Mercedes-Benz has sent us a 2009 ML320 BlueTEC and a 2009 GL320 BlueTEC to test drive for the next month. You might notice them on the road with their...distinctive wrapping. I went for a spin in the GL320 BlueTEC yesterday. I wanted to see how the 20" run-flat tires impacted the ride quality. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ride was as comfortable as it has ever been. I think Mercedes took great care to compensate for the run-flats with the suspension set up. Also, the 20" size is not too big. It almost feels more suited to the size of the GL that the 18" wheels did.

You can learn more at the Mercedes BlueTEC site or come in and see for yourself!

Labels: Atlanta Classic Cars, Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class

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

Mercedes has just annouced that the 2009 BlueTEC SUVs will qualify for the federal Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. This is the same tax credit that has been avaliable on most hybrid vehicles. One interesting thing is that because Toyota and Lexus have already sold their total of eligible vehicles none of their hybrids will qualify for this credit. Here are the details from Mercedes-Benz.

• Any qualifying vehicle (MY09 BlueTEC GL, ML & R- Class) must be purchased - Leased vehicles will not qualify for the credit.
  
• Credit is not realized at retail purchase, but must be applied for individually by the customer, and claimed on their Income Tax Return (1040). Each respective customer should contact their individual tax advisor for more details.
  
• Unfortunately, the 40 state MY09 E320 BlueTEC does not qualify for this credit.
  
• Maximum tax credit amounts: -- 2009 ML320 BlueTEC: $900 -- 2009 R320 BlueTec: $1,550 -- 2009 GL320 BlueTEC: $1,800 -- Please note: amount is based on a somewhat complicated formula, and since the ML is the lightest of the three vehicles, it is held to a higher standard for fuel economy improvement, but has the smallest improvement of the three vehicles. Therefore the maximum is relatively lower vs. the GL & R- Classes.
  
• The credit begins to phase out via a rather complicated tiered structure once the manufacturer sells 60,000 eligible vehicles, (hybrids/diesels) and is then subsequently eliminated.
  
• Toyota /Lexus already reached the maximum number of hybrids sold in October 2007, so anyone purchasing a Toyota or Lexus hybrid is no longer eligible for the above mentioned tax credit.

Better fuel economy and a tax credit! Seems like a no-brainer.

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class, Newsletter, R-Class

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

The Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2009 ML has been released! All of this information is still subject to change before launch. The ML350, 550 and 63 are scheduled for release in "July 08."

Metallic Paint $720
Full Leather Seating Package $1995
Leather upholstery
Wood/leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
Burl Walnut wood trim
Interior Premium Lighting Package
Lighting Package $950
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
Headlamp washing system
Corner-illuminating fog lamps
LED tail lamps
P01 Package $3850
Rear view camera
COMAND system with hard-drive navigation
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
HD Digital Radio®
iPod/MP3 media interface cable
Harman/Kardon LOGIC7® surround-sound system with Dolby digital 5.1
40GB hard-drive with GPS navigation
4GB hard-drive with Music Register for download of MP3 files
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone, and navigation
Gracenote® media database
Power liftgate
115V AC power outlet
(MSRP value of options if available separately: $4,510)
P02 Package $6600
All components of P01 plus
Parktronic
Power memory passenger seat with power lumbar support
Auto-dimming mirrors
Power driver seat with memory package
Power steering column
Power folding mirrors
Keyless-Go (includes chrome door handles)
(MSRP value of options if available separately: $8,130)
Heating Package $1390
Heated leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
Heated rear seats
Heated front seats
Air Suspension with adaptive damping system (ADS II)$1,600
Trailer Hitch (class III) $530
3-Zone automatic Climate Control $770
21" AMG 5-Spoke Wheel $1,550 (ML63 only)
Stainless Steel Running Boards with rubber studs $650
Rear Seat Entertainment system $1,850
All new rear seat entertainment with dual source DVD, larger video screens, wireless headphones and 2 remote controls.
Heated Front Seats $720

Many of these options are standard on the ML63. This pricing is mostly for the ML350, ML550 and the ML320 BlueTEC.

