©2004 May not be reproduced in any form without written permissio of the author. This includes publishing at other websites.
Al Jazeera-November 23, 2004- Coalition forces continued to pound Fallujah, causing the deaths of innocent civilians, to no purpose other than killing innocent Iraqis. However, ordinary Iraqis continue to resist the hated infidel oppressors by showing their contempt for the infidels in subtle ways.
Programs
Currently we have several programs going from MBUSA or MB Credit or both.
2.9% APR is available on 2004 and 2005 ML350s and 500s (24-48 months). There's a cash equivalent for people who don't finance with MBUSA on '05s. 2.9% APR is also available on 2004 CLK320 and CLK500 coupes.
3.9% APR is available on 2005 S430 and S500s.
1.9% APR is available on 2004 C230K coupes and C240 wagons.
We have some other incentives I can't talk here about on 2004 CLK coupes, 2005 E320 sedans and E500 sedans, S430s, and S500s. Call if you're interested.
The 39 month "Value Added" lease is still available. It uses the residuals for 36 months and results in significantly lower payments.
There is a lease payment waiver of up to $500 on 2005 C230 Sports sedans. Up to $500 of the first lease payment will be waived (if it exceeds $500). If the payment is less, the entire payment will be waived. Leases through MB Credit only.
The 18 and 24 month bridge lease program continues on S430s and S500s. Since the new-bodied S-Class is coming out early 2006 calendar year, a lot of people need new cars but don't want to be tied to the "old" body. Solution? A very low lease price.
Pull Forward Program
If you have a currently leased Mercedes (except for AMGs and 600s) with MB Credit, with leases maturing before 07/03/05, this qualifies for up to three of the remaining payments waived by MBC if you lease a new S430 or S500 before 12/31/04.
Lease Tax Credits
The Texas Fair Market Value Sales Tax Credit program (short explanation: you pay 1% instead of 6.25%) is effective for lease contracts dated November 1 - November 30, 2004 on the following cars:
2005 C230 Sports Sedan,
2004, 2005 C230 Coupes, C-Class Wagons,
2004, 2005 M-Class,
2004 CLK Coupes
Due to the limited balance of tax credits available, Mercedes-Benz Credit reserves the right to end the program without advance notice.
Stuff You Should Know About Your Car
This applies to 2004-2005 Mercedes as noted
Sound Systems:
The upgraded radios, Harmon-Kardon and Bose, have settings to optimize sound for various purposes. Surround sound is only for certain sound sources. If your vehicle does not have a sound amplifier installed, it will have stereo sound as transmitted by the radio station or as recorded on the CD. With an amplifier installed (Bose, Harmon-Kardon systems), you can make selections to select different surround sound settings. Surround sound enhances the stereo channel's separation by digitally creating the sound from 3 or more directions. Modes available (varies somewhat with models):
1. STANDARD: no special amplification, no equalization to enhance audio quality. All amplifier parameters are internally set to the "middle" with Bass/Treble reduced dramatically.
2. FRONT/REAR OPTIMIZED: sound is optimized for best listening in the front/rear seats
3. LOGIC 7: all 7 speakers are utilized. The amplification is higher and is noticed by a slight boost in audio volume and quality. The overall sound quality is optimized.
4. SPEECH: handles and enhances the low frequency nature of human voice during a telephone conversation, or even during AM or weather band operations. If playing music, you will notice quality is intentionally reduced with this setting. When using the hands-free telephone, speech mode is automatically used during the call.
CD Changer
If you're using a privately burned CD with a paper label, the label can become loose (due to the temperature in the drive) which can cause the audio to skip or jump (not a warranty item, in other words).
Engine Idling
During the initial warm-up, approximately the first 60 seconds after a cold start, the engine idle speed is increased.
Tinting Films
Tinting films, especially those containing metal, can reduce the rear glass antenna performance (AM/FM functions), and are not recommended by MBUSA. The films put on here do not include metal. It is quite easy to fry an electronic module in the window when applying tinting resulting in as much as $1,000 in non-warranty damage to a 4 door car if you don't know what you're doing. Our tinter knows what he is doing.
Remote Control
Opening and closing the windows and sunroof can be done using the smart key only within infrared range of the vehicle. (Does not apply to ML)
Climate Control
If you turn the recirculate on and the windows fog up, it's not a defect. Try turning the recirculate back off. If you put the air from the center vents aimed at the windshield and set to dead cold, and the windshield fogs over, it's not a defect. Try aiming the cold air elsewhere.
