: : Mercedes-Benz Owners : :

March 2010 News

		Special editions for you Mercedes has announced the release of two special edition cars. First up is the SL 'Night Edition', which is finished in a matt black paint and fitted with 19-inch AMG alloy wheels and darkened lights. A 'Night Edition' badge on the front wing identifies the new model, and inside, the cabin is just as exclusive. Black leather upholstery dominates the interior but silver detailing in the seats and vents provides a stylish contrast. Additionally, the company has also introduced the SLK 'Grand Edition', which is set apart from the standard car by its elegant graphite paint-job and 5-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior is finished in grey leather with red stitching and the glovebox and floormats are embossed with a 'Grand Edition' logo.

		Navigating lorries out of trouble Although satellite navigation has been with us for a number of years, and in its refined versions has proved that it is virtually impossible to get lost, there are still a number of holes in the system. One of the main problems is that many current products are just not geared up to the world of commercial vehicles, sometimes guiding heavy lorries along a route which might entail negotiating a low bridge or an impossibly narrow road. But trucks hitting low bridges could be a thing of the past thanks to a new Mercedes satellite navigation unit designed specifically for lorry drivers. A recently launched unit makes it possible for trucks to avoid unsuitable routes, hopefully bringing to an end familiar stories of lorry drivers coming unstuck. It was two years ago when the FTA challenged the satellite navigation industry to develop a product aimed at HGVs. The result is something that is more appropriate for lorries and will help drivers to prevent chaos along our urban and rural road networks. It has a greater bias for motorways and major roads meaning it will tend not to send large vehicles down small country lanes even where there is no statutory restriction. Drivers enter their vehicle's weight and dimensions and receive information on clearance heights, weight restrictions, speed restrictions and problematic sharp turns. The unit can be adapted to suit a variety of different size vehicles, and a map share function allows drivers to make corrections to their map by adding their own access restriction information. But the FTA warns that even with the new system, drivers should not rely entirely on technology and take note of road signs and restrictions. But you have to admit that anything which cuts the risk of lorries getting stuck under railway bridges, grounding on canal bridges and hopelessly jammed in country lanes has to be a bonus.

		Holiday in style Bilbos De Zine campervan comes with double sliding doors and a willingness to go virtually anywhere, including multi-storey car parks and under 2m height barriers. Standard features compare to those of a luxury car with twin cab air-bags, ESP, ABS, Tempmatic air-conditioning and ipod socket. As a motorhome, the raised roof locks securely in position creating a spacious living area with ample headroom whilst standing. The rear sliding seat electrically operates to form the lower double bed, and together with the roof bed allows 4 adults to sleep in comfort. The rear seating can be removed totally or positioned behind the cab or at the rear of the vehicle for maximum storage space. A comprehensive control panel gives detailed information, and controls the diesel heating system, refrigerator, water tank levels, etc. Both front seats rotate to take full advantage of the hospitality area, with a sliding table that tucks away neatly into the sliding door.

		Classic Mercedes hire Worcestershire based Midlands Classic Mercedes has introduced a hire service with a fleet of Mercedes young classics. Managing Director Sam Bailey introduced the scheme in response to a growing demand for hire services. Creating a fleet that represented the cream of the crop with regards to Mercedes young classics was no mean feat, and on offer are such legends as the iconic 230 SL Pagoda, popularised by so many 60s film stars, a V8 SL 500 and a 250 S Limousine. Demand to date has been exceptional ranging from wedding self-drive hire and those looking for a romantic weekend to companies looking to reward their staff. The variety of renters has been a real surprise says Sam, We offer gift certificates which have made it a popular birthday or anniversary present and because we rent to anybody over 25 its been a real hit with younger drivers too. Weve even had a chap rent one so that he could propose to his fiancée in style! Rates start from £95 and include unlimited mileage, full breakdown cover and comprehensive insurance. Additional services such as picnic lunches, accommodation booking, route planning and car delivery can be organised upon request by calling 0800 612 0433. Classic Mercedes Hire is offering a lucky winner the chance to experience the fun and exhilaration of driving one of their classics by visiting them online and completing a competition question. The lucky winner will receive a days rental in a Mercedes SL, including fully comprehensive insurance, just visit www.classic-mercedes-hire.co.uk

		Downsized S-Class Mercedes is planning a special downsized four- cylinder diesel engine model of the S-Class for 2011, with improved fuel consumption and emission figures, and no loss of performance. The 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel will have an output of 150 kW/204 hp, with a carbon dioxide emission figure of 159 grammes per kilometre. That undercuts the figures of its main competitor, the new Audi A8. Mercedes is also planning a new generation of V6 and V8 petrol engines with a 25 per cent improvement on consumption, while boosting performance by up to 10 per cent. A new transmission with eight gears is in the planning for 2014.