Monthly Archives: October 2008

Soap Operas

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Are all the soaps the same? Why even use soap? Here are the most common myths:

1.       Soap is used to add lubricity to water and prevent spider web scratches from forming. FALSE. Water provides lubricity and that combined with the proper towel or sponge will prevent spider web scratches. Concours Exteriors recommends using only microfiber or a non-silicone sponge to wash your vehicles painted surfaces. Rinse often to remove debris and use a grit guard for the bottom of your bucket.

2.       Suds and foam help clean better. FALSE. Only friction cleans. Suds provide nothing but visual stimulus. Suds are produce when air is introduced to soap, whether through vigorously adding water or by simply agitating the water and soap mixture.  If suds did have cleaning power then how does your dishwasher or washing machine work? They do not have suds at all.

3.       The more soap the better. FALSE. The only reason for using soap is to reduce the ph of the water. The quality of your water depends on where you live. Some areas have hard water (high mineral content) and some have soft water (low mineral content). Whichever soap you choose make sure that it is ph7 (neutral). If it does not state the ph7 then stay away from it. If you would like to test your favorite soap, make a bucket following the manufacturer’s directions and use a pool tester kit to find the ph. Concours Exteriors auto bath, Fresh, is ph 7.

submitted by Jeff Scordino

http://www.concours-exteriors.com/

 

Mercedes Benz and Consumer Reports

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I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked about Consumer Reports reliability ratings for Mercedes Benz, and had to explain away what they said and how they look at things.  Well great news!!!  In this month’s Consumer Reports, Mercedes Benz had 5 vehicles listed in the Newly Recommended Column.  The E350, ML350, S550, SL and SLK.  In previous years we got a black eye for putting out a product that wasn’t what it should be, and that is why we were rated so low.  As I have continually told all my clients we, as a brand, have come full circle.  So way to go Mercedes…keep up the great work.

www.mybenzguy.com

Mercedes Hybrid’s

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Looks like late next year (fall) we will see the S400 Hybrid according to Mercedes-Benz 2010 timeline.  Following shortly after that we will see the ML350 Hybrid.  Both vehicles will be using the latest li-on battery technology unlike current hybrids.  The S400 has an expected 29mpg and the ML350 has an expected 30mpg.  We are very excited about the new models to our line up. 

www.mybenzguy.com

Lexus Safety Campaign…

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I saw this commercial over the weekend for the first time.  I don’t know what it was that struck a nerve, but I am going to vent now.  First off this is not a knock at Lexus, they are simply letting the world know they make a safe automobile.  I guess this is more about Mercedes-Benz than anything else.  The whole idea of the commercial (if you haven’t seen it) talks about how the Lexus RX has 14 Active Safety Systems in place.  Today I went through to find a list, so here they are:

  1. VSC- Vehicle Stability Control
  2. TRAC-Traction Control
  3. ABS-Anti lock Brakes
  4. EBD-Electronic Brake Distribution
  5. Brake Assist
  6. Disc Brakes
  7. Tire Pressure Monitor
  8. AWD-All Wheel Drive
  9. HID-High Intensity Discharge lights
  10. AFS-Adaptive Front Lighting System
  11. Outside Mirrors with defoggers
  12. Rain Sensing Wipers
  13. Headlight Washers
  14. Water repellent coating on windshield

Here is the part that frustrates me… most of these are Mercedes-Benz innovations!!!  Lets start from the top.  I have included those I deem most important.

Mercedes-Benz Terms and introduction.

  1. ESP-Electronic Stability Program – 1995
  2. Traction Control – 1959 patent
  3. ABS- 1975-  Not a MB first, but the modern ABS is built/designed off of MB’s original system
  4. BAS – 1992 patent, premiered in 1996, standard on all vehicles in 1998
  5. AWD- 1903 first drafted -1907 first AWD for everyday use, also was first for all wheel steering
  6. Tire Pressure Monitor – not one auto manufacturer developed this
  7. EBD – No solid answer found
  8. Disc brakes – No solid answer found

Most of this information came from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz#Innovations and http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/03/11/010089.html.

I hope someone from MB marketing department will read this and touch on our innovations and the history of the brand.  I can’t think of any other automobile manufacturer that holds the original patent on the automobile.    OK I am done! Or at least until next time…

www.mybenzguy.com

SLR Roadster Auction

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On November 20th Mercedes-Benz will be auctioning off the last SLR Roadster. This is specially built as a one off for the US market. Special interior, exterior and color coated brakes. The exclusive online only auction will start at $529,500. Any funds raised above that price will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information or to join the auction please visit http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/MBHome.html#/slrAuction/

www.mybenzguy.com

CLK rebranded as E-Class Coupe

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Hmmm, seems like there are lots of rumors flying around that MB may remove the CLK and CL and re-brand them as E coupe and cab and the CL as the S coupe. The move would make a lot of sense. In previous years MB made a E coupe and cab (124 chassis), and the CL was derived from the S Class coupe. IF Mercedes makes the move I think it would benefit them tremendously for a couple of reasons. Number one, it makes the line up a little less confusing. I cant tell you how many times I here I dont know which model it was, but it started with a “C”. Secondly, I think it will strengthen the CLK’s stance/marketability. Lastly it reunites the CL with its origins of the S-Class.

I guess we will know in a few months…

new E coupe or new CLK coupe?

new E coupe or new CLK coupe?

www.mybenzguy.com