VelociRaptor

Everyones build dates have probably changed since we went back to 4 day work weeks.

spnslc

VelociRaptor, As of today, my build date still shows Aug 27 for my '10 black/cashmere ML550. That is next Thursday. So, when will it hit the assembly line?? Does it just take one day, so just Thursday? Keep watching for it!

C-rod

Sales slowing?????.............We have been working OT(1 hour), for the last 3 weeks....What is your build on a daily basis ????? Are their 2 shifts ????

VelociRaptor

2 shifts in plant II and 1 shift in plant I. We were working 7hr 5 day work weeks but that only lasted about 2 months of this year, we are now working 7.5hr 4 day work weeks. We build 200 cars a shift now in plant II and plant I does about 140 a day(there process time is 180 seconds or so). Sales never ramped up like MB predicted I guess so we went back to 4 days a week. I will keep an eye out for everyones vehicles, ML550s are something I can spot pretty easy since we dont build many of them(like 5 a shift lol). It usually takes a full day or maybe 2 days for the vehicle to go all the way through assembly so I will be watching 2 days before everyones build date. The new colors are become alot more common now so maybe they will help sales.

sosh

Checked with my dealer today and the build date for my 2010 ML550 is Sept 5th. Discovered thats a Saturday. I must have another conversation with them tomorrow.

VelociRaptor

I didnt see not one 550 last night.

sosh

Confirmed with my dealer that build date is Sept 5th. Did not know the plant worked on Sat.

VelociRaptor

It dont lol.
I didnt see any 550s last night either.

spnslc

VelociRaptor, my car was assigned its VIN on Thurs and my SW said the car was "ready" and was at the VPC. I don't know what that means as far as which day the car was completed. Does it get its VIN assignment on the day it is completed? Thanks for watching for it, though.

VelociRaptor

By what I can see the car gets its VIN physicly installed when it drops down out of paint onto Trim I assembly(or Trim 0 in plant I). Now it being assigned to a car may be done on paper as early as when its in the body shop but I kind of doubt it, paint shop I can see though.

nkole

VelociRaptor I realize this is off topic, but do you have any idea when the 2010 GL350's will start shipping to dealers?

Neil

C-rod

When our vehicles drop down from paint, the first area is Chassis, for the engine and drivetrain....

Kar don

I don't think MBUSI is a carbon copy of TMMC.

troymir350

To VelociRaptor:
Sorry to go on sidebar, but can you confirm what is being produced now on the R side? Is the R being made now? Is there a 2010 planned or direct to new design 2011 next year?
Thanks

sosh

Keep your eyes open for my ML550. Should be built any day now. MB info which I saw says the 5th which is a Saturday but you say the plant does not work on weekends. Steel Gray, Black leather, wood wheel, airmatic.

Thanks!

VelociRaptor

Built one today that was real nice, heated steering wheel(not wood, sorry), heated seats...the works. Is the steel gray the dark gray or the light gray? All I know is paint codes and not names lol. I have been looking for both grays for ya so I would catch it. This one today was dark gray(755 paint).

VelociRaptor

Been building them since July, they should be hitting the dealers any day if not already.

VelociRaptor

Not sure on that exact model(the 350) but all the cars we have been building since July have been 2010 models(or 2010.5 for China ML300 4matic which started about a few weeks ago). The GL is built in Plant I so I dont know much about them.

VelociRaptor

Trim I through Trim 6 is interior installation then it goes to Final I which is were the body is married to the chassis/engine. Then on to Trim 2 through 4 and then they are tested. This is Plant II format.

C-rod

Very cool...................

sosh

Well, big surprise, my ML550 which was scheduled for 9/05 production was actually built on 8/25 and is on the way to my dealers. Dealer called me Fri PM to let me know, said that they had an earlier slot and all materials were on hand so it was built early. Should show up any day now.

dgiturbo

The real surprise will be finding out it was probably built from that batch of 550's mentioned in post #28 back in July!!!
I was really hoping to see it built by a fellow forum member, and where the hidden secret note would be placed.
Been watching this thread and waiting with baited breath just like you Sosh. Congrats, and hope you enjoy the "air" ride.
Post a pic or 2 when it lands.

VelociRaptor

PM me the last 3 digits of the VIN and Ill tell ya if I remember it. I wrote quite a few down.

sosh

Will do as soon as I see it.

C-rod

l hope mine is 2 weeks early as well.............