Production Delays?
10-12-2012, 02:44 PM
#51
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From the Factory web site: http://www.mbusi.com
"MBUSI uses “Just-in-Time” (JIT). It is a manufacturing method based on the idea that we don’t stockpile large amounts of the inventory we use to assemble our Mercedes. In fact, in the assembly shop we only keep about 2 hours of inventory on line, whereas in the body shop we have approx. three hours line side."
You can imagine the headaches whenever procurement falls behind.
"MBUSI uses “Just-in-Time” (JIT). It is a manufacturing method based on the idea that we don’t stockpile large amounts of the inventory we use to assemble our Mercedes. In fact, in the assembly shop we only keep about 2 hours of inventory on line, whereas in the body shop we have approx. three hours line side."
You can imagine the headaches whenever procurement falls behind.
10-12-2012, 02:51 PM
#52
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2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
From the Factory web site: http://www.mbusi.com
"MBUSI uses “Just-in-Time” (JIT). It is a manufacturing method based on the idea that we don’t stockpile large amounts of the inventory we use to assemble our Mercedes. In fact, in the assembly shop we only keep about 2 hours of inventory on line, whereas in the body shop we have approx. three hours line side."
You can imagine the headaches whenever procurement falls behind.
"MBUSI uses “Just-in-Time” (JIT). It is a manufacturing method based on the idea that we don’t stockpile large amounts of the inventory we use to assemble our Mercedes. In fact, in the assembly shop we only keep about 2 hours of inventory on line, whereas in the body shop we have approx. three hours line side."
You can imagine the headaches whenever procurement falls behind.
10-12-2012, 03:17 PM
#53
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2013 ML550 2014 CLS550
Bussiness is good
My understanding from someone who works for a supplier to the Vance Ala. plant is that they running 3 shifts around the clock to keep up with the ML and GL demand. I think the boys in Stutgart need to put down tbe bratworst and the beer mug and get crack-a-lackin on their just in time(when we get a chance) supply chain.
Here in the states MBUSA is spending a ton of money on TV ads promoting both the new ML and GL. So after seeing an ad you rush down to your local dealer who has maybe 1 or 2 MLs on the lot and are told that to get the vehicle your way put in an order and wait 4 months.
What a way to run a company!
Here in the states MBUSA is spending a ton of money on TV ads promoting both the new ML and GL. So after seeing an ad you rush down to your local dealer who has maybe 1 or 2 MLs on the lot and are told that to get the vehicle your way put in an order and wait 4 months.
What a way to run a company!
10-12-2012, 04:15 PM
#54
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2013 ML350BTC
4 Months, indeed. We gave the dealer our order and deposit the last day of April 2012. We are expecting to see the vehicle in early December. We got caught in: 1. MY13 change over, 2. Delayed certification of 2013 bluetec, and 3. Delayed availability of JIT options. Anyway you look at it, 7+ months is 7+ months. That can't be good for business. We're wondering how crazy we really are to be waiting this long. The other 3 vehicles I've ordered (from US manufacturers) have all arrived in a combined total of less than 7 months.
10-12-2012, 07:14 PM
#55
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4 Months, indeed. We gave the dealer our order and deposit the last day of April 2012. We are expecting to see the vehicle in early December. We got caught in: 1. MY13 change over, 2. Delayed certification of 2013 bluetec, and 3. Delayed availability of JIT options. Anyway you look at it, 7+ months is 7+ months. That can't be good for business. We're wondering how crazy we really are to be waiting this long. The other 3 vehicles I've ordered (from US manufacturers) have all arrived in a combined total of less than 7 months.
I'd be shopping for another car from another dealer. I don't know about dealer policies where you are, but here on the east coast I've ordered my last 4 MB's without paying a dime up front.
10-13-2012, 12:59 AM
#56
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4 Months, indeed. We gave the dealer our order and deposit the last day of April 2012. We are expecting to see the vehicle in early December. We got caught in: 1. MY13 change over, 2. Delayed certification of 2013 bluetec, and 3. Delayed availability of JIT options. Anyway you look at it, 7+ months is 7+ months. That can't be good for business. We're wondering how crazy we really are to be waiting this long. The other 3 vehicles I've ordered (from US manufacturers) have all arrived in a combined total of less than 7 months.
