Thursday, 15 July 2010

How to Buy a Mercedes-Benz the Easy Way!

Mercedes buyers are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to buy a Mercedes-Benz from - or so it would seem.

Mercedes-Benz ownership is something many of my local Sydney residents desire for years prior to obtaining.

In fact it's right up there with the dream of owning a Rolex watch, a luxury boat and a luxury home.

So when you get to the stage where you are ready to buy your Mercedes-Benz, you want to make sure you buy well.

Does having more Mercedes Dealers to choose from mean a better deal?

More choice means more competition, which is good for Mercedes-Benz buyers. Since most Mercedes buyers in Sydney fully understand economic forces, it goes without saying that Mercedes-Benz Dealers are keen to win your business.
Are all Sydney Mercedes-Benz dealers the same?

Absolutely not.

Each one is different in certain ways - and I don't mean just in location.

When looking to buy a car, and especially a Mercedes-Benz, elements such as service, price and availability will factor into in your Benz dealings. Most dealers will have a good level of service and availability.
Essential questions you must ask to avoid paying too much - or even worse buying the wrong car:

These are a few of the vital questions you really need to ask yourself before you venture into the car showroom.
Questions like: Which Mercedes-Benz model will suit my needs more? A-Class, the small Benz hatch? perhaps an M-Class for the large 4wd size Mercedes, or are you more suited to a CLK-Class coupe? The more you understand your car needs the more you will be able be clear about what the right car for you is.

Why is it so essential for you to know in advance what the right car is?
You need to be in control of the Mercedes purchase, not the salesperson. If you do your research first (the internet is a great place to start) then you will be able to make a better decision.
Some dealership staff will try and promote certain Benz models that are in stock because those vehicles are almost certainly costing interest as they sit there. Be firm with what you want before you accept the first car suggested!
How do you know if you are being sold, or if you are doing the buying?

Look for a salesperson who asks questions. If you are being "told" what to buy rather than "asked" then you are dealing with a pushy sales person. A salesperson who sincerely seeks your exact requirements is probably serving your needs well.

Do not buy until you are comfortable to make a commitment and be prepared to stand by your decision.

If you are uncertain or in doubt, don't be in a hurry to make a decision. A rushed purchase will often lead to buyer's remorse and you may regret your decision to buy a Mercedes-Benz every time you step into it.

We all suffer the urge to be impulsive from time to time. Wait until you are 100% certain before you sign the contract of sale. Once you pay a deposit you own the car, and some dealers will make sure you take delivery of it even if you change your mind.

Sometimes knowing that dealers have to hold stock can work in your favour. If they have a car in stock then they are probably more motivated to sell it at a better price.

Hot Mercedes Buying Tip:

Go to your local dealer first. You will most likely find they are very keen to do business with local residents because they know you are more likely to return for your scheduled Mercedes-Benz service than a travelling customer. A Mercedes-Benz service centre is a good source of repeat business for a Mercedes-Benz Dealership so they will try and entice you to come back for servicing.

How to Finance and insure your Mercedes-Benz tips:

Most car companies have some sort of in house finance and insurance offers. Due to the profile of the average Mercedes owner in Australia, you will find very competitive Mercedes-Benz branded offerings in the dealership. Make sure you ask the amount per month when comparing the finance repayments rather than being fixated on rate. Some finance companies and banks quote low rates however the finance repayments are higher when you add back penalties. As a rule, Mercedes-Benz Finance is designed purely to finance Mercedes-Benz cars so they are quite targeted compared to banks. The same is true for Insurance.It is worth checking before you commit to any lender.

If you take a sensible approach to your Mercedes-Benz predicted future value then you should be able to arrange finance where your Mercedes will be worth the same amount as the "payout" figure - or the amount owing at time of lease expiry. If you are unfortunate enough to get this wrong, your Mercedes-Dealer will probably offer to finance this "shortfall" on the top of your amount financed next time you buy. This is a financially dangerous recipe so be very careful before you do that.

