Can someone explain the various codes one could expect to see when doing a custom order?

My order was finally accepted to Netstar and have a production number. The status is currently A4. What does that mean? How long does it typically stay in this status?
What is the next status code I should expect, what does it mean and how long should it stay at this status? Etc...
At what status does it go from green to yellow and then when does it go to red?

My decade planned, decade scheduled and prod date all read 20/04-3. So this would be the last 3rd 10 days of April. But I'd like to get an idea of how a build would typically go along (I know there could be delays).

Just an excited, almost 1st time Mercedes owner. Sorry I've got so many questions. Thanks all!

 

Try google? Netstar codes

Those are estimated dates and can (and most likely will) change.

I'm still waiting for my order. Originally slated for delivery in December then got pushed to January and now it's February and it's still not built. Current estimate now show 2/12/2020 as the estimated production date.

Next code is likely B3 when you can no longer make changes to the order. Mine has been at B3 since 12/20/2019

 

Perfect!! Thank you!

I hope your car comes soon!

 

Our GLS450 was delayed three weeks and was given a VIN# today and has gone B4 (2 days to completion)

let’s hope there aren’t any snags.

 

So your build has started early? I thought you had said 2/10 was the scheduled build date. Congrats if it's early!

 

it was 2/10 then it changed to 2/9

B4 is two days to completion. I dunno. My wife is just happy that, theoretically, she should have her car in 10-14 days

 

The wait is very frustrating. You have more info than we had, but it will be worth the wait.

 

On my GLE B4 was called "Start of Production," which could be the same, but it took 38 days to complete! Hopefully things are running more smoothly now.

 

After a three and a half month wait our GLS was finally "born" two days ago, on 02/04/2020. It had a production date of 02/08/2020, so it was completed sooner than expected.

The VIN was assigned and production started on 01/31/2020. Can anyone give an overview of what happens in the 5 days from start of production to becoming ready to deliver? And what about prior to start of production? Are components for the specific build being collected and stockpiled? Seats being upholstered in the required material? Build specific items assembled?

Thanks, Greg

 

My understanding is a. prepainted body shell is first pulled from the Automated Storage & Retrieval System (ASRS) and the VIN assigned. Most parts, including seats, theoretically arrive Just In Time to join the production line (not stockpiled). The process should only take a few days, but mine took 38 (early GLE).

 

I haven’t seen the Mercedes plant but if it works like most I have experienced, all they do is assemble subsystems on the assembly line. The motor comes fully assembled (likely from Germany) and ready to bolt-in with a few connections to mate with the rest of the car. I imagine with the new engine, it probably comes with the tranny and 48v system already together as one unit. Things like seats are made to order by a seat manufacturer whose plant is probably within a mile of the factory. In fact, they probably deliver the entire interior with the electronics pre-installed and ready to plug-in. So, if there was a delay, the issue was most likely either a shortage by one of the suppliers or some option you selected that the supplier hadn’t come online to even make when you ordered your vehicle.

My 580 sat in the factory prep center for 3-5 days and I’m not sure why. I did order the roof spoiler which is considered a “dealer installed” option but was actually done in the factory. So I’m guessing that getting a color matched spoiler may have caused a little delay. I’m not sure what else they do in prep but they forgot to install the window sticker.