Labels: Accessories, Mercedes Technology, Owner Resources

The AIRCAP system on the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet will continue to increase the amount of time you can enjoy your Mercedes with the top down. Building on the AIRSCARF system currently available on the SLK and SL, AIRCAP will create a calm air zone in the passenger compartment making it both more comfortable at higher speeds and easier to heat or cool. A front deflector raises up from the top of the windshield to both redirect air higher over the passenger cabin and allow air slowed down by its screen to enter the cabin and maintain a pocket of calmer air.



Current CLK Cabriolet owners will enjoy not having to install and uninstall a wind deflector anymore. Additionally, you will be able to raise and lower the top at speeds below 25mph.

Labels: 2010 E-Class, E-Class, E-Class Cabriolet, E-Class Coupe, Mercedes Technology

There has been rumor for months that the SPLITVIEW Front-Seat Entertainment system would be coming to the US market for the S and CL. It is official! It is now an orderable option. If you have an S or CL on order you may be able to add this option depending on its order status.

SPLITVIEW allows the driver and passenger to view two different sources on the same COMAND screen. The driver can control all of the normal COMAND functions like radio, navigation and phone while the passenger can use headphones and a remote to watch DVD video on the same screen!

State law prohibits this system on vehicles registered in AL, AZ, CO, IL, LA, MD, MA, NH, PA, VT, VA, WA, WV and WI. But we can have it in Georgia!

SPLITVIEW - Code 867 - $700 - Order now!

If you purchase a car with this option, your dealer's service department will still need to activate it for you once you have acknowledged that you understand the legal requirements for using it in your state.

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

I had been very curious about the fuel filler flap release button on the ML450 HYBRID that the local Mercedes-Benz technical specialist has been driving. I finally got an answer!

In order to comply with the PZEV emissions standards - zero evaporative emissions - this button triggers the fuel tank to depressurize before the cap is removed so that vapors don't escape. The ML 450's increased fuel efficency means that the fuel tank isn't opened as often as it would be in a non-hybrid so increased pressure could build up and therefore needs this extra step!

Just a little Mercedes minutiae...that I enjoy!

Labels: Mercedes Technology, ML-Class, ML450 Hybrid

If you ask most people which car company was the first to use seat belts, airbags, and electronic stability systems in their cars they would probably credit another European automaker that is always hyping thier safety. Since a Mercedes-Benz is so much more than just the safest car on the road, their rich history of pioneering safety innovations is often overlooked. We invented airbags, crash testing, stability control and now Attention Assist all with the goal of first, preventing the accident, and then keeping you safe from injury if it can't be prevented.

Labels: Future Models, Mercedes Technology, Videos

7.9 Liters/100Km = 30mpg

Labels: Formula 1, Mercedes Technology, S400 Hybrid, Videos

A 2010 ML450 Hybrid was dropped off at the dealership yesterday! It was picked up by one of the Mercedes-Benz technical executives but I was excited to get a sneak peak. It looks a lot like the 2010 ML350 that was dropped off right afterwards but it does have a few striking differences.


Sculpted Hood - It has a very angular power dome hood that looks fantastic. It had to be that way to make room for the 180 pounds of extra electronics under the hood.


Under the hood - The engine cover is pretty extreme. The battery is in the back where the spare tire would be so this has run-flats.


Fuel Door Release Button - I don't yet know why this is the only Mercedes that has one!

I was able to go for a test drive and the ride is fantastic! Much like the diesel, if you didn't know it was hybrid you really wouldn't notice any difference in the way it drives. It is obviously a little quieter when the gas motor is off but with the radio on you can't tell when it turnes the engine on and off. The power was fantastic. It didn't feel heavy or lacking in any way. The brake feel is different than our other vehicles because they are electric but it stopped just fine.


I look forward to introducing the first Mercedes Hybrid to a new group of clients!

Labels: Future Models, Mercedes Technology, ML-Class, ML450 Hybrid

I have been driving the 2010 E-Class every day since it was released last week and I am growing to appreciate it more and more. I am especially enamored with the new Drivers Assistance Package. I have always been a big fan of the technology and gadgets in our cars but Distronic always seemed a little too expensive and not entirely useful if you don't spend all of your time on the highway. The upgrade to Distronic Plus and the addition of other features to this package has changed my mind!

