Curt’s Newsletter

November 2005

© 2005.

No part of this newsletter may be reprinted elsewhere including internet websites without written permission from the author

Mercedes-Benz F600 HyGenius Fuel Cell Research vehicle

M-Class—5 Stars TWICE

New M-Class Achieves Five Stars In Front and Side Impact Tests

Montvale, NJ – The all-new 2006 M-Class joins a select group of SUVs that have earned the highest possible rating in both the frontal and side impact crash tests administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The results, five stars for the driver and five stars for the passenger, were achieved when NHTSA tested the SUV under its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

What is the NCAP?

In the NCAP tests, crash-test dummies representing average-sized adults are placed in the vehicle and secured with the vehicle's seat belts. The side crash test represents an intersection-type collision with a 3,015 pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into a standing vehicle. The frontal crash test involves a head on collision into a fixed barrier at 35 mph.  Five stars, the highest governmental crash test rating, translates into a 5% or less chance of serious injury for the driver and (driver’s side) rear passenger in the side impact test and a 10% chance of serious injury for the driver and passenger in the frontal crash test.

Mercedes-Benz Takes a Holistic Approach to Safety

Continuing the Mercedes-Benz commitment to occupant safety, the 2006 M-Class comes standard with two-stage adaptive air bags for the driver and front passenger, seat-mounted side impact air bags in front, window curtain air bags that stretch from front to rear, belt tensioners, and belt force limiters for front and rear seating positions.  A rollover sensor can activate the belt tensioners and window curtain air bags if the vehicle senses an imminent rollover.  The vehicle tested was equipped as described above.

A Choice of Two High-Torque Engines

The new generation M-Class is available with a choice of V6 or V8 power.  Under the hood of the ML350 is a new generation 3.5-liter, four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine delivering 268 horsepower and 258-lb.ft. of torque.  The ML500 is powered by a five liter V8 engine with 302 horsepower and 339 lb.ft. of torque.

New and useful technology abounds in the 2006 M-Class, including a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, an effective full-time four-wheel-drive system and optional features such as height-adjustable air suspension.  A revised four-wheel traction control system now incorporates functions such as downhill speed regulation and off-road performance optimization.

The M-Class is characterized by an aggressive wedge shape complemented by sweeping front fenders, dramatic shoulder lines and a sharply angled windshield.  The interior is completely redesigned to provide more comfort, more features and more user-friendly space.

First M-Class Started an Industry Trend

When the Mercedes-Benz M-Class first arrived eight years ago, the new sport utility vehicle started a trend that inspired the entire auto industry to shift toward more luxurious car-like SUVs.  Launched as the only sport utility in its class with four-wheel independent suspension, the original M-Class was one of the first to be designed from the ground up, rather than being based on an existing truck platform.  The first-generation M-Class also won a number of automotive awards, including the prestigious North American Truck of the Year.

No Surprise:

This comes as no surprise to me. If there was any surprise it was the frontal crash test. All Mercedes have to score well in a horrendous offset barrier crash test at higher speed than the gumment’s 35 mph flat barrier crash test. A lot of cars do well on that one but aren’t great in the more dangerous offset crash. The concentration of force on the offset crash is more dangerous than the spread out forces of the flat barrier. But to do well in the flat barrier crash test requires a certain type of construction, while the offset crash test requires conflicting standards. Balancing both is difficult at best.

In the side impact test I was informed by a MBUSA trainer that the new ML crash tested better in internal tests with only front side air bags and full length side curtain airbags than the previous ML with front and rear side air bags and full length side curtain airbags. The vehicle is simply that much stronger. The previous ML is one of the safest vehicles ever built and will continue to save lives for a long time to come. As expected, its replacement is safer.

Does this mean you shouldn’t get rear side air bags in your new ML or R? Of course that depends. If you seldom carry passengers you might come up with one answer. If your children sit there every day, you’ll probably come up with a different one. They are optional now. “Ya pays ya money, and ya takes ya choice.”

