2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 - $27,900

Atlanta Classic Cars is pleased to offer 8 of our 2009 C300s for $27,900. The vehicles have been in our loaner fleet for about a year. They have been well cared for and are looking for a good home. These vehicles have received all of the regular maintainence, have clean CarFax reports and have been through the service department for a safety inspection and detail. The can have the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Extended Warranty added for an additional $2000 if that is important to you. If you add that warranty, they will qualify for special financing as well.

I searched on AutoTrader for 2009 C300s within 500 miles of Atlanta Classic Cars and the least expensive listed is $28,500. These cars are a great deal and will sell very quickly. Please call if you are in the market for a safe, sporty, gorgeous Mercedes!

C941X Pewter/Black 22,564 mi Auto, Sport, Burl Walnut Trim
C967X Black/Black 26,080 mi Auto, Luxury, Premium 1, iPod
C970X White/Black 25,615 mi Auto, Sport, 18" AMG Wheels
C951X Steel/Black 25,363 mi Auto, Luxury, Premium 1, iPod, Multimedia Package
C959X White/Black 20,670 mi Auto, Sport, Premium 1, iPod, 18" AMG Wheels, Pano Roof
C943X Black/Black 23,488 mi Auto, Sport
C945X Pewter/Black 23,108 mi Auto, Luxury, Premium 1, iPod
C960X White/Grey 23,478 mi Auto, Sport, Premium 1, iPod, 18" AMG Wheels

Please Call First! Some of these cars already have deals pending, some are not out of the shop yet. I want to make sure the vehicle is here and ready before you come in.

770-279 3680

2010 C63 with P31 Development Package - Not Available for Sale at Atlanta Classic Cars!

This gorgeous 2010 C63 with the all-new P31 Development Package (and every other option) just arrived at Atlanta Classic Cars. There haven't been many pictures of this package yet so I thought I would post it before the client took delivery. Enjoy!

P31 - AMG Development Package - $5950
Adds 30hp for a total of 481hp
Lightweight AMG Forged Pistons
Lightweight Connecting Rods
Revised Crankshaft
New Engine Management
AMG compound Braking System
Red Painted Brake Calipers
Carbon Fiber Trunk Spoiler
Exclusive Engine Intake Runners in Titanium Grey
Top Speed at 174 mph
AMG Leather/Alcantara Performance Steering Wheel

Next Generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class to be built in Tuscaloosa

It has officially been announced that a portion the next generation C-Class will be built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama beginning in 2014. The plant will continue to produce the ML, GL and R-Class and add approximately 1/5 of worldwide C-Class production.

"Due to tough competition in the C-Class segment, it is extremely important for us to optimize our production costs for the future," stated Rainer Schmuckle, the Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars. As the best selling Mercedes-Benz model in the US, having production here will save time and money in distribution.

2010 C63 AMG - P31 Performance Package Replaces P30

Starting with the December production schedule, the P30 Performance Package will be discontinued. The P31 AMG Development Package will be introduced with an eye towards pleasing our power-hungry driving enthusiasts.

P31 - AMG Development Package - $5950
Adds 30hp for a total of 481hp
Lightweight AMG Forged Pistons
Lightweight Connecting Rods
Revised Crankshaft
New Engine Management
AMG compound Braking System
Red Painted Brake Calipers
Carbon Fiber Trunk Spoiler
Exclusive Engine Intake Runners in Titanium Grey
Top Speed at 174 mph
AMG Leather/Alcantara Performance Steering Wheel

The Limited Slip Differntial from the P30 Package will be available as a stand alone option (code 471) for $2000. The suspension components of the P30 package have been completely discontinued because of owner feedback that it made the ride too stiff.

Enhanced Universal Media Interface is now Nav + 4

The Univeral Media Interface or UMI has generated a lot of interest and questions since it was launched for the C-Class and GLK last year. There have been some complaints about the system being slow and Mercedes has addressed that and launched the new and improved Nav + 4 with enhanced performance and funtionality.

Nav + 4 has the same features as UMI:
1 - Navigation with free live traffic
2 - iPod/iPhone Interface
3 - USB Interface
4 - AUX Interface
5 - Bluetooth Audio Streaming

The improvements to the system are:
5 times faster route calculation
5 times faster destination entry
5 times faster zooming
Day/Night changeover in real time
Updated navigation data
Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico included

New functionality includes:
Reality View Pro (highway signs)
Traffic Lane Assist Pro (road splits)
Enter destination via map


The NEW part number is A204 870 7096 and the MSRP is $1685 plus labor. The price could vary depending on the equipment already present in your vehicle. Also, it should be possible to upgrade an old UMI to the enhanced Nav + 4 with a software flash.

