Apart from the online tools, key chain collectors will also find many industry-made key chain accessories. This can be in the form of special, customized key chain holders which hobbyists can hang on the wall for their entire collections. There are actually many varieties to choose from.

The same can work well for Mercedes Benz key rings. With a logo or text engraving, these useful collectibles give homage to the artistry of the Mercedes Benz car. In fact, the brand has been so popular that many key chain and car enthusiasts have created entire collections simply out of the key chain.

In the recent years, car maker Mercedes Benz has marketed itself as a family-oriented vehicle, and at the same time still maintaining its prestige as a luxury car. You can see this in commercials boasting of generations of families who have used Mercedes cars. The car has even become an heirloom for some; many fathers find joy in handing down the keys to their Mercedes cars to their sons.

Some Mercedes key rings may even become a lucrative investment for you. A cheap $1.99 key chain today could become $49.99 later on. This is because limited stocks may mean more value, especially in the future. Similar to keeping jewelry or coins, the same could be said of Mercedes Benz key chains.

You can hang your Mercedes keyring, for example, from a glass-covered pane or suspend it from a metal bar along with other key rings. You can also display it alongside actual scale models of Mercedes Benz cars, for added creativity.

You might be surprised to know that key chain collection is still hugely popular today as it was before. The Mercedes key ring collector will find many resources and tools at his disposal.

The new S400 Hybrid isn’t the first full-size luxury sedan to assume gasoline/electric operation. Lexus launched its LS 600h L sedan, with a comparable hybrid powertrain, as a 2008 model. Both companies evidently believe there’s a significant urge for greater fuel economy and reduced emissions, even at the upper end of the economic scale.

One big difference lies in the battery. With the S400, Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker to issue a series-production model with a lithium-ion battery pack that fits into the engine compartment. Except for seldom-seen Fisker and Tesla cars, other hybrids use nickel metal hydride batteries.

Under the S400 hood, a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine generates 275 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 15-kilowatt electric motor is located between the gas engine and the seven-speed adaptive automatic transmission, which incorporates Sport and Comfort modes. The electric motor adds 20 horsepower, for a total of 295; plus 118 pound-feet of starting torque, to boost acceleration when taking off.

Unlike some hybrid-powertrain vehicles on the market, this one does not have a full hybrid system. The engine shuts off automatically as you slow down and come to a halt at a stoplight or stop sign, but the S400 Hybrid cannot run on battery power alone. Electricity augments the gasoline engine, but cannot substitute its function. In some hybrid models, the gasoline engine shuts off and restarts with a bit of a bump. Not here. It’s nearly impossible to discern the transition between engine shut-off and subsequent start-up at a stoplight.

The rear-wheel-drive S400 Hybrid gets a fuel-economy estimate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of 19 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway—comparable to a smaller gas-engine car. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz S550 sedan with a 382-horsepower V-8 gets a mileage estimate of only 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway. Naturally, the S600 with its 510-hp V-12 engine is even less thrifty. Built on a 124.6-inch wheelbase and measuring 206.5 inches long overall, the S400 Hybrid is a substantial automobile, weighing at least 4,390 pounds. That’s a lot for any powertrain to push.

Everything is super-smooth in the S400 Hybrid, just as it is in every S-Class sedan. After all, this is Mercedes-Benz’s prime model: the very top of the sedan lineup in terms of luxury and comfort/convenience. So, you get nearly every S-Class benefit and element of elegance, coupled with the promise of consuming less fuel and yielding fewer emissions.

With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.2 seconds, performance admittedly falls short of the capabilities of the S550 sedan. Even so, the S400 Hybrid comes close enough to satisfy most potential buyers in this league. Only the most ardent high-end hot rodder is likely to grumble about any shortage of screaming acceleration. And those folks aren’t likely to lean toward a hybrid of any class, much less the upper-luxury S-Class. Even an S550 or S600 doesn’t satisfy everyone, which is why Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division turns out super-performance S63 and S65 editions.

Every S-Class model, including the S400, is loaded with technology and driver conveniences. The standard Pre-Safe system can sense an impending collision and tighten seatbelts, as well as apply additional braking force. Mercedes-Benz also offers a Driver Assistance Package that includes a Blind-Spot Alert, Lane-Departure Warning, and Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control. New Attention Assist is a driver-fatigue alert system that provides both an audible and visual warning when it senses lack of alertness.

