Archive for the ‘Mercedes’ Category
Mercedes-Benz joint development of new brand BYD electric cars
A slight surprise news on the Internet spread: March 1, Mercedes-Benz manufacturer, the world’s second-largest luxury car maker, the world’s largest commercial vehicle maker Daimler AG announced that it has, and independent brands BYD Auto signed a letter of intent, the two sides will jointly develop electric cars, and will also create a new co-branded. BYD has confirmed that this message.
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.
Mercedes Benz CLK
Mercedes Benz CLK is also one of the most comfortable and safest coupe/convertible that is available in the entire world. Some would say that the CLK is a class on its own and they are probably right. If you want pure style and looks then you are probably better off with other luxury models. But if you are looking for substance and good performance, then the CLK will definitely impress you in the same way that it has impressed other people as can be seen in the many positive Mercedes Benz CLK reviews out there.
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 E-Class: Harnessing The Wow Factor
Mercedes is about to release its all new E-Class to the European market this spring, with its North American debut scheduled for some time in the fall. Fresh on the heels of its successful launch of the all new S-Class, Mercedes is pinning much on these two lines to help turn their fortunes around. Indeed, Mercedes has found itself in the uncomfortable position of being in BMW’s rear view mirror, something that DaimlerChrysler is working hard on reversing by way of releasing new models. In any event, there is much to anticipate regarding the E-Class with a staggering 29 different model variations planned. Will you be amongst those waiting in fervent anticipation for the new Benz to arrive? Let’s take a sneak peek at just what Mercedes is planning to offer with its updated model.
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?
How to Change Oil in a Mercedes Benz
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.
Mercedes B-Class Begets the Dodge Hornet
The Mercedes B-Class, a line of compact cars about the size of a Volkswagen Golf, is expected to be imported to the U.S. market within one or two years time. This model is unusual in that it will be the first vehicle marketed by Mercedes in the U.S. that is not a true luxury car. Instead, the German automaker is hoping to capitalize on its venerable name by serving a greater share of the American populace by marketing a more ordinary model. Soon after the B-Class’ debut, yet another small vehicle derived from Mercedes will also make its appearance in the U.S.: the Dodge Hornet. Both the B-Class and Hornet are being developed to revolutionize their respective brands, pitting DaimlerChrysler against some of the leading youth brands in the world.
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.