Update - Susan G. Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk

I am excited to say I am almost half way to my fundraising goal for the 3-Day Breast Cancer walk on October 24-26th here in Atlanta!

Team ACC Breast Friends is at almost 20% of our overall goal of $20,000!

Thank you to my clients, family and friends who have been generous in supporting this cause. I will be carrying all the names of the women who have inspired my donors to give. It has been an honor to hear their stories.

If you want to learn more about donating to or participating in the walk please let me know. I am eager to spread the word!

Next up...ACC Bake Sale!

2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG - Options and Pricing

More Photos
The commercial for the new C63 AMG is out and it's time to get your order in for this amazing car. The release date for the C63 is expected to be April of this year. Base MSRP will be $53,800. The options and prices below will give you a better idea what your dream C63 will cost. Contact me now to get your C63 on the way to your garage!

AMG Standard Feature:
AMG Speed-Sensitive Sport Steering
3-Stage ESP
AMG sports suspension with 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels
AMG high-performance brake system
AMG sports seats with integrated head restraints
AMG performance steering wheel - flattened lower section - shift paddles
AMG bodystyling

2008 C63 AMG Option Packages:
(P01) Premium 1 - Standard on C63 AMG
Rain-sensing Wipers
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Auto-Dimming Mirrors
Power-Folding Mirrors
Heated Front Seats
Garage Door Opener

(P02) Premium 2 - $1,080
All Items in Premium 1 Package
Power Rear-Window Sunshade
Headlamp Washing System
Bi-Xenon Headlamps
Cornering Fog Lamps

(318)Leather Package - $2,950
Power Passenger Seat w/Memory
Power Dr.Seat & Steering Col. w/ Memory
(Seems to be mandatory on C63)

(320) Multimedia Package - $2,950
Voice Control
Music register with 4 gig hardrive
COMAND Navigation System
DVD video playback
6-Disc CD/DVD-Changer
Harman/Kardon 450-watt Sound System

Stand Alone Options:
iPod Integration Kit - $375
TeleAid - $650
6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer - $450
---030 AMG Performance Package will be avaliable this summer

Interior Color Options:
Black Leather (201)
Black/Sahara Beige (205)
Grey/Black Leather (208)
--all three interiors are avaliable with any exterior color

Exterior Color Options:
Black(040) - No Charge
Obsidian Black (197) - $710
Capri Blue(359) - $710
Barolo Red(544) - $710
Mars Red(590) - No Charge
Arctic White(650) - $710
Pewter (723) - $710
Steel Grey(755) - $710
Iridium Silver(775) - $710
Palladium Silver(792) - $710

2009 ML350, ML550, ML63 and ML320 BlueTEC Option Packages

The Packages and Options for the 2009 MLs are now available! You can order the gas powered MLs for delivery in July/August and the BlueTECs can be ordered for October delivery.

Notable changes:

• The ML350 is now listed as the ML350W4, meaning that there is a 2WD version on the way. We expect it early in 2009.
• HD Radio
• iPod/MP3 Interface Cable replaced the iPod kit
• 115v Power Outlet
• Rear Entertainment System improvement

2009 ML Option Packages:
(P01) Premium 1:
iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable
Rearview Camera
COMAND w/ Navigation
HD Radio with Sirius Satellite Radio
iPod/MP3 Media Interface
Harman/Kardon Sound System
Power Liftgate
115v Power Outlet

(P02) Premium 2:
All of P01
Parktronic
Driver & Passenger Memory Seats
Autodimming Mirror
Power Steering Column
Power Folding Mirrors
Keyless Go

(318) Full Leather Seating Package:
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
Burl Walnut Wood Trim
Ambient Lighting
Leather Front Seats

(323) Heating Package:
Heated Front & Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel

(321) AMG Sport Package: (ML550 Only)
AMG Sportline
AMG 19" 5-Spoke Wheels
Running Boards
(this is probably standard)

Stand Alone Options:
Roof Rack Basic Carrier (Un-Installed) & Storage Bag
Cargo Area Tray & Cargo Box (Un-Installed)
Side Step Bars*
Illuminated Door Sills
Wheel Locking bolts 18" (Un-Installed)
Chrome Door Handle Inserts (Set of 4)
ADS Adaptive Damping System
Air Suspension w/Adaptive Damping System
Trailer Hitch
3-Zone Climate Control*
Running Boards*
Rear Seat Entertainment System
Pre-Wiring for Rear Seat Entertainment
Heated Front Seats
*not listed for ML550 - Running Boards and 3-Zone are probably standard.