10-13-2012, 06:27 AM
#57
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Just got informed by my dealer that my car has arrived in the UK and should be with him on Tue/Wed next week. Hope to collect it in a few days after!!!!
10-13-2012, 06:19 PM
#58
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2013 ML350
My up-front deposit (paid at end of July) was $5K. It's my first MB and maybe because I'm not a regular customer?
My Lexus took 6 months to deliver. Maybe because my current truck has become trouble-prone my patience is wearing thin...
10-14-2012, 07:32 AM
#59
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I was ready to get rid of an X5 that had about 6 months left on warranty.
I was considering a sedan, and the LS460 had been introduced fairly recently. They showed me the one they had on hand, & told me I could give them some money now, & they would call me when one became available.
OTOH, the MB dealer in MD had a bunch of E class sedans in stock. I test drove the 350 & the 550, & fell for the 550. Salesman pulled up what was already on order, modified one to my exact desires, and told me about two months for it to come in. No money down, no signed sales agreement.
This was my first visit ever to this dealer.
Hope yours does not get delayed much longer. Do you have leather seating? If that is the hold up, it's not worth the wait IMO. Out of 6 MB's we have owned, only 2 have/had leather seats. The MB tex is pretty good stuff.
10-15-2012, 02:08 AM
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It goes without saying she wins arguments, but this is not an argument. 
No car has ever or will ever been built exactly how I or anyone really likes it. We always have to accept a compromise.
The secret is keeping thase compromises to a minimum.
No car has ever or will ever been built exactly how I or anyone really likes it. We always have to accept a compromise.
The secret is keeping thase compromises to a minimum.
10-23-2012, 04:11 AM
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'13 ML350BT, E280CDI, C220CDI
Delays on ML in Australia
Good to see I'm not alone.
Like AussieBenzLover I'm having an extended wait for my new ML - a 350 Bluetec. I have ordered it with what seems to be the offending features, Distronic Plus, Off Road Package, Leather, sunroof to name a few. The order was placed in May-12 with expected end of July production and Sept delivery.
Production slipped to the end of August with expected delivery to early October. Expected delivery has since slipped to late November.
The Dealer has been great and kept me up to date. While I got the VIN following the end of Aug-12 production, so far only “expected delivery” and as of today it is still not on a ship
I just hope that with all the delays MB has kept an extra diligent eye on quality. I fear the delays in parts could result in the factory having a few goes at putting the vehicle together and potentially result in a low quality troublesome vehicle.
Does anyone know how vehicle construction is handled when parts are not available – is the vehicle construction only started when all parts are available and then made in one run down the assemble line or completed in stages as missing parts arrive? and... Has anyone received a 2013 build ML – has it been trouble free?
I’m very much looking forward to taking delivery of the ML as from the extended test drive of a 350BlueTec, I thought it was an exceptional vehicle, very quiet, smooth, comfortable with excellent urge. I really like the driver assist features but a pity about only a space saver spare. I have already ordered a fully size spare and will have to somehow fit it in for outback trips.
Thanks for the great thread.
Like AussieBenzLover I'm having an extended wait for my new ML - a 350 Bluetec. I have ordered it with what seems to be the offending features, Distronic Plus, Off Road Package, Leather, sunroof to name a few. The order was placed in May-12 with expected end of July production and Sept delivery.
Production slipped to the end of August with expected delivery to early October. Expected delivery has since slipped to late November.
The Dealer has been great and kept me up to date. While I got the VIN following the end of Aug-12 production, so far only “expected delivery” and as of today it is still not on a ship
I just hope that with all the delays MB has kept an extra diligent eye on quality. I fear the delays in parts could result in the factory having a few goes at putting the vehicle together and potentially result in a low quality troublesome vehicle.
Does anyone know how vehicle construction is handled when parts are not available – is the vehicle construction only started when all parts are available and then made in one run down the assemble line or completed in stages as missing parts arrive? and... Has anyone received a 2013 build ML – has it been trouble free?
I’m very much looking forward to taking delivery of the ML as from the extended test drive of a 350BlueTec, I thought it was an exceptional vehicle, very quiet, smooth, comfortable with excellent urge. I really like the driver assist features but a pity about only a space saver spare. I have already ordered a fully size spare and will have to somehow fit it in for outback trips.
Thanks for the great thread.
Last edited by ChristoFir; 10-23-2012 at 04:22 AM.
