dreading the possible Chinese or even Taiwan connection. Like getting a Vizio tv in your new Benz.

I suppose MB can always put a potentially inferior unit in to keep the production moving then, when the Japanese version becomes available again, they can replace the units as complaints arise. No problem for buyers, as long as it happens within the warranty period. I guess in-use performance could be degraded though, even if the units don't fail outright.

Not sure this would be enough to keep me from buying early. It's the third year of this model, so much of it will not change or has already been changed for the better. The motors are new to the U.S., but have been tested for some time - in somewhat altered form from what we'll get here - across the pond. I've heard good things about the new "Plus" transmissions.

I'm only hesitating in order to get a look at my dealer's actual ordering guide and pricing schedule. I don't like buying blind, although he's happy to take my order that way, of course.

Tough call on your upgrade thinking. When you have a Benz you're happy with and it performs and looks the way I know yours does, it's hard to let go. On the other hand, that new bi-turbo V8 with all that juicy torque, the new interiors, etc.....well.......good luck!

Al

cmcbenz

i heard from my salesperson that the only delay is with the CD changers, so they're not putting them in the 2012's and reducing the price of the P1 or P2 option accordingly and hoping people are OK using their ipods and COMAND storage.
they had 2 of the new CLS's as well. gorgeous car.

BenzMan369

Geez, yet another twist.

I still use my CD changer and I do not have an iPod. Then again, I only decided last year that our house really needed electricity. Nothing wrong with good old fashioned kerosene and candles, I always said! If you're info is correct, guess I'll have to be dragged once again kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

Thanks.

ahmadkshuja

So .... not sure what is happening .... I have a confirmation for my 2012 E350 cab Euro Delivery for Tue, Aug 16. Will follow-up again with my salesman tomorrow to re-confirm

ahmadkshuja

Actually, this sounds true; my salesman told me that they would be putting a single disk dvd player instead of a cd changer in my car and they reduced the P2 price by ~$400.

ahmadkshuja

BenzMan369

Please keep us updated.

I e mailed my salesman yesterday with all the internet rumors regarding delays and he responded this morning. He said he will try to determine the truth when the MB Regional Manager stops in soon. The dealership has heard nothing about delays or equipment substitutions with E350 Coupe/Cab production.

In the meantime my car is ordered and is supposed to be built during the first ten days of July for early to mid-August delivery. Apparently, it's too early for any factory confirmations.

If production is delayed, I can wait. I just don't want the car delivered with equipment substituted or deleted, purchase credit or not, if that can be avoided.