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Order placed Oct. 28, 2023
Production date: March 8, 2024
Vessel ship departure date: March 23 (15 days)
Ship arrived in Port Hueneme, CA: April 16 (24 days/39 total)
At VPC: April 26 (10 days/49 total)
(told delay due to multiple same day ship arrivals)
At trucking Company: April 28 (2 days/51 total)
E-450 delivered to Fremont, CA (SF Bay Area): May 3 (5 days/56 total)
Order placed Oct. 28, 2023
Production date: March 8, 2024
Vessel ship departure date: March 23 (15 days)
Ship arrived in Port Hueneme, CA: April 16 (24 days/39 total)
At VPC: April 26 (10 days/49 total)
(told delay due to multiple same day ship arrivals)
At trucking Company: April 28 (2 days/51 total)
E-450 delivered to Fremont, CA (SF Bay Area): May 3 (5 days/56 total)
Thanks for this info. I've plugged similar days into my build date to guesstimate my delivery date which works out to the end of August.
How do you like the 450? I'm driving a 350 now and love it but looking forward to the 450 I ordered. Post some pics of your new car.
How did you obtain the updates on your order? My dealer rep responds when contacted but I haven't received updates otherwise. I was told the car was "in production" on 4/2/2024. Last update was a printout (4/25/2024) with a request number, Baumuster number and other details (accessories, packages, standard features). I was expecting a PO and VIN by now.
How did you obtain the updates on your order? My dealer rep responds when contacted but I haven't received updates otherwise. I was told the car was "in production" on 4/2/2024. Last update was a printout (4/25/2024) with a request number, Baumuster number and other details (accessories, packages, standard features). I was expecting a PO and VIN by now.
You should contact your dealer. When did you put the deposit down? I ordered mine (paid a deposit) on 4/17 and got my PO the next day. About a week later, I got a production date of 7/1. At this point, that is all I know. Using the data provided by the OP, I extrapolated that my delivery will be near the end of August. This assumes a similar time delay but it could be different for any number of reasons. I know they group production runs in something called "decades". Two orders on different dates may be built in the same decade and be delivered on the exact same date. That would mean that for some, the wait is longer than others. I really have no idea though. Its just speculation from the very limited knowledge I have on the process.
I had a very similar experience in my recent order of a 2024 E450. I placed my order on 4/22 (with a deposit) and during the same session I was provided with a build date of 6/27 with a PO order number and a detailed printout of the standard features and options in my build. I cannot say whether the given build date is a firm date or just an estimated one (the quoted delivery time frame of end of August is obviously an estimated one). Recently, I contacted my dealership to see if there is any way I can track the progress of the build myself and was told "No. It is our job to monitor the progress and update you accordingly". However, after a VIN number has been issued, apparently there are ways to track the car shipment progress on the internet on your own.
On a side note, another dealership just called me and offered to order a 2025 E450 for me with an August build date. He also strongly suggested to me that even if I do not go with them, I should try to see if I can change my existing order to a 2025 E450 instead (with my current dealership). I am tempted but I am undecided whether I should do that since there is still no pricing on 2025 W214 yet and a price increase, albeit small, is likely (although waiting for an additional 1-2 months is of no concern to me).
On a side note, another dealership just called me and offered to order a 2025 E450 for me with an August build date. He also strongly suggested to me that even if I do not go with them, I should try to see if I can change my existing order to a 2025 E450 instead (with my current dealership). I am tempted but I am undecided whether I should do that since there is still no pricing on 2025 W214 yet and a price increase, albeit small, is likely (although waiting for an additional 1-2 months is of no concern to me).
When I heard about the 2025 order guide being released, I asked my sales rep about that. He said that the European models are released first and that the first decade for the 2025 models in the USA will be available to order in November 2024 and first deliveries in March 2025. If it only pushed my deliver out a couple of months, I would likely change to the 2025 model but not willing to wait 7+ months more for the 2025 model. I haven't verified that with any other source so it's possible it's not 100% correct but it does make a lot of sense when the 2024 model just came out a few months ago. He also told me that the E-Class always releases in the USA in the first quarter of the year.