Model Year 2009 ML-Class Standard Features:
ML350 - Standard Equipment
19" 5-spoke alloy wheels
New front bumper design with new grille
New rear bumper design with integrated rear reflectors
New headlamp design
4-way power lumbar support in driver seat
New redesigned multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Wood storage tray located below climate control (formerly standard with Burl Walnut
Pre-safe®
Rear door child safety locks
New standard COMAND unit includes:
6.5-inch color display
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
Auxiliary input jack (in glovebox)
In-dash SD memory card reader
DVD video/audio player
AM/FM/WB radio CD player - MP3 capable
Rain sensor
Larger exterior mirrors
New seat pattern and new interior door panel design
Stainless steel skid plate
ML320 BlueTEC - Standard Equipment

All standard equipment on the ML350
19" 5-spoke alloy wheels with run-flat tires - (no spare tire see: AdBlue tank)
50-state available BlueTEC clean diesel





ML550 - Standard Equipment
All standard equipment on the ML350
19" AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels
Stainless steel running boards with rubber studs
New brushed aluminum roof rails and chrome beltline molding
New unique front and rear styling


ML63 AMG - Standard Equipment

All standard equipment on the ML350
P02 Package
Lighting Package
Air suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS II)
20" AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels
AMG premium leather with Burl Walnut trim
AMG premium leather dashboard
Redesigned AMG sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles
Multicontour front seats
Heated and active ventilated front seats
New brushed aluminum roof rails
New unique front and rear styling

Despite a downturn in the SUV market in the last few months, ML sales have actually been up year over year. This vehicle is a great balance of SUV capablilty with a reasonable size and luxury. The 2009 will just improve on an already popular vehicle.

Release date and final pricing for the 09's is not yet available but I will let you know when it is.

Labels: ML-Class

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.

Labels: ML-Class

The Packages and Options for the 2009 MLs are now available! You can order the gas powered MLs for delivery in July/August and the BlueTECs can be ordered for October delivery.

Notable changes:

• The ML350 is now listed as the ML350W4, meaning that there is a 2WD version on the way. We expect it early in 2009.
• HD Radio
• iPod/MP3 Interface Cable replaced the iPod kit
• 115v Power Outlet
• Rear Entertainment System improvement

2009 ML Option Packages:
(P01) Premium 1:
iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable
Rearview Camera
COMAND w/ Navigation
HD Radio with Sirius Satellite Radio
iPod/MP3 Media Interface
Harman/Kardon Sound System
Power Liftgate
115v Power Outlet

(P02) Premium 2:
All of P01
Parktronic
Driver & Passenger Memory Seats
Autodimming Mirror
Power Steering Column
Power Folding Mirrors
Keyless Go

(318) Full Leather Seating Package:
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
Burl Walnut Wood Trim
Ambient Lighting
Leather Front Seats

(323) Heating Package:
Heated Front & Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel

(321) AMG Sport Package: (ML550 Only)
AMG Sportline
AMG 19" 5-Spoke Wheels
Running Boards
(this is probably standard)

Stand Alone Options:
Roof Rack Basic Carrier (Un-Installed) & Storage Bag
Cargo Area Tray & Cargo Box (Un-Installed)
Side Step Bars*
Illuminated Door Sills
Wheel Locking bolts 18" (Un-Installed)
Chrome Door Handle Inserts (Set of 4)
ADS Adaptive Damping System
Air Suspension w/Adaptive Damping System
Trailer Hitch
3-Zone Climate Control*
Running Boards*
Rear Seat Entertainment System
Pre-Wiring for Rear Seat Entertainment
Heated Front Seats
*not listed for ML550 - Running Boards and 3-Zone are probably standard.

Options for the 2009 ML63 have not been listed yet and no pricing has been made available for the 2009's, but we are not expecting any changes from the 2008 models.

Labels: ML-Class

The previous iPod kit available for 2008 and older vehicles replaced the AUX jack in the glovebox. It could only connect to iPods or iPhones and the folders and songs were only displayed in the multifunction display in the insturment cluster.
The new iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable will replace the old system. This cable has plug-ins, for the iPod and for any MP3 Player! The display will now be on the Command (Navigation) screen and should be much easier to use. I saw it work on the 2009 SL. This will be part of the Premium 1 Package for all of the 2009 SUV's, the SL's and the CLS's.