The 2010 C, ML, GL, and S Have Arrived at Atlanta Classic Cars!

It is an exciting time here at the dealership...the 2010 models are arriving! There is nothing I enjoy more than parking a 2009 next to a 2010 and looking for the differences. Some models have only tiny changes this year and some have the "refresh" - which is usually new bumpers, lights, a few buttons and new wheels. I have included a few pictures of the changes that jumped out at me.

2010 ML550


2010 GL550 - New Bumpers, New Wheels, New Lighting




2010 GL450 - New Bumpers, New Wheels, New Fog Lights



2010 C300 - New Laurel Wreath Center Cap in Optional 18" wheels


2010 S550 - Full Refresh - New Lights, Bumpers, New Wood Steering Wheel





2010 E-Class - New Color - Quartz Blue

2010 Mercedes-Benz Pricing and Release Dates

The 2010 GLK, E sedan and E coupe are already here and the rest of the 2010 models will be arriving soon. Mercedes-Benz has just given us the official pricing and release dates.

Model	Release Date	Base Price
C300 Sport/Luxury	July	$33,600/$35,300
C300 Sport/Luxury - 4MATIC	July	$37,100/$37,300
C350 Sport	August	$39,750
C63 AMG	August	$57,350
CL550 4MATIC	August	$110,400
CL600	August	$154,400
CL63AMG	August	$145,200
CL65 AMG	August	$207,170
CLS550	September	$72,400
CLS63 AMG	September	$97,950
E350 BlueTEC	March 2010	TBA
E350 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$51,100
E550 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$58,800
GL350 BlueTEC	September	$59,950
GL450 4MATIC	July	$60,950
GL550 4MATIC	August	$82,850
ML350 BlueTEC	September	$49,700
ML350 4MATIC	July	$48,200
ML350 2WD	July	$45,700
ML450 HYBRID	December	TBA
ML550 4MATIC	August	$56,750
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	August	$91,050
R350 BlueTEC	September	$50,800
R350 4MATIC	September	$49,300
S400 HYBRID	August	$87,950
S550	August	$91,600
S550 4MATIC	August	$94,600
S600	August	$149,700
S63AMG	August	$133,550
S65 AMG	August	$201,150
SLK300	October	$46,900
SLK350	October	$51,900
SLK55 AMG	October	$66,650

For those of you who have been trying to decide between a 2009 and a 2010 this should help.

Mercedes-Benz C300 vs. Tree

I thought that these pictures spoke volumes about the safety of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The crumple zones, high strength steel frame, airbags and careful design save lives everyday. Luckily, we don't get to see it in action often!

A customer of Atlanta Classic Cars went off the side of the road, overcorrected, crossed the road and hit a tree head-on at about 50 miles per hour. She had some surgery on her hand and her leg but will make a full recovery. The fireman told her husband that the tree tried to kill her and the car saved her life.

Notice in the pictures how some of the engine moved up and some moved down but nothing entered the passenger cabin. The most amazing thing to me is that all four doors open smoothly. With the entire front end crumpled, the passenger compartment was not compromised. Except for the mud, the inside of the car looks almost new!

And the story has a happy ending...She bought a brand new C300 over the weekend!

2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Option and Package Changes

Mercedes has been making some changes to the 2010 C-Class options and packages to make it a better value and respond to the demands of the market.

Originally, Mercedes had announced that COMAND with navigation (512) could be ordered without the Multimedia Package (320). Then, due to factory constraints, that was dropped at the end of April and all vehicles that had been ordered with COMAND with navigation (518) were changed to Multimedia Package (320).

Now, Mercedes is changing the Multimedia Package (320) to reduce the cost of the package. So, the new Multimedia Package (320) will include
Voice Control (396)
COMAND with Navigation (512)
iPod/MP3 Interface (518)
Media Interface Consumer Cables (049)

The harman kardon (810) 450 watt sound system was dropped from the package and is now available as a stand alone option. Ordering Multimedia Package (320) also requires that either the Premium 1 Package (P01) or Sirius Satellite Radio (536) are ordered on the vehicle.

So, there you go. If you have a 2010 C-Class on order you might want to check with your dealership and see how it is currently equipped and if there are any changes you need to make to have it turn out like you expected.