What should you NEVER do?

Don't take a salespersons word about how much your Mercedes-Benz will be worth in the future. They can't predict that because this value depends on many factors. Some reasons a car might depreciate could range from a model change right through to a new entrant into the market segment.

A big mistake made often by first time Mercedes-Benz owners is to go from Mercedes-Benz dealer to dealer waiting until some salesperson promises the Mercedes will be worth more. This is just a mind trick! Make your own decision and stick to it.

Make decisions knowing that all cars (other than rare collectables) tend to depreciate heavily in Australia. Take a view that your Mercedes will reduce in value the more you drive it and the longer you own it.

If you apply these Mercedes-Benz buying tips you will hopefully get a great deal on your new Mercedes-Benz!

Rodney Darnleighton - Sydney writer, car collector & enthusiast. I have always dreamed of owning a Mercedes-Benz.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rodney_Darnleighton

Mercedes-Benz Parts in the Aftermarket

Traditionally, finding a source for OEM and aftermarket Mercedes parts meant having to live in or close to a large city like Los Angeles, and flipping through the phonebook to find a licensed Mercedes parts dealer. However, the power of the internet allows for the luxury of finding Mercedes parts and accessories from the comfort of your own home. Whether you are shopping for Mercedes accessories to upgrade your interior or exterior, or repair parts to replace your Mercedes wheels or those squeaky brakes, finding your parts is no longer like pulling teeth! Online Mercedes parts distributors tend to carry an impressive line of quality manufacturers, including Genuine Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, MP Design, Bilstein, GAP, Schatz, and H&R to name a few, so finding quality Mercedes accessories is never difficult.
Mercedes interior accessories come from a number of high quality designers. MP Design is known for its classy Mercedes interior accessories such as front seat adjustment covers, pillar covers and front door speaker covers. Genuine Mercedes-Benz, Lloyd, and Husky, each carry a line of high quality Mercedes floor mats.

As for exterior accessories, Schatz is known for its quality bumper grilles and spoilers. Genuine Mercedes-Benz and Coverking both carry a line of high quality Mercedes Car Covers. Genuine Mercedes-Benz offers that OEM look and feel whereas Coverking is known for it's its high level of customization. Expression and Lorinser both have an entire line of Mercedes Body Kits to take your Mercedes experience to a new level.

Finding replacement Mercedes-Benz parts can seem effortless thanks to the numerous Mercedes parts manufacturers like Bilstein, Bosch, and Hella. Likewise, Genuine Mercedes-Benz manufactures a number of OEM Mercedes-Benz parts. Whether you're shopping for Mercedes-Benz wheels or Mercedes wheel spacers, AMG, Lorinser, and Genuine Mercedes-Benz each carry a line of quality Mercedes-Benz wheels and wheel spacers.

While shopping for Mercedes parts online is often confusing given the lack of visual application of the product, companies like Performance Products have online animated Mercedes parts diagrams that make choosing replacement parts a much less daunting task. With parts diagrams you can see how your chosen Mercedes engine part fits into your Mercedes engine, or how your chosen Mercedes brake pad fits up against your rotor. Parts diagrams take some of the uneasiness out of shopping for parts shopping by providing the visual comfort generally associated with a brick and mortar store.

Chris Casarez was born, raised, and currently resides in Southern California. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communication and is the Internet Marketing manager for Performance Products, a Mercedes parts and accessories supplier carrying a full line of Mercedes car covers, floor mats, and wheels, as well as truck accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Casarez

New AMG variants for the new C-Coupe and the future A-Klasse


The new appointed boss of AMG, Ola Kallenius, will continue the extensive AMG Performance 2015 programme, which started under former head Volker Mornhinweg. Among the key models to be launched during the 2010-2015 period, he suggested possible supersport versions for the upcoming C-Klasse Coupe and A-Klasse.


