The tech website CNET just released a great comparision between the BMW M3 and the C63 AMG.

"The C63 is an absolute torque monster, which makes it more fun to drive at low speeds."

"The COMAND system is light years ahead of the old iDrive system. The system smartly uses the instrument-cluster LCD for things like navigation prompts, so it's easier to use while in motion."

"With the money you'll save by purchasing the C63, you'll be able to buy new tires after you burn through the first set doing doughnuts in the parking lot."

In the end...

"We are bracing ourselves for the howls of BMW fans. Hey, we like Bimmers, too, but all things taken into account, the C63 won out. In most rounds, the C63 scraped by the M3 just a little, gaining precious ground for cabin tech features, exterior looks, and price. For all-around performance, the cars tied--the C63 boosted by its bigger engine, the M3 helped by its DCT. After BMW updates its cabin tech and electronics interface next year, the M3 will probably fare better in a rematch."

Read the full comparison at www.reviews.cnet.com

Labels: C-Class, C63 AMG

Owners of 2008 and newer Mercedes can now add "The Best of XM" to their existing account. However, some vehicles will require a trip to the shop for updated software.

If you have a 2008 or 2009 S/CL-Class or a 2009 SL/SLK/E/CLS/M/R/GL-Class with a Command head unit your software update should be available mid-October.

If you have a 2008 E/CLS/SLK-Class with a Command head unit the software update is currently being tested and they are hoping to have it available by the beginning of November.

All other 2008 and 2009 vehicles should receive "The Best of XM" without a software update.

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, Mercedes Technology, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class

Now that the 2009 vehicles have arrived, I have had a chance to spend some time with each of them and I have noticed some of the quirks that show up every year. These are little changes that aren't really announced but can be a bit of a shock to those of us to take the accessories very seriously.

My Biggest Loss -
The US has a new law that requires all window roll UP functions to be controlled by a button that you have to hold in the UP position. So, that means that tunnel mode, where you hold DOWN the recirculate button and all of the windows close, is out. So is remote roll up, where you hold the lock button on the key DOWN, to roll up all the windows at once. This was a very convenient function on the lot when I am in and out of cars all day, trying to keep them cool. However, it is being slowly phased out so some cars still work this way and some don't!

2009 ML, GL, R-Class

• Love AC power plug in the rear cargo area! Part of the Premium 1 Package and a great addition!
  
• The new Rear DVD system can now play 2 DVD's at the same time - one can be loaded in the DVD slot in the front of the car and one in the backseat!

• The 4 GB Music Register can store music that you have loaded onto the SD card or burned to a CD or DVD. It cannot store commercially purchased CDs. This is exactly opposite of the C-Class music register. Strange.
  
• ML & GL have bigger mirrors for 2009. This had been a complaint on the previous years.

2009 C-Class

• Compass in the rearview mirror is a nice addition. (Premium 1)
  
• Memory seats are absolutely perfect!
  
• Mocha/Almond interior is quite different from Savannah/Cashmere. I like that the Mocha/Almond is more neutral/less basketball colored. Very pretty!
  
• Music Register is upped to 6 GB.

2009 S and CL-Class

• Bluetooth adaptor can be ordered with the vehicle for $200 less than it can be purchased at the dealership.

2009 E-Class

• No charge 321 Sport Package on the E350 Sport is an amazing value. Wheels, bumpers, shift paddles for $0! Last year it was more than $2000! I know because I bought one... Be sure to order the Pano roof. My car is a white sport package with the Pano roof and it's hot!
  
• New navigation system has Bluetooth built in. That's another $525 savings.

If I find any more I'll keep you posted!

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class

For the first time since they were released I have a 2009 C63 AMG available for sale! In fact, I have 3! White, Black and Silver all with black interior. Each has Premium 2, Full Leather, MultiMedia and ipod. 2 have the tele-aid system. These cars are currently being shown and test driven. If you are interested please get in touch fast! No shippers or brokers please.

Labels: AMG, C-Class, C63 AMG

The 2009 MSRP's have just been released! If you combine these numbers with the options pricing, you'll know how much a 2009 will cost. I don't see any dramatic changes from the 2008 MSRP's. If you are ready to place your order please do let me know!

