Did I mis-understand that Jan. 5th, was the official GLK lauch date for USA? Was this an intended low key lauch? Where were the press releases?? Not on Google. I have been in contact with two very large, SoCal MB dealers and they know I am a cash buyer, but no email or retro/telephone contact.

If it was not for Colorado's MBWestminster, I would not know the GLK was lauched and I would not have been given feedback by any MB dealer. These guys at MBWestminster are serious business people and as enthusiastic as anxious MB buyers. Even the MBWestminster parts guy got really interested in solving snow tire issues for a car that had just been launched.

MB bought two of the most expensive advert pages in the Feb Automobile magazine for GLK. Automobile magazine gave MB two scathing, critical pages of GLK review. Great for GLK intro. As someone that is fortunate own quality cars and has an automotive design background, I really liked my two GLK test drives. Very impressed with ride quality, performance, very low wind noise at 80 mph overall fit and finish. The Automobile Mag reviewer ignored so many things that set the GLK apart from the Jeep Cherokee the reviewer loved?????? Given a certain mind set, you can't win or get an objective review.

After a VERY BIG pre lauch build up, the Glk Lauched yesterday. very quietly.

Anyone else, in USA, have a similar experience???

Rusnak MB sent me an email today about a new BMW location in Westlake. Even though I have given two Rusnak sales people my email and signed up for mbusa info on Glk, no contact. I have done a test drive and will buy a GLK, but no contact from two dealers I have told I plan to be an ASAP buyer. WestminsterMB has responded to two emails from me and many around USA with solid info. Rusnak may not be the problem, maybe MB is not ahead of the curve on this very significant launch?

Again, I may be jumping the gun and I mis-understood that Jan. 5, was the official GLK, USA launch.

 

My dealership had a launch party for the GLK with free food and drink and allowed test drives of a test model. At the time (December 13 I believe) they were taking orders and allowing people the purchase the incoming inventory due in January. Right now even though the economy is poor, the GLK is a new model and most if not all of their incoming inventory is spoken for. For this reason they won't be jumping through hoops to get you to come in, because frankly they don't have anything for you to look at or buy. Although it is a bit odd that they don't return your emails or phone calls and to try and put you into something else.

 

My local dealer that I have a deposit down on one says the 8th is the day of arrival of their first batch, qty not known.

Another dealer in Newport Beach that I have been speaking with call everyday. Their ad in autotrader state that they have 59 of them. Still cannot get a straight answer from the NB dealer whether or not they actually have these 59 units.

 

To answer your question, in general terms, and in a single word: yes. I've found that dealers/salespeople have terrible follow up skills. I think some of these folks suffer from phonephobia. They're just afraid to pick up the phone.

I have to say that my local LI NY MB dealer does not fall into this category. He's been good about keeping me posted while at the same time not being a pain in the butt.

I can't say the same for a couple of other dealers I've visited. One would think that in this horrible market for automobiles that salespeople would be going out of their way to stay in touch with prospective customers. Not the case, in my experience anyway.

 

MtnMachine, thanks for the praise. If I, in any way can help you further, please feel more than free to contact me.

 

I watched a whole tractor trailer load being unloaded yesterday afternoon at Herb Gordon's in MD. I sat in the one inside the showroom, and was most impressed with front interior room. Pretty comparable to my GL450.

 

When we had our special launch event in Novemeber, people were shocked with how much surprising space is in the GLK

 

I certainly was impressed. I've yet to drive one, but I really like what I've seen of the GLK so far. In these ecologically focused times, I often feel I'm kind of shunned, or looked down on, for driving my GL. I'm thinking when my lease expires in the beginning of 2010, the GLK might be my best choice of replacement vehicles. The front cabin certainly accomodates my oversize physique very well. At 6'4" my head & legs had more than sufficient space to sit comfortably.

 

I received 2 emails from 2 different dealers whose email lists I'm on.

Honestly I think MB did TOO much pre-launch activity that by the actual launch people were sick of it.

 

Newport Beach CA Mercedes has alot of GLKs. Six on show lot and 10-12 in storeage lot. Black, White, Red, Blue and Steel Gray on show lot, all black interior with aluminum. "Bummer"

The steel gray looks amazing in person, with 20s and roof alu roof rails. Gray Metalic is darker and has so much more life in person. Some colors work better on differenct cars, and the GLK has just enough bright trim to work perfect with Steel Gray. Did not see any lighting package cars on the show lot.

Gray is now my favorite color, with black the back-up choice. Black always looks good.

Whichever of the two SoCal dealers calls with a car that has my critical must have items first, will get an immediate order.