The Mercedes-Benz UMI System for C and GLK - Navigation Function

I get more questions about the UMI system for the C-Class and GLK-Class than any other technology Mercedes makes right now! It seems like I am the only one who has had a chance to try it out in person. This post focuses on the navigation functions and display screens as the other 4 areas of the UMI are pretty easy to understand. Just scroll through the slideshow and I hope you find this informative!


I had written another post about the UMI system and the most commonly asked questions are:
How much?
Factory Installed, VPC installed and Dealer Installed are all different prices. Consult your local dealer for the best info. Dealer Installed here is about $1850.
Will it work in Canada/Nigeria/Dubai?
I don't think so. You'll need to ask the local dealer if the software is available.
What is the part number?
A204 870 5996 - But please verify with your local dealer.
Does it work?
It is a little slower than the navigation that is part of the Multimedia package but it is the same, if not newer, information. Works just fine.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C300, C350, and C63 AMG Model Year Changes

According to the preliminary Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2010 C-Class we have some great new additions! This information is not final and can be changed before the vehicle arrives.

New standard wheels for the C300 Sport (no photo yet)
Standard Nappa Leather Steering Wheel
4-way power lumbar support added to P1
Passenger side tilt-down mirror
Keyless-Go is a stand-alone option!
Available rear view camera - finally the scene from National Treasure will be accurate.
Tire Pressure monitoring system with read-out for each wheel
Driver's side knee airbag added

New Dynamic Handling Package Added: for C300 and C350 Sport (2WD)
- Driver-adjustable suspension with continuously variable damping
- Speed-sensitive power steering with more direct steering ratio
- Steering wheel shift paddles
- 18" AMG wheels

PCMCIA Adaptor Available from Mercedes-Benz - S, CL, C, GLK

If you have a PCMCIA slot in your vehicle (S-Class, CL-Class, C-Class, GLK-Class) you need a PCMCIA adaptor to play music from a memory card. You plug the PCMCIA adaptor into the slot, then you can insert a variety of memory cards into the adaptor to access your saved music or podcasts.

This adaptor has been a little hard to find for some of my clients. Luckily, Mercedes has come out with their own. Called the PCMCIA Multi-Card Reader, it is priced at $102 and the part number is 6-7-82-3974. You should be able to order one from your local parts department.

A quick Google search will come up with cheaper readers that are meant to do the same thing, but these are meant to work with laptops and aren't guaranteed to work with your car like the Mercedes version is. Also, I haven't personally tested the Mercedes adapter with the larger SDHC cards so it may not read those.

Updated Naviation Disks Available for Older Models

10 CD update set is now available from Mercedes.
Part # BQ 646 0248

C & CLK 2000 - 2004
CL & S 2000 - 2003
E Sedan 2000 - 2002
E Wagon 2000 - 2003
G 2002 - 2006
SL 2002 - 2004

-- Call your local Mercedes-Benz Parts Department or if you're in the Alanta Metro Area please call the Atlanta Classic Cars Parts Department at 678-924-4245.

UMI For 2009 C and 2010 GLK - Factory Option

The Universal Media Interface (UMI) for the 2009 C-Class and 2010 GLK-Class is now available to order from the factory for $1500! I have seen a lot of interest in this option since my last post and this will make it an even better value.

The UMI gives non-multimedia cars navigation, live traffic, ipod adaptor, usb port and bluetooth music streaming. It can be installed at the dealership for about $1850. If you know you want this option you can now order your car with it and it will be installed at the Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC) before it is shipped to the dealership. The VPC installation reduces the labor cost which is why it is less expensive when you order it than when you add it later.

Atlanta Classic Cars - Pre-Owned 2008 C63 AMG

We have just acquired a pre-owned 2008 C63 AMG. It has about 8000 miles, new rear tires and should arrive at our dealership today or tomorrow. The warranty started in April of this year so it has over three years and 42,000 miles of warranty remaining. Please contact me if you are intersted in seeing this car.

2008 C63 -
Iridium Silver
Black Leather
Premium 2 Package
Multimedia Package
AMG Leather Package
TeleAid
iPod
K40 built-in radar detection system ($2300 value)
Original MSRP $65440

Now $59,900

Mercedes-Benz C300 using E85 Qualifies for the Alternative Fuel Tag in Georgia

You may not know it, but 2008 and 2009 C300's with an automatic transmission are "Flex Fuel" vehicles. That means they are capable of running on either gasoline or ethanol based E85. This fuel has become much more available in Georgia in recent months and one of my customers has been using it almost exclusively. He finds that it is about 5-10% less fuel efficienct to us E85 but it is priced less than gasoline so it balances out.

