DougE

Crap. When I did my deposit the deal was sticker. Any comments from the board on simililar experiences? I'm just gonna wait for the price to settle down. Perhaps the dealer will come back to me before to long.

amg55

If "the deal" was for an MSRP delivery, then that's what they owe you, obviously.
If your assumption was that this was understood but not clearly written anywhere, then you may be at their mercy.
Of course any dealer who values your business won't try to jack you around like that if there was indeed an agreement for an MSRP deal.

Did you get a deposit receipt?
Does it refer to 'purchase at MSRP'?
With whom did you strike this deal?

HarvE55

IF your dealer is being unethical. Try another dealer. I know of a dealer who has 2003 E55 build spots at MSRP. I am sure there are other out there also.

JAYCL600

That is unfortunate There are cars out there that can be delivered in 03. Good luck. Dont stress you will get one, if you hit a road block, email me jwade@greateratlantic.net

rickyfanmdr

I had a similar experience and ended up buying my 2003 E320 from a different dealer (great experience). The original dealer had my deposit money almost 9 months, and I never got a car! Your car can just evaporate (to a higher bidder???), and I can't believe how creative the dealer can get with the lies.

In the future, I'll make sure over the phone that the car exists, negotiate my price and make my deal on the phone, THEN go in!

I hope you get your car and have a better experience than I did!

Dr Chill

Tell your dealer that if he doesn't honor your original agreement that he should refund your deposit and you will never buy any future cars from him since he is an a**hole. You will definitely find another car elsewhere especially if you want a 2003. The early 2004 models may be slightly harder. Good luck but don't cave in to this piece of crap car dealer.

Tezta

Not sure on MBUSA's rules but I think maybe the dealer is trying to give you some BS so you will drop out but they will still recieve the car, then they would mark up the car to make a real profit instead of making a few thousand selling at MSRP to you.

KrispyK

I'd talk to an attorney and see what my rights were under this deposit. Perhaps the threat of litigation will make him think twice ...

MN-E55

Never do business with a dealer that wants to charge over MSRP for ANYTHING. I think it's unethical for a franchised dealer to try to hose you for a car that may (or may not) be in short supply. If he doesn't relent, let us know who it is so we can all stay away from that dealer.

Some dealers are selling SL55's and the like over MSRP but these are often cars that they have purchased from other parties or dealers - not cars they took on original delivery.

simonjb

What is the theory as to why a 2004 will be harder to get than a 2003? Is this due to nav system or other options?

E55 KEV

This is just the beginning! I have heard of these type of dealer antics before. There will be many more when the cars come in and they smell blood (money)!

I heard a story that the dealer actually added the Dealer Markup when the customer went to get his car after it arrived at the dealership which was ordered at MSRP. The dealer cited "Market Demand".

HarvE55

Simon,

With delivery starting in May, and many people getting their NEW 2003 in July, and compounded by no Nav, I think alot of people did as I and asked ttheir dealers to move them to a early delivery 2004. I would expect that 2004 E55's will be made in Late July or August and be de;ivered in the US about 6 to 8 weeks later,

rvmasi

I understand MBenz USA seriously frowns upon dealer mark-ups beyond MSRP. If you decide to place your deposit with another dealer, I'd nuke your current dealer with a formal complaint to MBenz USA.