 

[QUOTE=MtnMachine;3264835

The steel gray looks amazing in person, with 20s and roof alu roof rails. Gray Metalic is darker and has so much more life in person. Some colors work better on differenct cars, and the GLK has just enough bright trim to work perfect with Steel Gray. [/QUOTE]

Yes, I agree with you. The GLK looks so much better in Tenorite/Steel grey, than it does in silver. When it comes to choice of wheels, the 20s are not a practical choice for me, especially for going off-road. They do look great on the car, but the ride will suffer and both the wheels and tires will be very expensive to replace. In addition, if you have to replace a 20" tire while you are far from your dealer, you may be waiting a long time. There are no 20" replacement tires currently in NA for the GLK. The 20" wheels with lower profile tires will also be more prone to curb damage.

 

Finally, a SoCal dealer called me back to acknowledge they have no fully loaded GLKs in route with almond MB-Tex wood interior plus my packages.

Dealer suggested I order the car and "see if MB accepts" the order. Dealer said, "if order accepted" car would arrive in 90 days, but if a NorAm car was built that matched my spec before that, they would be able to get it for me sooner.

I would rather have the car I want and wait, than take the mish-mash of bits offered now.

Only question I have on packages is the "lighting Pak". Anyone have experience with the cornering light system? My experience with this type of feature is that they break with three years and are expensive to replace. I have bi-Xeons and like them from a drivers perspective, but hate them from a head on perspective.

Any advice?

GLK I will order:
Steel Gray or Black, with almond MB-Tex
Prem 1, Media Pack, Parktronic
Exterior Sport Pack
Heated Seats
Trailer Hitch for bike and ski/board rack
Maybe Lighting Pack (Any adive?)

Do not want:
Leather, running boards, rear entertainment system.

 

I worked with a dealer in So Orange County they received several but not what I wanted, found what I wanted in N Cal and dealer traded. The rep at the dealer was very communicative and did earn his commission searching for the features I wanted. Purchased it at about $2K less than sticker.

 

If you want to spend money wisely, get the Bi-zenon package. I have them in my E320; they are well worth the money. There is a huge difference between the regular halogens and the bi-zenons; no comparison in lighting performance, both driving straight ahead and when cornering. This is an option, unlike the Appearance/Sports package, that might actually save you life. My advice - forget the 20" wheels and get the Bi-zenons !

 

Thanks, experienced advice I was looking for. Bi-Xs are on the order list along with 20s. Come on, I live in SoCal.

 

Not sure what you mean by NorAm built car, but all GLKs are built in Germany

Oh, and you can order one. It's just a point of finding a dealer that wants to put an order in for you. I have about 35 open slots to custom build your own car

 

NorAm to mean Bremen built to North American spec.

Wish you, WestminsterMB, was in Souther half of Calif.

 

Don't let that hold you back A good friend of mine lives in Vegas and buys all his cars from WestMinsterMB and highly recommends that dealership. Give him a try. Who knows he may include Free Shipping

And, no, I am NOT affiliated with them in any way.

 

You're welcome ! You will be very happy with the Bi-zenons. As for the 20s, they look really cool, especially the Canadian 5-double spokes. But since you live in SoCal, that extra bling factor makes sense and you have much better roads than we have here in the Northwest. Have you got a production date for your GLK ?

 

Go ahead, rub it in that Canada gets the really cool 20s and USA gets the ok 20s. USA must pay an additional $3,300 to get Canadian 20s.

I will meet with dealer this weekend to place order and ensure that they have open order options with MB. Fletcher Jones, Newport Beach is one of, if not the biggest volume MB dealer in SoCal, but I want to be sure I have a set order. I will update as soon as my order is "confirmed". Dealer said it would be 90 days max from order confirmation to delivery. I will be making sure I get folding mirrors etc. Only local GLK with lighting package I found did have LED tail lights. Aluminum roof rails have not been dropped yet from USA "Sport Appearance Pack".

In Europe, sport pack also includes paddle shifters. I personally saw them in Spain. The paddle shifters make the sport pack a real package. I bet they show up in NorAm next year at first GLK refresh. Early press said they were std on NorAm GLKs.

Thanks again for info.

 

Fletcher Jones is the biggest volume dealer in the country, not just Cali.

 

My dealer confirmed today that folding mirrors were scheduled to begin with December production, but so far, no December built GLKs have arrived here.

 

Spectron,
Mind telling what dealer in So. OC you worked with?
Surprised you got $2k under sticker if dealer had to trade and pay transport from No Cal?

I am not getting good reports on customer experience at Fletcher Jones, Newport. Place does have alot of "tude".

I really didn't think local dealers were discounting yet. Very few cars available and new product etc.

I will not get all items I want without ordering car.

 

FWIW -- on discounting --

I'm in Boston area and I have two dealers both offering 1000 over invoice (about 2400 below MSRP) on a relatively loaded (P1, Multi, leather, lights, ipod, heated seats, wiring) GLK

Deal not done yet. Remember it may be hot new car etc -- but the dealers ARE DYING to move product -- use that to your advantage folks!

Will post if/when final deal is made

 

Curious..why do so many want MB tex instead of leather on this model, sedans with MB tex are not popular, but on this SUV it seems preferred to leather?