The (997) Driver Assistance Package is priced at $2900 and consists of
- Distronic Plus with PRE-SAFE Brake
- Blind Spot Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist

Let's take them one at a time...
Distronic Plus with PRE-SAFE Brake - Distronic is the radar adaptive cruise control system that we have had for years. It uses radar sensors mounted behind the front grille to sense the car in front of you and maintain a set following distance. So, if you set your cruise at 70 mph and a car in front of you slows to 60 mph, you also slow to 60 mph until that car speeds up or you switch to an open lane and you'll resume 70 mph. The Plus part of Distronic Plus is that it works down to a complete stop. This is amazing and takes a little time to fully trust. For example, I drive home on a fast highway with 4 stoplights. I set the cruise at 70 and followed the car in front of me at a distance of about 100 yards. As the car in front of me slows and comes to a stop for the first traffic light the 2010 E350 also slows to a complete stop. The system's following distance is proportional to your speed so you it will bring you to a stop at a normal distance from the car that you are following. If the system keeps you stopped for more than a couple seconds you just have to just tap the gas to resume your previously set maximum speed and following distance. For anyone who spends any time on the highways around Atlanta this feature will completely change your driving experience. Since this system will allow you to use the 'cruise control' in many more situations I would also expect to see an increase in fuel mileage versus a E-Class not using this system.



PRE-SAFE Brake uses the same radar systems to constantly monitor the area in front of your E-Class. Using its long, medium, and short range radar systems it can detect objects as far as 200 yards in front of your vehicle. Pre-Safe braking is deployed in three stages. When the car detects that you are 2.6 seconds from an impact you will receive an audible and visual alert. At 1.6 seconds to impact there are 3 audible alerts and the system will automatically apply 40% of maximum power and activate the other reversible PRE-SAFE protection features like adjusting seat position, tensioning seat belts, and closing the windows. If the driver doesn't press the brake pedal or swerve to avoid the collision at 0.6 seconds to impact PRE-SAFE Braking will apply the maximum braking force to greatly reduce the severity of a collision.

Another manufacturer is advertising a system like this but it only works at speeds below about 20 mph. Our system works on moving objects when you're traveling from 19mph to 124mph and on stationary objects when you're traveling below 44mph. Just like seatbelts, airbags, and ABS brakes this technology that is now exclusive to Mercedes-Benz will someday be standard on every vehicle, as it will certainly save lives.


300cm = 9.8ft & 50cm = 20in
Blind Spot Assist - This system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to monitor your blind spot on both sides of the car. When you start the vehicle a little orange triangle in the side-view mirrors illuminates to let you know the system is active. While you are driving the mirror is clear unless there is a car in your blind spot. Then you will see a red triangle. If you attempt to change lanes with a red triangle illuminated, the red triangle begins to flash and the car beeps twice to alert you. This has been incredibly useful for me these last few days as the car I have been driving has all of the MSRP stickers blocking my view. I can see this feature being incredible helpful to everyone, but especially for those of shorter stature or with limited movement in their necks.



Lane Keep Assist - Using a windshield mounted camera, Lane Keeps Assist alerts you when you are drifting out of your lane. It takes into account your speed and turning angle to only alert you when you are unintentionally changing lanes. It uses three short vibrations in the steering wheel that feel a lot like rumble strips and are only noticeable to the driver. The system can also distinguish between solid and broken white lines and vary its alert timing. This system operates above 37mph so you won't have to worry about it annoying you in parking lots. The system will also not activate if it believes that you are intentionally crossing based on your turn signal, brake, and accelerator usage.


All in all I think the (997) Driver Assistance Package is amazing technology that really does represent the future of the automobile. It makes perfect sense for the car to take an active role in keeping you and your family safe. For most of us these are not options that we think we HAVE to have, but I think once you have them you will never want a car without them again. If you're in the Atlanta area I would be happy to give you a demonstration!

Labels: 2010 E-Class, E-Class, Mercedes Technology

I was able to visit the Fuel Cell Development center when I visited Germany last year. I saw all of the vehicles that they show in this video and went for a ride in one of the fuel cell equipped B-Classes. It was seamless, impressive and entirely believable as a daily driver. Mercedes has also put fuel cells into commercial busses and delivery vehicles all over Europe. As this technology gains recognition and passes all of these tests it may become the most viable of the alternative fuel sources available now.

Labels: Mercedes Technology, Videos

I thought that these pictures spoke volumes about the safety of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The crumple zones, high strength steel frame, airbags and careful design save lives everyday. Luckily, we don't get to see it in action often!

A customer of Atlanta Classic Cars went off the side of the road, overcorrected, crossed the road and hit a tree head-on at about 50 miles per hour. She had some surgery on her hand and her leg but will make a full recovery. The fireman told her husband that the tree tried to kill her and the car saved her life.

