Incorrect Manufacture Date on New Mercedes-Benz

addo on 13/05/2020 - 22:01
Last edited 14/05/2020 - 10:56 by 1 other user

Seeking for Advice

Recently I bought a Mercedes-Benz from a dealership in VIC, at the time of sale (salesperson informed me), and on the invoice/contract, it states the car was manufactured in Oct 2019 and Compliance in Dec 2019.

Rookie mistake didn't check when picking up the car. it was Manufactured in Feb 2019. I informed them 4 days after I received the vehicle, the dealership insisted that the sticker is wrong and recommended I contact Mercedes-Benz Australia.

After contacting Mercedes-Benz Australia, they also confirmed that it's wrong and will send me a new build sticker and provide me $750 credit to use at a dealership for the problem.

Generally, I wouldn't have taken any further actions but knowing Feb 2019 built car would be one of the first cars built for the generation, my experience is that it will have a lot of problems in the long run.

Boy was I correct, there have been 4-5 issues with the car less than 2 months in.

What can I do so Mercedes can help me resolve the problem. are there legal actions that I can take?

Some Facts
- VIN matches with Invoice
- I have not received the new build sticker
- I have not taken up on the $750 offer.
- Asking nicely a few times Mercedes-Benz stands with their reply. refusing to move and says will respond if I take further action.

EDIT:

I understand there are a lot of people who do not like Mercedes as a brand but it was a car that I liked the look of and feel of, so please understand my intentions are not to bash the brand but rather finding a solution to my problem.

I believe this could have happened to any customer at any brand/dealership and it is more justice and consumer rights issue than anything else.

Automotive

Comments

  • paraneoplastic on 13/05/2020 - 22:17
    +3

    What model is it?
    I bought a first gen C43 and had 0 problems with it

    Sure you're not having buyers remorse?

    ( i do acknowledge that it's still very dodgy of Mb to sell you car different than what's stated on the contract)

    • addo on 13/05/2020 - 22:20

      GLE300d ( Made in US Plant)

      No, I love the car, the way it looks and drives. I even paid a lot extra for a whole list of options visited 3 dealerships and test drive 3 times before buying.

      I believe C43 is an AMG car that comes from the Germany Plant and they generally release an AMG about 6 to 12 months after the normal C Classes.

      • punter1 on 15/05/2020 - 09:21

        Does your car has DPF or EGR Valve?
        Lots of problems with diesel car

      • Ragnarok1983 on 16/05/2020 - 16:55
        +1

        US made quality is terrible

        • 8200 on 30/06/2020 - 10:13

          Indeed, it is, lower quality than korea

  • Blue Cat on 13/05/2020 - 22:45
    +20

    Are you sure all the issues you are having are because of a few months of difference in manufacture date? I think it might be more related with the brand and their proven record of making long-lasting quality vehicles.

    Jokes aside, ask Mercedes-Benz to send the sticker (and an official document of sorts) via TRACKED mail so you can check how it is traveling, instead of taking their word that "it was sent, just wait" (and them hoping you forget about this eventually).

    • pegaxs on 13/05/2020 - 22:53
      +28

      It’s called “confirmation bias”. They read some shit on forums, and suddenly their car develops every single problem that gets mentioned. This is usually a result of being jaded with the car and they go looking for “common issues” instead of coming right out and saying “I don’t want it and I’m pissed I was sold a car with incorrect build date”, they piss and moan and dodge the real reason they don’t like the car.

      This car is going to be a nightmare car for this dealership and will spend so much time there with the technicians chasing faults that they can’t find or replicate. All the while, OP will become more and more pissed off and to OP the car is a heap of shit and they will find more and more things they think are going wrong with it and become increasingly frustrated that the dealership can’t find and fix the issues.