Options for the 2009 ML63 have not been listed yet and no pricing has been made available for the 2009's, but we are not expecting any changes from the 2008 models.

New C63 AMG Commerical

We'll be here when you need new tires.

Mercedes Updates iPod interface for 2009

The previous iPod kit available for 2008 and older vehicles replaced the AUX jack in the glovebox. It could only connect to iPods or iPhones and the folders and songs were only displayed in the multifunction display in the insturment cluster.
The new iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable will replace the old system. This cable has plug-ins, for the iPod and for any MP3 Player! The display will now be on the Command (Navigation) screen and should be much easier to use. I saw it work on the 2009 SL. This will be part of the Premium 1 Package for all of the 2009 SUV's, the SL's and the CLS's.

McLaren Mercedes Takes 3rd & 5th in Malaysian GP

While it wasn't as exciting as the race last week in Melbourne, both of our drivers placed well after being moved back 5 positions at the start for violations during the last session of qualifying. Lewis Hamilton fought back from his 9 place starting position passing 4 cars on the first lap. He suffered another setback when the team had problems with one of his aerodynamic wheel covers during his first stop. In the end, Heikki Kovalainen finished 3rd for his first podium of the year and Lewis stuck with it and brought home 5th. Kimi Raikkonen's (Ferrari) win today wasn't enough to pass up Lewis for the Driver's Championship. Also McLaren Mercedes remains in first place in the Constructor's Championship.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Up Close at Atlanta Classic Cars

The 2009 SL550 visited the dealership yesterday for our training class. It was great to be able to see it in person! While it is not a complete redesign, it is more substantial than just the usual refresh. I've pointed out the main aesthetic differences in the slideshow above. Of course, the pictures don't do it justice. It looks aggressive, fresh and exciting.

The new technology is perfect...exactly what the SL needed. The new Navigation system has the same graphics and the C-Class/S-Class system but does not use the central command controller. The 40 gb hard drive allows the data to be used much faster and updated more often. Also, this is the first vehicle that will use the SD card reader rather than the PCMCIA slot for loading your digital music files. You'll even be able to store music from the card slot or the 6 CD changer onto the 4 gb Music Register!

I highly recommend you get the 321 Wheel Package. For under $2000 it's a lot of look - 19" AMG wheels, sculpted leather steering wheel with shift paddles, and special headlights and tail lights. It looks very custom!

Also, Airscarf, the best feature for any convertible, will debut on the 2009 SL. These vents in headrests blow heated air over your shoulders at low, medium or high speed. Airscarf can extend your top down season here in Atlanta to almost all year!

The 2009 SL is in production now and the release is scheduled for April. Right now they are sitting at the port in Germany awaiting the order to ship out! Let me know if you would like to be notified when these beauties arrive.

BlueTEC with AdBlue for 2009 GL320, ML320, & R320

Besides seeing the 2009 SL for the first time today, our training included a lot of information about the 2009 ML320, GL320 and R320. For 2009 the CDI diesels that currently power these SUVs will be upgraded with BlueTEC emission systems similar to those in the current E320 BlueTEC. These vehicles will also be the first to use AdBlue to decrease emissions to levels that will allow them to be sold in all 50 states. (AdBlue isn't expected on the E-class until its redesign is released around August of 2009.)

AdBlue is a fluid that when combined with the exhaust gases results in a dramatic decrease in emissions. While diesel engines are already more efficient than gas engines, getting about 30% better fuel economy, their sales have been limited by emission standards in many states. Georgia is not one of these states but as the number of states that restrict diesels has grown it was important to find a solution. Check out the video below to learn more about how the injection of AdBlue into the exhaust reduces emissions.

The addition of the AdBlue system will result in a few changes to these vehicles. The biggest change will be the tank to store the AdBlue fluid. To elminate interior modifications this tank will occupy the space currently used for the spare tire. As a result, all 2009 BlueTEC SUVs will be equipped with run-flat tires. The non-diesel SUVs will continue to have spare tires.

The tank for the AdBlue will be between 7 and 9 gallons. The tank will be topped off at the regular 10,000 mile service intervals and completely flushed and refilled about every third time. You will get a service indicator alert if your AdBlue tank reaches 25% capacity. Then, if your tank runs empty, you will have 20 starts to either visit the dealership or top off the AdBlue tank yourself. The AdBlue fluid is supposed to be available in 1 liter bottles at many retailers by the time that you're ready to refill.

I would be happy to talk diesels if you have any questions or would like to pre-order. We expect these vehicles to be released for sale on October 1st, 2008. As with all pre-release information this is subject to change, and change without notice.

