Hello, I am looking to factory build a 2024 GLE 450 W4 with Pinnacle Trim and Airmatic. I am wondering what are your experiences with going through the dealerships? Did you get it at MSRP? What is your deposit (if any)? Was there an agreement that you signed with the dealer to ensure that the deposit was refundable?
I went to all 3 of my local Mercedes and they all seem unwilling to sell it at MSRP (all averages around $3k markup and with non-refundable deposits). So I am looking for out-of-state dealers recommendations that can ship the car to my home or to my local dealer (if that is an option). Thanks in advance!

Pricing, discounts, and down payments are all up to the dealership. I ordered in April 2021, and picked up early July, right before the pandemic mark ups took effect and got a little discount from my local dealer. That was only because another in-state dealer offered a discount that my local matched. As you have done, continue to shop around!

not sure where you’re located but MB of Plano in Plano tx usually sell at MSRP. Try giving them a call

I ordered mine at MSRP. They asked for a $2000 refundable deposit (They never cashed the check and handed it back to me at delivery).

I ordered the Pinnacle trim with the Airmatic suspension. 7 weeks from order to delivery.

I would not have one shipped to my home. Too much opportunity for damage and finger pointing. I doubt if a dealer that wants MSRP plus $3000, is going to want to do the delivery on a car they didn’t sell. You can fly most everywhere pretty cheaply. Why not fly out, pick up the car, and drive it home?

I ordered mine in April. $3500 off msrp with $1000 deposit.
I cancelled my order in June and got my deposit back.

Agree.
More importantly, part of the PDI money that the Dealer is paid to do, is for "Service Adjustments," AKA returns for things that pop up in the first few thousand miles. Like that annoying rattle. Or something else they missed during PDI. Those aren't warranty items - they're PDI items.

The new Dealer, who didn't perform and get reimbursed for the PDI, would be within their rights to charge for Service Adjustments. (True for ANY brand.)

They usually won't charge, but it might come down to your personal relationship with them. Buying elsewhere and asking them to take the Selling Dealer's responsibility for free might strain that relationship.

Seems like there is an airmatic shortage at this moment. Two dealers from out of state pointed that out to me, so I guess my best bet is to just wait.

Where are you located?

In South Florida, I paid $ 1,700 over invoice for a 2024 GLE 350 (August delivery)

1700 over invoice = how much off msrp?
BTW, where did you see the invoice price?

Use Carsdirect.com get invoice price. Benefit of using invoice pricing is options will have no dealer mark-up.

Works out $ 2000 under MSRP.

Seattle, WA