      When I was a service advisor/manager, I had to deal with these types of owners on a daily basis. Instead of just coming out and telling us what they want (usually a refund on their purchase) they just make everyone’s life and job a nightmare… and 99% of the time, it was something related to what some shifty arsehole sales guy told/sold them…

      • Blue Cat on 13/05/2020 - 22:58
        +3

        Instead of just coming out and telling us what they want (usually a refund on their purchase) they just make everyone’s life and job a nightmare…

        I thought it was the opposite? They want a refund, but the dealership doesn't want to lose a sale so they keep the customer hooked by forcing him to go to constant servicing appointments?

        • pegaxs on 13/05/2020 - 23:04
          +6

          People tend to get jaded because they don’t want the vehicle. The sales department don’t want to give a refund. Most customers know a refund on a car is near impossible so they don’t just come out and ask for it, but they resent the purchase and consequently the dealership and the brand.

          The service appointments is because the customer doesn’t want the car, so they find things that are usually not wrong with the car because they want to take out their frustration on the dealership in the most passive aggressive way they can. The problem is that the sales team usually wipe their hands of those people and they become the service department’s problem.

          It’s a snake eating its own tail.

      • addo on 13/05/2020 - 23:14
        +8

        Hi Pegaxs

        Thanks for your comment, as I have previously explained in an above comment, I do not have buyers remorse, I'm happy with the vehicle itself and would buy again, I also understand there are common issues with any vehicle.

        I have booked in with the dealership to get those issues hopefully resolved, the problems are mostly physical.

        • Center Console (Storage) No longer opens (Spring Broken)
        • Arm Rest Trim Has Fallen Off
        • Driver Side Door Protector Base Trim also half fallen off.
        • Lane Keep Assist as failed Twice for saying obstruction to the camera when the windscreen is very clean.
        • Pano-Sunroof Rubber Stuck Causing possible Water Leak.

        They are not problems I intentionally find they just popped up during the normal usage.

        My worry is that have I taken the wrong decision not to pressure the dealership or mba to take further actions? if so what are my options? I don't believe it is fair to me to be told the car is built in Oct but in fact its built-in Feb.

        My salesperson has not promised me anything.

        • pegaxs on 13/05/2020 - 23:28
          +8

          What further action do you want them to take?? They are offering to replace the sticker for you and give you $750 for the discomfort the sticker has caused you.

          The other items are all going to be fixed under warranty. What more do you want from them? This is what I am talking about. You are being vague. Do you want us to come up with suggestions. Do you want more compensation? Do you want the dealership to fit the sticker? Do you want a new car?

          What do you really want if a sticker and $750 refund is t enough?

          • addo on 13/05/2020 - 23:35

            @pegaxs: Hi Pegaxs

            I would be very happy with a car that is originally what I intended to buy and I have asked for it. However, they simply ignored my request.

            If they are unwilling to provide me a new car I would be happy if they provided me a compensation of say a 3-year to the 5-year service plan and again I have tried to negotiate with no luck.

            All of the above has been with MBAU directly not with the dealership itself.

            Their last response is basically we stand by our offering and if you want more you'll have to take further actions.

            Which is the reason I'm here seeking advice on what more actions can I take?

            • pegaxs on 14/05/2020 - 00:09
              +25

              @addo:

              I would be very happy with a car that is originally what I intended to buy

              You did get what you intended to buy. MB even confirmed that the sticker is incorrect and are issuing a replacement… What do you think you got?

              If they are unwilling to provide me a new car

              Called it.

              to the 5-year service plan

              So, you want “thousands” in compensation for a build sticker? And MB balked at that?

              I’m here seeking advice on what more actions I can take

              Take MB’s advice and lawyer up. I thought rich people who buy MB cars loved this litigation/compensation via court action shit… This is what you bought into when you purchased a MB. This IS their image…

                • [Deactivated] on 15/05/2020 - 17:20
                  +4

                  @BestofOZB: Sometimes help or the truth hurt.
                  pegaxs just says it how it is.

                  • pegaxs on 15/05/2020 - 18:05
                    +1

                    @[Deactivated]: Obviously didn’t read the rest of the thread where I was actually trying to get to the bottom of the VIN saga to try and get some clarity on that for OP in the hope it may help.

              • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 15/05/2020 - 07:09
                +15

                @pegaxs: In fairness pegaxs absolutely did call it and was 100% correct.

                It's all trivial shit that will easily get fixed. OP is salty and really actually wanted a new car.

                • BestofOZB on 15/05/2020 - 07:38
                  +7

                  @Typical16-bitEnjoyer: I don't think it is trivial, if I pay 100k for a product, I don't expect one that is 6 months older, if for whatever reason OP decided to sell in the next few months, it will have an impact on the value.

                  pegax is talking about his experience with other people who had different problems, not really relating to OP, who has a real problem that isn't fixed.

                  And, why can't people just be nice on forums FGS?!

                  • pegaxs on 15/05/2020 - 09:43
                    +27

                    @BestofOZB: That's the point though. MB confirmed that the wrong sticker was applied to the car. It isnt 6 months older. Do I think it is shitty quality control on MB part, hells yeah. Is it fixable, sure it is. Is it something to lose your shit over and demand thousands in compensation or a refund or a replacement vehicle? No. It's a sticker, not a cracked chassis.

                    And I am talking from my industry experience of dealing with people who have been lied to by sales staff OR the manufacturer/importer. The problems are different, but some are the same. Build plates/compliance plates/manufacture dates was probably one of the worst things I had to deal with and a huge issue made worse by lying sales people, and the vagueness around compliance/MY/build/manufacture dates. I have tried to tell people how these plates are applied to vehicles, but I usually get downvoted to oblivion because people don't want to hear it. I have probably fitted more compliance plates and build plates than most people here have had hot breakfasts…

                    why can't people just be nice on forums

                    Then I'll ask, "Why cant people just tell the truth, FGS?!" This is one of the biggest issues on forums. People just wont come out and say what they want or what the actual facts are (Can think of a really good xBox thread that proves this point.) and will lie, manipulate and bend the truth, especially that the dealer and MB representatives are not here to give their version. It usually comes out after about 4 days and 3 pages later that what OP was really looking for was a way to get out of the sale because of something they convinced themselves into. They will then go on a confirmation bias bender that subsequently becomes a snake eating its own tail.

                    For the record, before all you neg monkeys read the first line and get all butt hurt, I do not like "stealerships", especially their sales departments, service departments or vehicle manufacturing PR departments. I think that MB are being extremely cagey here and of the big Euro brands, I trust them the least. They have a track record of treating the consumer protections as optional and their customers like cash cows.

                    • Chandler on 15/05/2020 - 10:02
                      +4

                      @pegaxs:

                      They have a track record of treating […] their customers like cash cows.

                      It's Mercedes-Benz. Their customers are cash cows.

                    • BestofOZB on 15/05/2020 - 11:35
                      +1

                      @pegaxs: I would bet more money that MB is lying, than it being a shitty quality control. I wouldn't take a salesperson word for it.

                  • Chandler on 15/05/2020 - 10:00
                    +2

                    @BestofOZB:

                    I don't think it is trivial, if I pay 100k for a product, I don't expect one that is 6 months older, if for whatever reason OP decided to sell in the next few months, it will have an impact on the value.

                    But it isn't 6 months older. Manufacturer has confirmed sticker is incorrect and offered replacement.

                    pegax[s] is talking about his experience with other people who had different problems, not really relating to OP, who has a real problem that isn't fixed

                    Problem is fixed (see above). I too think pegaxs nailed it in that OP paid for an "October" build and got one, but is trying to use the sticker saying "February" as an excuse to either get a refund or thousands in free servicing.

                    And, why can't people just be nice on forums FGS?!

                    They are. I can't see anything nasty here (in this comment thread at least).

                  • Blitzfx on 17/05/2020 - 17:06

                    @BestofOZB:

                    And, why can't people just be nice on forums FGS?!

                    This is why when ozbargain has RU OK awareness day, I think it's a joke, because immediately a day later, people will go back to shitting and disparaging other people looking for help.