Approximately 2 minutes after the ignition is turned off, the sound you might hear is the system bringing the recirculation flap back to the resting position. This is normal.
On most of our systems the front and rear vents share the same air volume. For more flow to the rear, the front should be set lower, and vice versa.
Key Dependent Memory
This feature allows you to store up to 3 different memory settings per SmartKey or Keyless Go card. Memory settings include driver's seat and backrest position, setting for multicontour seat, steering wheel position, exterior mirror position, and, on some vehicles, automatic climate controls.
In order to activate/deactivate this feature, cycle through the instrument cluster's multifunction buttons and enter into the CONVENIENCE sub-menu. Select SETTING KEY DEPENDENT SETTINGS. Use the "+" and "-" buttons to turn this on or off.
This does NOT move the seat to your choice of memory positions until you actually push that memory button and hold it down until the seat stops.
If you grab your wife's key, and it doesn't know your memory positions, it's not a defect. If you use Key Dependent Memory, it's a good idea to put husband's settings in button 2 of wife's key's memory and vice versa.
On cars with digital climate control, the Key Dependent Memory will return the AC/Heat settings to the settings last selected while using that key.
KEYLESS GO
Pushing the Keyless Go START/STOP switch located on the shifter lever while the engine is running and the gear selector lever is in a position other than PARK will cause the instrument cluster to display "SELECTOR LEVER TO P". This message is telling you that in order to shut off the vehicle while using Keyless-Go, vehicle's transmission must be positioned in PARK.
If you push the START/STOP switch in order to shift out of park, the engine will stop. Don't push that button to shift gears. To shift out of park you need your foot on the brake, and you push the shift lever to the right and pull back to reverse or drive as appropriate.
Wipers
To avoid damage to the wiper mechanism, wipers must be in the 12 o'clock position before they can be pulled away from the glass for cleaning.
Parktronic
Parktronic sensors will not go off for objects located above or below height sensors (i.e. curb or parking lot stop).
Diesel Fuel
All diesel powered Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles should be refueled only at a PASSENGER CAR diesel fuel pump. The nozzles used to fill commercial trucks are larger in diameter and do not fit the fuel filler neck of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles. Additionally, the commercial truck nozzles pump fuel at a higher rate that causes the fuel to foam.
Defroster (rear window)
There is no defroster in the upper area of the rear window (where the antennas are located) on cars with antennas in the rear window. This assures that reception is not disturbed by the heat current.
E and SL-Class Brakes
If you hear a compressor sound prior to engine start-up or after engine stop, it's the SBC (Sensotronic Brake System). A compressor is maintaining pressure. This is normal. It may occur when you touch the door handle or unlock the car. The brakes are "waking up."
Touch Shift
All of our automatic transmissions are equipped with Touch Shift. This means if you want to shift manually, just tap the shift-lever to the left to go from "D" to "4." The speed you are in is indicated on the dash, P-Park, R-Reverse, N-Neutral, D-Drive, 4,3,2,1. On V-8s the transmissions have 7 speeds. Tapping the shifter to the left while stopped will put most of our cars into 1st gear.
If you don't notice this, at 30-40 mph the engine will be getting very loud and will, when it reaches the rev limiter, cutout in order to prevent over-revving the engine and damaging it severely.
If this occurs, hold the shift lever to the right, and "D" will appear on the instrument cluster, and the transmission will shift automatically again.
One lady drove to Dallas in "3". Another had her car towed in because of being in 1st gear without knowing it.
Spare Tires
Except for some AMG models, all of our cars have had spare tires. Every car we sell now except for the SL65 Biturbo AMG have spare tires. Some are collapsible blowup tires with 12 volt tire pumps. Some are skinny temporary tires of full diameter (ML), some are full-sized tires. SOME HAVE 2 COVERS OVER THEM (E-Class, C-Class). People have accused us of not giving them spare tires when they just hadn't lifted the second cover. The C and CLK-Class spares are covered with a Styrofoam bin tray. Unscrew the large nut in the middle to remove it and access the tire. The E-Class spare is covered with a molded cover that must be pulled out (with some difficulty).
C, CLK, and some SLKs have short lug bolts for the spare wheel. These wheels have pictographic instructions to use the short lug bolt, not the long one the alloy wheels on the ground have. Ignoring this and using the long ones causes considerable damage and is not a warranty expense. Currently the short lug bolts are held in the center of the spare wheel with molded clear plastic. Previously they came in a small plastic bag. Where they will be on used cars is anyone's guess.
