Dallas Mercedes Dealer

Would You Go For A Mercedes CLS Class?

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:04:25 +0000

Safety wise, the Mercedes CLS 550 and 63AMG and equipped stability control, an anti lock brake system, the Lower anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, front head restraints and the only place I didn’t see an airbag was the floor.

Another thing is that if and when the sensors detect an imminent collision, the seat belts tighten, passenger seats revert to a safer/optimal position to maximize airbag protection and the sunroof closes.

For security, a panic button or alarm, an anti theft alarm system, vehicle theft tracking and notification system, keyless entry and remote trunk release to mention a few are standard for the CLS class.

After seeing, feeling, driving and riding in the Mercedes CLS 550, my final verdict on the car and for that matter the entire class is that like a foreign, exotic cuisine, it’s an acquired taste.

Or perhaps I can also say that like some people you meet, at first you don’t like them but they grow on you.

Same thing with this car; at first sight you think to yourself “okay, what is it?”

Then you take a tentative step closer, admiring the fine lines and its “unique fastback profile” (I didn’t want to use the word coupé).

Then you look inside and take in the wood trims, the fine leather upholstery and the advanced electronics.

Suddenly you forgive the fact that there isn’t much headroom at the back or the doors aren’t that wide brushing these off as” minor concerns”.

After all, you’ll be behind the wheel and that is all that matters.

And to get behind the wheel for a test drive, the swing by the Mercedes Dealership in Dallas.

Trying Out A Mercedes CLS 550 At The Mercedes Dealership

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:34:42 +0000

While out trying for the first time a Mercedes CLS 550, my friend/dealer suggested that I try the Sports mode.

I currently had the computer set to comfort mode and the Airmatic semi active suspension to full soft.

After making the change but maintaining the suspension at full soft, I heard the engine come to life, emitting a sound that only a V8 can make.

It’s like hearing a big cat purring then all of a sudden it wakes up.

The gas pedal became ultra sensitive, giving me a hint of the 382 horses that it can unleash.

My friend explains to me that the 391lb-ft torque has a response range from 2800-4800 rpm, and that I can make use of it no matter what mode it is in.

Next I try setting the Airmatic semi active suspension to full stiff, and I must say that the difference was noticeable.

The ride was still smooth and when I took a curve at speed I felt the stability and very little body roll.

We then decide to pull over for a quick cup of coffee.

Parallel parking was a dream especially with the Parktronic system assisting me.

Ultrasonic sensors mounted both at the front and rear bumpers detect objects and obstacles within its range.

The system then emits audible signals and an illuminated display located in the rear view mirror and instrument cluster helps you avoid scraping the curb and/or hitting anything in the way.

You can try out a Mercedes CLS 550 at one of the Dallas Mercedes Dealerships.

Sport, Trim, Performance Or Premium?

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:52:46 +0000

Aside from Distronic Cruise Control and Parktronic sensors, three other optional packages are available for the CLS 550:

The AMG Sport Package, Premium Package and Trim Package.

Upgraded leather interior and premium wood accents make up the $920 Trim Package while the $4,760 Premium Package consists of keyless ignition, iPod and MP3 access, electronic trunk closure, adaptive headlights and washers, and a rear sunshade.

At the top of the “I want” list would be the AMG Sport Package-Special five spoke wheels, sport steering wheel, paddle shifters and AMG exterior styling cues.

For the CLS 63AMG, the AMG Performance Package can be had for only $9,000.

The package consists of: Sterling silver finished wheels, high performance tires, carbon fiber or wood interior trim, sportier suspension tuning and an increase of top speed from 155mph to 186mph.

For safety, PRE-SAFE helps prepare passengers for a possible collision even before it occurs.

In conjunction with the Brake Assist PLUS, it warns the driver if and when the distance between the S Guard and the car in front gets critical.

The system will also calculate the optimal braking power required so even if the driver stomps on the brakes, the system will only use the necessary braking power needed in order to safely decelerate the vehicle.