                    It usually starts with a forum post about someone having a problem that they perceive is real, whether that is true or not is subjective.

                    The next comment down is someone saying something unhelpful like "you're a piece of shit, go kill yourself" or something to that effect, followed by "nah what YOU really wanted to say is blah-blah", which is essentially shoving down their shitty opinion down someone else's throat, and attempting to pass it off as fact. Note that I mentioned earlier that OP's complaint is originally subjective.

                    You can see this a lot in those speeding/parking/red-light tickets threads. Majority of the first-reply comments literally do not answer the OP's query.

            • bmerigan on 17/05/2020 - 17:21

              @addo: How does this car differ to the car you originally intended to buy? As far as I can tell it IS 100% the car you wanted.

          • 82norm on 14/05/2020 - 12:33
            -1

            @pegaxs: Mate, what’s up your a$$ ?

        • rave75 on 15/05/2020 - 09:41

          Yeah, made in US is inferior to German, even SA.

        • CalmLemons on 15/05/2020 - 23:27
          +3

          To be honest those are general problems you would get from a US built Mercedes. Unfortunately, if you want the popular ML/GLE series you have no choice, they are a balance of form. To be honest you get the same shit with the German built ones, mechanically.

          I've got BMWs and Mercs with multiple problems, it's a choice to buy them knowing they all have these issues. It is something you don't have much control over if you want to drive these cars.
          You can waste your time and spent a lot of time brewing over these issues rather than just getting them to fix it.
          To give you a perspective on what I have experienced, my air charge pipe blew on my GLEd, had it replaced, check engine light has been on ever since. Radiator pump exploded, blew radiator liquid all over the engine, replaced, no charge. Shit happens all the time to these cars, it is what happens when these cars have double the parts and features of say a Toyota. I also drive a Toyota Hilux with 250000kms on it and it doesn't miss a beat.

          That said Mercedes I have only ever had the best service experience with Mercedes - perhaps it's just me, but be aware all experiences are anecdotal. I took a Toyota in for scheduled service, for them to fix a squeaky rear horse shoe brake and because I was 800km over the service interval, they refused to fix the fault that was present at purchase. Didn't get angry or bother wasting my time arguing - just bought the next purchase order of 4 utes from Isuzu.

          In terms of your specific problems:
          Center Console (Storage) No longer opens (Spring Broken) (easy fix)
          Arm Rest Trim Has Fallen Off (easy fix)
          Driver Side Door Protector Base Trim also half fallen off. (easy fix)
          Lane Keep Assist as failed Twice for saying obstruction to the camera when the windscreen is very clean. (it's a combination of cameras and the sensors, happens often, try driving a Subaru)
          Pano-Sunroof Rubber Stuck Causing possible Water Leak. (easy fix)
          These don't appeared to be batch specific faults but rather just glories of American manufacturing.

          From my perspective, these are all extremely minor issues, it's up to you if you want to spend a great deal of time getting a 'new car' (sorry didn't read exactly what you want) or just being happy with the model of car you wanted. It is a great car, just probably need to revisit your mindset on what owning one of these cars entails.

        • striker5950 on 17/05/2020 - 13:19

          jeez what a piece of shit Mercedes benz is in the quality department, i guess it is true even for new models, freaking armrest not opening? trim piece falling off? lol sounds like something you hear about a Chinese car, you would never hear shit like this happening to a new toyota/lexus

      • Bid Sniper on 15/05/2020 - 11:20
        +1

        LOL nailed it, pick lotto numbers?

        Seems to be demographic and resulting behaviour, probably why these cars cost so much, @$$hole tax.

        I remember some stupid video a MB owner complaining that his C63S with ceramic brakes squeaked, like for real. Twat buys a performance AMG then complains performance brakes squeal because twat never gets them up to temp driving from one retail store to another in his complaining rounds making retail workers life a living hell.

    • addo on 13/05/2020 - 23:17

      Hi Blue Cat

      Thank you for your advice, I will consider this option.

