The 2008 JD Power Initial Quality Study measures new owner satisfaction after 90 days. In the last few years Mercedes has been moving to the top of the charts! This year, in addition to being #4 overall, Mercedes received several model segement awards and a prestigious Platinum Plant Quality Award for the Sigdelfingen assembly plant.

Platinum Plant Quality Award

“The Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award for producing vehicles yielding the fewest defects and malfunctions. Averaging just 33 problems per 100 vehicles, the plant produces the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class Sedan, E-Class Wagon and S-Class.”

Segment Winners

Compact Premium Sporty Car
Highest Ranked: Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Midsize Premium Car
Highest Ranked: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (tie)

This is a great photo showing the facelift that we will see on the 2009 ML550, ML350 & ML320 BlueTEC. As you can see the most significant changes will be made to the headlights, mirrors, and bumper cover. Pricing has not yet been released but I will post it as soon as I have it. The 2009 models are starting production so give me a call to place your order.

At the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours last weekend Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton did a parade lap in the original 1908 Benz Grand Prix car to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Mercedes Grand Prix win.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t dovetail that with a win this weekend but Heikki did fight throught to finish in 4th. Lewis finished 10th after being held back by a ten grid spot penalty for a pit lane accident in the last race and a drive through penalty for cutting a corner. Hopefully, we’ll be able to break this short string of bad luck at the next race at Silverstone!

Mercedes has just released information about a new cradle that will now fully integrate your iPhone with your Mercedes. As you can see in the photo above this will include a full cradle designed specifically for the iPhone.

Currently, you can connect your iPhone to the vehicle via the iPod connector (Code 057) and control your music through the steering wheel controls. When you get a phone call, the music will stop and you can receive the call. With this new iPhone connector it looks like you’ll be able to toggle between the two functions and see the data on the main command screen rather than just the multi-function dispaly. Also, the antenna connection will help to boost you phone’s signal. Additionally, this cradle will provide charging and a secure mounting location for your iPhone.

The press release from Mercedes doesn’t specifically say that this will only be available for 2009 or newer cars and the fact that they list the CLK as one of the cars it will work with makes me think that it might be available for several models going back a couple years. Mercedes also did not list this cradle being available for the GL, G or SLK Class models. A lot of this press release was specific to European cars and the option code does not show up in my dealer ordering guide yet. More info to come as the 2009′s start to arrive in August!

Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for the trailer hitch on ML and GL vehicles, 2006 through 2008 with a VIN ending in A419399 and lower. It is recommended that you do not tow anything until the recall work is performed! When you bring the vehicle in for the this work, a certified welder will reweld the seams connecting the trailer hitch receiver to the attachment bar used to secure the trailer hitch to the body frame. It should take about 2 hours to complete.

If your vehicle is part of this recall you should have received this letter from MBUSA. However, I know sometimes people move or purchase the car privately and Mercedes may not have your address.

Safety first!

Motor Trend went to Spain to get behind the wheel of the new GLK350. While the car they tested had the off-road package that is not expected to be an option here it is still a good article for anyone interested in this new compact SUV. You can read their full report here