M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

ML Factory Delivery?

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Old 11-25-2001, 07:22 PM
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ML Factory Delivery?

Hey gw,

You've mentioned you picked up your ML at the factory in Alabama. I can't find anything on the MB website about Alabama pick-up. Do you know if where I can find out more info on it? Maybe it's buried on their website somewhere.

Also, has your local dealer given you grief about your service (since you were smart enough NOT to pay full MSRP at HIS store)?

Thanks, Mike
Old 11-25-2001, 09:05 PM
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Don
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GLC 63
Factory delivery info at: MBUSI Link
Old 11-25-2001, 09:32 PM
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1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
I just saw a picture in that website of a 2002 ML with a 6-speed manual?? What model is that available in? Perhaps some of our European members can tell me?
Old 11-26-2001, 03:05 AM
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'00 ML320 Elegance/'03 C320 4-matic
Yeah, it's for the ML270 CDI only, I believe.
Old 11-27-2001, 01:11 PM
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Thanks Don for the Link. MB doesn't make it easy to find out about factory delivery in Alabama.
Old 11-28-2001, 10:23 AM
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Marmik, Your dealer should have the information how to do a factory delivery. About the servicing dealer when you didn't get the car from them, I'm telling you thru my experience I got mine 80 miles away from my servicing dealer and they don't mind doing it they are getting pay what ever they do to your vehicle they are charging MBUSA.
Old 11-28-2001, 04:58 PM
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ML55 AMG
Wink

Just ask your local dealer about Bubba Delivery

The car will come with special license plates (that you'll have to change when the car's registered in your home state, just like the German plates on Euro delivery cars).

You get a nice ride on the test track that'll convince you that the ML will go places you wouldn't go on your own--you go in THEIR car, not yours. And, alas, you don't get to drive.

You also get a tour of the factory and watch them build MLs. Additionally the museum there has one of the 2 best looking Gull Wings I've ever seen. The other being at the museum in Unterturkheim.

The bad news is you have to go to Alabama.
Old 11-28-2001, 05:22 PM
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Recent changes to Bubba Delivery:

Someone posted recently that (1) the factory tour is temporarily suspended because of 9-11-01 and (2) you do get to drive (part of the time) on the off-road course.
Old 11-28-2001, 08:54 PM
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Don
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Originally posted by curtrich
Just ask your local dealer about Bubba Delivery
Curt Rich:

I just realized who you are! I thoroughly enjoy reading your newsletter (http://www.curtrich.com/) every month. Thanks for publishing it. If I lived closer to Houston I'd buy my cars from you.

-don-
Old 11-28-2001, 10:10 PM
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2002 ML 320
I picked up my ML 320 at the factory on 11 Oct. The factory tour was closed at the time, but I got a rain check to come back once it re-opens. And while the factory tour is closed, you do get to drive the entire off-road course. I did it, and it was a blast.

With regard to purchasing the ML, I ended up buying it from my local dealer after all. I found the best price available over the internet and was all set to buy. But one day while checking out some options at the dealership, I just mentioned the price I was offered and asked if they would match it. He just laughed and said "that doesn't sound like something we would be interested in." However, he called me the next day and said he mentioned our conversation to the sales manager, and the SM said they would match it. And the rest is history.
Old 11-30-2001, 03:19 PM
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Wink

I'll try one more time. If this doesn't go through I'll pick up my toys and go somewhere else to play.


Thanks, Don. If this goes through I'll try another with my Test Track story.
Old 11-30-2001, 03:27 PM
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One more attempt.

If they're allowing you to drive through the course either (a) the course has gotten easier, or (b) they're testing the cars for vomit.

I did the course in the summer of '97. They fed us a large lunch and told us not to eat any. Then we got into cars and did the course, first the instructor, then 3 sales reps. I was last. After 4 laps through the course we had 2 car sick sales reps and one car sick instructor. I was asking for another lap. But then I liked nap of the earth flying in a Huey in Cambodia during the late Southeast Asian Unpleasantness.

One memorable part of the course was a 70% downhill with 2 39 ft dia. switchbacks. They'd taken competitive cars over the course till one tipped over on one of the switchbacks. At that time no competitive truck had completed the course. At the bottom of the hill was 18" of water followed by a 70% climb. Lots of fun. That was just a part of it.

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