Notice in the pictures how some of the engine moved up and some moved down but nothing entered the passenger cabin. The most amazing thing to me is that all four doors open smoothly. With the entire front end crumpled, the passenger compartment was not compromised. Except for the mud, the inside of the car looks almost new!

And the story has a happy ending...She bought a brand new C300 over the weekend!

Labels: C-Class, Mercedes Technology

Labels: Mercedes Technology, S-Class, S400 Hybrid, Videos

A customer e-mailed me last week to ask if the iPhone cradle they saw on Ebay would work in their car. Even though I had written about this part when Mercedes announced it I had never actually used one. I had my parts department order one for me and was able to test it today.

This cradle is designed to plug into the MHI port in most 2007-2008 vehicles and the 2009 S and CL. Any car that would use a bluetooth adaptor, what I call a "puck," could use this cradle. This cradle is NOT compatible with the 3G iPhone. The 3G iPhone is too wide to fit into the cradle. There is a rumor of a 3G version but it doesn't seem to be avaliable in the US yet. So, you plug the cradle into the car, synch the bluetooth and you now have a bluetooth adaptor that will also charge your iPhone as opposed to the normal puck that does not charge your iPhone. That seems to be the main benefit.

The instruction booklet also states that "If your vehicle is equipped with an iPod Integration Kit, it is possible to access the iPod functions of the iPhone in the cradle via the COMAND system...after an additional connection between the cradle and the iPod Integration Kit has been installed. A competent installation by a qualified specialist workshop must be performed for the connection of the iPhone Cradle to the iPod Interface Kit." What that means is that you can't just plug it in and start using it as both the phone and the iPod. You would have to take it out of the cradle and plug it into the kit to play music unless you pay the labor (and parts?) at the shop for them to re-wire it.



Also, I thought the plug on the side of the cradle (show above on the left) looked familiar. It is the same plug that the Multimedia Interface Cable or iPod/MP3 Adaptor Cable uses to plug into 2009 vehicles with the NTG 2.5 COMAND system (2009 ML, GL, R, E, SL, SLK). If you unplug the Multimedia Interface Cable and plug in the iPhone cradle you can access the iPod functionality of the iPhone and stay connected via bluetooth (shown below). This is not an improvement. You can already plug the iPhone directly into the Multimedia Interface Cable and do the same thing. The instruction booklet makes no mention of this extra cord on the side. Strange.



So, in summary... You cannot use this accessory with the 3G iPhone. You cannot use it with a 2008 or 2009 C-Class (no MHI). It is pretty useless for a 2009 ML, GL, R, E, SL and SLK. If you use an iPhone and would like it to charge in the car and you drive a 2007-2009 S or CL or a 2007-2008 E, ML, GL, or SL you might like it. Please consult with your parts department to definitely determine compatibility.

Labels: Accessories, Mercedes Technology

Blue equals Green at Mercedes-Benz. From our fuel sipping BlueTEC diesels to the new S400 BlueHYBRID and now BlueEFFICIENCY, Mercedes is very focused on being environmentally friendly. BlueEFFICIENCY is a term that Mercedes-Benz is using to describe a push toward making current vehicles more energy efficient and reducing emissions without sacrificing comfort, safety and style. From using recyclable materials to being more aerodynamic, Mercedes-Benz vehicles can be greener even while burning fossil fuels. This video shows a few of the measures that went into developing the 2010 E-Class using BlueEFFICIENCY principles.

Labels: 2010 E-Class, E-Class, Mercedes Technology

Mercedes-Benz has always had an eye on being a green company. From the vehicles they build to the factories they build them in, Mercedes is environmentally responsible and forward thinking. They have recently updated a portion of MBUSA.com to highlight some of their accomplishments. The Thinking GREEN section talks about the clean-burning diesel vehicles, the flex-fuel capability of the C-Class and the upcoming hybrid models. It also delves into manufacturing process and corporate initiatives. I found this to be very informative. You can visit it directly here.

Labels: Mercedes Technology

160Newton Meters = 118 Lb-Ft of Torque
Mercedes plans to release the 2010 S400 BlueHYBRID for sale in the United States this fall. The vehicle will look almost identical to the S550 but should average about 30 miles per gallon and lower emissions substantially!