S550

MERCEDES-BENZ NEXT GENERATION S-CLASS NAMED S550

2007 S-Class Features All-New 5.5-liter V8 Engine, Advanced Technology

Montvale, NJ – Mercedes-Benz today announced new nomenclature for its flagship sedan.  The model year 2007 S-Class will be named the S550, replacing the S500.  In the U.S. market, the new S-Class line will be launched with an all-new 5.5-liter V8 engine delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, the first of a new-generation V8 engine family featuring four-valve-per-cylinder technology and variable valve timing.  The “S” designation had long been used to identify top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz sedans and coupes, and the S-Class has embodied the brand’s flagship role for more than five decades. 

The S-Class is a technological showcase that has pioneered significant safety and comfort features for the entire auto industry, including the first ABS anti-lock brakes, the first ESP stability control and the first PRE-SAFE system.  The new S-Class made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show in September 2005 and is set to arrive in the U.S. in February 2006.  The successor to a long line of premium luxury vehicles, the 2007 S-Class sedan will debut with a significantly evolved design and a stronger presence.  Sharper angles and cleaner lines frame a sedan that gains about 1.7 inches of length, almost an inch in width, and more than three inches in wheelbase over its predecessor.

iPod Integration Kit

Select Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupes Are Equipped With iPod At No Additional Cost

MONTVALE, NJ — Today Mercedes-Benz announced the first 2,300 model year 2006 CLK350 and CLK500 coupes produced will be equipped with an iPod integration kit and a 4GB silver iPod Mini without additional charge. 

In January of this year, Mercedes-Benz USA and Apple® announced the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, making Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to provide full iPod music navigation for drivers to listen to their entire iPod music collection through the Mercedes-Benz audio system, as well as select their music using artist, album or playlist with the multifunction controls on the steering wheel and the integrated multifunction display in their instrument cluster.

The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz debuted this April in the U.S. with the all-new 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class.  This promotion celebrates the first time availability of the iPod integration package on the model year 2006 CLK coupe and highlights Mercedes-Benz’ commitment to offering innovative, relevant entertainment options to its customers.

The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz provides outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod, and conveniently connects and stores in the glove compartment. The solution also allows the driver to "See What You're Hearing" with music title or playlist information shown on the integrated multifunction display in the instrument cluster. Drivers will be able to easily access their entire iPod music library, shuffle songs and skip between tracks and playlists.

F 600 Hygenius:

Mercedes-Benz Presents New Research Vehicle with Fuel Cell Drive

Stuttgart -- The new F 600 HYGENIUS is the latest in the series of research vehicles from Mercedes-Benz that point the way forwards for the future. Powered by a zero-emission fuel cell drive with an output of 85 kW/114 hp, the compact-class car with a family-friendly design consumes the equivalent of 81 mpg and has an operating range in excess of 250 miles. "This represents a major step towards bringing the fuel cell drive up to full production maturity, a goal that we aim to achieve some time between 2012 and 2015," remarks Dr. Thomas Weber, DaimlerChrysler AG Board Member for Research & Technology and Head of Development at the Mercedes Car Group. "By developing the fuel cell, we are creating a new basis for supplying energy in tomorrow's vehicles which will make a further lasting improvement to their environmental compatibility." In addition to the fuel cell technology, the Mercedes-Benz research vehicle also showcases an operating concept with virtual displays, new-style seats and other pioneering technologies designed to enhance safety and passenger comfort.

Fuel cells use the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical power in a process that produces no emissions. Professor Herbert Kohler, Director of Vehicle Body and Drive Research at DaimlerChrysler: "We have made some crucial advances to this trailblazing technology. The fuel cell in the F 600 HYGENIUS is around 40 percent more compact than previously, runs more efficiently than ever and is notable for its good cold-start characteristics. This has been achieved thanks to the inclusion of innovations such as the redesigned fuel stacks, an electric turbocharger and a new humidification and dehumidification system."

The F 600 HYGENIUS achieves a maximum power output of 85 kW/114 hp combined with a peak torque of 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The fuel cell drive alone generates a constant power output of 60 kW/80 hp and a torque of 184 lb.-ft. With any surplus energy being stored in a powerful lithium-ion battery, the system acts in a similar fashion to a hybrid drive, selecting the best power source to use depending on the driving situation. When parking or maneuvering, for instance, the electric motor draws its power from the battery alone, while both fuel cell and battery feed it with energy in unison when the vehicle is accelerating. The electric motor doubles as a generator that charges the battery during vehicle braking by recuperating drive energy.