  • JimmyF on 13/05/2020 - 22:52
    +13

    Boy was I correct, there have been 4-5 issues with the car less than 2 months in.

    Sounds normal for a Merc….

    but knowing Feb 2019 built car would be one of the first cars built for the generation, my experience is that it will have a lot of problems in the long run.

    But yours isn't a Feb build as you said

    After contacting Mercedes-Benz Australia, they also confirmed that it's wrong and will send me a new build sticker and provide me 750$ credit to use at a dealership for the problem.

    So your worry of it being a early build isn't true?

    • addo on 13/05/2020 - 23:03

      Hi JimmyF

      Thanks for your comment, I have no idea what my true build date is, according to the build sticker that is currently on the car it's Feb 2019.

      • JimmyF on 13/05/2020 - 23:13
        +10

        I have no idea what my true build date is,

        I would assume the 'factory' put the correct sticker on the car, so sounds like you're getting feed a lot of lies, again sounds normal for a Merc :/

        What does the mercedes vin decoder say the build date was?

        • addo on 13/05/2020 - 23:15

          Where could I find the decoder ? most i found online doesnt seem to work.

          • MS Paint on 13/05/2020 - 23:24

            @addo: Vin decoder - call MB parts and ask

            • addo on 13/05/2020 - 23:41

              @MS Paint: MS Paint

              Thanks for your advise I will give it a try

          • pegaxs on 13/05/2020 - 23:30
            +2

            @addo: What is the 10th letter of the VIN? That will tell you what model year (MY) the vehicle is. You won’t get a definitive build date from a VIN, but what you might get is a 2019MY car with 2020 build date sticker on it.

            K = 2019
            L = 2020

            The letter after it (11th)will usually denote the plant code where the vehicle was assembled. The first 3 letters/digits are the factory and country code.

            • addo on 13/05/2020 - 23:40

              @pegaxs: My VIN is WDC1671192A0 _ _ _ _ _

              • pegaxs on 14/05/2020 - 00:00

                @addo: W= Germany
                D = Mercedes Benz (Daimler)
                C = Chrysler (Possibly made in America?)

                10th and 11th don’t make sense to me, but that isn’t saying it’s not correct, it just may be under a different type of VIN system, ie: some Euro trash wagons use a different system to North America, which is a much more widely used VIN system that I regularly have used.

                BMW use a similar system to this, where the last 8 digits are the serial number of the vehicle. So “2” and “A” I might have to look up, because it’s telling me it’s a 2002\2032MY and made in Sindelfingen

        • affable on 14/05/2020 - 09:26
          +8

          Yep the factory wouldn't put the incorrect DOM on, it would click over each month and staff would notice in October if the cars were showing February! IMHO the salesman is digging their way out of a pickle….

      • stumo on 15/05/2020 - 09:24
        +1

        https://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/mercedes/vin_check

        Thats the VIN decoder I use for MB. You only get like 3 free decodes per day then it locks you out for 24hrs.

        I thought the build date was on a stamped metal conpliance plate not a sticker? It is on the older MBs I have.

        • pegaxs on 15/05/2020 - 09:48

          Compliance plate is not a build date, but the date the vehicle complied with Aus. Standards.

          Build plates and compliance plates (for most manufacturers) are now just stickers and not the old pop-riveted plates you are used to. This is so they are a: easier to apply, and b: cant just be removed and pop-riveted to another vehicle.

          And that link already mentioned here and OP said it didn't work for their VIN.

          • [Deactivated] on 16/05/2020 - 16:09

            @pegaxs: Noob question : will the new sticker come with a new VIN number?

            • pegaxs on 16/05/2020 - 17:07
              +1

              @[Deactivated]: No. The VIN is stamped into the body. A build date plate/sticker usually just has the build date on it and may not have the VIN. It will just say something like "Built: Feb 2019".

              That being said, some cars have a plate that has the VIN and the build date, while some have a lot more data on it and may include the VIN, build data and some build codes/options.