If collision is imminent, PRE SAFE immediately closes all windows, tightens seat belts and reverts seats to a safer position thus minimizing the effects of the crash.

The system also detects if and when there is a risk of skidding due to rapid deceleration.

PRE SAFE then proceeds to:
increase tension in the front seat belts and inflate air cushions in the multicontour seats in order to provide support and keep the driver, front and rear passengers in place.

To see which Mercedes AMG package is best for you and get the lowest ricing available then you should swing by your Dallas Mercedes Benz Dealership.

Would You Like To Be One Of The 5000?

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:30:04 +0000

Mercedes C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition
The Mercedes C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition is a limited edition of only 5000 units. The Prime Edition comes equipped with a new 2.2-Liter diesel power plant which is capable of propelling the C-Class from 0-62 mph in just 7.0 seconds and hitting a top speed of 155 mph. But what really is different and unique about this new C250/engine is that it consumes only 45mpg or 5.2 liters/100km. Some of the highlights of this new engine are:
• 200 bar maximum ignition pressure;
• Dual stage Supercharging;
• A variable water pump and larger, variable oil spray nozzles;
• The camshaft drive is positioned at the rear;
• A fourth-generation common-rail technology with a rail pressure increased by 400 bar to 2000 bar;
• A new piezo-injector concept with direct nozzle needle control for greater flexibility in injection timing, which leads to smoother running of the engine.
Another thing is that it can be installed either lengthways or sideways in the other model series, and several power rating variants will be made available. Considering its impressive output/performance data, the new engine could quite possibly replace higher-displacement engines in the heavier vehicles thus effectively reducing fuel consumption. Incidentally, this new engine will indeed replace four of Mercedes’ existing diesel power plants and will be/is installed in E, GLK Class and the much awaited E-Class Coupé.
In order to further improve on consumption, the C 250 has:
• A newly developed gearshift display on the dashboard that informs him of the optimum time to shift gears in order to better save on fuel;
• An instrument cluster that shows the precise current rate of fuel consumption;
• Smooth under body cladding;
• Airflow enhancing exterior mirror housings;
• Newly developed tires that reduce rolling resistance by as much as10 percent;
• An effective energy management system with adaptive power steering which, with the help of an additional valve, shuts the flow of the power steering pump when not needed.

CHeck in with you rDallas Mercedes Dealer for more details.

Is Your Mercedes Safe Enough?

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:45:46 +0000

The Mercedes E Guard is the latest addition to the Mercedes’ special protection vehicle series.

Though not as armored and as powerful as its bigger brother, the S 600, the E Guards’ VR4 (formerly B4) level armor is capable of stopping 9mm, .357, and .44 Magnum rounds , 12 gauge shotgun slugs and hand grenade shrapnel.

The intended clientele are wealthy businessmen and celebrities who may have to fend off the occasional mugger, carjacker and/or overzealous paparazzi.

The new E Guard was intentionally designed to look almost exactly like its standard non-armored sibling so as not to give the bad guys a chance to plot against you.

Weighing in at a hefty 4717lbs, the E Guard is 860lbs heavier than the unarmored version.

To cope with the additional weight of the protection features, the suspension and brake system had to be redesigned.

The E Guard now comes with a special level II AIRMATIC air suspension system for the front axle and a multi-link independent suspension, anti-squat and anti-dive, stabilizer for the rear.

17 inch wheels with run flat tires are also standard. Electronic control and restraint systems designed to assist the driver in critical situations have also been recalibrated.

Aside from the above, the E Guard can also boast of hitech systems:

• Adaptive Brake – Replaced the reportedly unreliable SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system.

• Direct Control – Brings more driving comfort, accurate and easy steering manipulation.

• Intelligent Light System – The Intelligent Light System adapts itself to the weather and driving conditions and increases the visibility by up to 50 meters.

• NECK-PRO head restraints – This systems improves safety after a rear-end collision by moving the latter forward by 4 centimeters and 3 centimeters upwards.