Mercedes Updates The Rear Seat Entertainment Package For 2009

Rear Seat Entertainment systems are one of the most popular accessories available for our SUVs. The big complaints about the system available from Mercedes-Benz for the last few years have been the wired headphones and the single DVD slot located under the seats.

Well, they fixed it! The new systems, available in the '09 models this summer, have a larger screen, a smaller housing, wireless headphones and 2 DVD slots! It will also have user control from the front seat and better gaming hookups.

Mercedes really does listen to the customer comments and I think they have made this new system exactly what we were hoping for!

Atlanta Classic Cars - March Demo Sale

As a salesperson or manger at Atlanta Classic Cars, we are privileged to drive a new Mercedes-Benz every few months! Once we have put between 4000 and 9000 miles on these cars we offer them for sale. All of these 2008 vehicles have received all scheduled maintenance and have been well cared for. These vehicles also qualify for the finance and lease specials available. This is a great opportunity to get a new car at a discounted price.

This list reflects the current active and retired demos that are available for sale at Atlanta Classic Cars. This list changes day to day...I did my best to make sure it is up to date. Please contact me if you are interested in one of these great vehicles. The photo gallery above is a small sample of these vehicles.

Listed by Stock Number, Model, MSRP, Interior/Exterior Color, Notable Options

2008 C-Class Demos - C300 Sport & Luxury
• #26000 C300 Luxury $40,110Pewter/Black P1, Multimedia, Pano Roof, ipod
• #26031 C300 Luxury $40,110 Barolo/Cashmere P1, Multimedia, Pano Roof, ipod
• #26068 C300 Luxury $40,110 Steel/Black P1, Multimedia, Pano Roof, ipod
• #26267T C300 Sport $ 37,265 Black/Black P1, Pano Roof
• #26324 C300 Sport $37,265 Black/Ash P1, Pano Roof
• #26356 C300 Sport $38,425 Silver/Ash P1, Pano Roof
• #26338 C300 Sport $38,590 White/Black P1, Multimedia, Pano Roof, ipod
• #26341 C300 Sport $39,300 Steel/Black P1, Multimedia, Pano Roof, ipod
• #26287 C300 Sport $38,800 Steel/Black P1, Multimedia, Pano Roof, ipod

2008 CLS-Class Demos - CLS550
• #26020T CLS550 $73,870 Black/Black P1, ipod, Wood Wheel
• #26095 CLS550 $75,780 Silver/Ash P2, ipod, Wood Wheel
• #26210 CLS550 $74,270 Silver/Ash P1, ipod, Wood Wheel

2008 E-Class Demos - E320 BLUETEC, E350 Sport, E550, E63 AMG
• #25634 E320 Bluetec $57,800 White/Cashmere P1, ipod, Keyless Go
• #26198T E350 Sport $56,870 Pewter/Cashmere P1, ipod
• #25658 E350 Sport $57,680 Sienna Black/Stone P1
• #25858 E350 Sport $58,110 Black/Cashmere P2, ipod, Keyless Go
• #25909 E350 Sport $57,210 Pewter/Black P1, ipod, Keyless Go
• #26018 E350 Sport $55,830 Silver/Ash P1, ipod
• #26012 E350 Sport $55,120 Black/Black P1
• #26234 E350 Sport $55,320 Flint/Black P1
• #26250 E350 Sport $55,670 Black/Ash P1, ipod
• #25726 E550 $63,035 Silver/Black P1
• #25859 E550 $68,320 Indium/Stone P2, ipod, Keyless Go
• #26143 E63 $95,440 Silver/Black P2, Pano Roof, ipod, Parktronic

2008 S-Class Demos - S550 Standard & AMG Sport
• #26621 S550 $104,335 Black/Grey P2, AMG Sport, ipod, Pano Roof
• #26041 S550 $102,515 Andorite/Grey P2, AMG Sport, ipod, Pano Roof
• #26297T S550 $92,060 Silver/Black P2, ipod
• #26367 S550 $102,340 Majestic Black/Grey P3, AMG Sport, ipod

2008 SL-Class Demo - SL550
• #25728 SL550 $101,575 Silver/Ash P1, Keyless Go

2008 GL-Class Demo - GL450
• #M4821 GL450 $66,740 Black/Black P1, ipod, Rear DVD

2008 ML-Class Demos - ML320 CDI & ML350
• M4672 ML320 CDI $52,990 Desert Sand/Macadamia P1, ipod
• M4884T ML320 CDI $51,220 White/Macadmia P1, ipod
• M4841T ML350 $52,830 Silver/Black P2, ipod

2008 R-Class Demo - R350 2wd
• M4652 R350 2WD Majestic Black/Ash P1, ipod, Pano Roof

--I have several more 2wd & 4wd R350s with special rebates - These R-Classes won't qualify for new car financing or lease specials

McLaren Mercedes Takes 1st and 5th in Austrailian Grand Prix

What a Race! If this is what we can expect for the rest of the 2008 season - hold on! This was the first race without the aid of traction control and it really showed. Between crashes and mechanical failures only 7 of the 22 cars that started the race took the chequered flag.