Mobile power station supplies energy both at home and away

As well as generating clean energy to drive the research vehicle, the fuel cell can also serve as a mobile power source: its 66 kW of electrical power would be quite sufficient to keep several detached houses supplied with power.

Passengers aboard the F 600 HYGENIUS also stand to benefit from its extraordinary energy reserves: the cup holders which use electrical power from the fuel cell to keep drinks chilled or hot are just one example of this. The fuel cell's energy also allows electrical devices to be operated anywhere at the standard voltage level - following onboard conversion - granting the occupants total independence from the main network on family outings or business trips. All they have to do is connect the device to a power socket in the tailgate.

Compact-class car boasting luxury-class spaciousness

The four-door F 600 HYGENIUS also makes a mark for itself when it comes to comfort and versatility. Despite the body's compact length of just 4,348 millimeters (171.2 inches), the levels of space inside are impressive, even by luxury-class standards. The distance between the front and rear seats - a useful indicator of the freedom of movement and spaciousness - measures 945 millimeters (37.2 inches), and can be extended by up to a further 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) thanks to the sliding design of the individual rear seats. This puts the research vehicle's comfort dimensions on a par with those found in exclusive luxury saloons.

Seating concept offering families the versatility they are looking for

A host of ingenious design solutions make the F 600 HYGENIUS an ideal family car. Take the child and family-friendly design of the seats, for example: the front passenger seat and the individual seats in the rear incorporate a new technology allowing the backrest to be used either way around. The backrests can be swung forwards and reversed in such a way that ISOFIX child seats can be locked into place on the seat cushions in a rearwards-facing position. The face-to-face seating arrangement boosts safety at the same time as making it easier to attend to young children en route, with the additional fore-aft and crossways adjustment of the rear seats allowing infants to be reached easily from the nearside rear seat.

Mercedes-Benz has devised a revolutionary new seat for the driver featuring a two-piece backrest cushion that follows the upper body movements and minimizes the strain on the intervertebral discs, regardless of the seat position. If, for instance, the driver tilts the seat further back, the lower section of the backrest cushioning automatically pivots forwards to support the pelvic area.

Video cameras for leaving the vehicle and changing lane safely

Cameras integrated into the housings of the exterior mirrors keep an eye on traffic to the side of and behind the F 600 HYGENIUS, even when it is parked. If another car or a bicycle is approaching from behind, the system will automatically disable the doors for a brief period to avoid the risk of a collision when they are opened. Out on the road, the video system monitors the blind spot of both exterior mirrors and warns drivers about to change lane if a vehicle is approaching from behind.

Space-saving opening mechanisms for doors and tailgate

The tailgate of the F 600 HYGENIUS has a two-piece design offering maximum practicality. If space is at a premium, the tailgate's lower section is automatically folded inwards so that the tailgate swings through a much tighter arc as it opens. As this is happening, the rear bumper drops down, pulling out the floor plate of the luggage compartment at the same time to simplify loading. The front doors of the latest Mercedes research vehicle also boast a technology that is designed to make getting into and out of the vehicle as easy and convenient as possible when parked in tight spaces: the doors swing upwards at a slant, meaning that they take up less space to the side when opening than conventional car doors.

Two-level operating concept with sophisticated new user recognition facility

In order to allow the vast multitude of functions to be operated quickly, intuitively and, most importantly, safely, the engineers at Mercedes have devised a concept based on the proven operating principle used in the new Mercedes-Benz S‑Class. This concept helps to minimize driver distraction, which in turn benefits driving safety. As in the Mercedes flagship model, buttons in a control panel in the middle of the dashboard serve to operate the most commonly used systems, such as the radio, air conditioning, car phone and navigation. These buttons can be easily reached by both the driver and the front passenger.

The push/turn control knob in the center of the control panel can automatically detect whether it is being operated by the driver or the front passenger, enabling both to program their personal climate control settings. This intelligent user recognition facility is based on the electrical signals transmitted in the skin: the instant the front passenger touches the push/turn control knob in the center, a data circuit closes between the control knob and a sensor mat in the seat cushion, switching the display to the settings for the front passenger side.