The S400 will use a "mild hybrid" system that allows the battery to provide a boost to the engine when running and also restart the engine when it shuts off at a stop. Mercedes is using is a Lithium Ion battery pack, which is lighter and more efficient than the usual nickel-metal-hydride battery other manufacturers are using. The German Automobile Association and Europe's largest car club, the ADAC, awarded its Yellow Angel award for the Innovation & Environment category for the use of this lithium ion battery technology. I thought this article from HybridCars.com was informative.

Fifth Gear recently reviewed a Smart Car that uses this shutting-off-at-a-stop system and said it was seamless. This system is demonstrated at 2:30 min in.



If you would like to reserve a place on the order list at Atlanta Classic Cars, please get in touch!

Labels: Mercedes Technology, S-Class, S400 Hybrid, Videos

Labels: Future Models, GLK-Class, Mercedes Technology, Videos

FYI -160 Newton-Meters = 118 lb-ft of Torque
We are expecting the S400 Hybrid to arrive in the US in "mid-2009." I do not yet have the options list or the pricing for this new model. I am very excited that Mercedes is rolling out new green technologies. I have always been a big fan of our clean diesels but right now the focus in the US has shifted to hybrids and I am sure Mercedes will do it better than anyone!

Labels: Future Models, Mercedes Technology, S-Class, S400 Hybrid

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

Every AMG owner enjoys their car's hand built motor. Watch this great video to see just how they do it.

Labels: AMG, Mercedes Technology, Videos

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!

Labels: Accessories, Mercedes Technology

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

There was a great article at AOL Autos today about the advances that have been made in diesel technology. Maybe with enough good publicity everyone will come to understand diesel and love it as much as I do!

Highlights from the article...

"One automaker at the forefront of the clean-diesel movement is Mercedes-Benz. The E320 BLUETEC boasts 40 percent better fuel mileage than a comparable gasoline-powered model, and its EPA city/highway rating of 27/37 mpg means it can cruise more than 700 miles on a single tank of fuel, said Patrik Borenius, manager of advanced product planning for Mercedes.

With a city/highway rating of 21/28 mpg, the R320 CDI gets 32 percent better fuel economy, while the ML320 CDI sport utility (rated at 21/27 mpg) provides a 26 percent improvement. Both CDI models have a cruising range of over 600 miles before refueling."The new clean-diesel engines provide three key benefits," Borenius said. "It's a more fuel-efficient technology, so the customer gets better gas mileage; it offers environmental benefits by producing less carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses, and it's one of the answers to the energy issue, in terms of reducing our dependence on foreign oil."

In April, the E320 BLUETEC was named the "2007 World Green Car" at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

Labels: Diesel, E-Class, Mercedes Technology, R-Class

At the Geneva auto show Mercedes-Benz showed off their new Vision GLK BLUETEC Hybrid. Based on the upcoming GLK-Class this concept combines a 2.2 liter BLUETEC diesel with a mild hybrid system to result in a stunning 40 mpg. The 2.2 liter diesel by itself is a great package with an output of 224 hp & 413 lb-ft of torque.

I'm a huge fan of diesels and I would love to see this motor with or without the hybrid in the GLK and next years C-Class for the US market. Based on Mercedes past launches I would expect to see the GLK BLUETEC available a few months after the gasoline powered GLK350 comes out this summer. The hybrid GLK will probably launch in 2009 or 2010 along with hybrid versions of several other Mercedes models.

Get in touch with me today to get on the list for the new GLK.

Labels: Diesel, Future Models, GLK-Class, Mercedes Technology

This is a great video showing the use and design of Mercedes advanced driving and safety systems including parking assist and Distronic Plus.

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

The World Car of the Year Awards has named the new E320 BLUETEC Diesel as the 2007 World Green Car of the Year. You can read the full press release here. Below are some portions of that release.

"Jurors felt that the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec, which the company calls the
world’s cleanest diesel, deserves the award for its role in enabling a diesel
re-entry to the North American market, as well as for paving the way for
super-clean diesel technology around the world. BLUETEC is a modular concept
that utilizes several coordinated technical measures to minimize emissions
within the engine and also provide for effective exhaust gas treatment
downstream. The process involves consistently reducing all relevant emission
components to a minimum. The system includes an oxidation catalytic converter
and a particulate filter in addition to new techniques for reducing nitrogen
oxide emissions.

The top three contenders for the third annual
World Green Car in addition to the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec were the BMW
Hydrogen 7 and the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion."

Labels: Diesel, E-Class, Mercedes Technology

Labels: Diesel, Mercedes Technology

Labels: 4-Matic, Mercedes Technology, S-Class, Videos

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: Diesel, E-Class, Mercedes Technology, Videos