dna2mba

Does anyone know if there are any production delays for the ML 350? I ordered mine on 13 Sep 2005 (see complete specs below). I was told by the dealer that the Production date would be in the first ten days of October and it would be delivered by the 20th of Oct. Now I am being told that it will be end of November.

ML350
Color: Pewter Interior Trim Color: Macademia
317 Comfort Package
319 Lighting Package
324 Sunroof Package
326 Premium Package
057 Ipod Integration Kit
293 Rear Side Airbags
873 Heated Seats
Trailor Hitch

GregW / Oregon

I've only heard lately of delays for the Appearance Package because of a wheel supply problem. There's always the chance the dealer was stringing you along. The other possibility is there is some new issue causing production slowdowns. Anybody?

adam76

MB cars for special order always take about 3 months. if you are seeing it sooner, that is good. If you ordered in September, with delivery date of late october, that is great timing for sure on a custom order.

On the other hand, I know 2 people in my area with major new ML problems, which could be causing some delay. The first one the car just died, MB replaced it! The second was a closer friend, he was driving on the highway, and the thing shut down. It sat for a week or 2 at the dealer while they repalced the computer. This has scared me from purchasing my ML a bit, Im waiting to see if more stories surface. Anyone hear of, or have any issues themselves?

whynot

Just remember dealers do not work for MBUSI. Also remember dealers can tell you what ever sounds "good" at that moment. As for as build time it will depend what you have ordered and where you are located. Most all the U.S. 164's are made in plant 2 with the 251's and some ECE left hand drive 164's. Most of the ECE 164's and all the right hand drive 164's are made in plant 1 and they are in PT trials for the X164. The one thing we are doing is quality over quantity

dna2mba

I am located in New Jersey, USA and the specs are:

ML350
Color: Pewter Interior Trim Color: Macadamia (this time with the correct spelling )
317 Comfort Package
319 Lighting Package
324 Sunroof Package
326 Premium Package
057 Ipod Integration Kit
293 Rear Side Airbags
873 Heated Seats
Trailor Hitch

I love the ML but is it worth the wait? I will make sure that the dealer makes it worth my while if I have to wait by at least giving free accessories like chrome grill and chrome door inserts

Dieter

Hi,

Along similar lines my UK spec 320CDi (Sport) which was originally supposed to arrive in UK on 3rd December now isn't going to make an appearance till 27th January.

Surprisingly the car has already been built (VIN and engine numbers on MB system) so why the wait?

Any other (potential) UK owners in same (slow) boat?

Cheers,

Dieter

jean7of9

Production for my ML-500 started 13th October. Since then the eVista keeps stating that production is not complete. No word or advise about what is missing despite serious requests from MB Corporate. I feel there is a disconnection between MB and Tuscaloosa as if they were a World apart. Delay may be due to the Double Spoke 18"Wheels. However my order was booked on 20th June 2005 which would give Tuscaloosa ample time to source it.
MB can really borrow a line from BMW Computer Production Follow-up.

slsteve

Coz they mess up my first order,

My second order arrived within a week, strange lot these dealers

maxh

Hi Dieter,

I too live in the UK and have an ML 320cdi sport on order.

I am in exactly the same situation as you. The car has been built (1st week in October) and according to the system it is still at the factory. It was due to arrive 2nd week in November but now won't come until the end of December, at the earliest.

I'm still trying to get to the bottom of it, but either the dealer is useless or there is a problem the MB UK are not telling the dealers. So far I've been giving the dealer the benefit of the doubt. I won't be too hacked off if they provide a loan car until the ML arrives.

If I get any updates I'll post them.

Dieter

Hi Max,


I have heard from someone else in a similar situation that there is a shortage both of 320 CDi engines (although if it's been built I'm sure the 'lads' @ Alabama would notice the engine was missing) and Sports wheels.

I have this picture in my mind of my car standing on a pile of bricks somewhere in Alabama!!!

I'm seeing Dealer (Kent) on Wed (16/11) to find out what is happening.

Cheers,

slsteve

I have a bigger problem than you guys,


Ive been offered 7k more than i paid for mine, (i managed a 3.7k discount on new which has helped)

Big decision will take place on thursday,

My wife will kill me big time, but 7k is 7k,

Then again if i dont get a discount on another car my profit would only be 3.3k.


What do i do

Stevie B

ezwinner701

what do you mean? someone offered you 7k more than what you paid for for your new ML350?

ezwinner701

hi i'm looking to buy a ml350 in the next week. the dealership offer me invoice -$500 for any instock cars and invoice on any ordered cars. What do you think? and what kind of prices have you guys been getting?

thanks

Dieter

Hi Steve,

Can't work out how you got such a discount in the first place (even MB employees wouldn't get that much).

My suggestion. Flog it and order new 280CDi thereby pocketing approx £6K.

Cheers,

Dieter

Hi,

I have an update from my Dealer as to UK delivery delays.

It appears cars are shipped from Alabama to UK. Then shipped to Germany for quality control check. Then shipped back to UK etc.

It appears (Dealer says) MB are in the middle of a 'quality drive' etc.

If this is so (and I've no reason to doubt it) I'd prefer to wait a little for a 100% car (especially given the (minor?) teething problems published on this forum).

Cheers,

maxh

I too have had the same confirmation as you, Dieter, from our dealer in Bedforshire.

Seems that they are talking sense. It's not a bad thing that the German's are getting involved.

Here's hoping of a speedy delivery date.

slsteve

Dieter,

The discount was due to the extras on the car not being charged for,

Ie i didnt want them in the first place,


A week of negotiation led me to the discount, I think they sold the car at a loss.

jean7of9

I do not doubt the UK Dealers statement that ML's are shipped to Germany for inspection. In this case eVista should easily confirm whether your cars left Tuscaloosa and trace their whereabouts. Unfortunately they don't, and MB is not very transparent on this matter. If the UK bond ML’s are delayed for an additional German inspection, then it is quite positive and very encouraging. However how can they explain the delays (and their dead silence) in North America. My car is still sitting on the floor in Tuscaloosa since 20th October “awaiting completion”. Do they have enough floor space to keep unfinished cars standing inline for one full month???? May someone in Tuscaloosa or someone experienced with MB procedures can volunteer in sharing his knowledge with us. So far two MB executive queries on this matter to Tuscaloosa remain ignored. I’d love them to state that cars are now shipped to Germany for inspection then returned to Alabama for delivery, that would be something to write home about.