The McLaren Mercedes Team stayed above all of this and kept one of their cars in the for the lead whole race. Our new driver, Heikki Kovalainen, put on a stunning performance. He led for 8 laps and posted the fastest lap of the race. Lewis Hamilton started on pole and led for 50 laps to take the win by more than 5 seconds. This puts him in the lead for the driver's championship and, combined with Heikki's fifth place finish, puts the Mclaren Mercedes Team well ahead in the constructors championship.

The large number of accidents also gave plenty of air time to the new 2009 SL63 AMG safety car. A Mercedes did lead every lap!

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Drivers Qualify 1st & 3rd in Melbourne

I just got done watching qualifying for the first Formula One race of the year in Australia. Our drivers are in great pole position for tomorrow's race. Lewis Hamilton is in first with Heikki Kovalainen behind him in third. The race starts at midnight Saturday on Speed channel.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG vs 2008 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Lexus IS F - Motor Trend Comparison

The 2008 C63 is currently in production for release in April. It has drawn a lot of interest and I am very excited about how well it has been reviewed. While the C63 came in second in this Motor Trend comparison, it is obvious that they loved the car and had a blast driving it.

"Hurtling the C63 down the quarter mile is like firing a Government Model Colt 45. The result is rewarding in an explosive sense. Mercedes-Benz quotes 0-to-60 in 4.3, but just the right launch technique yielded a best time of 4.1 seconds. That's on par with 8.0-liter Dodge Vipers of just a decade ago."

"Two areas stand out here: seats and steering wheels. In keeping with its ballsy nature, the C63 has firm, thickly bolstered front buckets....Everyone loves the Mercedes' steering wheel. It's squared off at the bottom, like a DTM racer's, is thickly padded with dimpled leather at the handgrip areas, and has easy-to-reach shifter paddles."

"The Bad Benz won a lot of hearts. It's the quickest in a straight line, second fastest in road-course work, and stops the shortest, too. The C63's fierce accel and Howitzer exhaust note are reason enough to own it. This sophisticated, four-wheeled pit-bull spews emotion, knows what it is, and won't care if everyone likes its edgy nature or not."

Read Motor Trend's full comparison here.

The 2009 Mercedes ML350, ML550, ML320 BLUETEC & ML63 AMG - A little Refresh

The 2009 ML350, ML550, ML320 Bluetec & ML63 AMG are scheduled to arrive in July. As the vehicle was all new for 2006, there are no major changes coming. However, a minor refresh will liven things up!

The most obvious changes to appearance of the ML's will be in the bumpers and headlights. There is a new radiator opening between the foglights that wasn't there before and the headlights are larger, extending down toward the bumper. There will probably be a new standard wheel as well.

On the inside there is a new steering wheel and the radio seems to have changed over to the same system as the 2008 C-Class. That would be great because that system is much easier to use.

For the ML320 the big change is from being a regular CDI to being a BLUETEC. The BLUETEC technology will make this diesel even cleaner and make it possible to sell in all 50 states!

I'll know more next week after my 2009 product update training.

Mercedes GL320 CDI - MotorWeek Review

Diesels are Clean and Green!

There was a great article at AOL Autos today about the advances that have been made in diesel technology. Maybe with enough good publicity everyone will come to understand diesel and love it as much as I do!

Highlights from the article...

"One automaker at the forefront of the clean-diesel movement is Mercedes-Benz. The E320 BLUETEC boasts 40 percent better fuel mileage than a comparable gasoline-powered model, and its EPA city/highway rating of 27/37 mpg means it can cruise more than 700 miles on a single tank of fuel, said Patrik Borenius, manager of advanced product planning for Mercedes.

With a city/highway rating of 21/28 mpg, the R320 CDI gets 32 percent better fuel economy, while the ML320 CDI sport utility (rated at 21/27 mpg) provides a 26 percent improvement. Both CDI models have a cruising range of over 600 miles before refueling."The new clean-diesel engines provide three key benefits," Borenius said. "It's a more fuel-efficient technology, so the customer gets better gas mileage; it offers environmental benefits by producing less carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses, and it's one of the answers to the energy issue, in terms of reducing our dependence on foreign oil."

