Enlas Mercedes

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When considering a new automobile purchase or lease, safety features are top of mind, especially for families. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW C-Class sedans have comparable pricing in the $31000 to $65500 range, and similar safety features. The top three automobile safety features for C-Class sedans are airbags, brake systems, and seat belts. For Mercedes-Benz India, Audi, and BMW sedans, all in the same MSRP range, the three models are similar on these safety features with a couple of notable exceptions.

MSRP Price Range $32900 to $55300 The Mercedes-Benz has 6 driver and passenger airbags,4 wheel anti-lock braking system, Neck-Pro crash-responsive head restraints, 3-point driver and front passenger shoulder belts, including height adjustment, emergency tensioning, adaptive belt force limiter, rear 3-point seat belts, including outboard emergency tensioning, outboard belt force limiter, and outboard automatic height.

MSRP Price Range $31000 to $58000 The Audi has driver, passenger, side head, and rear head air bags, passenger airbag on/off switch, traction control, front 3-point seat belts, including auto pretensioners and belt force limiters, and rear 3-point seat belts with auto pretensioners. MSRP Price Range $33600 to $66500 The BMW has driver, passenger, side head, and rear head air bags, passenger airbag on/off switch, 4 wheel ABS, traction control, brake assist, all-position 3-point safety belts, including front pretensioners, ALR in all passenger positions, and latch attachments for rear seats.

While all three models have 3-point seat belts, the Audi does not have 4 wheel anti-lock braking system as do the other two, and both the Audi and BMW have head airbags where the Mercedes has airbags and crash-responsive head restraints. Although not protecting as wide an area as curtain airbags, head airbags do offer extra protection during crashes by deploying between the head and window, but head restraints are reusable and can be reset after being deployed. Anti-lock brake systems provide extra control and improved safety in difficult braking situations.

Mercedes-Benz offers a reusable head protection feature that protects head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash, as well as airbags, a 4 wheel anti-lock braking system, and 3-point safety belts for driver and passenger protection. For the price range it falls into, Mercedes-Benz offers the added value of a unique standard safety feature not offered in other similar c-class sedans, even higher-priced models. When considering c-class sedan style, price, performance, and safety, the Mercedes-Benz provides a safety advantage to drivers and passengers.

Volvo has long been attributed with being the number one automobile manufacturer when it comes to vehicular safety and rightly so. As an inventor of “crumple zones” and “safety cages” to protect passengers, Volvo set the tone for worldwide auto building for the next several generations. Indeed, the auto industry owes much to Volvo’s many safety contributions. Not to be lost in all of this is the work that Mercedes-Benz has been doing to improve passenger safety too. Taking the Volvo concept one step further, Mercedes now incorporates several technological advances with their vehicles in order to provide the safest riding experience available. Let’s take a look at Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE system and how it can protect you and your passengers.

I must admit that the first time I heard about Mercedes’ new safety system I had thought that it was something that was still years away from becoming available. How wrong I was! The PRE-SAFE system, as it is called, is a terrific way to enhance passenger safety and one that should be adopted by other automakers. Yes, I am sure that it isn’t a cheap system but as it is with so many technological advances the price is bound to drop and the system or something like it will become widely available across the board.

Introduced with select Mercedes models in 2003, the PRE-SAFE system automatically kicks in moments before a collision. All it takes is a panic stop or a skid and the system is set in motion; here is what occupants can expect moments before a crash occurs:

Snug in place. Passenger seat belts automatically tighten to prepare occupants for a crash.

Snug in place, part two. Along with the seat belts, air cushions on the sides of the seats inflate to keep people in position.

Seat movements. Headrests and seats automatically move to predetermined positions that provide optimum protection for occupants.

Close it up. Windows automatically shut to offer the best support for side-curtain air bags and cars equipped with a moon roof will find that it has closed up in the event of a rollover.

Since its introduction, PRE-SAFE has been expanded to additional Mercedes models and the original technology is constantly being tweaked and improved upon.

New technology being developed by Mercedes includes the development of a radar sensor to track vehicles running a red light and slamming into your car. Once this technology has been readied, it will take the PRE-SAFE system one step further and offer occupants one more way to avoid serious injury.

So, is Volvo behind in the development of crash preparation technology? Not a chance. Volvo released its Whiplash Protection Seating System in 2000 that prepares passengers for a rear hit by adjusting the seating position to minimize impact. In addition, the company is working on a radar system that can detect when a driver drifts out of his lane. This feature will also utilize an electronic eye to keep an eye on blind spots not seen through the side mirrors.

Ultimately, a defensive driver is the best driver, but there are times when situations are completely out of your control. Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE system is certain to be a big help and is likely to reduce serious injuries and even prevent some deaths. Technology at its best!

Owning a Mercedes vehicle puts you in with an elite category of owners who appreciate the engineering, quality, comfort, and fun-to-drivability that go with every “Benz” produced. With a history spanning well over one hundred years and a solid benchmark reputation to preserve, Mercedes continues to impress its loyal owners and attract interest from those who do not yet own a Mercedes.

