Approved Used GLB query - production slot spec vs registration date

[AshRajan]

So (yes I know maybe dumbly) I recently bought an Approved Used GLB online from a franchised dealer, not asking lots of questions because it said Premium Plus package Night Edition - I just looked up the Mercedes GLB Specification handbook for cars 'effective from Feb 2023 production'. I assumed the standard equipment spec listed in this would be in the car - a couple of things my wife was keen on was the Easy Pack tailgate and electric, programmable seats, and run flats. In any case, the car arrived without these, so asked the dealership, and I was told that the cars are specified many months before registration - the actual production slot for this car relates to Aug 2022-Jan 2023 specification. The handbook for cars 'effective from Aug 2022 production' it does confirm that the Premium Plus does not have electric seats or easy-pack tailgate.

Anyway, not end of world, but just wanted to double check this is widely accepted and known about - will have to put it down to a learning experience...also, do the GLBs normally come with runflats, or is this an optional extra from the factory spec?

Thanks!

 

[Dryce]

Anyway, not end of world, but just wanted to double check this is widely accepted and known about - will have to put it down to a learning experience...also, do the GLBs normally come with runflats, or is this an optional extra from the factory spec?

We've had a few cars over the years where the spec has been a bit confusing.

After a model year change or facelift manufacturers may have some pre-change/facelift models that are registered after the first of the changed/facelift models. As a model is run out manufacturers may produce late runs where there isn't much publicity but the cars have slightly different specs from what you'd expect from he brochures - additions or omissions. So it might be trim/alloys - but it might also be technical features such as reversing cameras or suspension.

Cars built in the aftermath of Covid may have had some features / options omitted.

Also if researching a car be wary of journalists' statements about specs as the cars they are given to test drive at launch in Europe may not be quite the same as those actually sold in the UK market.

 

[liamt]

As above, many cars from 2022 had options omitted due to a shortage of parts (chip shortage). Having said that, it is quite normal for Mercedes to slightly change the specifications of their cars frequently. For example, my brother bought a new A200 Saloon Premium Plus a month ago. He was looking at two cars that were built two days apart, both Premium Plus. The first one had the usual AMG line silver wheels, tinted rear windows and Augmented Reality as part of the options list. The second, which he went for, had the full Night Edition Package with black AMG alloys, tinted rear windows but not Augmented Reality. Instead the car had the heated steering wheel. He was able to fully compare the specs as our usual salesman pulled off the Oasis Reports for both cars. According to the brochure as of 11th September all Premium Plus A Class models get the full night package with a slightly different spec. The first car was built on the 10th September and the car he bought was built on 12th. Two days between them and a sigificant spec change. The best way to see the exact spec of the car is to request the Oasis report if buying from a Mercedes dealer, or using one of the many vin decoders if you have the VIN number.

 

[AshRajan]

Thanks both - yup, sounds like was our miss for not interrogating the reports in more detail - will ask for the Oasis next time!!

 

[markjay]

As above. However, I would double check that the car is indeed as advertised - I.e. 'Premium Plus package Night Edition' - dealers have Been known to (ahmm...) make mistakes when describing cars in ads.

 

[Dryce]

Thanks both - yup, sounds like was our miss for not interrogating the reports in more detail - will ask for the Oasis next time!!

It's only your 'miss' in the sense that the manufacturers and dealers allow this confusion to occur in the first place.

As a consumer you shouldn't have to check or verify details - you should be in a position where you are clearly informed.

Things have got worse as cars have got more complicated and it will get worse still with some features being 'enabled' either permanently or by subscription.

My MB has a confusing list of stuff - different expiry dates - most of it is cr*p I don't really care about. The bits I did want are poorly explained (not just me , but also the dealer was confused on some stuff). And the satnav that I don't want looks like it is tied in with ECO mode so while it is a subscription it is also tied into the engine and transmission management. The cr*p is all tied into different packages which further confuses things.