You should contact your dealer. When did you put the deposit down? I ordered mine (paid a deposit) on 4/17 and got my PO the next day. About a week later, I got a production date of 7/1. At this point, that is all I know. Using the data provided by the OP, I extrapolated that my delivery will be near the end of August. This assumes a similar time delay but it could be different for any number of reasons. I know they group production runs in something called "decades". Two orders on different dates may be built in the same decade and be delivered on the exact same date. That would mean that for some, the wait is longer than others. I really have no idea though. Its just speculation from the very limited knowledge I have on the process.
I paid my deposit 2/16/2024. Today sales rep said they’re experiencing shipping delays due to the bridge collapse in Baltimore. Seems like it’s a matter of how well the dealership communicates with the customer by providing timely information and explaining what’s happening. They told me 2 - 4 months to delivery but I don’t have anything tangible indicating where the car is in the process.
Today sales rep said they’re experiencing shipping delays due to the bridge collapse in Baltimore.
I was wondering if that might impact some orders. Do you are anyone know if that's where all Mercedes come in? I am under the impression that mine will arrive in a port in GA but I'm not 100% sure on that.
I located a website that has the shipping schedule for the major carrier for Mercedes Benz from Germany. Doesn't mean any particular car is on it but it at least provides shipping details from a bona fide source.
I located a website that has the shipping schedule for the major carrier for Mercedes Benz from Germany. Doesn't mean any particular car is on it but it at least provides shipping details from a bona fide source.
I asked my sales rep and he confirmed that Brunswick, GA is the port cars come in to when going to them. I would think that the issue in Baltimore would not impact shipments coming into Brunswick but there could be some due to ships being rerouted to other ports while they work to clear the lane for Baltimore.
MB has 3 VPC's in the US, Baltimore, Brunswick and Long Beach. Baltimore has been the number one VPC for Mercedes over the past 11 years, I imagine there may be a bit of congestion in Brunswick due to routing changes.
MB has 3 VPC's in the US, Baltimore, Brunswick and Long Beach. Baltimore has been the number one VPC for Mercedes over the past 11 years, I imagine there may be a bit of congestion in Brunswick due to routing changes.
My parents have a E350 that is headed to Baltimore VPC (on Silver Soul) and due to arrive on 5-18. It left Germany on 5-3. So at least some of the ships are now heading to Baltimore again, and I just saw a news report yesterday of the first RoRo (car carrier) ship docking in Baltimore since the bridge collapse, using the temporary shipping channel. Although by the end of this week it's likely they'll have the full shipping channel open again. So hopefully the processing delays in Brunswick will be decreasing as Baltimore VPC comes back on line very soon.
I had a very similar experience in my recent order of a 2024 E450. I placed my order on 4/22 (with a deposit) and during the same session I was provided with a build date of 6/27 with a PO order number and a detailed printout of the standard features and options in my build. I cannot say whether the given build date is a firm date or just an estimated one (the quoted delivery time frame of end of August is obviously an estimated one). Recently, I contacted my dealership to see if there is any way I can track the progress of the build myself and was told "No. It is our job to monitor the progress and update you accordingly". However, after a VIN number has been issued, apparently there are ways to track the car shipment progress on the internet on your own.
On a side note, another dealership just called me and offered to order a 2025 E450 for me with an August build date. He also strongly suggested to me that even if I do not go with them, I should try to see if I can change my existing order to a 2025 E450 instead (with my current dealership). I am tempted but I am undecided whether I should do that since there is still no pricing on 2025 W214 yet and a price increase, albeit small, is likely (although waiting for an additional 1-2 months is of no concern to me).
What's the benefit of going with a 2025 MY car? There isn't any big difference in terms of equipment or feature availability right? I believe the Dashcam and AR nav are still unavailable until December? Is it just to hedge against depreciation because you have a newer MY?
What's the benefit of going with a 2025 MY car? There isn't any big difference in terms of equipment or feature availability right? I believe the Dashcam and AR nav are still unavailable until December? Is it just to hedge against depreciation because you have a newer MY?
Yes, the benefit is mostly depreciation consideration based upon model year. If one plans on owning the car indefinitely (my desire), there is likely little to no benefit in choosing the 2025 model. Looking through the official 2025 Order Guide, there are no price differences regarding optional features and packages as compared to 2024 model. As far as I can discern, the only major difference between the two models is the installation of an additional center air bag (between the front driver and passenger seats) as a standard feature in the 2025 version. However, while one can certainly debate ithe importance/usefulness of this additional center air bag in regards to overall safety, its inclusion as a standard feature will very likely result in an increase in the base prices of all 2025 W214 models (MB has yet to announce base pricing information), which in effect, will offset much, if not most, of the benefits from the depreciation angle.