Labels: Accessories, GL-Class, Mercedes Technology, ML-Class, R-Class, SL-Class

Besides seeing the 2009 SL for the first time today, our training included a lot of information about the 2009 ML320, GL320 and R320. For 2009 the CDI diesels that currently power these SUVs will be upgraded with BlueTEC emission systems similar to those in the current E320 BlueTEC. These vehicles will also be the first to use AdBlue to decrease emissions to levels that will allow them to be sold in all 50 states. (AdBlue isn't expected on the E-class until its redesign is released around August of 2009.)

AdBlue is a fluid that when combined with the exhaust gases results in a dramatic decrease in emissions. While diesel engines are already more efficient than gas engines, getting about 30% better fuel economy, their sales have been limited by emission standards in many states. Georgia is not one of these states but as the number of states that restrict diesels has grown it was important to find a solution. Check out the video below to learn more about how the injection of AdBlue into the exhaust reduces emissions.

The addition of the AdBlue system will result in a few changes to these vehicles. The biggest change will be the tank to store the AdBlue fluid. To elminate interior modifications this tank will occupy the space currently used for the spare tire. As a result, all 2009 BlueTEC SUVs will be equipped with run-flat tires. The non-diesel SUVs will continue to have spare tires.

The tank for the AdBlue will be between 7 and 9 gallons. The tank will be topped off at the regular 10,000 mile service intervals and completely flushed and refilled about every third time. You will get a service indicator alert if your AdBlue tank reaches 25% capacity. Then, if your tank runs empty, you will have 20 starts to either visit the dealership or top off the AdBlue tank yourself. The AdBlue fluid is supposed to be available in 1 liter bottles at many retailers by the time that you're ready to refill.

I would be happy to talk diesels if you have any questions or would like to pre-order. We expect these vehicles to be released for sale on October 1st, 2008. As with all pre-release information this is subject to change, and change without notice.

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

Rear Seat Entertainment systems are one of the most popular accessories available for our SUVs. The big complaints about the system available from Mercedes-Benz for the last few years have been the wired headphones and the single DVD slot located under the seats.

Well, they fixed it! The new systems, available in the '09 models this summer, have a larger screen, a smaller housing, wireless headphones and 2 DVD slots! It will also have user control from the front seat and better gaming hookups.

Mercedes really does listen to the customer comments and I think they have made this new system exactly what we were hoping for!

Labels: Accessories, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

The 2009 ML350, ML550, ML320 Bluetec & ML63 AMG are scheduled to arrive in July. As the vehicle was all new for 2006, there are no major changes coming. However, a minor refresh will liven things up!

The most obvious changes to appearance of the ML's will be in the bumpers and headlights. There is a new radiator opening between the foglights that wasn't there before and the headlights are larger, extending down toward the bumper. There will probably be a new standard wheel as well.

On the inside there is a new steering wheel and the radio seems to have changed over to the same system as the 2008 C-Class. That would be great because that system is much easier to use.

For the ML320 the big change is from being a regular CDI to being a BLUETEC. The BLUETEC technology will make this diesel even cleaner and make it possible to sell in all 50 states!

I'll know more next week after my 2009 product update training.

Labels: ML-Class

I know that a lot of you like to put something over your plush floormats. In the past, the all-weather rubber floormats were the best option. However, they were heavy and didn't really cover all of the areas that needed covering.

Labels: Accessories, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

Wow! That was a whirlwind!

I drove my 2008 ML320 CDI demo to Pennsylvania and New York to visit friends and family for a few days last week. I put just over 2000 miles on the ML in 5 days and it performed like a champ! Average fuel economy was 25 mpg at 75 mph and an astonishing 28 mpg at 65 mph! I got about 600 miles per tank!

It can hold a lot too. It's amazing how much two people can pack for 5 days! And we'll pack up to do it again for Christmas in 3 weeks!

Labels: Diesel, ML-Class

Labels: Fifth Gear, ML-Class, Videos