Coming to NevadaJack's Garage

[Alwing]

Congratulations, NevadaJack! Hopefully you'll enjoy your future car as much as your current one!
I'm looking forward to your delivery and pictures!
Hopefully you'll get a good price for you S430!

JAck....did you go for the sportpackage?

imo, you should take the AMG exterior. Looks soooo much better!!

No, he didn't. The reason why he has the AMG package on his current S430 was because it was a standard equipment I think.
This time he goes for a limo/comfort ride, so no AMG on his S550.
But still...I've seen some new S-classes without AMG package, it still looks good and classy, way better than I expected from the photo's.

 

[NevadaJack]

Re:NOT Coming to NevadaJack's Garage

Sorry to say guys but I am cancelling my plans for the S550. I read the below document late yesterday and based on the content decided this is not the time to order a S550:

http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=138453

I know this is the German Car Zone but what is with MB! How can a company plan for so long to introduce a model and then not be able to deliver it Unforeseen demand is BS...they have had a pre-order list for almost a year in the US and have been selling it in Europe for over 3 or more months. They had pre S owners of 9 years looking for a new model to buy. Someone screwed up and I hope Dieter finds him or them.

For the first time in my life I went to the Lexus site this morning and viewed the video on the new LS460L and I am impressed. I got on their mailing list for updates and in the Fall will drive one and see what Lexus is all about. I don't think I am alone...there are many upset MB buyers right now and I just wonder how many will be thinking the same way?

Anyway the S550 hype is over....

 

[GTA45E]

Well Jack, it`s sad that you cancelled your S550. I don`t doubt the letter though. Unforeseen Demand! the new S-Class must really be popular and the orders must be crazy!

 

[LaArtist]

hmm this is not much to compain about imo.. hot car long wait..its like that for all brands

 

[NevadaJack]

I am sorry but it is not just a simple demand problem. You show me a luxury car manufacturer who introduces a new model and less than a month after intro, there are no options available for people who have had their order in for months. We are not talking about the night vision or rearview camera...but basics like Keyless Go, seats, Trunk openers, rear window sunshades and ABC, all known to be very popular options in the states. A shortage of Trunk Openers...

MB made a major management error in this introduction. They apparently stopped production of the W220 too soon and started production of the W221 too early before they had the supply chains full. Another thing is the introduction of the S450 in the US. It was to be introduced with the S600 in April and not a word of the car anywhere through allocations in May. Something is amiss in MB and I hope Dieter is not a part of it.

For the first time in my life I question what is going on with MB. This is not a new company who has never experienced the release of a new model...they have been at it for 120 years! I find it inconceivable that this debacle could happen with the flagship line of MB.

 

[Merc1]

I agree to a degree, but I really don't think it will be that much of a big deal. The car is obviously hot and some will wait and some won't. I think there are enough buyers around that don't want all that stuff who will buy one anyway. I thought that only the Distronic and Rear View camera were the only things delayed not Keyless G and ABC. A debacle? Come on that is a little bit overboard IMO.

M

 

[Deutsch]

Wait for the 09' F01/F02 7. Will be well, WELL worth it.

 

[Deutsch]

I agree to a degree, but I really don't think it will be that much of a big deal. The car is obviously hot and some will wait and some won't. I think there are enough buyers around that don't want all that stuff who will buy one anyway. I thought that only the Distronic and Rear View camera were the only things delayed not Keyless G and ABC. A debacle? Come on that is a little bit overboard IMO.

M

I agree w/ you. It's a hot car, as there have been many other w/ in the last several years. I'm sure whatever the delay may be, it must be for good reason. Look at the bright side, you won't have to deal w/ all the bugs first batch owners will be living w/.

 

[Snake Vargas]

'09 7er? That's a bit long to wait! Even if America starts releasing and selling 2007 models when 2006 has barely begun..

Well Jack, too bad to hear about your disappointment. I reckon if that happened to me I'd be pretty peeved as well. I guess it's just the idea of being thwarted that smarts - had something in your grasp, but due to their mismanagement, now isn't possible! Hope they can sort it out to everyone's satisfaction.

And, even though I'm keen for Lexus to do well.. maybe you could wait on it for a while. You seemed so happy as a W220 owner, would it be the same in a LS460? Guess by the time the LS460 actually arrived you'd be clear of mind and cold of blood.