• PRE-SAFE – The preventive emergency system called PRE-SAFE cooperates with the Brake Assist PLUS in order to warn the driver if the distance between him and a car in front gets critical.

This is possible thanks to radars installed on the front of the car.

The PRE-SAFE system also calculates the most effective braking, so even if the driver jams on the brakes, the car automatically uses as much brake power as required for safe deceleration.

]If a crash is inevitable, the PRE-SAFE system tightens the seat belts, automatically closes windows, and the seats’ positions are adjusted in order to minimize the effect of the crash.

Want To Hear More About The Mercedes S 600 Guard?

admin — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:13:06 +0000

The Mercedes S 600 Guard is the perfect marriage between luxury, comfort and security that can only come from an armored vehicle.

Handmade on a dedicated production line, the S 600 Guard is the newest addition of special protection vehicles, something that Mercedes has been doing for the past 80 years.

Not surprisingly, the result is a vehicle that provides both superior comfort and the highest level of protection as well.

Here are some of the items that the S 600 has for protection and safety:

• A fire-extinguishing system that can be triggered either automatically or manually. 12 nozzles are strategically located and are fed by two cylinders containing extinguishing agents;
• A camera at the rear that provides passengers a view of any trailing vehicles;
• An optional emergency fresh-air system which is capable of counteracting dangerous gaseous substances;
• An independent pneumatic emergency control system for the power windows;
• Sensors that detect smoke and/or tear gas. If and when detected, the air conditioning system automatically blocks or cuts off fresh air coming from the outside;
• A special protected fuel tank that re-seals itself if perforated by bullets or shrapnel;
• Michelin PAX run flat-tire system;
• An optional Panic Alarm System which can be activated from anywhere inside the vehicle. It will automatically lock the doors, creating a protected “bubble” and at the same time, activates both visual and audible alarms;
• An emergency opening facility located in the trunk (or boot). It allows passengers to free themselves or exit the car via the trunk;
• Armor with a level IV or B7 protection rating capable of withstanding anything from 9mm,5.56mm to armor piercing 7.62 X 51 NATO rounds striking the car to grenade shrapnel and other explosive devices underneath the vehicle.

The wealthy, rich and famous now have a new toy.

admin — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:27:50 +0000

The wealthy, rich and famous and infamous and/or the just plain paranoid now have a new toy: the Mercedes E Guard. Just like its bigger brother, the Mercedes S 600 Guard, the E Guard is part of a line that continues Mercedes’ 80 years tradition of providing special protection vehicles while at the same time maintaining the level of excellence and comfort that its’ customers have learned to expect.
It appears that early on, Mercedes recognized the need for a special protection vehicle but not as heavily armored as the S 600. Understandably, diplomats and royalty who are subject to acts of terrorism need a vehicle that can withstand armor piercing, automatic weapons fire. Hence the S 600 Guard with B7 armor.
For the wealthy businessman, the S 600 even if he could afford it, would seem a bit of an overkill. The major threat to the rich would be pistol wielding muggers or carjackers. The Mercedes E-Guard has a VR4 (formerly B4) Protection Level rating appears to fit this need. This means that for example, the polycarbonate windows can withstand fire from 9mm, .357, and .44 Magnum and 12 Gauge Slug ammunition rounds and the metal plates that form a protective cage can put up with DM 51 hand grenades. Again like its bigger brother, the E Guard looks practically identical to its unprotected version. Like the S Guard model (Incidentally, a G-Class Guard is also available) the E Guard is also built on its own assembly line, which lets Mercedes armor up the car as part of the original production process.
There are currently 2 E Guard trims available: the E 320 CDI and the E 550. The E 320 CDI has a V6, 24 valve, 224 hp engine and has a top speed of 140 mph. Not bad considering that the E 320 Guard is 800lbs heavier than the standard E320 which has a curb weight of 3,858 and a top speed of 153mph.
More to follow…