In April, the E320 BLUETEC was named the "2007 World Green Car" at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

Mercedes R-Class Limo

<img src="http://www.benzblogger.com/PhotoGalleries/R-Class-Limo-3.jpg">I was so excited to see this R500 based limo pull into the service lane today! We had a big crowd outside admiring this slightly longer R-Class. This beauty can seat 12 comfortably, carry cargo, serve drinks, play movies and even make it around a corner! If you're looking to arrive in style, the owner is an Atlanta Classic Cars customer and his website is www.WorldLimoATL.com.

Mercedes Debuts AMG Safety and Medical Cars For 2008 Formula One Season

Since 1996 Mercedes-Benz and AMG have supplied the official Formula One Safety Car and the 2008 season will continue this great tradition. Mercedes relationship with the world's most popular form of motor racing has provide huge awareness of the stunning combination of luxury and performance that all AMG models provide their owners. Taking over from the CLK63 AMG used in 2006 and 2007, the newly updated SL63 has been modified to take over the 2008 Safety Car duties. In addition the obvious addition of lights and safety equipment this SL has been stripped of it's retractable top mechanism and various panels have been replace with carbon fiber. These changes resulted in almost 500 pounds of weight savings.

Mercedes will also provide new wheels for Formula One's Race Doctor and first responders. Based on the C63 AMG wagon, that we don't get to enjoy in this country, the 2008 Medical Car carries a response team of four and emergency equipment as fast as possible to any accident.

Qualifying for the first Formula One race of the season starts in just 7 days.

SLK Panorama Roof Option?

I love the Panorama roof option. Photos recently hit the Internet of an SLK with a prototype of this option. This is a stunning option on the SL and makes the hardtop convertible experience even better. A great side effect of the Panorama roof is that the black glass roof gives most cars a really nice look. The S-Class and E-Class with this option are great examples of this. The car that would really look great with this option is the CLS. It would probably hurt back seat head room though...

Mercedes GL-Class Makes Car&Driver's 2008 5Best Trucks List

For the second year in a row the GL-Class has been named the Best Luxury Sport-Utility Vehicle on Car and Driver's 5Best Trucks list.

From 2008 5Best Trucks -

"The GL is exceptionally quiet, the seven-speed automatic is at the top of the
charts for seamless operation, and ride quality is creamy, surprisingly so for a
vehicle that’s extraordinarily responsive by large-SUV standards."

From 2007 5Best Trucks -

"Inside, the GL450 is beautifully finished and equipped with modern luxuries. It also drives with the precision, responsiveness, and ride comfort of a sophisticated car. In other words, it’s our kind of big SUV."

Mercedes Vision GLK BLUETEC Hybrid - 40mpg!

At the Geneva auto show Mercedes-Benz showed off their new Vision GLK BLUETEC Hybrid. Based on the upcoming GLK-Class this concept combines a 2.2 liter BLUETEC diesel with a mild hybrid system to result in a stunning 40 mpg. The 2.2 liter diesel by itself is a great package with an output of 224 hp & 413 lb-ft of torque.

I'm a huge fan of diesels and I would love to see this motor with or without the hybrid in the GLK and next years C-Class for the US market. Based on Mercedes past launches I would expect to see the GLK BLUETEC available a few months after the gasoline powered GLK350 comes out this summer. The hybrid GLK will probably launch in 2009 or 2010 along with hybrid versions of several other Mercedes models.

Get in touch with me today to get on the list for the new GLK.

Arbonne Test Drive a Mercedes Day at Atlanta Classic Cars

For the third year in a row I am getting ready to host the annual Test Drive a Mercedes Day for local Arbonne Consultants. In past years I have had over 100 people come to take a look at their future cars!

If you are unfamiliar with Arbonne it was founded in 1980 in Switzerland. They use natural, botanical ingredients to create high quality skin care products and dietary supplements. You can learn more at the Arbonne International website. As a perk to their Regional and National Vice Presidents, Arbonne provides a car allowance that will help pay for a white Mercedes-Benz!

If you plan to visit Atlanta Classic Cars for the test drive event please get in touch with me ahead of time and set up an appointment. See you soon!

Atlanta Classic Cars Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk Team

I am proud to say that I have signed up to walk in the 3-Day Breast Cancer walk. This is a 60 mile walk over the course of 3 days! Our team, the ACC Breast Friends, will be 8 women from the dealership and we plan to raise almost $20,000 to find the cure! The walk is October 24-26th here in Atlanta.

If you would like to donate towards my goal of $2200 I would be very grateful! Please sign the honor roll if you donate!

Thanks in advance and wish me luck!