 

[NevadaJack]

I agree to a degree, but I really don't think it will be that much of a big deal. The car is obviously hot and some will wait and some won't. I think there are enough buyers around that don't want all that stuff who will buy one anyway. I thought that only the Distronic and Rear View camera were the only things delayed not Keyless G and ABC. A debacle? Come on that is a little bit overboard IMO.

M

Read the list of options on the document dealing with "a most difficult situation" (their words.)

 

[NevadaJack]

'09 7er? That's a bit long to wait! Even if America starts releasing and selling 2007 models when 2006 has barely begun..

Well Jack, too bad to hear about your disappointment. I reckon if that happened to me I'd be pretty peeved as well. I guess it's just the idea of being thwarted that smarts - had something in your grasp, but due to their mismanagement, now isn't possible! Hope they can sort it out to everyone's satisfaction.

And, even though I'm keen for Lexus to do well.. maybe you could wait on it for a while. You seemed so happy as a W220 owner, would it be the same in a LS460? Guess by the time the LS460 actually arrived you'd be clear of mind and cold of blood.

Yeah...it has me upset...more because MB's management is still shaky. This should never have become an issue. And you are right about the 2007 in the beginning of 2006...wonder what marketing expert came up with that idea?

I was impressed with the Lexus presentation on their site and there is no question they are going for the throat against the S and MB. Whether I could make the change will depend on where the S is in the fall and what a test drive of the LS460L will do for me. I love the S430 and suffering with it until a new S (with my selected options rather than a take it or leave it MB selection) will not be a hardship.

"Clear mind and cool of blood" ...like that Snake...

 

[Merc1]

I really don't see what difference it makes whether or not they call the new S a 2006 or 2007 model in the U.S?

I think this is being hyped and blown way out of proportion.

M

 

[Alx]

Kind of curious Nevada Jack...

What kind of hit are you taking on this trade? I know you just got the S430 and i know it was new, and i know this new S550 is going for top dollar, did you dicuss the difference that you have to come up with or finance? Just curious what MB is giving for you car, being it is fairly brand new.

 

[Alx]

Oh... btw....

I have access to a black on black S550 fully loaded with AMG Sport and Premium package. Its in California.

Also a Pewter on Black one, that is for a customer, but the customer is flexible and would go for another one that i have. So it is also available.

And an April delivery for a Launch Edition which is Designo Graphite and has a Beige/Black Leather interior. The launch edition package contains Designo Matte Natural Oak Wood, Designo Wood/Leather Steering Wheel, Dynamic Rear View Monitor, Parktronic, Rear Side-Window Blinds, Panorama Sunroof, Driving Dynamic Front Seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Night View Assist, and Keyless Go.

Quite a package if you ask me...

Anyways, just trying to help.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I agree to a degree, but I really don't think it will be that much of a big deal. The car is obviously hot and some will wait and some won't. I think there are enough buyers around that don't want all that stuff who will buy one anyway. I thought that only the Distronic and Rear View camera were the only things delayed not Keyless G and ABC. A debacle? Come on that is a little bit overboard IMO.

M

I think having basic options unavailable for months on end is a big deal. As Jack has said, MB have been launching cars for more than a hundred years now, and they still couldn't manage to coordinate this launch satisfactorily. These are S-class buyers and should be treated with first rate service and customer care because the profit margins that MB makes on these vehilces more than warrants that. Also that some customers will walk away in frustration is a big deal. This class of vehicle has an extremely high rate of customer loyalty, so who's to say once they've crossed over to Lexus, BMW or Audi they are ever comming back to MB?

You want an S-class down here in Oz and not necessarily even to your specifications, be prepared to wait untill the end of the year.

Sorry to hear about this outcome Jack, but please keep us updated on the LS.

 

[Merc1]

I think having basic options unavailable for months on end is a big deal. As Jack has said, MB have been launching cars for more than a hundred years now, and they still couldn't manage to coordinate this launch satisfactorily. These are S-class buyers and should be treated with first rate service and customer care because the profit margins that MB makes on these vehilces more than warrants that. Also that some customers will walk away in frustration is a big deal. This class of vehicle has an extremely high rate of customer loyalty, so who's to say once they've crossed over to Lexus, BMW or Audi they are ever comming back to MB?