2009 C-Class	Release Date	MSRP
C300 SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$32,100/$33,850
C300 SPORT/LUXURY 4MATIC	July 16	$35,400/$35,650
C350 SPORT	July 16	$38,200
C63 AMG	July 16	$55,100
2009 CL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CL550 4MATIC	July 16	$105,100
CL600	July 16	$148,900
CL63 AMG	July 16	$139,700
CL65 AMG	July 16	$199,700
2009 CLK-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CLK350 COUPE	July 16	$46,800
CLK350 CABRIOLET	July 16	$54,800
CLK550 COUPE	July 16	$55,500
CLK550 CABRIOLET	July 16	$63,500
2009 CLS-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CLS550	May 15	$68,950
CLS63 AMG	May 15	$94,550
2009 E-Class	Release Date	MSRP
E320 BlueTEC	July 16	$52,900
E350 SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$51,900/$51,900
E350 4MATIC SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$53,400/$51,900
E350 WAGON 4MATIC	July 16	$55,950
E550	July 16	$60,400
E550 4MATIC	July 16	$61,900
E63 AMG	July 16	$86,000
E63 AMG WAGON	July 16	$86,800
2009 G-Class	Release Date	MSRP
G550 4MATIC	October 10	TBD
G55 AMG 4MATIC	October 10	TBD
2009 GL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
GL320 BlueTEC	October 01	$56,750
GL450 4MATIC	July 22	$57,750
GL550 4MATIC	July 22	$79,500
2009 M-Class	Release Date	MSRP
ML320 BlueTEC	October 01	$47,250
ML350 4MATIC	July 22	$45,750
ML550 4MATIC	July 22	$54,450
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	July 22	$88,350
2009 R-Class	Release Date	MSRP
R320 BlueTEC	October 01	$47,950
R350 4MATIC	July 22	$46,450
2009 S-Class	Release Date	MSRP
S550	July 16	$86,950
S550 4MATIC	July 16	$89,950
S600	July 16	$144,450
S63 AMG	July 16	$128,350
S65 AMG	July 16	$194,950
2009 SL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
SL550	April 28	$95,900
SL600	April 28	$136,100
SL63 AMG	April 28	$132,000
SL65 AMG	April 28	$190,700
2009 SLK-Class	Release Date	MSRP
SLK300	May 01	$44,950
SLK350	May 01	$49,950
SLK55 AMG	May 01	$64,300

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class

Being a brand new vehicle for 2008, there are not many changes to the C-Class for 2009. There are a couple of tweaks that make it an even better value. Release is scheduled for "2008" according to my guide. As we are just about sold out of 2008's I am assuming they will arrive soon!

Metallic Paint $720
Leather $1670
P01 Package C300/C350 $2150
Garage door opener
Auto-dimming mirrors
Memory seat with power steering column (driver only)
Rain sensor
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Heated front seats
Rear view mirror with integrated compass
P02 Package C300 $3600 / C350 $1350 / C63 $1100
All components of P01 plus
Split folding rear seats
Rear sunshade
Headlamp washing system
Bi-Xenon headlights
Corner-illuminating fog lamps
LED tail lamps
Multimedia Package $2980
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
COMAND system with hard-drive navigation
In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
harman/kardon LOGI C7® surround-sound system with Dolby digital 5.1
6GB hard-drive with Music Register for audio-CD ripping
Gracenote® media database
AMG Performance Package $3900( C63 AMG Only)
AMG limited slip differential
AMG compound braking system
AMG track-calibrated suspension system
AMG leather/alcantara performance steering wheel
Top speed raised to 174 mph
iPod Integration Kit $375
Tele Aid $650
Panorama sunroof $1,050 (Not avaliable on C63)
7-Speed Automatic Transmission $1,460
In-dash 6-disc cd changer $460
Burl Walnut Wood Trim C300: $310
18" AMG Twin 5-spoke wheels $1010

Key changes for 2009 C-Classes:
Driver's side memory with power steering column and tilt-down reverse passenger mirror added to Premium 1 Package (standard C350)
Integrated compass in rear view mirror replaces power-folding mirrors in Premium 1 Package(standard C350)
Burl Walnut wood trim option now also available for Sport Sedans
Almond/Mocha interior replaces Cashmere/Savanna now also available on sport models

Labels: C-Class

...the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the more modestly priced Benz ($33,675), with an average 29 days' supply of cars. While the supply is higher than that of other cars on the list, this model sells very quickly, with a turn rate of only 26 days, meaning that, on average, the C-Class is sold faster than it's produced.

Forbes.com - Hardest-To-Get Cars

Labels: C-Class

Have you been thinking about a new C300 Sport?
Wanted to keep the price down?


Atlanta Classic Cars has just been allocated 10 C300 Sports with MSRPs of $33,915. These are brand new C-Classes, with only the automatic transmission and sport packages. Cars with just these two options pretty rare. They are White, Black or Red - all with the Black interior.