              OP's MB may be like that where it will have all the options in that build on the plate in the form of codes.

              Compliance plates =/= build plates.

              • [Deactivated] on 16/05/2020 - 17:27

                @pegaxs: Cheers!

  • Richardc on 14/05/2020 - 04:28

    Check vin number of those show room car.

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 08:26
      +1

      Compareing to the vin of show room cars and cars of other people I know whom has bought the same model plus the dates the parts where made inside the engine bay.

      All indicated it is a Feb 2019 car.

  • Euphemistic on 14/05/2020 - 05:10

    Benz have confirmed the sticker was wrong AND you are now having issues with the car BECAUSE the sticker isn’t wrong. Which is it?

    Your problems sound like typical US quality control issues.

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 08:28

      Hi

      I shouldn't link the two issues together.

      My issue is about the date like the post title however my worry is due to the date that's why I'm having issues.

      • CalmLemons on 15/05/2020 - 23:33

        sorry just read this, please refer to my post above.

        If TLDNR - these are just Mercedes issues. You are lucky you do not have mechanical issues, yet. I guarantee you will.

  • Donaldhump on 14/05/2020 - 07:53
    -6

    Nothing you already accepted their compensation for the error.

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 08:24
      +2

      Hi Unclesnake

      I have yet to accept anything.

      • Donaldhump on 14/05/2020 - 12:22
        -3

        you accepted the 750 credit did you not?

        if you haven't disregard, if you have you have little to no claim

        • addo on 14/05/2020 - 20:02
          +1

          I have not accepted the sticker/750 credit as a form of solution to my problem

  • Ocker on 14/05/2020 - 08:48
    +2

    Your vehicle's full build data can be sourced here:
    https://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/mercedes/vin_check?su=dg3es…

    • pegaxs on 14/05/2020 - 09:24

      That’s the one I tried to use earlier for MB, but OP only gave me the first part and no sequence number, so I had to make one up and it rejected most probably because the check digit didn’t match the made up sequence number.

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 09:33

      Hi Ocker

      I put in my VIN and I got back

      Error!
      Parameter Value
      error Error: CHASSIS not found

      • Ocker on 14/05/2020 - 10:17
        +2

        Seems something is seriously wrong with your VIN data?.
        The website provided the correct data for our two Mercs.
        Maybe their data base has not been updated?

        • addo on 14/05/2020 - 20:03

          sorry I have no idea I tried to 5 times even on different computer/phone

  • netjock on 14/05/2020 - 09:49
    +1

    Is this similar to I bought a Tesla Model 3 performance help me find cheap insurance? People buying expensive cars and making mistakes. I must have less attention to detail if I want to having expensive cars or is it financially loose? I can't tell.

    • GG57 on 14/05/2020 - 10:05
      +6

      Unfortunately I think OP may have paid for the badge (which apparently hasn't yet fallen off).
      IMO Mercedes are no longer the luxury car they once were.

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 10:12

      Hi Netjock

      I believe my agenda is quite different, I don't believe the brand of the car has anything to do with the way the dealership or the brand has the choice to deal with this issue.

      My focus is on what can I do to get a car that is in fact made in OCT 2019 not made in FEB 2019.

      • netjock on 14/05/2020 - 10:54

        My focus is on what can I do to get a car that is in fact made in OCT 2019 not made in FEB 2019.

        Nothing because unless you can prove you have a financial loss.

        Fact is that cars are non perishable items and can be stored for a reasonable period of time, you probably have no recourse.

        If you wanted it fresh then you probably should have inspected what they have in stock on the floor and check the build dates. Wouldn't trust car sales person writing on a piece of paper. You are lucky the VIN matched.

      • CanadaAye on 15/05/2020 - 09:13
        +1

        Ask them to provide suppporting evidence that the car was in fact made in October. By their own statement they confirmed that it was, so ask them to provide you with the evidence that allowed them to say this. If they can't do this then they are telling porkies and you are right to feel deceived. If they do, slap on the sticker (once it arrives) and move on.