For advanced operating functions, the COMAND controller developed for the new S-Class extends out of the armrest between the front seats and allows straightforward navigation through the COMAND system's control menus.

Virtual displays for fast vision adjustment

The images on both high-resolution color displays in the dashboard are diverted by means of two mirrors before being projected to appear at a point 4.6 feet (1.40 meters) in front of the driver. This leading-edge virtual display technology from Mercedes-Benz represents a key improvement to driver-fitness safety as it shortens the time required for drivers to switch their gaze from what's taking place on the road far ahead to the close-up instrument cluster display. Scientific studies have confirmed that, with this technology, the driver's eyes do not have to constantly adjust between close and long range so they do not tire as quickly.

High-power light-emitting diodes for all lighting functions

Headlamps with high-power LEDs enhance the driver's night-time vision and help to avoid accidents. The LEDs are distributed over three projector modules: the light module in the center is activated as required, depending on the driving situation, and also assumes additional functions, such as main beam, the Active Light System and the cornering light. All of the various lighting features are performed simply by switching individual LEDs on and off electronically, thereby eliminating the need for moving components, such as those currently fitted for the Active Light System.

Service Items

Star Motor Cars has the best paid and most experienced service technicians in town. The “Best paid” results in the “most experienced” part. Experienced technicians gravitate to us, especially ones who don’t fiddle with your money. Some tell of having to do things they considered unethical at other stores. Ones who get caught here don’t work here any more.

As a result “problem cars” end up here, cars that the inexperienced technicians at another dealership can’t fix. We have an exceptionally dedicated group of technicians, some fairly young but very gung-ho and astute, some older and quite experienced. Usually one or the other will be able to solve the problem. They work together, and the result is a “think tank.” I’ve recently gone to some of them with unusual problems and was amazed at the amount of effort they put into solving the problem. A good Mercedes-Benz technician has to be able to master two very different skills, the “wrench” skills, such as rebuilding a flood-damaged engine, and the “computer” skills. The electronics on MBs are quite sophisticated, and the solution to problems is more like working on computers than cars. It’s tough to find people who can handle both aspects, but we have.

Loaner Cars

At another dealership customers are promised Mercedes-Benz loaner cars. But the silent, unadvertised policy is that only customers who will get questionnaires get free loaners. Everyone else is told they’re all reserved, but they have Enterprise Rental Cars at the owner’s expense.

New Mercedes customers get 2 questionnaires from MBUSA, one shortly after delivery, and one after one year. Certified Pre-Owned customers get similar questionnaires.

So, at that dealership, after your one year questionnaire goes in, you’ve gotten your last free loaner car.

Star’s Policy:

Star has, instead of a few Mercedes loaners, a virtually unlimited number of Enterprise Rental Cars, and we pay $30/day for 5 days per visit. We don’t pay the $6 per day in sales tax or for your fuel. Enterprise has run out of loaners because of Hurricane Katrina, but usually they have enough cars on hand to handle our business. On surprise busy days they can bring them in from other locations. After Hurricane Katrina I saw Hertz cars here to aid in the shortage.

The rental car loaner rules are the same for new cars and older ones. We average over $40,000 a month in loaner car costs, none of which are paid by MBUSA.

I’ve been saying for some time that if Mercedes-Benz had the same loaner car policy as Lexus, very few Lexus would be sold. It’s not that Lexus don’t have problems. A lot of them do. But having the dealer pick up your broken car, leave you a loaner, and bring the repaired car back when they’re done takes the sting out.

Bumping up customer’s bills

The same store gives bonuses to service advisors who bump up service bills. Example, the “book” time for doing operation A is 2 hours. The Service Advisor sells it to the customer as a 2.5 or 3 hour operation, and he/she gets a big piece of the extra. Put that with “matrix” pricing, and you can pay a lot more for an operation than you should. Star’s Service Advisors can reduce times on operations if appropriate, but not extend them.

Matrix Pricing:

What’s Matrix Pricing? If the parts price list from MBUSA shows list price for a widget as $10, then that dealership charges $20. If the list shows list for a wiring harness is $1000, then they will charge $1250. We don’t do that. We’ve never done that.