What’s The Difference Between MSRP And True Cost To Own?

admin — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:07:09 +0000

In an earlier post we listed down the items that were not included in the MSRP. Those costs were transportation to the dealership, registration, miscellaneous fees and taxes. Haggling or trying to get a discount only affects the MSRP which if you are successful only lowers the cost of the vehicle to its actual market value. Nowadays, the dealer may give in but the above costs are fixed and will add those on to the agreed price/MSRP.
Total Cost to Own or TCO is the more realistic price. This takes in several factors such as cost of fuel, insurance, financing, maintenance and the like over a span of 5 years. It may be that you may be able to buy the car but you can’t afford to run it.
Also earlier we compared the 2009 Mercedes CLK550 Cabriolet and the Mercedes SLK55 AMG Roadster and checked their TCOs. The CLK550 has an MSRP of $64,800 while the SLK 55 is at $65,700. The Roadster is $900 higher yet the TCO for the AMG is $85,929 and the CLK 550 is $95,972 or $10,043 more than the “pricier” ($900) SLK 55. So what gives? Because it costs more to maintain and operate CLK than the Roadster. The CLK 550 has a bigger engine. Not by much –by .1liters actually but fact is cost per mile is 13 cents higher. Multiply over the years and the miles and you’ll get the picture. Depreciation is probably the biggest difference. Depreciation cost of the Roadster in five years will be at $42,482 while the CLK will be around $46,468.
So again make sure to ask what is the TCO of the car you’re interest

Which Mercedes Is For You?

admin — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:35:37 +0000

A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine asked me for advice about getting a new vehicle. Actually his mind was sort of made up as to the brand. He was interested in a Mercedes. A couple of days later I sent him an email that listed a few tips that I think he should keep in mind. He liked what I wrote and suggested that I post it. So here goes:
Hey Bro,
Listed are some of the things you might want to look out for or consider before making your choice. You mentioned that you aren’t much of a techie so I won’t bother with stuff like torque or powertrain and stuff like that. Though they are important fact is I think you should pay attention to these. The rest will follow.
1. Where do you plan to use it? City? Off road? Cross country?
2. Do you plan to haul cargo or bulky stuff in it?
3. Will your decision be function over form or the other way around?
4. What’s your budget like?
5. Are you particular about mileage and the cost of maintenance?
6. How long do you intend to keep it?
7. Will this be for the family or just for you most of the time?
I know you’re practically decided on getting a Mercedes. So think about these stuff first then get back to me. By the way, whatever you choose Mercedes does have a good line of vehicles. So the decision won’t really be that tough.
Answer those questions and take them with you when you go to your Mercedes dealership.

6 out of 10 Cars Are Mercedes?

admin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:24:06 +0000

On my third day in Hong Kong I decided to meet up with my lady friend. While waiting at a Starbucks and staring at the street, I just realized that my friend was not exaggerating when she said that Mercedes Benz was one of the more popular brands of cars here.

At least 6 out of 10 cars that passed by was a Mercedes Benz.

There were your usual Audis and Beamers but in a span of roughly 15 minutes I saw a silver CLK, 2 C-300s, an E-550 Sport and a C-350 Sport.

Then my friend shows up-and shows up in style- A fire opal SLK 55 AMG. I must say I was impressed.

The SLK 55 is equipped with a 5.5 V8 engine that pumps out 360 hp and AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic with steering wheel gearshift.

Sitting in the Flamenco red passenger seat with the Airscarf on (It’s still rather cold), I just took in the luxurious appointments of this beast.

Bose Cabin Surround System, Parktronic Parking Assistant and DVD navigation.

We drove to Stanley Market, a popular tourist place.

Did I mention that they drive on the other side of the road here?

Now 65mph doesn’t seem that fast but the trip to the market was on a 2 lane winding road that would put Nürburgring to shame.

All I can say is that I’m happy that Mercedes Benz never scrimped on safety.