The 2008 C300 is well equipped with standard sunroof, power seats, Bluetooth and automatic headlights. You can see all the details at the Mercedes-Benz website.

This would be a great car for a recent Grad!

These cars are are for retail purchase or lease only...no wholesalers or exporters please.

These cars are only available for sale through June 2nd! At the end of business on Monday they will go into our loaner car fleet.

Labels: C-Class, Current Specials

If you missed the one hour Speed Channel Test Drive of the new C63 AMG they are re-airing it several times during the coming weeks. Sunday 5/4 @ 10:30am - Monday 5/12 @ 2:00pm - Tuesday 5/27 @ 3:00am - Saturday 5/31 @ 8:00pm. For an up to date list visit the Speed website.

"Host Tommy Kendal, along with world-class racecar drivers Paul Tracy and Townsend Bell, takes you to the ends of the earth to unleash the full power of Mercedes' C63 AMG, in this incredible one-hour Test Drive!

From the dazzling frozen ice fields of Sweden, to the blazing high-speed turns of Firebird Raceway, to the molten lava of Hawaii's volcano fields, it's an extreme one-hour Test Drive of Fire & Ice!"

Labels: AMG, C-Class, C63 AMG

"The M3's V8 is as swift and sharp as a katana sword, while the C63's V8 punches like a set of brass knuckles. And whereas the M3 sounds best when it's being caned ruthlessly, the C63 barks like a beast when you simply twist the key and start it."

"Despite boasting similar power-to-weight ratios, the C63 runs notably quicker than the M3 sedan in a straight line. It clicks off the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at113.7 mph, compared to the BMW's 12.9 seconds at 111.1 mph, an advantage of 0.4second and 2.6 mph. Likewise, 60 mph comes up in 4.1 seconds in the Benz and 4.5seconds in the Bimmer."

"But if powersliding hooliganism is more your style, then the C63 is your choice, since it'll sustain a tail-out attitude around a corner until the steel cords show through the rear tires."

"The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG also crackles with character, something the M3 could use a bit more of."

A lot of people are comparing the Mercedes-Benz C63 to the BMW M3. Everyone wants to drive this new car! For a long time, the M3 has been the top of the heap in the small and sporty category. Most reviewers are acknowledging that the M3 is still a great car, very balanced and capable, but the consensus is that the C63 is more fun! Take a look at the full review from Edmunds. If you are interested in ordering a C63 or being notified if one become available, please let me know!

Labels: AMG, C-Class, C63 AMG

Labels: AMG, C-Class, C63 AMG, Videos

"Where this engine will trump the forthcoming M3's V-8 is not with its 30-plus extra horsepower, but with its titanic 148-pound-foot torque advantage."

"Turn-in is quick, effort builds naturally with cornering intensity, and the chassis responds in ways that would make a blindfolded Bimmerphile surprised to find a three-pointed star on the airbag cover."

"Perhaps the most intoxicating aspect of car is its engine note-pure NASCAR stocker outside (it's impossible to believe this car passes the 75-dBA Euro noise regs), just enough mechanical music inside."

Read the Full Review

Labels: AMG, C-Class, C63 AMG

More Photos
The commercial for the new C63 AMG is out and it's time to get your order in for this amazing car. The release date for the C63 is expected to be April of this year. Base MSRP will be $53,800. The options and prices below will give you a better idea what your dream C63 will cost. Contact me now to get your C63 on the way to your garage!

AMG Standard Feature:
AMG Speed-Sensitive Sport Steering
3-Stage ESP
AMG sports suspension with 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels
AMG high-performance brake system
AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints
AMG performance steering wheel - flattened lower section - shift paddles
AMG bodystyling

2008 C63 AMG Option Packages:
(P01) Premium 1 - Standard on C63 AMG
Rain-sensing Wipers
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Auto-Dimming Mirrors
Power-Folding Mirrors
Heated Front Seats
Garage Door Opener

(P02) Premium 2 - $1,080
All Items in Premium 1 Package
Power Rear-Window Sunshade
Headlamp Washing System
Bi-Xenon Headlamps
Cornering Fog Lamps

(318)Leather Package - $2,950
Power Passenger Seat w/Memory
Power Dr.Seat & Steering Col. w/ Memory
(Seems to be mandatory on C63)

(320) Multimedia Package - $2,950
Voice Control
Music register with 4 gig hardrive
COMAND Navigation System
DVD video playback
6-Disc CD/DVD-Changer
Harman/Kardon 450-watt Sound System

Stand Alone Options:
iPod Integration Kit - $375
TeleAid - $650
6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer - $450
---030 AMG Performance Package will be avaliable this summer

Interior Color Options:
Black Leather (201)
Black/Sahara Beige (205)
Grey/Black Leather (208)
--all three interiors are avaliable with any exterior color

Exterior Color Options:
Black(040) - No Charge
Obsidian Black (197) - $710
Capri Blue(359) - $710
Barolo Red(544) - $710
Mars Red(590) - No Charge
Arctic White(650) - $710
Pewter (723) - $710
Steel Grey(755) - $710
Iridium Silver(775) - $710
Palladium Silver(792) - $710

Labels: AMG, C-Class, C63 AMG

We'll be here when you need new tires.