    • BestofOZB on 15/05/2020 - 05:26
      +3

      Really? Do you look at the frigging sticker when you take delivery of a new car? There are million other things that you do on that day, people have to stop being d*ckheads.

      • netjock on 15/05/2020 - 10:00
        -3

        I don't think there will be a million other things that are worth $100k on that day. If you specified it on the contract you better do that.

        Nobody settles on a house and doesn't go and test the appliances and check it is what is described on settlement day.

        Unless you were in a rush to by toilet paper.

  • HeWhoKnows on 14/05/2020 - 10:27

    What would be the difference in price for a feb build vs oct build in the same year and same gen car?
    Not much I suspect.

    I doubt OP has any legs to stand on with this one.
    Could argue he would not have purchased the car had he known.
    But Merc is compensating him $750.
    However this should be CASH !
    Not a voucher to spend at the dealer since OP paid effectively by cash.

    Anyway Op could try to negotiate for a higher amount and in cash.
    Could argue the car was misrepresented and a good arguement as well.
    Imagine if the press got invloved…OMG!

    Now there is an idea

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 10:30

      Hi Amayzingone

      I would most defiantly not bought the car had I known if it was built in Feb 2019 and Complianced in 2019

      • HeWhoKnows on 14/05/2020 - 10:33
        +3

        Tell them you will take the matter to a Current affairs programme.
        It will go all over Australia
        MERCs reputation will be damaged.
        And who knows how many more Mercs are affected???
        Did Merc do this deliberately???

        Im sure you have some bargaining power here and ask for a MUCH LARGER CASH settlement.

        • addo on 14/05/2020 - 10:34
          -3

          Hi Amayzingone

          I have implied this in an email and the response is still the same.

          I have also indicated that It could go viral on social media but they won't budge.

          • HeWhoKnows on 14/05/2020 - 10:35
            +1

            @addo: Talk to Dept of Fair Trading first and know your rights

            • addo on 14/05/2020 - 10:40

              @HeWhoKnows: I have spoken to Consumer Affairs of VIC in relation to this issue, they pointed out that it is unlawful for any seller to sell an item that does not match the description, in this case, the Manufacture date.

              I have pointed that out to Mercedes AU, but again the response is the same.

              • [Deactivated] on 14/05/2020 - 10:53

                @addo: So…

                This keeps getting asked but your response keeps making it confusing.

                What is the build date as claimed by MB? (Not the allegedly incorrect sticker.)

                • addo on 14/05/2020 - 12:13

                  @[Deactivated]: OCT 2019

                  • [Deactivated] on 14/05/2020 - 13:11

                    @addo: Then they have sent an item that has met the description.

                    The error wasn't the item, it was the sticker on the item. They have offered to remedy the sticker and compensate $750.

                    • [Deactivated] on 16/05/2020 - 00:59

                      @[Deactivated]:

                      The error wasn't the item, it was the sticker on the item.

                      Unlikely that the sticker is wrong

                    • [Deactivated] on 16/05/2020 - 08:28

                      @[Deactivated]: Hence I included the word claimed.

                      The first step is to refute the claim otherwise as per the comment above, it's going to get confusing yet again.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/05/2020 - 13:12
          +2

          Sarcasm surely.

  • Danger321 on 14/05/2020 - 12:24
    +1

    OP.. I hope your place ( if it is an apartment block) that you do not have a European car part thief residing there, tempering/swapping parts overnight…?!?
    I know people/victims & some websites mention also ( eg carsales.com.au 2014, or YouTube) it has been happening & it is happening nowadays.. The car seats are swapped- originals gone but similar trim/inconsistent stitchings seats replaced, wheels swapped etc.. unbelievable I know when I heard & read about them… Probably best not to threaten the dealers.. many clients/customers who write bad reviews online about big companies end up suffering via strange happenings..