Several times local Mercedes-Benz Club officers have come to me to try to get a parts discount for MBCA members. The other stores do. Okay, they’re charging $20 for a part and give MBCA members a $2 discount. We charge $10 and don’t give a discount. This makes us the bad guys?

Call Direct:

Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance has, from New Joisey, decided that people in Katy, for example, should be serviced by another dealer. A guy in New Joisey with a map says they’re closer. They’re not. There is no easy way to get from them to Katy. There are 2 ways from here, I10 and the Westpark Toll Road. You can: (a) demand that they send our Roadside Assistance guy or (b) keep this phone # in your cell phone’s phone book: 713-291-7709. This is the direct number to the Star Motor Cars roadside assistance guy on duty. Our roadside assistance guys are very good, quite dedicated and skillful. I’ve probably gotten 3 or 4 complaints since the program started back when the earth was flat and dinosaurs walked the earth. Call that number if you are close or semi-close to Star Motor Cars and need a battery, a jump start, have a flat tire, or have run out of gas. If he can’t get there in a timely manner, he’ll get someone who can.

Comparison:

A customer with a BMW described the situation when he called their roadside assistance for a flat tire. BMW uses an auto club. Mercedes-Benz uses dedicated, full time vehicles at each dealership that are set up to handle common emergencies. When the BMW roadside vehicle showed up, it was a car, not a truck, and the driver used the customer’s jack and tools to change the tire.

When Michael Martini from Star Motor Cars arrived to change my blown tire, he came out of the truck with a large, safe, efficient floor jack, and the tire was off the ground in a few seconds. Then he took a 24 volt impact wrench and took the lug bolts off and took the wheel off. The spare is a blow up spare on the ML55 AMG, and he had a pump in the trunk that filled the tire quickly. He installed it and used the impact wrench to tighten the bolts. Then he lowered the wheel and used a torque wrench to make sure the bolts were tightened to MB’s specifications. Then he cleaned up, put my flat in the back of the trunk, and went to the next service call.

Are you beginning to see a difference here?

Illegal License Plate Frames

The other stores are STILL putting illegal license plate frames on cars. You CAN get a $200 ticket for them. Ask our GSM, who drove a used car and got one for no front plate, one for an illegal frame, and one for keeping up with traffic. But we will GIVE you legal frames, no matter where you bought your car. I’ve suggested that Michael Martini put some frames in the Roadside Assistance vehicle and offer to change out any illegal frames on cars he works on. No extra charge.

Miscellaneous Ravings

Bathtub Test

During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criteria is that defines whether a patient should be institutionalized or not.

"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub with water, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask the patient to empty the water out of the tub."

Okay, here's your test:

1.  Would you use the spoon?

2.  Would you use the teacup?

3.  Would you use the bucket?

“Oh, I understand," said the visitor.  "A normal person would choose the bucket since it is larger than the teacup or spoon."

Correct answer a little further down.

European Delivery Letter

We had a great trip to Germany and Austria - the hotels were amazing, especially the Interalpen Tyrol.  The plant in Sindelfingen is very impressive, and we had a very nice experience with the car delivery.  The concierge in Munich was, as you told us, very helpful.  The car was picked up by EH Harms' driver on Sunday evening; so I assume it's on its way here.

Bryce D. Linsenmayer

Answer to the Bathtub Test:

"No," answered the Director "A normal person would pull out the stopper."

The Letter Every Soldier Writes:

I’m pretty sure that virtually every soldier in harms way writes the “If you’re reading this I’m dead” letter and leaves it with a friend. The following, however, is one of the most magnificent I have seen. This young man had a great under-standing for his age. He certainly understands battle and the war he was fighting better than the scum who cut the letter up and used it to embarrass his memory.

"Obviously if you are reading this then I have died in Iraq. I kind of predicted this, that is why I'm writing this in November. A third time just seemed like I'm pushing my chances. I don't regret going, everybody dies but few get to do it for something as important as freedom. It may seem confusing why we are in Iraq, it's not to me. I'm here helping these people, so that they can live the way we live. Not have to worry about tyrants or vicious dictators. To do what they want with their lives. To me that is why I died. Others have died for my freedom, now this is my mark."

Cpl. Jeffrey B. Starr, First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, KIA April 30, 2005, Ramadi, Iraq

Curt Rich November 2005