Back-seat video entertainment with dual screens is offered. A Rear Seating Package includes four-zone automatic climate control, a rear-seat memory, and heated/active-ventilated rear seats. A Sport Package includes several appearance items, and may be augmented by a panoramic moonroof. Night View Assist Plus is another extra-cost option, but 20-inch tires are a no-charge alternative to the standard 18-inch rubber. Although the S400 Hybrid is the lowest-priced S-Class model, it’s hardly a giveaway at $88,825 (including destination charge). Still, the gasoline-engine S550 sedan stickers for $93,475.

So we continue our dreaming but time has changed and today you no longer need to dream for owning this car. Now you can take this car “lease” as an owner. There are several offers are available now where you can go for Mercedes Benz leasing without actually buying it. Without a long term commitment of perspective you can get the car of you dream by leasing Mercedes Benz.
But before leasing this car we need to carefully review all the terms and condition of the contract paper. Here you don’t have worry about maintenance charges and you can select any latest version of this car for lease. It will cost you extra rent if you exceed the pre agreed annual mileage. The fixed annual mileage is set at 12,000 miles per year.
So, leasing a Mercedes Benz is the best way to fulfilling the dream of driving Mercedes Benz with a reasonable price. Regular Mercedes news also helps you knowing about all the news latest Mercedes news and keeps you updates. A  Mercedes Lease is the best option to get a brand new one.

Abbey National is the British high-street bank featuring Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1 driver for the McLaren Mercedes F1 racing team) and the Lego bridge in its marketing and promotion. The bank was taken over by Banco Santander and is now called Santander UK. The new name was launched together by Emilio Botin (the Banco Santander chief) and the McLaren Mercedes F1 racing team driver Lewis Hamilton, in January 2010.

Balbinder Chagger was an employee whose employment Abbey Santander UK terminated in 2006, claiming the termination was due to a completely fair compulsory redundancy exercise. He, on the other hand, alleged that race discrimination was the real reason behind his dismissal. He was of Indian descent. He had been reporting into Nigel Hopkins at the McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton and Lego bridge featuring Abbey Santander UK when it terminated his employment.

Although a wide range of factors can drive organisations to behave unethically, the key ones are: pursuit of personal interests; the amount of discretion an organisation affords its officers; the degree of autonomy in decision-making and action-taking an organisation permits its officers; and the organisation’s orientation. These drivers are highlighted by Emilio Botin’s Abbey Santander UK legal case.

Organisations and their officers sometimes put the pursuit of personal interest above other considerations. Pursuit of personal interests can be a strong incentive to behave unethically. For example, the Employment Tribunal found that Nigel Hopkins had personally desired to terminate Balbinder Chagger’s employment with Abbey Santander UK and had arranged it to occur; he had used the organisation’s compulsory redundancy procedure to achieve his personal aim.

Organisations sometimes afford their officers some degree of discretion; the greater the discretion afforded, the greater the opportunity the officer has for acting in his personal interests. The Employment Tribunal found that Abbey Santander UK had allowed Nigel Hopkins a very wide range of discretion in selecting whom to make redundant; it allowed Mr Hopkins to use highly subjective and un-measurable redundancy selection criteria. Nigel Hopkins was basically left to select whom ever he personally desired.

Organisations sometimes afford their officers some degree of autonomy in decision-making and action-taking; the greater the degree of autonomy, the greater the opportunity the officer has for acting in his personal interests. The Employment Tribunal found that Abbey Santander UK had allowed Nigel Hopkins a very wide range of autonomy in decision-making and action taking; he was able make an employee redundant entirely single-handedly.

The organisation’s orientation can also drive unethical behaviour. An orientation towards results regardless of how they are achieved can send the message that ‘the ends justify the means’. For example, the Employment Tribunal found that Abbey Santander UK and Nigel Hopkins had breached the UK’s laws regarding discrimination and employment in terminating Balbinder Chagger’s employment.