10-23-2012, 06:41 AM
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ML350 BT soon......pleeeease. GOT IT NOW....Wooooo
ChristoFir
My understanding of production lines is that your vehicle will not run the line unless and until all components are available. The logistics and extra costs prohibit part assembly now and finish later......!
Regarding the Space Saver spare wheel.......when I eventually get delivery of my 350bt, the spare will reside in the same spot in my garage as the "full spare" from my Jeep did for 12 years. I ride motorcycles all over the country and don't carry a spare wheel..
With tubeless tyres it is quicker and easier to shove a can of "blow up and seal" in the tyre and keep driving. I also carry a very small 12 volt compressor and tubeless tyre repair plugs.
I know this is not for everyone, but once you have fixed a tubeless tyre on the run you know how simple it is. In most cases you can just blow up the tyre and drive on, as tubeless tyres usually only lose pressure very slowly. The trick is " don't remove the nail that is causing the problem".
Lee..............waiting waiting waiting.
My understanding of production lines is that your vehicle will not run the line unless and until all components are available. The logistics and extra costs prohibit part assembly now and finish later......!
Regarding the Space Saver spare wheel.......when I eventually get delivery of my 350bt, the spare will reside in the same spot in my garage as the "full spare" from my Jeep did for 12 years. I ride motorcycles all over the country and don't carry a spare wheel..
With tubeless tyres it is quicker and easier to shove a can of "blow up and seal" in the tyre and keep driving. I also carry a very small 12 volt compressor and tubeless tyre repair plugs.
I know this is not for everyone, but once you have fixed a tubeless tyre on the run you know how simple it is. In most cases you can just blow up the tyre and drive on, as tubeless tyres usually only lose pressure very slowly. The trick is " don't remove the nail that is causing the problem".
Lee..............waiting waiting waiting.
10-23-2012, 08:12 AM
#64
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Hang tight Chris, just hound your dealer and you will be advised the ship details. As you have the VIN, it can't be far away from shipment.
As for the spare, I giggle at Lee's reply. Whilst his method is good for covering minor punctures which are fairly rare, the standard pressure loss warning will indicate a problem in time to get to a tyre service before disaster strikes. But if you stake a tyre (even rarer) the space saver will cover the day.
My last 6 cars never used the spare, but I would far prefer any spare rather than the goo.
As for the spare, I giggle at Lee's reply. Whilst his method is good for covering minor punctures which are fairly rare, the standard pressure loss warning will indicate a problem in time to get to a tyre service before disaster strikes. But if you stake a tyre (even rarer) the space saver will cover the day.
My last 6 cars never used the spare, but I would far prefer any spare rather than the goo.
10-23-2012, 11:23 PM
#65
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'13 ML350BT, E280CDI, C220CDI
Space Saver Spare
The dealer says that the car is in a yard awaiting shipping. I must admit it seems a long time from an end of Aug production for it to be (still) waiting to get on a ship.
I'm rather conservative when it comes to a good spare.
I've done many trips with no tyre problems but two have been corkers - Gibb River Road done it three times, twice with no problems, once with 3 flats - stones straight through the middle of the tread. Birdsville track one clean run, one with two flats - one sidewall, one centre of tread.
With the outback flats, all bar one - the hole or slit was too big for a decent external repair kit fix and I think a can of blow & seal would at best only be a very short term fix. At least with a full size spare there is some probability of doing the remaining “Murphy’s” 100's of k to a town. Why is it that the worst flats occur about half way?
While the ordered 350BT is coming with standard 20" rims (and tyre pressure monitoring), I was planning on getting a set of the optional Merc 18" rims for the "big" trip. What are your thoughts on this strategy and any comments on tyre choice?
From past performance I would probably lean towards AT style BF Goodrich or maybe Coopers.
I have already done most of the serious Outback treks, inc Simpson 3 times, Tamani x 2, Cape York etc (in Nissan Patrols and Landcruisers), & we don't plan to do the Canning or Gunbarrel (at least not in the ML) so it would be mainly to cover some of the more minor excursions and back roads. With our 3 kids now grown up we will be lightly loaded with just the two of us and basic gear.
Ps MLee, What type of Bike did you take to the tip?
I'm rather conservative when it comes to a good spare.
I've done many trips with no tyre problems but two have been corkers - Gibb River Road done it three times, twice with no problems, once with 3 flats - stones straight through the middle of the tread. Birdsville track one clean run, one with two flats - one sidewall, one centre of tread.
