They said I get a $2000 fleet discount?
They also said I have to order the car and get it made and shipped. Once it arrives, then we can negotiate on the price.

So keeping in mind the $2,000 discount, wouldn't the dealer just try not to discount the car that much because they know the fleet discount gets applied at the end?

If I really wanted the car I'd get all of this in writing signed by a dealer authority. Once you order the car the car is yours. Price discounts after arrival/delivery are unheard of at least here in Canada. This has a smell to it in my opinion.

Agreed but looking to you Mercedes buyers for advice as I have never purchased one before. They said this is how Mercedes dealers order and negotiate pre orders.

When I bought BMW, we agree on price then order.

I'd walk from that dealer and try another. The car business is the same anywhere in N.A. at least in my experience. It really sounds as if you're getting set up for a "big hurt". The old "Buyer beware" is good advice.

I have called multiple dealers and they said that is how Mercedes does business for pre orders. Strange.