Another benefit of running your C300 on E85 is that it qualifies for the Alternative Fuel Tag. This special tag looks great and it enables you to ride in the HOV lane without any passengers! I know that could save some of you a lot of time! To get the Alternative Fuel Tag for your vehicle you have to apply at your county tag office and they will need proof that the vehicle will be run on E85 almost 100% of the time. The proof that they suggested would be receipts from fill-ups and the name and address of the station where you are getting your E85.

If you are interested in trying E85 in your C300 you can consult this list of E85 stations to see if it will be convenient for you. If you like it, save your receipts and get yourself this Green tag!

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and M-Class - IIHS 2009 Top Safety Pick

The 2008-2009 C-Class has been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2009 Top Safety Pick for Midsized Cars. You can view the IIHS Report Here.

The 2006-2009 M-Class has also been chosen as a Top Safety Pick for the third year in a row. You can view it's IIHS Report Here.

Mercedes-Benz is always working to build the safest cars on the planet. People forget that in addition to inventing the automobile, Mercedes was the first to offer seatbelts, airbags, and ABS brakes. Now, all of these items are standard on almost every car, and Mercedes is working hard to develop the safety technologies of the future.

UMI For 2008/2009 C-Class and 2010 GLK-Class - A New Way to get Navigation!

Our dealership just installed our first Universal Media Interface (UMI) system in a 2009 C300. I had been reading about this sytem but it seemed to good to be true. Now that I have had a chance to try it out, I am very impressed.


The UMI can be added to any 2008 or 2009 C-Class or 2010 GLK-Class that does not have the Multimedia Package. This system gives you navigation and a number of audio options that are very cool!

#1 - Navigation - The map data and entry system is very similar to what is in all of our other vehicles. It is displayed, in color, on the standard audio 5" screen. It was just as easy to use as the other systems and looks good.




#2 - Live Traffic - Using the FM traffic information, like the S-Class and CL-Class, the UMI will know about accidents and construction delays...for free! You can view these slow downs and ask the navigation to route you around it.


#3 - iPod Adaptor - The UMI can be added to cars with or without an exisiting iPod kit. If it didn't have one it is added in.

#4 - USB Port - Yeah! Good quality sound for those of us who use a non-iPod MP3 player. It is easily accessed in the glove box right next to the iPod adaptor.

#5 - AUX jack - In case you have some other form of audio you want to connect to the vehicle you can use an 3.5mm male to male audio cable to connect.

#6 - Bluetooth Audio Streaming - For those of you who want to beam stereo music directly from your phone using A2DP. The connection process is very similar to connecting your phone via bluetooth to the car and the audio quality is excellent! This is the first time this has been offered in any of our models!


Those are the highlights of the UMI system. We have the components in stock and are ready to install if you are interested. The price for parts and labor will be $1850 plus tax. I think it is an excellent value!

--- Update -- Read my new post on MHI as a factory option.

CNET - Mercedes C63 AMG vs. BMW M3

The tech website CNET just released a great comparision between the BMW M3 and the C63 AMG.

"The C63 is an absolute torque monster, which makes it more fun to drive at low speeds."

"The COMAND system is light years ahead of the old iDrive system. The system smartly uses the instrument-cluster LCD for things like navigation prompts, so it's easier to use while in motion."

"With the money you'll save by purchasing the C63, you'll be able to buy new tires after you burn through the first set doing doughnuts in the parking lot."

In the end...

"We are bracing ourselves for the howls of BMW fans. Hey, we like Bimmers, too, but all things taken into account, the C63 won out. In most rounds, the C63 scraped by the M3 just a little, gaining precious ground for cabin tech features, exterior looks, and price. For all-around performance, the cars tied--the C63 boosted by its bigger engine, the M3 helped by its DCT. After BMW updates its cabin tech and electronics interface next year, the M3 will probably fare better in a rematch."

Read the full comparison at www.reviews.cnet.com

XM & Sirius Merge - Listen To Both In Your Mercedes

Owners of 2008 and newer Mercedes can now add "The Best of XM" to their existing account. However, some vehicles will require a trip to the shop for updated software.

If you have a 2008 or 2009 S/CL-Class or a 2009 SL/SLK/E/CLS/M/R/GL-Class with a Command head unit your software update should be available mid-October.

If you have a 2008 E/CLS/SLK-Class with a Command head unit the software update is currently being tested and they are hoping to have it available by the beginning of November.

All other 2008 and 2009 vehicles should receive "The Best of XM" without a software update.