With the outback flats, all bar one - the hole or slit was too big for a decent external repair kit fix and I think a can of blow & seal would at best only be a very short term fix. At least with a full size spare there is some probability of doing the remaining “Murphy’s” 100's of k to a town. Why is it that the worst flats occur about half way?
While the ordered 350BT is coming with standard 20" rims (and tyre pressure monitoring), I was planning on getting a set of the optional Merc 18" rims for the "big" trip. What are your thoughts on this strategy and any comments on tyre choice?
From past performance I would probably lean towards AT style BF Goodrich or maybe Coopers.
I have already done most of the serious Outback treks, inc Simpson 3 times, Tamani x 2, Cape York etc (in Nissan Patrols and Landcruisers), & we don't plan to do the Canning or Gunbarrel (at least not in the ML) so it would be mainly to cover some of the more minor excursions and back roads. With our 3 kids now grown up we will be lightly loaded with just the two of us and basic gear.
Ps MLee, What type of Bike did you take to the tip?
Last edited by ChristoFir; 10-23-2012 at 11:26 PM.
10-24-2012, 02:52 AM
#66
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Spacesaver
Chris, either you have had bad luck, or you have been overloaded, or had too high a pressure for those roads.
Take a balloon, half blow it up and poke it with a pin. It will flex.
Blow it up full and poke it - bang!
Tyres are the same. Let them down and as long as you monitor them for heat, you should be safe.
I suggest 18psi for those roads, maybe 15psi for Canning or Simpson.
However with 20" wheels, you will break all yor rims. The 18" sound a much better idea if not 17". But don't buy W164 rims as they rub. Maybe the AMG 18" will work so I am awaiting delivery of my car (2 weeks) before I can confirm.
Maybe Sunraysia can make up some steel rims. (I hear purists gasping already, but at least you can hammer them back to shape.)
Goodrich AT are great. Coopers promise long life but grip is compromised.
Finally, I would not take the ML on the Canning. It broke the suspension of the G-wagons, and you could not fit the fuel anyway.
Take a balloon, half blow it up and poke it with a pin. It will flex.
Blow it up full and poke it - bang!
Tyres are the same. Let them down and as long as you monitor them for heat, you should be safe.
I suggest 18psi for those roads, maybe 15psi for Canning or Simpson.
However with 20" wheels, you will break all yor rims. The 18" sound a much better idea if not 17". But don't buy W164 rims as they rub. Maybe the AMG 18" will work so I am awaiting delivery of my car (2 weeks) before I can confirm.
Maybe Sunraysia can make up some steel rims. (I hear purists gasping already, but at least you can hammer them back to shape.)
Goodrich AT are great. Coopers promise long life but grip is compromised.
Finally, I would not take the ML on the Canning. It broke the suspension of the G-wagons, and you could not fit the fuel anyway.
10-24-2012, 03:46 AM
#67
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'13 ML350BT, E280CDI, C220CDI
Thanks for that.
We were certainly near/at max weight for all 20 odd trips but I think the major part of the problem with the punctures was that the roads had been recently graded leaving a lot of shap split rocks that just sliced straight through.
The puncture problems were common to many of the vehicles on the each trip and likewise the absence of punctures .... bad luck yep... but roads get graded so there is little choice to being prepared.
The W1166 Australian spec has a NC option of 18" rims in the M-Class Specifications document:-
code R41
18-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels -
F & R: 255/55 R18 on 8 J x 18 ET56
I'm thinking this looks to be the easy option as there is no question that the rim/tyre size is suitable/approved/Insurable for the vehicle. Certainly I would prefer a 17" option if it available.
We were certainly near/at max weight for all 20 odd trips but I think the major part of the problem with the punctures was that the roads had been recently graded leaving a lot of shap split rocks that just sliced straight through.
The puncture problems were common to many of the vehicles on the each trip and likewise the absence of punctures .... bad luck yep... but roads get graded so there is little choice to being prepared.
The W1166 Australian spec has a NC option of 18" rims in the M-Class Specifications document:-
code R41
18-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels -
F & R: 255/55 R18 on 8 J x 18 ET56
I'm thinking this looks to be the easy option as there is no question that the rim/tyre size is suitable/approved/Insurable for the vehicle. Certainly I would prefer a 17" option if it available.
