Ordered a GLE 450 in April 2019, still showing “scheduled not produced” SA gave me an update yesterday, no change in the status of my order. One thing he did say was MB has told the dealership in Utah that the delay in production was caused by the Headliners. The factory that produces them had a fire and MB did not have a backup plan. I cannot verify that but it seems like this maybe one of the parts causing the delays has been identified.

 

On the second 450 order I just placed, I wanted the Dinamica headliner and was told it was unavailable, so there may be some truth to that, but it isn't what held up production. My original order did not have the headliner and it's still sitting in a lot somewhere in Alabama.

I have to say, at this point, unless my original order arrives within the next two weeks or so, I'm probably going to wait and take my second order even if the first one comes in a bit sooner. May as well get the one fresh off the line and is built to my exact preferences (my first order was already locked in by the dealer when I agreed to buy it. It had the main things I wanted, but my second order is a better build for me), rather than the one that has been sitting out in the Alabama weather for months on end with unknown production issues.

 

It seems that a lot of things are not available, in the UK we only had 2 choices of seats both Nappa leather, black or black and white, we now have only one "choice" black.

 

I was told by the dealer on Monday this week that my 450 which I should have been collecting today is now delayed until "mid August". I have read "fabbrisd1" post which shows that the dealers have been told not to give out specific information until the car is out of production.

 

Not in the UK, I was told 31st May, became 10th June and then 13th June, then 22nd July and then December, I was fortunate enough to get the dealer principals fully loaded car which had just arrived at end of June. Hard but worth the wait, it is a great car.

 

Read the recent Daimler financial comments for the first half ‘19 and two issues. The 2020 GLE demand far exceeds supply and
their production problems relate mostly to supplier issues although they would not identify which one(s) in particular. Said the supplier
issues are mostly resolved and 2nd half production should be back to normal. Still if demand greatly exceeds supply it will be a
longer than anticipated wait.

 

There is probably some truth to that. They said much the same the last 2 quarterly reports. They also blamed a Global launch. Since they started building Prototypes almost a year ago it’s just more excuses, IMO. At some point you have to blame management....this isn’t their first new product lease. We may never know the full story!

 

Based on my understanding from reading numerous articles and such on this, the main reason for the delay is because Mercedes decided to simultaneously launch the new GLE in the U.S., Europe, and China all at the same time. This is leading to supplier issues with parts, labor and many logistical problems.

This is is going to be a learning opportunity for them because they have definitely lost millions of dollars due to this mess as many people have lost patience with the delays and ended up refunding their deposit and buying something else from another car company.

Patience appears to be running thin for many of us still here.

 

I thought deposits are non-refundable?

 

Ours was contingent on them delivering the vehicle by June 1st, so it may be conditional.
For some vehicles, like the G Wagon, there are more stringent criteria.

 

Depends on the dealership I guess.

 

Depends on the terms you agree to. Often they are refundable, especially for a new model you aren’t able to test drive, or for delivery delays like we are experiencing. For a high demand model the dealer can easily find another buyer.

 

You probably signed a document when placing your order - that document would spell out a refund policy.

 

Deposits agreements are normally not refundable but do have terms such as a date and vehicle description that the dealer has to meet. That doesn't stop a dealer from making a refund or partial refund. I think Oregon law requires vehicle deposits be refundable. Some Real Estate transactions have the right of recission for 3 days. State law or Federal laws maybe a factor. In many cases dealers are penalized for placing a sold order that is cancelled because those orders get priority and can be used to game the system.

 

I do think deposits depend on the Dealer. I ordered a GLE450 on 3/20/2019 and offered a deposit with my salesman, he said at the time to hold off until they heard something back from Mercedes?? Dealer did not hear anything until a little over two weeks ago when the General Manager was able to secure me a build date for the middle of September, at that time my salesman called to double check with me if I still wanted the car with that time frame of September info?? I gave him the go ahead with the build and since then made a change on the build (added Acoustic Comfort Package), he made the change and still no deposit was requested or discussed??

 

The car I ordered (2020 GLE450, loaded) is sitting at the VPC, the dealer tells me that the car is delayed due to a software issue. Anyone know about this?

 

I didn't give a deposit, but I've bought two cars from that sales person before. With a dealer you have not dealt with, you might be at somewhat more risk of them "losing" the order; make sure you get something in writing from them with a PO number and check status every couple weeks.

 

I did do a small deposit $250 but did not need to. I just somehow think it secures the order. Fifth car from the same dealer.

 

We put a $1,000 deposit down, though the dealer has offered to refund it if we change our minds at this point.

 

Update 7/31/19

Build date start was 6/30/19. As of 7/5, 7/9 and 7/19 status was still in production. Spoke with Sales Agent today 7/31/19 after he spoke with Distribution. Status is now B4 meaning on hold for a part. MB will not tell Distribution any more ...no clue as to what part, how long on hold, no expected ETA to dealer. Vehicle has a VIN but that was known on 7/5. Sales Agent (and Distribution) is not able to obtain any additional info and is frustrated with the lack of clarity on the status. The dealership has received a number of GLE350's but very few GLE450's. Obviously this is not the way to keep customers informed and happy. I have been a customer of this dealership and sales agent for over 35 years and they are and always have been great to work with....MB has left everyone down and in the dark..




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2020 V167 GLE

Views: 626,737

Posted By RWR



UPDATE....as of as 6/17/19 told new build date is...

UPDATE....as of as 6/17/19 told new build date is now 6/30/19 ...another Sunday

previous Update:
Ordered 3/13/19...initial build date 6/10/19...then 6/14/19 ...today (6/3/19) it is now..."


No E-ABC or Air Suspension .....2020 GLE 450 (on order), Iridium Silver w/ Black MB-Tex w/ Dark Grey Linden Wood Trim, Black Headliner, 20" 10-Spokes, Prem 1 Pkg, Burmester Surround Sound System, Heated Steering Wheel, Illuminated Running Boards, MBUX Tech Pkg, Parking Assist Pkg, Lighting Pkg, Wheel Locks, Heated and Ventilated seats, Heated and Cooled Cupholders, MB Tex Dash, Power Pass Seat,

 

As you can see, you've got a lot of company. I ordered very first day on 11/6/18, and if not for some inside help I might still be waiting (got mine on 4/29). Misery loves company, but I know would rather be driving!

 

I have no idea about the earlier "deposit" discussions - but ALL deposits at ALL Mercedes dealerships in the US are 100% refundable

 

So today 8 months after ordering the car, still not a word from MB. Basically now when you ask dealer they say MB not answering them, you email MB or message their social media account. They either reply ask your dealer for detail or just completely Ignore you.

Thats my update so far. Thanks MB for *******g with me

 

Oh I so agree!! Why do I have to keep calling my Sales Manager for an update? I’m the one spending $70k on a GLE and they have no idea on a production date. Does not make sense MBUSA.

 

I just got this email from my sales consultant at Rallye Motors

They had major problems early on with a worldwide launch from Alabama! The problem is that the early
orders(some) are 95% complete and sitting in storage and yet the orders like yours are back on track.

So the early bird missed the worm and the late comers are glad they were not early!


You will be OK, granted the 450 is in demand but we will be on for the fall