These then are the key factors that drive organisations to behave unethically. They apply to a wide range of specific ethical issues, such as miss-selling, misleading advertising, harassment, exploitation, victimisation, unethical employment practices, unethical environmental practices, health and safety, and so on.

Mercedes-Benz secured military contracts for the vehicle in the late 1970s and offered a civilian version in 1979. Designed to be a durable, reliable, and rugged off-roader, the G-wagen utilizes three fully locking differentials, one of the few vehicles sold in the U.S. to have such a feature, along with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Toyota 80-series Land Cruiser, Pinzgauer High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle, and Mercedes-Benz Unimog. Among the engines offered in the G-Class for the 2004 model year is a 5.5-liter V8.

Take a look at the Awesome Mercedes G-class 4×4

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an executive-size sedan based on the W211 E-Class platform. Marketed as a ‘four door coupe,’ the CLS recalls the fastback saloon designs of Robert Opron (born 1932) in the 1970s but is actually the work of the influential American automotive designer, Michael Fink (born 1967) who styled the first CLK, the C-Sportcoupe’, and is known as the stylist who penned the Maybach 57 and 62 respectively. According to a Mercedes-Benz press release, the CLS-class was produced to combine the “strong, emotive charisma” of a coupe with the “comfort and practicality” of a saloon. Save for its four-door design, the CLS’s design tends towards a coupe, as its sleek roofline reduces the rear passenger room to a 2+2 arrangement, and it offers a smaller selection of engines tending towards high powered of the range, compared to contemporary sedans such as the E-Class.

This is the first premium compact crossover SUV that Mercedes-Benz has ever produced. Though the GLK 350 may be a bit more solid than what we are used to seeing from them it does not disappoint us. The platform for this SUV was built on the standard C-class sedan.

So why did Mercedes choose to construct an SUV? “We needed a car like the GLK 350,” sales representative Mark Leonard said. “It’s designed to go head-to-head with the BMW X3 and it is doing a fantastic job.”

The SUV was first debuted earlier this year and is planned to be a 2010 model version. It has already gathered much media attention because of its unique design and the starting price that Mercedes-Benz has set for it. Many people were expecting to see a high number – but were surprised when the business set it at a low $33,900. This will most definitely be in the running for the affordable SUV on the market and may be able to overpass the X3 in price alone.

The GLK is outfitted with a 3.5 liter V6 engine and joined with a seven speed automatic transmission. Together the two work in harmony and allow for a smooth but powerful drive. It is simpler then before to speed up the car and it has the ability to reach 60 MPH in only 6.9 seconds.

If you wish to choose the premium packet you will be given a panorama sunroof, power liftgate, media upgrade package, heated front seats, and memory settings for mirrors, steering wheel, and the driver’s seat. You will also be given numerous of the more favorite characteristics that include power assist, dual zone automatic climate control, eight CD sound system, and a trip computer. Mercedes also supplied the standard safety features to every model.

From the front, the GL looks big and brutish. The design is typical Mercedes-Benz and features a prominent twin slat chrome grille that along with the wheel arches fairings complements the aerodynamic BlueEFFICIENCY package. Bi-xenon projector headlamps and LED fog lamps which double up as daytime driving lights come as standard. The chrome front underbody protection looks sporty and protects the underpinnings when the going gets rough. The sides of the SUV are rather plain and featureless and the profile becomes rather boxy as you go aft of the C-pillar. The aluminum-effect running boards are the only attractive feature on the sides. From the rear though the GL looks much better though with echoes of the M-Class. Overall the GL has immense and intimidating presence while the chrome underbody protection, twin exhausts and LED tail lamps give it a touch of sportiness.

The GL-Class is available with a common- rail 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine (the 350 tag is a misnomer) that produces a maximum power of 226PS at 3800rpm and produces a maximum torque of 510Nm between 1000rpm and 2800rpm. It has an undersquare bore-stroke layout (83.0mm x 92.0mm) and a compression ratio of 17:7. This engine is part of Mercedes’ OM642 family of engines which is found on various models like the ML 350, S 320 and the E 350 though it makes the least power in the GL. A 7G-Tronic 7 speed automatic transmission with sport mode distributes the torque in a 50:50 split between the front and rear wheels. One can also manually shift via paddles. Shifting via the paddles is very quick and there is hardly any delay in information relayed from the shifter to the transmission while upshifting as well as downshifting. Just like all Mercedes-Benz cars the gear selection is done through a lever on the steering column freeing up space on the central tunnel for storage bins.
http://www.maguscars.com/