You want an S-class down here in Oz and not necessarily even to your specifications, be prepared to wait untill the end of the year.

Sorry to hear about this outcome Jack, but please keep us updated on the LS.

Well I've got to read that letter again, its on another board. Because what I read was that certain options like the fancy Distronic and Night View were the ones that were unavailable, not basic things like Keyless Go and other things that were already on the outgoing W220. If there is a problem in getting just the basic options that have been on the W220 for years then that is a problem, but if its just Night View and Distronic then I don't still don't see it as a big problem like its being made out to be here. I mean really Mercedes is at the mercy of their suppliers just like every other car company is. Maybe their releationship with their suppliers could be better, but I hardly see this crippling the S-Class to the point of really affecting sales. I mean the wait on a new ordered Mercedes is usually 4-6 weeks anyway, and add to that a newly released one that is apparently in great demand and there is going to be some waiting involved. This is nothing new. Now if the most basic options can be ordered for months that is a problem, but just Night View and Distronic, nah thats nothing IMO. Buyers of these cars aren't in "need" of a new car in most cases, they want one. I'd just drive what I have for a few more months and get the car I want the way I want it in a few months. No big deal to me.

M

 

[NevadaJack]

Kind of curious Nevada Jack...

What kind of hit are you taking on this trade? I know you just got the S430 and i know it was new, and i know this new S550 is going for top dollar, did you dicuss the difference that you have to come up with or finance? Just curious what MB is giving for you car, being it is fairly brand new.

$2K discount on the S550 on MSRP of $100,275. $56K now or $52.5K in mid-May when my order was to have been delivered for the trade. I paid $74K in Sep '05.

 

[NevadaJack]

Oh... btw....

I have access to a black on black S550 fully loaded with AMG Sport and Premium package. Its in California.

Also a Pewter on Black one, that is for a customer, but the customer is flexible and would go for another one that i have. So it is also available.

And an April delivery for a Launch Edition which is Designo Graphite and has a Beige/Black Leather interior. The launch edition package contains Designo Matte Natural Oak Wood, Designo Wood/Leather Steering Wheel, Dynamic Rear View Monitor, Parktronic, Rear Side-Window Blinds, Panorama Sunroof, Driving Dynamic Front Seats, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Night View Assist, and Keyless Go.

Quite a package if you ask me...

Anyways, just trying to help.

There are cars available on lots but they are not to the specs I want. The LE does not have Distronic Plus which is a must on my list. If I am going to spend $100K then it will be to my specs, not the MB's because they messed up on vendor support. Thanks anyway but my S430 is doing fine...

 

[NevadaJack]

Well I've got to read that letter again, its on another board. Because what I read was that certain options like the fancy Distronic and Night View were the ones that were unavailable, not basic things like Keyless Go and other things that were already on the outgoing W220. If there is a problem in getting just the basic options that have been on the W220 for years then that is a problem, but if its just Night View and Distronic then I don't still don't see it as a big problem like its being made out to be here. I mean really Mercedes is at the mercy of their suppliers just like every other car company is. Maybe their releationship with their suppliers could be better, but I hardly see this crippling the S-Class to the point of really affecting sales. I mean the wait on a new ordered Mercedes is usually 4-6 weeks anyway, and add to that a newly released one that is apparently in great demand and there is going to be some waiting involved. This is nothing new. Now if the most basic options can be ordered for months that is a problem, but just Night View and Distronic, nah thats nothing IMO. Buyers of these cars aren't in "need" of a new car in most cases, they want one. I'd just drive what I have for a few more months and get the car I want the way I want it in a few months. No big deal to me.

M

Read the letter and look at the list of affected options at the bottom...now do you agree there is a problem and someone screwed up? Read the shifting of orders from April to August in some cases. Some people placed their names on waiting lists early last year, they placed their orders on opening day and some may not get their cars until Fall...that is a lot longer than 6 Weeks...how about over a year!

It is not a case of whether they need a new car or not...MB announced the car, priced the options and took orders with the standard 6 weeks delivery. Do you feel that unless a buyer "needs" a new car he should be obliged to bow to the manufacturers timeframe, regardless of how long it is? I exercised my option and said NO WAY MB. More may do the same...if not they will never send the message.

 

[Alx]

All sounds good.... good luck on your expected car... hopefully all comes in as your needs...