E-class delivery times

[andy from embsay]

Have pretty much decided on an E280CDi AvG, and start my new job on 15 May (on gardening leave at the mpo so lots of time for test drives - but they can't get me one till 31/3!).

Couple of questions:

If I order the above with COMAND, parktronic, IPod and telephone wiring, will it have to be a factory order, o is there likely to be something in the country with that spec (IPod's a dealer fit option, I think).

And if it is, anyone know how long it'll take to get one? If I order it immediately post test drive, will I have any chance of having it for when mine goes back to my current firm?

 

[jberks]

If its factory order, then not a chance, you could be looking at 12 weeks+ (I assume). In any case, you are looking at over 2 weeks to get it to the UK, let alone put it in the build schedule and actually build it. The best thing to do is to sit down with the salesman and go through the stock list. When I bought the wife's Audi (I have never had a brand new car myself) I was offered either a factory build and a fair wait, or to adjust my requirements fractionally (I think it was a different pattern on the seat fabric) and have one straight out of UK stock. It still had the extras we wanted, was the same colour etc and we didn't have any strong feelings on the fabric pattern. Manufacturers are pretty good at predicting what we want.

You may be ok with your requirements as they are fairly standard but whether they have that spec and exact colour combination you want is another matter. If its silver then you may be ok, if you want a special colour or had wanted distronic or ventilated memory seats, thats another matter.

Ring round all the dealers, someone will probably have your car sitting in their showroom!

 

[Speedmaster]

are you wanting a uk car or would you consider an import?

 

[Stephen Brooks]

I like you have settled on a E280 CDI AVG and will collect mine from Stuttgart next week. If you are flexible about the extras then your dealer may be able to locate a vehicle within the MB network.

I am not sure why you have opted for the Command system. I considered it and for over £2000 it seemed to do very little - I have opted instead to use my own portable satnav which can be displayed at eye level and includes speed camera warnings for a fraction of the price. I am also going to have a Bluetooth handsfree system fitted for around £250 which will work with any bluetooth phone.

 

[andy from embsay]

Thanks - spoke to the corporate sales guy today who said pretty much the same - he said he should be able to find one with the extras I want, but I might need to either have something else (eg wheels, full leather). Due to the facelift he said genuine factory orders will be ages and also the price will go up.

Re sat nav and phones - I guess I want them cos I can have them! The way our scheme works is I get to choose the car and bits up to an amount - and those extras still leave me with a bit spare.

Richard (MB guy) said there's a lot of stock floating about - but said I'd need to be prepared to possibly add a few other bits on if that's what the car comes with - £35 a month for an extra grand's worth or so means that's not too painful.