Mercedes-Benz Daimler Motor Company Chairman and Chief (Mercedes-benzCars) head Zetsche said Daimler-in electric vehicle architecture experience and BYD advanced battery technology and electric power-driven system of the Department’s distinguished would be a perfect integration, therefore, both sides will be electric vehicles from China, a huge potential growth market, benefit, and China is the world’s largest automotive market. Two companies said the conditions of electric vehicles in the city to work well. Daimler recently off the assembly line in an electric version of Smart, will be off the assembly line this year, a Mercedes-Benz A-Class full-electric vehicles.

It has been reported analysis, for the Daimler, because of big brother BYD electric battery technology for electric vehicles into the current hot market, would probably speed up its process, and because BYD has been a pioneer in electric vehicles , which owns the F3e, E6 and so on is already a mature product. For its own brand BYD this time is true for the case of a master, and Daimler’s research and development and management, including technology does have a lot to learn from. It is learned that this year’s export target BYD accounted for the proportion of the total sales volume will increase to 5% ~ 10%, that is 4 to 8 million units, while enhancing this partnership will enhance BYD’s global sales management experience, which to go abroad for their own brands to enter the global market, no bad thing.

Analysis reported here, whether this cooperation is high, or Cinderella Cinderella fancy cars big brother big brother on the waterfront, for both it would be a way to complement each other’s cooperation, which for the sustainable development of China’s auto industry are would be a good thing. “Mercedes-Benz technology, coupled with body BYD’s electric car technology, this powerful combination is absolutely unprecedented ah! Appears to BYD’s electric car technology is to achieve a level of global high-end.” Some owners of BYD the Internet expressed their views.

The CLK can be described in a series of seemingly contrasting adjectives. There is no other car in the world that can be called both sporty and luxurious, roomy and sleek and classic and revolutionary. This is a car that single individuals would love to own yet it would also work as a family car given the ample leg room that it has. And of course nothing can beat the new Mercedes Benz cars when it comes to safety thanks to the new PRE-SAFE technology.

PRE-SAFE is an intelligent system that senses when the car is about to collide with another car or an object. When the car suddenly stops or skid, a series of safety measures will be triggered to ensure that everyone inside the car would get the utmost protection from the impact. The PRE-SAFE system makes the CLK one of the safest sports car in the world. Other Mercedes Benz CLK reviews will tell you the same thing.

The CLK comes in either a coupe or a convertible and sports either a modest V6 or a monstrous V8 engine. This means that there is a CLK for both the practical and the flashy speed freaks. The CLK coupe is for the low key driver who still yearns for the excitement of a powerful sports car. It is versatile enough to be both a personal and a family car. The CLK convertible, on the other had, is for the the flamboyant who doesn’t mind attracting more than his fair share of attention. It is for those who want to drive while the wind blows in their hair and with the sun beaming on their faces.

Whether it is a Mercedes CLK coupe or a convertible, you will definitely want to be seen with this car, which according to many Mercedes Benz CLK reviews is one of the sportiest that the has ever rolled off the plant of the German automaker. Choosing this car will definitely say a lot about your impeccable taste and your smarts. If you are looking for style , performance and appeal, then you never go wrong with a Mercedes Benz CLK.

Mercedes recently found itself in an odd position: trailing German rival BMW in their ongoing battle for sales supremacy. The news was hard for Stuttgart to swallow, but it has also served as a wake up call as parent DaimlerChrysler is now pouring some extra attention into its German luxury brand. Over the past several years the company’s American brands, commonly known as The Chrysler Group, have been the recipients of DCX largesse with Mercedes getting limited assistance, at least in the eyes of some critics. Now, with the S-Class on the market, with the E-Class soon to appear, and with other models being updated, Mercedes is poised to quickly regain the top spot that was wrested away by BMW.

The new E-Class features quite a number of changes including the following:

Pre-Safe is standard. This is Mercedes’ safety system that automatically adjusts seatbelt and seat settings in anticipation of a crash. In addition, the sunroof and windows automatically close up if a crash is pending.