Roadside Assistance knows how to change all of our tires. AAA does not necessarily.
Service Intervals
2005 models need servicing at either 13,000 miles or 10,000
miles (AMG, 600s). These are no longer covered under the Mercedes-Benz Maintenance
Commitment. Consider this a result of the exceptionally weak dollar. You
may, if you wish, of course, have the oil changed as often as you want.
3000 mile intervals with Mobil 1 0W-40 is serious overkill, but we won't
turn you down. We sell oil. If you insist on spending extra money on oil
changes, I would suggest 6,500 miles on cars with 13,000 mile schedules
and 5,000 miles on cars with 10,000 mile schedules. But Mercedes-Benz does
not consider that necessary.
Mercedes Gets Sirius-er
Sirius Satellite radio has been a dealer installed option for a while. Now it's available for VPC (Vehicle Preparation Center, meaning the port) installation. This lowers the price. It will be $699 when installed at the VPC. 14 months service are included with the package.
I now own an ML-500 (2003) and a C-320 (2002). I love both cars. We tow the ML behind the motor home (with REMCO transmission lubrication system) and we take it off road a lot in Death Valley and Moab. Wish you were a salesman in our local Dealership so I wouldn't know more about Mercedes than the salesman I have to deal with. Other than that it is a great dealership. They have great service techs, and I have a great relationship with my Service Writer. However, we could use the Texas Gun Laws.
Go to the following: http://www. remcotowing.com/ They have a transmission lubrication system specially for the MLs. It consists of a 12 volt pump, control valve and pressure sensor. It is powered from the motor home 12 volt power and there is a warning buzzer and light in the motor home that monitors the pressure in the transmission line. This is a very well respected company in the RV community. I have towed mine for about 10,000 miles with no problems. They will recommend a local welding shop for installation. Mercedes should go after this market since most of them end up towing Jeep Grand Cs. and I am sure many would rather have a Mercedes.
Anyone doing this should make sure that since they have to drain the transmission fluid that it is refilled with the Mercedes transmission fluid and that the right amount of new fluid is used. I would recommend that it be checked at the dealer and a new sealed device be installed on the filler cap.
Bob
The 2006 CLS500 will be out early next year, as will the new ML. Later in the year the R-Class will come out. In early 2006 the new S-Class will come out (2007 MY). That's when the new G-Class will come out. We'll also get the new B-Class (good timing considering the cost of fuel), but I'm not sure when. In other words, we have a lot going on.
When the SLK came out, we had very few orders. Now we have 6 months worth, and more on the SLK55 AMG.
So the usual rules apply. If you THINK you might want one of these cars, come by or call and put down a deposit to hold your place in line.. These deposits are always refundable when you haven't seen, driven, tasted, or smelled a car that's several months or more away. If your turn comes before you're ready, we can move you back down the line, but we can't move you up easily (back-outs do occur, and people do usually get their cars earlier than anticipated.)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that nearly 70% of child safety restraints are being used incorrectly. Industry statistics put that figure as high as 90%. Enter the talking car sear. That's right, SmartChild Seat.com is proud to announce the birth of a high-tech car seat that tells you everything you need to know about your car seat and your child's status in it -- literally. This car seat is so smart it even speaks several languages. (It must have listened to Baby Mozart as a prototype.) It says things like:
"Buckle fastened, vehicle belt tight."
"Warning, child climbing out of the seat!"
"Time to change the batteries."
Aptly named the TattleTale, Smart Child Seat continuously monitors your child while you drive. (www.wws.com)
Mercedes-Benz gets Two "Best of What's New" Awards
Popular Science Honors the E320 CDI Diesel and SLK350 Convertible
NEW YORK, NY Mercedes-Benz garnered two prestigious "Best of What's New" awards today from Popular Science, the oldest and best-known science and technology magazine in the U.S. One award goes to the company's diesel powered E320 CDI, a four-door luxury sedan that can get 37 miles per gallon on the highway with a new CDI electronic injection system that helps make the car quiet, clean and fast.º
"A New Generation of Surprisingly Appealing Diesel Vehicles"
According to Popular Science editor Eric Adams, "In the 1970s, Americans had a love/hate relationship with diesel cars. Though more fuel-efficient than their gas cousins, the cars were noisy, underpowered, smog-belching reminders of just how badly the fuel crisis had crippled the nation. By the mid-'90s, lower gas prices all but banished them from U.S. showrooms. Meanwhile European carmakers, spurred by diesel-friendly tax structures, kept at it. They traded sloppy mechanical fuel injection for high-pressure electronic systems that better atomize fuel. Finer droplets burn more completely than a coarse spray, cutting noise and emissions while boosting power. The result: a new generation of surprisingly appealing diesel vehicles."
