I had a similar discussion over ordering times with a Customer Care manager when I was trying to resolve issues with my car.
When I was in the local dealers looking for a replacement for my daughters car. I asked about lead times, ordering deposit and whether they had themselves pre0ordered cars anticipating what customers want. All the garages stated more or less the same, they aren’t allowed to pre-order cars but will take orders with a £500 deposit. The deposit is there more to deter absolute timewasters and if an order gets cancelled for a genuine reason, then the deposit is refunded as the next customer will be glad of a vehicle.
I went through all sorts of scenarios especially where customers on long term awards aren’t likely to loose their entitlements and need the comfort that in x months, they may have a new and potentially more suitable vehicle. Plus it will help the manufacturers plan their production and supply chain if they get earlier notification. But they were adamant that the earliest 3 months ordering time is staying even though delivery may be 3 or 4 times longer.
What it does seem is that MB is out of touch with their customers and service users. More and more we seem to be dictated as to what we are going to get.