Introduction of an Intelligent Light System. The E-Class’ headlights will automatically adjust according to the driving conditions. Big changes include enhancements to the fog light system for better vision, a widening of the vision field, and better use of cornering technology to have the headlamps cover areas previously outside of its range.

Ten engine choices. From four cylinder turbo diesels up to a 5.5L V8, the E-Class’s engine range will be incomparably better than any of its competitors. Indeed, a 514 horsepower E63 AMG version will also be released, making this model the most powerful E-Class every built.

Other improvements with the new model include a better air conditioning system, a retuned chassis, and more responsive steering. In addition, the entire front end has been redone with the emphasis on a more aggressive look for the new model.

Prices for the E-Class will start at just over $44,000 and go well over $100,000 for the AMG model. Will the E-Class help Mercedes recoup its lead? The smart money says yes, but not without a fight from BMW who is also rolling out several new models this year.

In all, the cars coming down the pike from Mercedes are worth a closer look and certain to spark more interest in the brand, something DaimlerChrysler sincerely hopes to achieve. With 29 variations offered, will the “wow factor” persuade you to purchase a Mercedes E-Class?

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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Not everyone thinks that it is a good idea for Mercedes to sell a budget model in the U.S., particularly one sporting the Mercedes marque. Yet, Mercedes has been building smaller models for years and in Europe the brand is known for producing luxury cars as well as vehicles for the masses. Indeed, Mercedes’ biggest adversary, BMW, also produces a line of small cars and is planning on bringing these vehicles to the U.S. shortly. Thus, like it or not, Mercedes must respond and the B-Class will be the answer.

For Mercedes, the B-Class likely to make it to the U.S. will be a four door sedan outfitted with a six cylinder gas engine. A hatchback, popular in Europe, will probably not be included in the deal knowing American consumers’ disdain for that particular body style. Diesel powered B-Class’ are a possibility and will become even more likely should BMW introduce the same.

For Dodge, the Hornet represents an answer to Scion and their line of youth oriented brands. While the Mercedes B-Class will likely appeal to VW and Nissan owners, the Hornet will target Scion owners as well as those inclined to purchase a Honda Element or other small, boxy vehicle. DaimlerChrysler, the owner of both Mercedes and Dodge, knows that the Hornet is necessary as the brand’s current entry level vehicle, the Caliber, is too expensive to compete against the lowest priced cars from Japan and Korea. Considering that Chinese cars selling for $8500 or less will also be arriving soon, DaimlerChrysler must respond and respond quickly with the Hornet.

While plans haven’t yet been finalized, the Hornet will likely strongly resemble the concept vehicle now on display at car shows around the country. This means that the Hornet will sport a 1.6L I4 mated to a 5 or 6 speed manual transmission, with a horsepower output of 170. With 19 inch tires, stow and go seating, and Saturn ION-like doors, the Hornet will not be confused with any other vehicle on the road which is exactly what Dodge hopes will happen.

To keep production costs down, DaimlerChrysler is looking for a manufacturing plant, probably in Mexico, to build the vehicle. Aiming to keep prices to around $10,000, DaimlerChrysler may tap Volkswagen to produce the vehicle at one of its own plants. This would enable VW to fill excess capacity and give DCX a readily available source to produce the Hornet.

Yes, the B-Class is poised to change the way American consumers think about the Mercedes brand while giving the make a chance to capture a broader chunk of the market. With the Hornet deriving its platform and other key components from the B-Class, Dodge will also benefit and be able to holds its own against Asian imports. Yes, both products present risky moves for parent DaimlerChrysler, one that the automaker must take in an ever changing and highly competitive world.

Back end represents AMG more conspicuously with three fins; AMG sports exhaust system of a double set of exhaust pipes with chrome finish and LED tail lights. AMG is further visible with AMG’s five spoke light alloy wheel base with high gloss polish in Titanium-grey shade. AMG lettering is present on front wings and side skirts. C63 AMG is powered with AMG 6,208cc V8 engine having tremendous powers. Acceleration of this car jumps from 0 to 62 mph merely in 4.5 seconds with engine’s rated peak output of 457 hp. Extra feature this engine brags of are rapid revving with natural aspiration. There is spontaneous feel of this character at any speed. Braking system is high fade resistant and high performing. Front brake is provided with fixed 6- piston calipers and the rear brake with fixed 4- piston calipers. Deceleration of this car is characteristically striking; smart ceasing of wheel movement is aided by internally ventilated perforated brake disc.

