Otis123

disagree. the mb info system is disgraceful. gutsy move to defend it.

wheelsloose

Wasn't defending MB system. Was just saying that the dealers have access to tracking info (not sure how accurate it really is though). My point was that I know BMW's system on of online tracking for customers is NOT accurate and i was originally commenting on someone else's comment that MB should get a system like BMW.

blittle

Bottom line is waiting is horrible and we all want to know more than is possible given all the variables in this production/delivery process.... I know that my vehicle was "released to the carrier" on the 13th but no sign of it yet..... and bugging my dealer won't produce anything because he doesn't know any more than I do at this point. That being said.... you would think that with all the tech available to track just about everything ( Wall Mart knows exactly where everything is at any given moment ) it might be possible for a customer to set up an acct. with a dealer at the time of order and subscribe to "production updates" as they occur. I would think that the software geeks could put that together pretty quickly. Then again.... maybe from the business side of things, thats letting the customer "know too much!"

cookstar

you are referring to J.I.T ( Just in time delivery) which does not apply to MB

fabbrisd1

Yes - after "release to carrier" there is no real time tracking available from the carrier - however, your dealer will be familiar with what they have come to know as the "normal" transit time from Vance based on deliveries of other ML's/GL's - the should have a good "informal" idea +/- a couple of working days depending on the other stops that particular transport has with your truck on it.

The "process" is internally quite transparent - you are correct that there are no "auto-alerts" that come up and out of the system - however, the system stages/stops are quite well defined.

Enjoy your new truck - keep the beat !

rmemory

I was told my GL 450 went into production today. The dealer estimated 4 weeks until he sees it and he admitted this is based purely on his experience with other orders.

blittle

Not only J.I.T., but inventory management, product purchasing trends, etc. ....Wall Mart is the king of knowing who, what, when, and where! Anything imaginable is most likely probable with regard to product management and retail. Its simply a matter of "is something that is going to be productive with regard to the bottom line." I do think a 4 month wait time for a "custom" order, regular production vehicle ( custom only to the extent that you are picking from specified options ) is a bit long.... 1/3 of a model year ( in car terminology ). As I have said this is my third LG.... 3 months for the first, 3 months for the 2nd, and 4 months for this one. Might be my last vehicle order..... The older I get.... the less I want to wait months for something.... if you know what I mean!

JimBarnhart

What we need to do is find someone on the inside at MBRACE. They can do vehicle locates once you get the MB, we just need them to do it for you before you take delivery.

Wouldn't it be nice to have them tell you it's on I-81 heading into Virginia?

blittle

Now there ya go!!!

Otis123

Update. Got my VIN Friday as predicted by my contact at the Vance plant he also indicated it should be transferred to transport Monday +/- then might arrive out here in CA Friday +/-.

Finally. Thanks for all the insights and advice - will update with subsequent developments.

blittle

Well....that is indeed progress! Be prepared, however, for more wait time than you would expect..... mine was "released to carrier" on the the 13th but hasn't made it to Pa. as of today. Apparently "released" doesn't always meen "shipped"...... So many variables!

Otis123

More Southern than Teutonic I guess......

blittle

cookstar

Stunning GL350 in Montreal, I think its Obisdian Black (not sure how to spell it!)

cookstar

another one with the Sport Package and rare Rims IMO, Toronto Auto show

sraza

nice--- the silver one seems to have the poplar trim.
but yea- very nice-

wheelsloose

So pissed! It is BS that we can't order the Sport package on a GL350 or GL450 in the US. MBUSA, you really dropped the ball here. I would order that package in a heartbeat. Can't believe that is not available here.

sam9187

Thank you for posting. Both iridium silver and obsidian black look really nice

JimBarnhart

The obsidian looks about like mine - I don't have RSE, but I have ventilated seats. My black leather looks darker, but I think it's just the bright lights washing it out a little.

My GL is embarrassingly dirty compared to this beauty.

cookstar

The black is really nice but the maintenance is insane, I had a ML350 years back and had to wash it down every other day in winter, silver is best as it covers up most normal dirt.

blittle

Could be today or tomorrow!!!!

blittle

Visited the dealer today ....I like to have all the numbers in order prior to delivery day ( read no surprises please!) so off I went and was pleasantly surprised, that, despite my 2011 having 3k more miles and it being 4 months since they gave me a trade value, they stuck with the deal! I also asked for a $500 discount on the factory extended warranty and they gave me that. First class dealership in all categories!

JimBarnhart

Nice, so tomorrow's the day????

blittle

Based on past experience ..... They had hoped to see the delivery truck roll in today....they are expecting 4 vehicles from Vance ....but....nope, so maybe tomorrow! I'm just happy to have the paperwork "locked"! I did ask them to wash but not wax as "Fab" has suggested and I have the German wax he suggested ready to apply myself. Ready to go..... Anybody out there have the "massage" function on the seats?? I'm really looking forward to that ....if its worthwhile!

wheelsloose

I have the massage function in my CLS63 and it is great!!