The future C-Coupe AMG will feature a 5.5 liters twin turbo V8 under its bonnet. This powerplant is prone to produce around 500 BHP, which instantly transform the car into a powerful BMW M3 fighter(as in the case of the outgoing CLK 63 AMG). The forthcoming A-Klasse lineup will include a small class coupe, tipped to be badged CLC. This new model will sport a rear-wheel-drive platform, developed using the MFA underpinnings as basis. But the CLC AMG version, expected to show up at the end of 2012, might go for an all-wheel-drive architecture instead, joined with a new 4-cylinder inline, twinturbocharged engine, that could be capable of achieving over 300 BHP.

Read another article related to this subject:

AMG mulling a future A-Klasse AMG model

Illustration: Schulte Design

Copyright © 2010, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY - 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG


Mercedes-Benz has already started the development phase of the SLK's range-topping AMG model, which could be powered by a detuned version of the recently-premiered biturbo V8 unit, expected to deliver an impressive maximum output of around 470-480 BHP. New spy captures have recently emerged on the internet. Check'em out after the jump!








Source of the photos >> WorldCarFans

Copyright © 2010, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, 13 July 2010

F1 Silverstone - Sunday Photos (MGP)


Nico Rosberg achieved the third podium classification of the 2010 season for MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. His teammate, Michael Schumacher, had a more difficult race and scored a mere 9th place at the end of the British Grand Prix. Enjoy a set of exclusive Sunday images which capture the atmosphere and the race action at Silverstone!






















* Official photos courtesy of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS *

Copyright © 2010, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

The new CLS-Klasse: A new illustration + further spy photos


This time, Schulte Design managed to come up with a very accurate computer-generated image for the 2011 CLS-Klasse, inspired by the Concept Shooting Break model. No more complicated or stupid lines, just a pure, simple and clear design, 90% close to the real deal. What's more: we bring you new spy shots with the CLS, which showcase a white-coloured AMG Sportpaket-fitted prototype at work, during the final stage of the experimental phase.

See more after the jump!








Source of the photos >> Motor Authority, Auto Express

Copyright © 2010, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY - 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse (W 222)


Mercedes-Benz engineers are currently busy, among other future models to be revealed, with the testing and development of the new generation of the brand flagship: the W 222 S-Klasse, which might be revealed in late 2012.


The forthcoming "S" will boast an extensive array high-end technology. According to insiders, as well to Dr. Thomas Weber, who hinted some of the features the new car will have, the engine lineup for the W 222 will be entirely revised, with a key importance being awarded to developing fuel- and emission-efficient solutions. The possibility of an all-hybrid powerplant portfolio is still pretty much solid. Apart from the new MoVe V6 and V8 units, which will power versions such S 350 and S 500, Mercedes-Benz is also supposedly working on engineering a brand new generation of what is the epitome of engines - a V12 motor for the S 600 top-of-the-range model (read more about this issue >> HERE).

The 2013 S-Klasse will also pay attention to offering a complete comfort for the passengers inside it, as the car will be equipped with the exclusive PRE-SCAN system, that detects all the imperfection of the road surface and, as a consequence, adjusts the suspensions and springs by calculating the optimal parameters for achieving a smooth ride. Moreover, an all new, internet-based infotainment system is also expected to make its debut onto the W 222. It will group technical advances from both SERVO-HMI and myCOMAND systems, which were previewed on the F 700 and, respectively, ConceptFASCINATION prototypes.





Source of the photos >> Motor Authority

Copyright © 2010, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY - 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupe


The 2011 C-Klasse Coupe will be sort of a transition model - a remedy for the sluggish sales of the awkward-looking CLC and the right ignition spark for the development of an all new, attractive C-Coupe, that shall enter the market after the future W 205 C-Klasse begins its career sometime in 2014. Until then, check out some new spy photos of the C 204 Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Coupe, set to enter series production in the spring of next year!






Source of the photos >> Auto Express

Copyright © 2010, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.