I ordered a 2012 GL350 with the optional lighting package and was recently advised production has been placed on hold due to a back log of Bi-Xenon headlamps. I was told the Bi-Xenon headlamps are back ordered and production will not be available until December. Any ideas on this issue?

That sucks ..

Assume the same supplier is making them for ML and GL and everyone is waiting for them. That's a lot of orders to fill and the supplier capacity is likely an issue. Try searching for an '11 that is leftover? I saw some in the Midwest but limited numbers and even fewer 350s. Good luck.

True... same thing going on with the 2012 ML... no lighting package until January. I wanted to order my ML, but i guess i have to wait.

Tonight at dealer converting to the Dark Side we ran a search looking for 2011 with light package... none to be had in several states beside the one i was buying.

I would say that it is worth the wait... I recently had to drive my friend's GL-450 - without xenon - and the difference was palpable every minute of the drive.

I sure am glad I got the lighting pkg for my '11 350!

+1 ...

Definitely worth the wait.

yep, wait for the bi-xenons unless you never drive on dark roads.

The HID conversion on the H7 projectors works really great. With that said, yes, it would be worth the wait on the Bi-xenon cornering headlights.

My '12 GL is on a train on its way to me. It has Xenon lights... So I'm not to sure about why there is a back order.

You may have had your vehicle built prior to the shortage. I ordered my 2012 GL350 in May with Steel Gray exterior however it was shipped in Iridium Silver to Pleasanton Mercedes in California. Unfortunately my wife wants Steel Gray and won't settle for any thing else. I may run the streets but she runs our home..

I was told the same thing. I own a 2010 GL450 and was looking into ordering the 2012 GL350 for better fuel economy. I was going to order from my local mercedes dealer, and no lighting package avail. But after having a 2010 GL with lighting, it is worth the wait. But I was told they are still producing the cars, but they won't be shipped until the Bi-Xenons are installed. Best of luck with your new car, KYBRIGGS82. The Steel Grey is a beautiful color.

With the new 2012 GL350's presumably ready for shippment from the Alabama plant for resale, I wonder how many 2012 GL's are sitting on the docks waiting for the backlog of bi-xenon lights or if this issue has now been resolved.
I wish my 2012 GL350 would have been ordered correctly from the dealership with Steel Gray paint instead of Iridium Silver because I would be driving my new vehicle instead of waiting since May for delivery.

Only completed cars leave the factory, there are no incomplete cars waiting for any parts.

I would assume only complete vehicle would be shipped from the Alabama factory however I wonder how many 2012 GL orders are awaiting bi-xenon lights and what their backlog is.

Any updates on bi-xenon headlight backlog on 2012 GL's?

My dealer just called me my GL will be ready for Pickup on Monday. Almost 2 weeks sooner than I anticipated. So no backlog for me.

When was your vehicle ordered and was it equipt with bi-xenon lighting?

End of Aug... and yes it is.

I spoke to my salesperson yesterday and the Bi-Xenon lighting package is still on back order with no resolve in sight. I'm beginning to wonder if Mercedes is going to have their annual $10,000.00 incentive in December for leftover 2011 GL's. Maybe this will be my only option to get a new GL with Bi-Xenon lights.

Annual $10K ? I believe last time it happened in 2009 when GL was redesigned.
Good Luck and keep us updated. I would sell my GL and buy new one if $10K off would be on a picture.

Currrently there is a $4,000.00 Conquest incentive for 2011 GL's plus 1.99% financing. Not bad, but with a large current inventory and a negative economic downturn looming, I think November or December may provide a more proactive movement from Mercedes regarding further incentives.

There are 34 new GL450s left in the western region, 14 GL350 BTC, and 24 GL5550...the incentives are about as good as they are going to get. Last year there was a maximum of $1,700 of cash up against the cars so I dont know where you get your "annual 10K dealer cash" comment from.

First of all, my $10,000.00 incentive comment was more being optimistic than realistic but a little dash of hope is better than a swift kick in the ***. I would prefer my ordered 2012 GL350 with the options I requested but because of the current back log of Bi-Xenon lighting hardware from the overseas Mercedes supplier I am beginning to look at other options. I really don't want to purchase a 2011 GL since we change vehicles every three years and the resale on a 2012 model year is going to be better for me than a 2011 with most of the sales year behind us.