Editor Michael Moyer says, "The best thing about the new E320 CDI is much more primal than better fuel economy. It's thrust. It has 369 pound-feet of torque, 30 more than found in its V8 cousin, pushing it to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The fully electronic common-rail fuel injection system a first in the U.S. pressurizes the fuel to 23,000 psi, which allows it to burn more thoroughly, enhancing power and efficiency."
More Comfortable and More Thrilling
The new SLK convertible snagged the other "Best of What's New" award for Mercedes. The original SLK took the roadster world by storm in 1997 with its slick retractable hardtop, and the new-generation car builds on that success with an all-new look that suggests a Formula 1 race car as well as increased power and more room.º
Moyer says, "Mercedes has made its small roadster both more comfortable and more thrilling. The crisp new SLK350's 3.5-liter V6 incorporates variable valve timing to allow the engine to tune itself for maximum efficiency at low throttle or high speed. The strategy works: Nearly 90 percent of the torque is available at just 1,500 rpm. And you can enjoy a roofless ride year-round, thanks to headrest heaters that blow warm air across your neck."
Bringing "Best of What's New" to Life
The December edition of Popular Science, the magazine's
best-read issue, features its Best of What's New coverage. Their editors
help bring it to life by taking over Vanderbilt Hall in New York's Grand
Central Terminal from November 9th through the 11th for a three-day consumer
event that's free to the public. All Best of What's New winners in each
category are spotlighted, complete with video presentations and on-site
product specialists.
New Feature-Rich Packages Offered for 2005
MONTVALE, N.J. Tele Aid, the Mercedes-Benz premium telematics service, is leading the industry's move to digital systems, while offering a choice of two new feature packages that fits the varied needs of Mercedes customers.º Tele Aid has been standard equipment on most Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever since the groundbreaking telematics system made its debut in the 1999 S-Class, and with the new digital platform, Tele Aid takes an important next step for the entire automotive industry.
Dual-Mode Digital/Analog Communication
Digital communication offers a clearer connection, more features and provides greater coverage as new networks proliferate. Available for the first time on most 2005 model-year Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the dual-mode Tele Aid system first seeks a digital cellular signal, then reverts to an analog signal if digital service can't be found.º
Tele Aid Service Options Cater to Customer Needs
Digital-based Tele Aid comes in two variants the Tele Aid Security & Care package provides unlimited access to:
· Emergency Call (via an SOS button or Automatic Notification when an air bag or seatbelt tensioner is deployed)
· One-button access to the award-winning Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
· Remote Door Unlock can open a door when the keys are locked inside
· Stolen Vehicle Recovery can help police locate a stolen vehicle via GPS satellite signal
· Dealer Connect provides one-button access to speak directly with any dealership
· Automatic Alarm Notification will contact the owner by telephone if the vehicle alarm has been tripped.º
· A direct link to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center for information on the vehicle;
The first year of Tele Aid Security & Care subscription is included in the price of the vehicle, and thereafter is $240 per year, with no per-minute access charges. Tele Aid Luxury & Convenience includes all the services of the Security & Care package, plus unlimited access to:
· Unlimited access to Route Assistance from a trained operator with specialized local resources
· Current Traffic Information for a preferred commute or a given radius around any current location
· Personal Concierge service from a skilled concierge specialist
· A new Online Concierge service accessible through the Owners Online portal.
Both the Personal Concierge and Online Concierge services offer recommendations and reservations for restaurants, theaters, or travel arrangements, from either the convenience of the vehicle or the comfort of the customer's home or office. The Tele Aid Luxury & Convenience package is available for $210 during the first year of vehicle ownership, and $450 per year thereafter, with no per-minute access charges.
Miscellaneous Ravings
Okay, you can breathe now
The election's over. We're not about to be taxed out of existence. Troops won't be pulled out of Iraq next week leaving a void to be filled by terrorists. The Sears Tower won't be hit by a 767. Teresa won't be first lady. The good guys won. Now you can breathe. Go back to work. Buy a new Mercedes. Celebrate. The world won't end after all.
