E350 Coupe Order Delays

[Jules335]

Since placing my order at the end of March, there have been issues with the availability of Comand and various paint options.

I have now been advised that my car cannot be built until September production for October delivery.

This will be my first Mercedes (if it ever arrives!), having always had BMWs in the past and so far I am not overly impressed. I have never had to wait this long for a car before.

I know that the Japan earthquake is having an impact but I am being told by my dealer that these sort of delays are now becoming common place right across the range and that many customers are refusing to accept specification changes or just cancelling their orders due to the delays.

It seems as though the supply chain is so fragile that just one incident has caused chaos and is almost bringing production to a halt.

Is anyone else experiencing similar problems?

 

[NoodlerUK]

I can't say I am experiencing the same problems.

I placed my order 9th April and within 2 days I had a build date of 10/6. I am collecting from the factory and have had the letter from the personal collection team to say that the estimated collection date is 24/6.

I am just waiting for a further letter to confirm actual date and then i can finalise the flights etc.

The dealer spoke to me about the command 6 disc changer but with HD memory I don't even need a CD player.

I have ordered:

E350 Coupe Diesel with the new 265 engine
Metallic Black
Black Nappa
Piano Black Trim
Command
Harmon Karman
Dynamic Handling Pack

So not exactly standard build but still don;t seem to be experiencing the problems you are.

 

[Jules335]

Mine is the new 306 hp petrol engine rather than diesel and is also in a Designo paint colour.

However, until yesterday, I was being told that it would definitely be built in July.

Something has obviously happened to push it back by three months, possibly issues with the petrol engine or the paint.

Looks as though you have been given a firm date and so hopefully you won't be affected.

 

[NW_Merc]

When were you expecting it?

 

[Jules335]

When were you expecting it?

July/August

 

[Jules335]

I have now established that the problem is with the paint.

Mauritius Blue along with Diamond White and Tenorite Grey are all currently unavailable. I could have changed to another colour and had delivery in early July but I want a change from silver and whilst the black is nice, I don't think that it does the lines of the car justice.

I am told that my paint will be available again in September and so I will wait for a few more weeks and see what happens. I would probably also go for the Diamond White if that becomes available again. The Calcite is too much like a cream for me and in some lights looks almost like a beige colour.

If none of these become available I will cancel my order and try again next year! It is all very frustrating.

 

[Peterr_ibg]

Interesting that you've been told it's the paint.

I tried to order an E350 saloon in Tenorite Grey and got the 'not available to order due to earthquake' excuse. Also was offered silver or black for June delivery. I decided to ride it our and said I'd wait

That was mid April -A couple of weeks ago I was told 'order now accepted as per original order' delivery expected early August.

Hopefully you'll also be pleasantly surprised and get a call.

You don't think they've got a lot of Silver and Black cars they are trying to shift do you?

 

[A210AMG]

Sorry but thousands of people have lost loved ones so delaying your car a little isn't really an issue is it??