I placed an order for the 2013 MY ML550 in June 2012. My dealer has kept me informed as to the order status as info was available. The info has been sketchy up until this week. They have confirmation that the vehicle has been scheduled for production on 10/8/2012.

Here's a run down of the equipment
White Diamond Paint
Almond Leather Interior
Premium 1 Pkg
Harmon kardon
Keyless Go
20 inch AMG wheels
Leather/wood steering wheel
Lighting Package

Hopefully this info will help others that have orders pending as it appears that the 2013 MY ML550 production wave will begin shortly

 

I don't think they have a wave system much in Vance that just where your slot came up. Remember ALL ML n GL come from this plant.
PS: I think if you look at multi contour seats in S class u get an idea of how they use the Control System in the centre dash head unit. Only MLs are not dynamic active. Just massage.

 

The code is 399, "Mulicontour driver/passenger seat with massage and comfort headrest"

 

FYI GANG
You may have a build date and even get built but the point made earlier is ur truck may not be completed on your built date as It may sit waiting for parts. Sorry but this is sad reality

 

I don't think they have a wave system much in Vance that just where your slot came up. Remember ALL ML n GL come from this plant.
PS: I think if you look at multi contour seats in S class u get an idea of how they use the Control System in the centre dash head unit. Only MLs are not dynamic active. Just massage.

 

Thanks Greg!

 

Thank you again. Yes, my W164 was one of the last MY08 models before the facelift (new headlights & LED tail lights etc), but it did have the 5.5 litre engine which was a massive improvement on the 5.0 litre. I drove newer MLs a few times as loan cars during servicing, but they were all 300CDIs or 350s and I don't recall there being any control units on the outboard sides of the seats, unless you're just referring to the round button that has the NSEW 4-way switch which I think is only for lumbar support. This same 4-way switch is all I've noticed in the W166 MLs I've looked at, even the ML63.

Ok, I'm a little confused now. Your 'Drives:' section says your new W166 ML350 is on order, but you mentioned it has the multi-contour seat control unit on the door now. So have you already got the car? I assume so because you said your wife loved it. So that must also mean the option of multi-contour seats IS available here in Aus too? It'll be interesting to see what the dealer says tomorrow.

If possible, and if you have the time, could you please take a pic of that control unit on the door and post it on here? I would be forever in your debt if so.

Thanks fellow Down-Underian, I sincerely appreciate your replies & the sharing of your valuable knowledge.

Cheers!

 

Sorry I have confused you.
I do Not have multi-contour seats on order - they are not available in Oz. I was referring to the seat adjustment switches, refer the pic of the 2009 W164. These adjustment controls are on the door with the W166.

 

Keep telling u guys the MC seats don't have control buttons it uses the Command System on the dash like the S class :-)

 

Yes, I figured that one out on my own, after I sent that message last night. No dramas, thanks so much anyway.

I contacted my dealer, still waiting on a response. Just hopeless!!

 

Yes I've worked it all out now thanks to gplank's very detailed information & weblinks, thanks anyway mate

 

my order was cancelled since I ordered leather.

Out of leather? Leather shortage for ML and now E class.

I was told if I want leather, I have to wait until January to place and order and gear up for a late march or april delivery.

What is MB doing?

 

Haven't you heard about the bovine strike? Sorry, shortages of various options has pagued this model since the get go. Not sure who's to blame, but doesn't look good for MB's management.

 

Based on the words from this forum, to get a ML350 with leather one need to wait about another 6 months (no production until 2013).

So if I want to get the new car sooner, I will either get a ML350 w/o leather, or get a Jeep GC limited with leather and 15k savings. Which way would you go?

 

You're asking THIS forum? I'd go with the 350 with Sport Interior and Dinamica/MBTex seats.

 

ML any way you like GC not even close. Gregs sport idea a great alternate

 

Patience is a virtue! Why settle for less.

 

Stupid question.. Is it possible some lucky people might still be able to get leather in their built this month? I haven't heard anything from my dealership, but a built date of 10/21 a few weeks ago. I've been super busy at work so haven't gotten a chance to call them.

 

I like the picture of leather seat of your car much better. If I can't get leather, then I will go cheap and take out some other options as well.

On the other hand Jeep has increased destination charge to $995 (the true meaning of 'imported from Detroit') from Oct 1, and a few hundred dollars across the model lines. More importantly order bank for 2014 MY of Jeep GC (finally with 8 speed transmission) will open Dec.5 so there is no point buying a MY13 now.

Just checked mbusa. Items that have limited availability are:
Panorama roof; leather; and Driver assistance package.

Surprisingly the 20 in. wheel is not on the list.

For C and E class though, nothing with limited availability, not even leather.

Hopefully the situation will get better soon.

 

According to my SA, someone working through my dealer got a build date in Dec with leather. Unfortunately they couldn't change that build to a Bluetec, otherwise it would've been mine. Maybe Jan for me, fingers crossed.

 

In september I placed an order for an october build, november delivery with leather. The SA and SM came back and said they have to cancel as the order for leather will not be taken....until January. The decided to place the order anyway to see what might happen....special note to build with leather if it comes available. Most likely it will come back with MB Tex at which point I can take that build or wait. They didn't require me to put down a deposit.

I will plan to wait.

 

350 bt ordered September 11, advised delivery date January 29.

AMG exterior pack
21 inch wheels
Airmatic
Leather
Intelligent Light pack
Driver assistance pack
Convenience pack
And lots of other pack stuff that is standard in OZ

 

We have thought about ordering a 2013 bluetech with leather. It is ridiculous how long it is seems like it is taking to build these cars. How can MB have shortages on anything? On other manufactures we have thought about ordering one Porsche Cayenne Diesel and BMW X5 diesel, there are no parts shortages.

Prefer to stick with MB, but they need to gt their supply chain fixed....

 

Saying that.. Porsche is still running a 4 month production delay from order for Cayenne.. which is pretty much the same time frame I got for the ML..

 

Ordered my ML 550 in June. Got word from dealer that vehicle was built and released to MBUSA on 10/10/12. The good news is that is was built as ordered with almond leather. Did not order pano roof or handling package. Bottom line is the vehicle should hit the dealer in about 10 days.