Established distance traveling eases provided by brand Merc is distinctly translated into this saloon. Running comfort of this car is categorically supported with AMG Sports suspension, which makes a perfect match with engine powers. Advancements done are better axel designs, tighter spring and dampers arrangement, and larger torsion bar stabiliser as prominent ones. Structurally, this saloon is more stable due to wider three-link front axel. This offers better body dynamics besides stability and feel of close coherence with road. Junction points of wheels and axel are doubly strengthened with perfect conformity at junction with steering Effective outcome achieved is spontaneous braking response. At rear end, multi link axel track is also widened.

Drivers of AMG C 63 have option to select any of three stage gear shift modes namely, ESP ON, ESP SPORT and ESP OFF. These modes stand for Comfort, Sport and Manual modes of gear shifting. This three-stage ESP system is specifically set up for C63 AMG saloon. Gear is seven speed auto transmission type, which is very common feature in Merc cars. Manual mode of gear shifting, that is M mode, is 50% more responsive as compared to C mode. This mode goes for ultra-fast gear changing and is comfortable for drivers. S mode is programmed for sporty driving, and responds fast in shifting gear. C mode, as implies with its meaning comfort, involves need of much less gear changing. Additionally, transmission specifics character of this saloon is automatic revving of engine when making downward running on slopes.

Hi, now most of you that know me will be familiar with my internet business mentoring and marketing training systems, However you may not be quite so familiar with my passion for fast cars!

I have been fortunate over the years to have had access to some of the best cars that money can buy and have driven thousands of miles around the UK and Europe. I thought that I may as well share my experiences of some of my cars and give you a “warts and all” review. The vehicles that I will be reviewing over the coming weeks are:

Mercedes SL500

Mercedes SLK350

Porsche 928SE (classic)

VW Toureg
Lets start with the SL500.

The Mercedes-Benz SL500 is still regarded as one of the most aspirational cars currently available. The combination of the sharp coupe styling matched with the incredibly clever roof system make this car one of, if not THE, most attractive cars of all time. The cabin gives an air of quality and the plastics in the dash all feel to be well manufactured. The doors, like most two door cars, are very large and if you decide to pop down to the local supermarket for supplies you will have to be careful as to where you park, I lost count of the number of times that I parked, in what I considered to be a safe & out of the way place, only to return to my car to find that somebody had parked so close that I could not get in through the door! When the roof is up and you’re driving in coupe mode the luggage space is good, more than enough space for a couple of sets of golf clubs. However, with the roof down the boot size is reduced dramatically, The roof has to go somewhere!

The performance of the SL500 can only be described as “adequate” whilst the car is considered to be quick it’s quick in a boring uneventful way. Motorway cruising is a dream and if you’re fortunate to be driving along a German Autobahn you can quite happily cruise along at twice the UK speed limit. The car’s performance is more refined than I personally like and it does not take long before you are day dreaming about getting behind the wheel of something a bit more raw!

The Automatic gearbox, like most Mercedes, is smooth and efficient. If you try to use the box in manual mode with the dodgy little buttons come paddles on the back of the steering wheel you will probably find the changes a tad slow and the driving experience will not be at all enhanced!.

The suspension is good and soaks up all but the largest pot holes. There is a button to adjust your ride height so that speed humps are not an issue. The Steering is fairly precise for a car of this size but once again I find myself looking for a quicker response. The steering is “safe” rather than exciting.

Verdict
The SL500 is an excellent all round car. It’s comfortable, lively(ish) and useable on a daily basis. If I were to have to recommend a model I would say that if the performance is not an issue then go for the SL350. If however you are looking for something more exciting and you have deep pockets then opt for the AMG, you will not be disappointed.

Colin Mather
Business Entrepreneur and Trainer
http://www.100ktoday.com
tel: +44(0)7545 091838
email: colin.mather@colinmather.com

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