10-24-2012, 04:17 AM
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ML350 BT soon......pleeeease. GOT IT NOW....Wooooo
SNIP
Ps MLee, What type of Bike did you take to the tip?[/QUOTE]
Ural sidecar..... Woops, forgot this one has a spare wheel. Didn't need it though!
Also think the 18's with suitable off road tyres would be the best option even if the ML had a full spare. I have ordered the 21 inch wheels and will most likely go the 18's as optional set for the odd trip in the scrub. Gibb river road is in the diary for 2014. Probably towing trailer with the Ural on board, so I could take a set of wheels with me.
Lee
Ps MLee, What type of Bike did you take to the tip?[/QUOTE]
Ural sidecar..... Woops, forgot this one has a spare wheel. Didn't need it though!
Also think the 18's with suitable off road tyres would be the best option even if the ML had a full spare. I have ordered the 21 inch wheels and will most likely go the 18's as optional set for the odd trip in the scrub. Gibb river road is in the diary for 2014. Probably towing trailer with the Ural on board, so I could take a set of wheels with me.
Lee
10-24-2012, 04:54 AM
#69
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MLee, I am glad you have the desire to change to 18's for the Gibb River, which is IMHO the most beautiful part of the outback.
It will be easy going for the ML, and perhaps one could think the 21's could do the job, but once you overtake the grader you will know otherwise.
Take note the 265/40R21's (and your space saver spare) are about 745mm diameter. If you go to 18's you will need 265/55R18 at 748mm diameter, preferable to the standard 255/55R18 at 737mm diameter.
As I spend a lot of time in the Alps nowadays, I am hoping for winter tyres of 255/65R17 or 255/60R18 both 763mm. They are bigger but I am not that far from a tyre service if disaster occurs.
It will be easy going for the ML, and perhaps one could think the 21's could do the job, but once you overtake the grader you will know otherwise.
Take note the 265/40R21's (and your space saver spare) are about 745mm diameter. If you go to 18's you will need 265/55R18 at 748mm diameter, preferable to the standard 255/55R18 at 737mm diameter.
As I spend a lot of time in the Alps nowadays, I am hoping for winter tyres of 255/65R17 or 255/60R18 both 763mm. They are bigger but I am not that far from a tyre service if disaster occurs.
10-24-2012, 05:43 PM
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10-24-2012, 06:30 PM
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'13 ML350BT, E280CDI, C220CDI
18" Rims & Tyres (255/55 R18)
I'll be interested to hear how you go with the 18's and tyre selection.
Looking on the net last night BFG doesn't seem to have an 18 but for 255/55 R18 Pirelli has a good range, Michelin chooice of 3 and Coopers choice of 2 (Zeon & CTS). None of those seem to be a serious AT though.
Looking on the net last night BFG doesn't seem to have an 18 but for 255/55 R18 Pirelli has a good range, Michelin chooice of 3 and Coopers choice of 2 (Zeon & CTS). None of those seem to be a serious AT though.
Last edited by ChristoFir; 10-24-2012 at 10:53 PM. Reason: removed automatic links and inserted Manufacturers Links
10-24-2012, 07:34 PM
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Egg on my face.
I was using a non specific size listing. When I did as you and check the manufacturers lists, I see that 265/55R18 is apparently not made.
So you will have to decide to go larger or smaller subject to your tread preference.
I was using a non specific size listing. When I did as you and check the manufacturers lists, I see that 265/55R18 is apparently not made.
So you will have to decide to go larger or smaller subject to your tread preference.
10-24-2012, 11:20 PM
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'13 ML350BT, E280CDI, C220CDI
Hi Ian,
I think you will be tackling the 18" tyres before me, so I'll follow with interest.
My ML is still showing "expected delivery" on 21-Nov-12, so I'm hoping to receive confirmation from the dealer next week that the car is on the "Tamerlane" which departed Savannah GA on the 20-Oct and is due Port Kembla on the 20-Nov. (Link to Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics)
Chris
I think you will be tackling the 18" tyres before me, so I'll follow with interest.
My ML is still showing "expected delivery" on 21-Nov-12, so I'm hoping to receive confirmation from the dealer next week that the car is on the "Tamerlane" which departed Savannah GA on the 20-Oct and is due Port Kembla on the 20-Nov. (Link to Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics)
Chris
