Tony007

I'm just curious if there are any production delays with the ML.

I have loaded 13' ML63 on order and the dealer is saying that there is some part or something that is holding up the build.

Does anyone have any information if there are production delays for the ML63 due to parts shortages, etc?

dougiebear

Why don't you believe them??????? All MLs in delay for many things Leather the biggy now

LazKat

I don't understand. How can there be a shortage of leather? Every steakhouse I go to is packed! All I want is some of the original packaging those steaks come in! Will I ever see my truck? I was hoping for delivery by Thanksgiving but now I've lowered my expectations to what... Easter?

dougiebear

Just saw an email I almost can't believe. About 2300 ML-GL in a lot awaiting delayed parts and delivery slots. WOW so many they can't even update the database fast enough

iankayem

Have the volumes of production gone through the roof?
Or is it just some options have not been delivered?

dougiebear

A bit of both I believe and seems like many are Loaded.

gplank

The story I heard from the dealer is that MB has switched leather suppliers, with the transition resulting in the shortage. But it sounds like bone-headed logistics mismanagement to me.

soomba

I also have ordered my ML in June and it was going to be derivered in Aug. However, my delar told me due to the "hold" of some parts, my derivery schedule is now Oct!! My ML is then just in a lot for more than two months?? Man! I dont have the leather but MBtex. I am wondering what parts are holding my ML!

Benz Werd

I ordered my ML500 back in June for an early November delivery. Now I've been told delivery is going to be around 31 December. Apparently it's due to the ON/OFF Road Pack and Panoramic sunroof, there's a shortage of these items I'm told. I also have Designo leather but there was no mention of leather shortages.

rexgold

I asked my Sales person if there were delays and all he could confirm was that
"So far so good the production has been confirmed."

So I am still looking at getting my car on the 23-24 Oct 2012.. fingers crossed...

Tony007

Got confirmation from the dealer that it is the Panorama sunroof that's holding up the build.

They were told that everything else on it is good to go..

They said this shortage is affecting builds on all the ML's.

rexgold

Ahh nice.. I have got that option!!!

soomba

Well i dont have that option so there must be something else.

RChpmn

It's leather holding up mine.

gplank

I, too, have heard from the dealer about MLs being stockpiled outside the factory, waiting for their leather seats. So, also keeping fingers crossed that this will clear up by the time mine rolls into production.

Fortunately, I didn't order the Pano roof. At first it was a must-have for me and one of the reasons my 2012 order was delayed, leading to me eventually canceling the 2012 and going for a 2013 (and its upgraded features).

But after seeing the Pano roof in person and noticing the limitations with the cover (i.e., semi-transparent and can't crack the front without also opening the back), I began to think twice. I realized that I always keep the sunroof cover closed on my existing vehicle because I like a darker cabin when driving around sunny So. Cal., for both privacy reasons and less glare in my eyes. My dealer also mentioned that Pano roofs tend to make for a hotter cabin -- despite the supposed 'heat-resistant' glass. I also began to wonder what would happen if for some unfortunate reason my ML rolled or skidded onto its roof. One main reasons I'm buying an ML is for safety reasons....its unique technology makes it the safest SUV on the road. After recently totaling my X5 (with me as a passenger), safety is now #1 for me.

So, all together, I decided it would be better for me to apply the cost of the Pano to the new multi-contour seats. Ordering the seats delayed my build since they were not available to order until the end of September, but I think it will be worth it. I had them in the X5 and they really made the seat super comfortable and help to keep me planted on those hairpin turns. Since I'm getting Active Curve, they seem even more essential.

So, if you're looking for a reason to ditch the Pano, these might be some good ones. Otherwise, I've heard back seat passengers really like it.

rexgold

I can't change my order now so will just have to wait and see!!! I did not select the Multi Contour seats as we don't tend to drive that long distance...

gplank

I've been told by a dealer's inventory manager that sometimes the factory will give you an option to proceed without a option that has become temporarily unavailable. I was warned this might happen with ordering leather, that I might get a call from the dealer asking if I would want to change my order to MB-tex. I will, of course, decline if that happens...I have a few weeks to wait until it goes into production.

To be sure, the Multi-contour seats are not important only for driving long distances. They would come in handy for short trips where you want to be secure in your seat upon sharp turns at high speed. Of course, if you aren't getting Active Curve, there will be less of a tendency to want to produce those lateral g-forces that might shift you around in your seat.

GregW / Oregon

This is true - happened to me with the lighting package. I waited it out.

The Sport Seats are an option that hold you pretty well.

gplank

Yep, and they look fantastic, too. In fact, I think the leather looks a little better than the standard leather. I wonder if that's true.

You also get that cool steering wheel and pedals with that Sports Interior. All together, it made for a very tempting package for me. The one big drawback for me was that they couldn't be ordered with the vent seats. I know in cool northern Oregon that's not a big deal, but I travel to warm places where I will likely appreciate them.

RChpmn

I would've ordered the sport interior too, if only you could get it with ventilated seats.

GregW / Oregon

Well, it's been 80-90 here last month+ and don't feel the need for the vents. But, I've never had them, and maybe if I had I couldn't live w/o them, like Keyless Go.

Benz Werd

Hmm Multi Contour seats. The one thing I noticed missing from the new MLs here in Aus, and when I asked the dealer they said it's no longer fitted/available. I even sat in a new ML63 and there was nothing. My old W164 ML500 had it, even though it was a bit of a pain because the control unit poked out from the corner of the seat and got in the way of your leg a bit. Got used to it after a while, but the features of it were fantastic.

The set up on the W212 E-Classes is great where it's tucked into a nice slim control unit between the seat & centre console. I figured the W166 would be the same, but from what I've seen here in Aus there's nothing at all.

Does anybody have any pics of the control unit in the new MLs? And if possible a code please, so I can ask my dealer about it. Or if no pics perhaps a weblink please. I can't find anything on the MBUSA website, or in the US brochure for the MLs. Thanks in advance!!

dougiebear

Its controlled by the Command System and is not active with steering

rexgold

Ok will check with the dealer on this...

iankayem

Your W164 was a 2007. The control unit you talk about was deleted in 2008 when the seat controls went to the outboard side of the seat.

The W166 has them on the door, which my wife loves, but my gripe is I prefer them on the seat.