Beyond ownership is the maintenance that is done to preserve your vehicle’s mojo. You know keeping your Mercedes well maintained can go a long way toward helping your car operate problem free as well as looking great. Trouble is, parts can get expensive…you’ll pay a premium if you have some garage or dealer do the work for you. Fortunately, you have some options – terrific ones at that – to find, procure, and install the high quality parts your Mercedes deserves without destroying your budget. Please keep reading for some helpful tips.

Owning a Mercedes is just like owning a piece of automotive history. It was back in the 1880s when two German craftsmen, Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz, began working on what became known as the first internal combustion engine. Soon thereafter the first “Daimler” vehicles were produced and were later renamed “Mercedes” due to legal conflicts with the Daimler name. Eventually, Daimler and rival automaker Benz merged to produce the Mercedes-Benz name that we know today. Yes, the parent company is now known as DaimlerChrysler but to Mercedes owners calling their cars a Mercedes-Benz is still common even though the Benz name isn’t typically ascribed to specific vehicles, especially in the U.S.

Beyond its history are the vehicles defining Mercedes, particularly those built in the last quarter of a century. In the important U.S. market, Mercedes has registered strong growth with new vehicle sales growth of more than 350% since 1993. An expanded product line and a desire by motorists to own and care for finer automobiles has been a big part of the Mercedes sales surge. New models, including an SUV and compact cars have fueled much of the growth as consumers flock from traditional American and European brands to Mercedes. Mercedes’ legendary quality is an important attraction as their line of diesel powered vehicles typically last for several hundred thousand miles. Indeed, it isn’t unheard of for diesel Mercedes owners to brag about their cars having passed the 500,000 mile mark.

Mercedes attributes much of their success to the design and craftsmanship put into every car. The company is very careful whom they choose to produce OEM parts relying on trusted names such as Bosch, Hengst, Mann, ACM, Conti, and others to outfit their vehicles. Expensive parts, mind you, but well worth it…you drive a Mercedes!

Of course, if you are like many Mercedes aficionados who enjoy working on their own vehicles, you are in good company. In times past, buying OEM parts meant an expensive trip to your dealer’s parts department or a disappointing visit to your local parts store. Disappointing, as you soon discovered that the only German parts available were for Volkswagens.

Today, your choices have expanded immensely due to the rise of online auto wholesalers such as the Auto Parts Warehouse, who specialize in carrying Mercedes Benz parts. Consumers today are turning on their computers, surfing the ‘net, and finding suppliers who have the parts they need and can ship these parts directly to them. With no middle man mark ups, many of the quality wholesalers are able to supply Mercedes Benz parts at prices well below the prevailing retail rates.

Yes, you have a truly fine and capable vehicle in your Mercedes. You can keep your “Benz” running great and looking its best with genuine OEM parts. Shop around and head down the road to real savings today!

A driver or ratchet with an 8mm socket for the plastic cover under the car.
A 13mm wrench or ratchet/socket for the drain plug.
A 3/8 ratchet for the oil filter housing cap assembly.
A medium extension for removing the oil filter housing cap.
An oil filter socket to remove the oil filter housing cap.
A pick or small screwdriver to remove the o-rings from the oil filter housing cap.
Depending on your car 7-9 quarts of synthetic motor oil (Mercedes Benz recommends Mobil1 0w40 which is a very good oil).
A high quality fleece oil filter make sure this is not paper. Paper filters can break apart. Use an original Mercedes Benz filter or any OEM like Mann or Hengst, they are all fleece.
Crush washer for oil drain plug
A couple of rags in case of spillage for cleanup.

Container to drain oil into.
Container to put used oil filter in.

2. Drive your car until your engine comes up to normal operating temperature. This is important because then more oil can be drained and it will drain faster.

3. Make sure the car is secure by putting it in park and the parking brake on if you are going to be using a jack.

4. Open the hood. When standing in front of your car it is located on the right side of the engine. Open the oil filler cap located on the valve cover as well. Unscrew the oil filter housing cap using a ratchet with an extension connected to the oil filter cap tool.Do not remove it quite yet we will do that later, this will allow oil to drain out of the old oil filter.

5. Now you will have to go underneath your car. If you are using a jack make sure your car is secured by jack stands as well. The plastic plate(s) under the car covering the oil pan is secured by 4-10 screws depending on your car. Remove it and put it to the side.

6. Time to drain the oil. With your 13mm wrench or ratchet you can now remove the drain plug.Be careful the oil will be extremely hot! If you have an ML on some models the oil drain plug is in front of some suspension components. I use a piece of cardboard usually from the carton of oil. Bend it in half so it looks like a V and wedge it so the oil pours onto the cardboard and then into the drain pan. This will save a lot of cleanup later.

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As more and more people go online it’s becoming a lot easier to find classic car collectors who are selling used classic car parts form their classic cars. They may have upgraded that part, parting out an old junker, or are just parting with their classic car parts collection. Before the internet, a restorer in search of specific classic car parts had to rely on calling junkyards or looking at trade magazines. Today, you can find many parts on ebay, craigslist, or other classic car classified ad sites. Another useful tool are forums dedicated to the classic car you are restoring. There are many collectors in the forums that will be willing to help you locate those hard to find classic car parts, or at least give you suggestions of where to look.