I got a call from my sales rep today to tell me MB just changed my order to a 2025 model. I still have a production date of 7/1 so no change there and still expect delivery around the end of August. Only difference is the center airbag. I was able to get a rear spoiler added to my build as well. I didn't include it initially since i couldn't find a picture with one but now have seen them and like the look.
I got a call from my sales rep today to tell me MB just changed my order to a 2025 model. I still have a production date of 7/1 so no change there and still expect delivery around the end of August. Only difference is the center airbag. I was able to get a rear spoiler added to my build as well. I didn't include it initially since i couldn't find a picture with one but now have seen them and like the look.
Good for you! My build date for my E450 is supposed to be 6/27 but I have not received such notification from my dealership. Did MB change your order to 2035 model on its own without you asking? Also, base pricing information has not been announced by MB yet on 2025 models, so in the event there is a price increase, do they say you have to pay the difference?
Good for you! My build date for my E450 is supposed to be 6/27 but I have not received such notification from my dealership. Did MB change your order to 2035 model on its own without you asking? Also, base pricing information has not been announced by MB yet on 2025 models, so in the event there is a price increase, do they say you have to pay the difference?
Yes, MB (not the dealer) changed it without me asking. All I have is MSRP and the actual sale price will be negotiated once it arrives at the dealership for me to purchase. Not sure if the MSRP changed with the change in MY.
Yes, MB (not the dealer) changed it without me asking. All I have is MSRP and the actual sale price will be negotiated once it arrives at the dealership for me to purchase. Not sure if the MSRP changed with the change in MY.
My dealer rep informed me my “production end date” is 8/15/2024 and the E450 I ordered has had a status of “in production” since 4/2/2024. I’m curious if my order may end up being a 2025 model year. It doesn’t matter as long as I don’t encounter more delays. Moreover, I’m going to ask why the long production time (5 months!).
My dealer rep informed me my “production end date” is 8/15/2024 and the E450 I ordered has had a status of “in production” since 4/2/2024. I’m curious if my order may end up being a 2025 model year. It doesn’t matter as long as I don’t encounter more delays. Moreover, I’m going to ask why the long production time (5 months!).
I think it depends on the reason for your delay. If your car is built already but incomplete then I would think it will be a 2024. If it isn't actually built then odds are it will be a 2025 model. Since you don't have a VIN I'm thinking it's the latter and your original build never actually happened or the car went to someone else. Another possibility is your car started to build but something happened to it either during or after the build that made it not usable. All speculation on my part so who knows. Only MB knows and they are apparently not telling anyone.
I think it depends on the reason for your delay. If your car is built already but incomplete then I would think it will be a 2024. If it isn't actually built then odds are it will be a 2025 model. Since you don't have a VIN I'm thinking it's the latter and your original build never actually happened or the car went to someone else. Another possibility is your car started to build but something happened to it either during or after the build that made it not usable. All speculation on my part so who knows. Only MB knows and they are apparently not telling anyone.
I concur. There are not many reasonable explanations for the long production time. I’m sure most buyers can handle the truth about anything related to their orders being delayed but that would require transparency on behalf of MB. Someone at MB knows what happened and why.
Where are the pictures of all these W214 cars all of you new buyers have stored in your garages... C'mon share pictures here... OTOH, can we have the mods create the pinned "Picture Thread for W214"? pretty please...
I probably won't pick up my E450m until tomorrow or Saturday when I will have more detailed pics. But here are a few taken my salesman before the car is prepped for delivery.
I was just advised yesterday by my dealer that my 25 E450 has a build date of July 19th and expected in Halifax Aug.29th. It should take two weeks from VPC Halifax to Ottawa, ON. Very happy with production date since the dealer originally told me his allocation was for Aug.
I probably won't pick up my E450m until tomorrow or Saturday when I will have more detailed pics. But here are a few taken my salesman before the car is prepped for delivery.
Congrats, very nice looking car indeed! What dealership is this (you previously mentioned your dealership is in NJ, like mine)? Looks like they have a very big space to store the vehicles indoors.
Last edited by cruise2024; 05-23-2024 at 03:37 PM.
05-06-2024, 08:26 AM
