Mercedes-Benz will begin producing CLS550s and CLS63s with designo paint and leather this month! You can order now through May and get a CLS-Class that no one else will have!  MBUSA even posted a quick designo video in the CLS-Class section of the website.

For model year 2012 the Wheel Packages (321 and 421) are not compatible with any designo interior orders.

Pricing:

• designo Paint – $2300
• Magno Matte designo paint – $3950
• designo Interior – $3750

The paint and interior can be ordered individually, mix and match or use one of the recommended designo editions, thoughtfully chosen by the designers.

Paints:

• Mystic Blue Metallic
• Mocha Black Metallic
• Graphite Metallic
• Magno Alanite Grey
• Magno Cashmere White

Leathers:

• Sand
• Platinum White
• Saffron Beige
• Auburn Brown
• Light Brown
• Jet Black
• Deep White
• Mystic Blue – new!
• Classic Red

*Click on any thumbnail picture to enlarge

Trims:

• Burl Walnut
• Black Ash – CLS550 only
• Piano Lacquer
• Carbon Fiber – CLS63 only – adds $2850

Editions:

• Espresso – Mocha Black with Sand Leather and Piano Lacquer
• Magno Alanite – Magno Alanite Grey with Auburn Brown Leather and Piano Lacquer
• Mystic Blue – Mystic Blue with Platiunum White Leather and Piano Lacquer
• Portofino – Graphite with Saffron beige Leather and Piano Lacquer
• Satin Pearl – Magno Cashmere White with Jet Black Leather and Piano Lacquer

The In-Vehicle Hotspot for your Mercedes-Benz in now available. This accessory item was just released and should start arriving in dealerships for installation this week. The In-Vehicle Hotspot will allow you to connect multiple devices to the internet while the vehicle is in motion. Service is provided by Autonet and several data plans are available.

Mercedes-Benz In-Vehicle Hotspot

• Part Number BQ 682 9001
• MSRP: $499 plus installation
• Includes 6-Months Service free of charge
• requires $35 activation fee with Autonet when activating the product
• Internet connectivity in the vehicle (3G network; where available) 
• Connection will not be interrupted while vehicle is in motion
• Router is securely installed in the trunk
• Password encrypted router
• Works with any operating system 
• Support ANY WiFi enabled devices: PCs, Macs, PDAs, PSP, MP3 players, etc
• Simply connect up to 4 WiFi enabled devices to the router
• Installation instructions can be found online
• Activation part for customers will be included in the packaging
• Monthly subscriptions start at $29 for a 1GB plan and $59 for a 5GB plan

A new cargo liner has been made availabe for the GL-Class through Mercedes-Benz. It solves the problem of how to protect the area behind the third row AND behind the second row with the third row folded flat! Until now I have been using the ML-Class cargo liner, which is a little too short, and just folding it in half to put the third row up. It worked well until you needed the third row and the storage behind it. This mat simply velcros to the carpet at the top and bottom and folds as you raise the seats. It allows access to all of the tie down points and allows you to raise the seats individually. Perfect! You can order it from your local parts department.

GL-Class Foldable Cargo Liner – Part # BQ6750038 - MSRP $145  

For the next 60 days most 2008 and newer Mercedes-Benz models will receive a free trial of 60 SiriusXM Satellite radio stations! If your vehicle is equipped with SiriusXM and the service is no longer active you should be able to tune in a sampling of the music, sports and entertainment that SiriusXM offers until July! Enjoy! I bet you get hooked!

For Model Year 2012 the Accessory Navigation System (ANS) will replace the Nav + 4 system in the SLK-Class and C-Class Sedan and Coupe. The ANS will equip cars without the COMAND system with Navigation through the standard screen (Audio 20). The standard screen for these vehicles is larger for 2012 with enhanced clarity and better display. The system is also fully integrated with the central COMAND controller.The features of ANS include:

• Reality View Pro
• Display of highway intersections and exit ramps
• Image display of road signs and lane information
• Lane Guidance Pro
• Recommends the optimal lane
• Destination input via map
• Real Time Traffic

Unlike the Nav + 4, ANS does not include iPod adapter, USB connection, or Bluetooth Audio streaming. The Nav +4 will still be available on the 2012 GLK-Class. The ANS MSRP is $1290.

Most 2003 and older Mercedes-Benz vehicles are not equipped with a Bluetooth systems and there has not been a cost effective way to integrate it into the car until now. The new Mercedes-Benz Portable Hand Free Kit was released to dealerships today to solve this problem!

Product Highlights:

• One button control to answer and receive calls
• Omni directional microphone and speaker design
• Streams audio from phones for navigation and audio playback
• Voice dial is supported through the phone
• Supports 9 languages
• 400 hours standby time, 14 hours talk time and auto shutoff after 30 mintues

The part number is BQ6820981 and the MSRP is $105. The kit includes the Hand-Free Kit, Visor Clip, Cigarette Lighter Adapter, USB Cable for charging, and user manual. Contact your local parts department to get yours!

Mercedes-Benz introduced the Media Interface Plus (MIP) several months ago to give advanced functionality to the iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable. The part is around $500 and can be purchased from your local Mercedes-Benz dealer.

A few weeks ago a free software update was made available for current MIP owners that allows Blackberry users running OS6 with MAP to have e-mails and texts read aloud by the car and  reply with 10 customizable responses. Mercedes-Benz is hoping to expand this capability to other phones/operating systems in the future.

Mercedes-Benz also just released the Video Cable for MIP that allows the playback of video files from iPod/iPhones to the COMAND system or factory installed Rear-Seat Entertainment system. The part number is A001 827 9904 and the MSRP is $30. The Video Cable is compatible with:

• 2009 E-Class Sedan
• 2009-2011 CLS-Class
• 2009-2011 M-Class
• 2009-2011 GL-Class
• 2009-2011 R-Class
• 2009-2011 SL-Class
• 2009-2011 SLK-Class

Wheel Locks can provide a subtle yet effective security touch for your Mercedes-Benz, helping protect your light-alloy wheels and tires from theft. One set secures four wheels and included  coded key.

Wheel Locks have been offered as as an option on a few Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and can always be added at the dealership, but are now available on all models (except the G-Class, SLS AMG and Maybach) when ordering a vehicle.

The option code is 068 and MSRP is $140.

Mercedes-Benz just sent us a new accessory to try out – the Convenience Box for the 2011 E-Class. I installed this one myself in a 2011 E350 with split folding rear seats.  This would do a great job of containing groceries or other bags so they don’t roll around in the cavernous trunk when driving! Ask you local parts department to order one for you! Part number is 212-680-00-10-9051. MSRP is $400.

Mercedes-Benz has just released these 18″ two-tone wheels for the new E-Class coupe and cabriolet. If you have been looking to dress up your new E-Class with a factory approved wheel, this might be a great option. You can get more details about pricing, tires and install from your local dealership. The part numbers are  A207 401 1602 7X23 for the front axle and A207 401 1702 7X23 for the rear axle.