Labels: AMG, C-Class, C63 AMG, Videos

The 2008 C63 is currently in production for release in April. It has drawn a lot of interest and I am very excited about how well it has been reviewed. While the C63 came in second in this Motor Trend comparison, it is obvious that they loved the car and had a blast driving it.

"Hurtling the C63 down the quarter mile is like firing a Government Model Colt 45. The result is rewarding in an explosive sense. Mercedes-Benz quotes 0-to-60 in 4.3, but just the right launch technique yielded a best time of 4.1 seconds. That's on par with 8.0-liter Dodge Vipers of just a decade ago."

"Two areas stand out here: seats and steering wheels. In keeping with its ballsy nature, the C63 has firm, thickly bolstered front buckets....Everyone loves the Mercedes' steering wheel. It's squared off at the bottom, like a DTM racer's, is thickly padded with dimpled leather at the handgrip areas, and has easy-to-reach shifter paddles."

"The Bad Benz won a lot of hearts. It's the quickest in a straight line, second fastest in road-course work, and stops the shortest, too. The C63's fierce accel and Howitzer exhaust note are reason enough to own it. This sophisticated, four-wheeled pit-bull spews emotion, knows what it is, and won't care if everyone likes its edgy nature or not."

Read Motor Trend's full comparison here.

Labels: AMG, C-Class, C63 AMG

"This machine grabs you the minute you light the motor, and the four big exhaust pipes erupt. It gurgles to the delight of everyone, inside or outside the car. Let off the throttle, and it burbles on the overrun.Wonderful."

MotorTrend just got a 451hp C63 AMG - view the full article here.
Contact me to get one of these amazing cars for yourself!

Labels: AMG, C-Class, C63 AMG

MotorWeek has named the 2008 C-Class as their Driver's Choice Awards - Best Luxury Sedan.

From the MotorWeek website -

"The C-Class tops our list of high-end sedans that offers a true Continental driving experience, yet one that doesn't forget value. The latest version of Mercedes best selling series is clad in more aggressive sheet metal that reflects its improved performance. But it is C-Class precision, amenities and exceptional quality that drive it to the top of a very high-class heap."

Labels: C-Class

The new C-Class has won the prestigious "Yellow Angel 2008" award this year by a wide margin! The award is presented by the European motoring organization ADAC and is chosen by their more than 16 million members. Members vote for the vehicle using crieteria such as value, practicality, economy, safety and environmental compatibility.

Labels: C-Class

The European NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) awarded the new C-Class 5 stars and called it "one of the safest cars available on the market". You can view their results here.

Labels: C-Class

Mercedes-Benz USA sponsored a competition this fall for salespeople to present the new 2008 C-Class. The goal was to increase product knowledge while tailoring a 10 minute walk-around presentation to the interests of a specific client.

I was selected by my peers to represent Atlanta Classic Cars at the Market Level in September and was chosen by our Market Manager as the winner! Then, in November, I flew to Jacksonville to compete against the other 8 Market winners for the title of Grand Champion of the Southern Region. I won! It was quite an honor to present to all of the Market Managers and fellow competitors.

If you have any questions about the new C-Class this would be a great time to ask...I could talk your ear off!

Labels: Awards, C-Class

Wow! Mercedes has just introduced this new feature to a few select 2008 models. The S, CL and Tele-Aid equipped C-Classes can now receive directions downloaded from Yahoo or Google Maps. You can visit the official site here to watch the video and get all the details. It really is simple and very cool.

I think the best part is that it allows you to customize your route online to the way you want to travel and then download that particular route to the vehicle. For example, navigation always wants me to go through St. Louis when I travel from Champaign, Illinois to Georgia, but Google allows me to choose a more direct route. Then I can download those directions rather than listening to navigation requesting a U-turn for 20 miles! Another great way to use this system would to have your secretary or assistant send directions to your car while your out doing business. Let me know if you try it!

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, Mercedes Technology, S-Class

Labels: C-Class, Fifth Gear, Videos