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 20:03

      THanks surely I'm not that lucky

    • Obkay on 15/05/2020 - 22:00
      +1

      Yes, apartments seem to be full of sneaky thieves these days.
      People stealing and replacing car wheels and seats, some thieves stealing electricity and replacing ac units with older ones.
      Absolutely wild!

    • pinchies on 08/09/2020 - 00:44

      any update on the electricity situation?

  • JIMB0 on 14/05/2020 - 12:26
    +5

    Better add the incorrect sticker to your list of faults.

  • MrBear on 14/05/2020 - 13:21

    So you were expecting a 2020 model year and they sold you old stock 2019 model year???

    Take it back.

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 20:04

      No I was not expecting a 2020 considering there is no difference in spec to 2020 vs 2019 I don't really mind.

      • MrBear on 17/05/2020 - 16:17

        Well there is in the resale value…

  • eggles01 on 14/05/2020 - 13:29
    +1

    depending to which STATE or TERRITORY you live contact CONSUMERS AFFAIRS or FAIR TRADING,if they cannot help they will let you know and direct you to where you can solve this problem,the problem is you have not received what you have paid for, it may be possible that there may be a more sinister reason that those details were on the vehicle,who knows?

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 20:05

      Correct which is why I want to take further actions.

      But Consumer affairs in VIC hasn't really provided me a solution only informed me of the law.

  • Webber000 on 14/05/2020 - 14:51

    I don't know or care much about a date or sticker, but that's because I didn't know that earlier models usually have more problems. So I learnt something.

    The thing that gets me going is that you paid a heck of a lot of money to a dealership and they told you to go and contact merc yourself.
    Surely that's something they should have done!

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 20:07

      Generally, first batch of a generation has some minor issues that are fixed in 2nd year of production.

      However, with that said some brands are very reliable and they dont have those issues.

  • Brick Tamland on 14/05/2020 - 19:17

    Seems very odd and worth chasing down just to get certainty.

    I doubt there would be any difference between a Feb build and an Oct build. Even if it’s a feb build and you were promised a oct build there’s probably not much you can do. Maybe hope for a free service??

    And I hate to say it but I wouldnt expect much build quality from a us built car. If I were to buy a merc I would only consider a German built machine.

    • addo on 14/05/2020 - 20:08
      +1

      You are correct there isnt any differences in spec. however its just disappointing to buy something and then find out its not the same as promised.

      • BestofOZB on 15/05/2020 - 05:36
        +1

        And it is illegal. Don't let those bastards get away with it.

      • stumo on 15/05/2020 - 09:36

        6 months is a long time when churning out thousands of cars. You are right to think that later cars would have any assembly issues sorted out better vs early cars. Amplified by the fact is is a brand new model so teething issues and learning curve are to be expected on top of this. So your one is basically one of the guinea pigs.

        Id be spewing if they did this to me. Fair trading might be the way to go.

  • Orico on 15/05/2020 - 05:21

    Generally, I wouldn't have taken any further actions but knowing Feb 2019 built car would be one of the first cars built for the generation, my experience is that it will have a lot of problems in the long run.

    The GLE line hasn't really changed since 2015. It has a few more gimmiks but yours is by no means a new generation in 2019.
    Maybe get a consultation with a lawyer and get the build date from the factory where it was built by contacting MB directly.

    • addo on 15/05/2020 - 10:13

      It is a new Generation in 2019/2020

      W166 -> V167

      Its not a facelift/or mid life refresh

      • Orico on 15/05/2020 - 11:33

        Oh, you're right. Sorry, I was looking at the wrong spec sheet

  • BestofOZB on 15/05/2020 - 05:33
    +1

    Seems like MB don't want to help.
    I would focus my attention on tryng to establish the correct built date, I don't know how, but try talking to an independent Merc specialist mechanic, they know the cars inside out and hate dealerships, they would know.

    Once you confirm the date, if it is incorrect, I would go straight to Fair Trading.

    • addo on 15/05/2020 - 10:12
      +1

      Hi Thanks

      I will see if I can get an independent report

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