: : Mercedes-Benz Owners : :

July 04 News

Tuned Smarts
Two new models from Smart are destined to give drivers an even bigger reason to smile, as the firm famous for its diminutive city cars has launched Brabus-tuned roadster and roadster-coupé models. The two cars further expand the company's range of roadsters, which start with the roadster light at £11,995. Marking out the latest Brabus models is a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including air-conditioning, an upgraded sound package and sports suspension. Prices for the new Brabus-tuned roadster and roadster-coupé pairing are £16,695 and £16,995 on the road respectively.

Engine award
The AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine has stormed to a decisive victory in the International Engine of the Year Awards. In the 'Best Performance Engine' category, the jury voted the AMG power unit top dog ahead of 70 elite rivals from Germany, Italy, Great Britain, France, the USA and Japan, underlining once again the expertise of Mercedes-AMG in the development of high-performance engines and cars. This renowned annual awards ceremony, which took place under the banner of the 'Engine Expo 2004' show at Stuttgart's exhibition centre, sees the world's leading passenger car engine concepts nominated in twelve different categories.

Recall!
Mercedes has become aware of a small number of faults with the SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system fitted to its cars. These have been investigated and rectified, though in all cases, the braking efficiency was still higher than the legal requirement. Analysis showed that it was primarily vehicles with a high mileage in conjunction with frequent braking (e.g. taxis in inner-city operation) that were affected. Owners of taxis in Europe have already been offered a free check of the SBC system, at which any faults are then rectified. As a further measure, a check has been included in the regular servicing for all vehicles fitted with SBC. As a precautionary measure and irrespective of mileage and servicing status, the company is asking all customers with E-class saloons (built as of March 2002), E-class estates (built as of March 2003) and SL Roadsters (built as of October 2001) to visit an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop for a free check.

SLR experience
Mercedes-Benz and McLaren have come up with a fitting customer care concept for the new SLR super sports car. Its main feature is the exclusive SLR Experience Centre for customers at the McLaren production facility in Woking. Tailored specifically for this 21st century Silver Arrow, the sales and service activities are closely linked to the Personal Liaison Manager (PLM) concept, which was successfully implemented for the Maybach luxury saloon. When visiting the Experience Centre, customers will be treated to a fascinating world of sports cars. Thanks to state-of-the-art presentation technology, elaborate installations and a Dolby Surround Sound system, the SLR will be displayed at the centre in an emotionally appealing way. In addition, customers can also enjoy a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre and a test drive on the nearby proving grounds.

Snappy birthday
Two technology and design icons from Germany, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL of 1954 and the Leica M3 introduced in the same year, are celebrating their 50th birthday. To mark this double anniversary, Mercedes-Benz and Leica have commissioned the Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden from New York to stage an emotionally charged happening in his native city. In his unique style, Gilden has captured the mood of the birthday with images taken by a current Leica M7. The 57-year-old, self-taught photographer, who describes himself as a 'street photographer', is well known for his expressive pictures taken with minimal equipment.

Reliable MATE
David Banks is Mercedes-Benz Kent's top technical trouble-shooter. As the company's MATE - Market Area Technical Expert - David helps technicians diagnose more unusual faults. He said: "Given the complexity of modern Mercedes-Benz technology, I¹m called upon whenever a vehicle has an issue concerning its sophisticated on-board software or electronics. My job is like that of an investigator, trawling through documents, manuals, and the car¹s own service history for any clues to explain the fault. The 43-year old is among just a handful of employees within Mercedes' national network to have gained Qualified Diagnostic Technician status, the highest grade possible. Service Manager Patrick Myrie, added: "David provides excellent support to our technicians who learn from him all the time, especially the younger ones and apprentices. If David can't fix it, no-one can!"

Glittering in Liverpool
Three-pointed star models will soon be shining from a stunning, new centre in Liverpool as work progresses on the multi-million pound project. The Road Range Group, which operates 6 Mercedes dealerships throughout the North West, is relocating its Liverpool headquarters to an impressive location at Pall Mall. The 40,000 sq ft showroom, constructed from 200 tonnes of steel, will be one of the most advanced in the UK. Service will contain 12 workshop bays and due to the transparency of the interior design, customers will be able to see technicians at work through glass walls. There will be an interactive test lane, which means a vehicle¹s performance can be assessed without the need for a test drive on the open road and a comprehensive parts department. Visitors will be able to peruse more than 50 pre-owned vehicles from a covered exterior display. In the Benz Lounge customer comfort will be second to none with Internet and office facilities and boutique whilst the ŒBaby Benz¹ zone will include videos and games consoles, and as for the Customer Hand Over area, the secret element of surprise is still firmly under wraps.

Plucky pensioner
A pensioner leapt into the back seat of her Mercedes, as it was being carjacked from a supermarket in broad daylight. Maureen Parker, 71, was loading shopping into her blue Mercedes C280 in the car park when she heard someone start the engine. But before the carjacker could get away the fearless pensioner leapt into the rear passenger seat. The thief then threatened to push Mrs Parker out of her car while it was moving before eventually stopping two miles later and forcing her to get out. The woman then called the police from a nearby house and the thief fled in the car.

Zero emission
Commuters in Beijing will be able to ride in zero-emission fuel cell buses next year. They are part of a fleet of 30 fuel cell buses DaimlerChrysler has in operation in ten European cities in order to gain experience in its pursuit of emission-free transport. Our picture shows an F-Cell A-class in Beijing¹s Tian¹anmen Square.