Time Change
Aside from fielding a lot of calls on how to change time on automotive clocks, this is when I start carrying a flashlight. The incident that cost me much of my vision 9 years ago absolutely destroyed my night vision. So I carry a Surefire "Executive E2", It's pocket sized, uses 2 three volt lithium batteries, and is deliberately bright enough to blind someone if you aim it at their eyes. I seldom use it for that, but I sure use it to get around the dark dealership after closing, and sometimes before. About once a year some lucky customer gets to take one of these $85 flashlights home because it slides out of my pocket into the seat of a car. I buy them in multiples and stash them around the house and car, too.
Speaking of the Time Change
I didn't get my usual ration of phone calls asking how to change the clock on E-Class cars. Did I do that good a job explaining? Or are you calling the i button on Tele-Aid? Reading the manual? Mentally correcting? Is a puzzlement.
Yes, I'm extremely grateful for cars with navigation systems that set the time and correct for daylight savings time.
Definition:
Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a refund from the IRS, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with. - from a Washington Post word contest
Letter
Thanks for the quick response on the plugs. We also traveled north from Durango into the mountains with our ML. It was 2 weeks new and ran with the big boys in the mining trails. My wife (her car) was more than a little anxious when we were in the streams. When she was voicing her concern about the depth I just asked her to open the down stream door to see if the water ran in. Got to love them ML's
Bob
The World According to Paris Hilton
"Every woman needs 4 pets, a mink in the closet, a Jaguar in the garage, a tiger in the bedroom, and a jackass to pay for it all."
As related by Bill McCuddy
Flat Tire
A customer in a new E320 punctured a tire and pulled into the parking lot of the south MB store. It was Friday afternoon. He went inside to get someone to change it. No one would help, and they told him to call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes. He did, and our Roadside Assistance driver was nearby, so he took the call and changed the tire-after apologizing for the lack of help by the other store.
ML Longevity
Our Roadside Assistance 1998 ML320 has 295,000 miles. The owner has promised to get a new one at 500,000 miles. The drivers are happy with it. They just want a newer navigation system than the 1st generation in the truck.
Sanity Prevails
Three years after removing guns from the Jungle Cruise ride at Disneyland, park officials have reversed themselves and started arming the skippers again, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Disney officials holstered the captains' Smith and Wessons in 2001 following complaints that they promoted violence and gunplay.
But now, in what Disneyland officials said is an effort to recapture some of the magic before the park's 50th anniversary next year, the skippers are once again free to protect their passengers from the faux hippos on the cruise route.
Tongue Tied, October 22, 2004
Honda, the Safety Expert
Perhaps you've heard the Honda adds telling how they've just now become pioneers in pedestrian safety with pedestrian friendly hoods and breakaway wipers.
It figures. The EU is requiring several pedestrian friendly measures. The above are 2 of them. Honda isn't doing anything they're not required to do for safety. When I came to Mercedes in 1981, the hoods were pedestrian friendly, so much so we had to give instructions on closing the hood on the chrome grill surround to avoid denting the hood.
Silly Rip-Off
For some years I've been recommending a "Life Hammer" as safety equipment in your car. The Life Hammer is a little orange (or chrome) device with a hammer on end designed to break tempered safety glass, and on the other end is a protected blade designed to cut seat belts. I still recommend it, and I recommend you keep it within reach of the driver in your car. On Darth Mercedes, it's clipped to the left side of the driver's seat mount above the Halon fire extinguisher. The Redhead's SLK has it in the center console. The right side door pocket is not the appropriate place for it. If you're trying to get out of the car, your enemy isn't the fire or the rising water. It's your panic. Have it close, and practice finding it with your eyes closed.
Now there's a copy. I'd call it a cheap copy, but instead, I'll call it a Silly Rip-Off. In addition to the above it has a needle to puncture an air bag so you can extricate yourself from a car with an inflated air bag. The only problem with this theory is this: air bags are normally inflated for 1/30th of a second. Side curtains are inflated for a few seconds. Only in silly movies do air bags trap people inside cars. So if you're not driving inside a silly movie, DON'T BUY IT! Get the Life Hammer. (I used to put in sources. Now I just say, type LIFE HAMMER in your search engine and look for a low price.)
Thanksgiving Story
A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary. Nothing seemed to help.
Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and offensive actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird con-tinued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"
Happy Thanksgiving all, and may all of you have a lot to
be thankful for.
Is this another of those cat and moose
stories?