by Admin | Apr 5, 2024 | Mercedes Benz
Trimming expenses and fattening wallets is the holy grail of commerce, but raging rivers of spend can erode margins. To find financial paradise, first chart a route around transportation’s treacherous rapids.
So, what if there was a van that could make that a possibility for small businesses in California? Mercedes may have hacked it with their new 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter arrived on the American shores in 2001, and it has demonstrated that the German automaker knows what they are doing. The Sprinter has been a success among campers, businesses, and now vanlifers.
So, what goodies does the all-electric Sprinter van bring for businesses in California?
Versatile Mule
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is the electric workhorse primed to haul everything from artisanal bread to beach cruisers up and down the Golden State.
For over 20 years, the diesel-drinking Sprinter has been the steadfast pack mule for West Coast entrepreneurs. But this new eSprinter adds a spark of Silicon Valley innovation – swapping dino juice for an electric motor and electrons.
With up to 250 miles of all-electric range, this 21st-century van can make the trek from Humboldt to Hollywood on a single charge. Enough green energy to satisfy even the most demanding delivery driver or eco-conscious San Francisco startup.
The Bells and Whistles
Its furnishings may be fit for an austere monk, but the eSprinter’s MBUX infotainment proves Mercedes still pampers tech-savvy California customers.
Owners will be California dreamin’ thanks to smooth, silent acceleration and Mercedes’ legendary commercial-vehicle dependability. No more shattering the serenity of Topanga Canyon or Rodeo Drive with a backfiring diesel bellow.
Even better, you can now stamp your brand on an EV built not in the laboratories of Fremont or Palo Alto, but in the old-school fabrication halls of South Carolina. The eSprinter may have a German pedigree, but it’s Made in the USA – a selling point no Prius-pushing Golden State hipster can match.
by Admin | Feb 5, 2024 | Mercedes Benz
Remember Mercedes’ X-Class pickup? Probably not, since it was only sold abroad from 2017 to 2020 before being dropped. But why didn’t this fancy German truck migrate to the massive US pickup market?
American folks’ love affair with their pickup trucks is strong, and premium brands like Mercedes do well in the country. So, why didn’t the Mercedes truck see the light of day in the US?
Not Up to the American Standard
Turns out several factors sealed the X-Class’ fate, and among them is that it was pretty puny by American standards. The midsize X-Class looked like a Tonka toy next to Detroit’s beefy full-size offerings. Americans like them big and bold!
Sure, smaller trucks like the Frontier and Ranger sell here, but Americans overwhelmingly prefer big rigs for serious towing. A posh poser parked next to an F-150? No contest.
Price Tag
There was also the price tag. As a rebadged Nissan Navara, the X-Class would’ve cost way more than rival midsize trucks.
And its luxury leanings did it zero favors competing with highly equipped Chevy Colorados and Toyota Tacomas. Americans expect bargains with their pickups.
Non-US Brand
Finally, non-US brands historically flop selling pickups stateside. It’s nigh impossible to crack the F-150 and Silverado’s good ole boy domain as an outsider. Mercedes probably knew that and likely wanted to dodge that losing battle altogether.
So despite colorful ads of the X-Class bombing down Outback dust trails, it never stood a chance up against expectations of the almighty American pickup. The X-Class remains a little-known footnote abroad rather than a conquest on American soil. Probably for the best – can you imagine a Mercedes pickup at a Texas tailgate? The Lone Star faithful sure got a kick out of that mental image.
by Admin | Feb 20, 2023 | Mercedes Benz
The Mercedes Benz Metris has a bit of a reputation for fuel system issues. And when you think about it, it’s not that surprising – after all, the fuel system is a crucial part of any vehicle, and it’s constantly under pressure as it pumps fuel to the engine.
But a few specific issues seem to crop up with the Metris’ fuel system. Some owners have reported problems with the fuel pump, which can cause the engine to run poorly or even stall.
Others have had issues with the fuel tank shown by leaks or fuel gauge problems, or fuel lines that can cause all sorts of problems, from poor fuel economy to engine misfires.
Possible Solutions
So what can you do if you’re having fuel system issues with your Mercedes Benz Metris? The first step is bringing it to a trusted mechanic or dealership for a thorough check-up. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of action.
In some cases, the issue might be as simple as replacing a faulty part, like a fuel pump or fuel tank. In other cases, it might be more complex and require more extensive repairs. But either way, the key is getting the problem fixed as soon as possible before it gets worse and costs you even more money.
Some fuel system issues can be caused by neglect or lack of maintenance. For example, if you don’t regularly change your fuel filter, it can become clogged, which can cause all sorts of problems. So if you want to avoid fuel system issues with your Metris, a professional must stay on top of your maintenance schedule and check your vehicle regularly.
Bring your vehicle in at A1 Performance Auto Repair for a check-up and get it fixed as soon as possible. Trust us, your purse and peace of mind will be glad you did!
by Admin | Aug 5, 2022 | Mercedes Benz
Records are broken all the time. But it’s not often you find a vehicle with a 135 million EUR sticker like the 1955 Merc 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe. You’ll agree that is a record that will take some time to break.
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was sold through auction to a private collector on 5th May at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, with the partnership of RM Sotheby’s, a well-known auctioneer. Participation in the auction was by invitation only.
The funds will go towards a global scholarship program to encourage a new generation of innovators to follow in Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s footsteps in innovation. Most of the focus will be on resource preservation and decarbonization.
Why so expensive?
The Coupe that got its name from its creator, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, is an absolute rarity, given that it was one of the just two prototypes to be made at the time. The vehicle is a fine specimen of fine automotive design and engineering.
The 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe holds the key historical elements that shaped the Mercedes brand and is a milestone in sports car development.
Why did Mercedes sell such a rare gem?
The Mercedes brand shows great responsibility towards society, considering their position in the global market. As such, the amount obtained from the sale of 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe goes toward a “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” This is to support learning for young people and ensure a sustainable future.
The sale provided the seed capital for the fund, and that means the brand is going to invest further in the initiative. Mercedes Benz sees the auction as connecting the past with the future, using something valuable from the past to support a worthwhile project in the future.
The buyer agreed to allow public viewing of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe on particular days.
by Admin | Mar 5, 2022 | Mercedes Benz
A bizarre and common problem that some Mercedes-Benz owners may encounter is not getting their vehicle to start when they attempt to start their cars. This problem happens when the key is no longer turning in the ignition. It could be by any of the following: a failing or defective key fob, a defective shifter control unit, or a failing Electronic Ignition Switch (or EIS). It can also be a Bad Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) module. Some affected Mercedes-Benz models include the E-Class, C-Class, S-Class, ML-Class, etc.
Common Causes and Symptoms
The Ignition switch (with immobilizer module) may fail after many operating cycles or user error. This problem could be a low battery or a power surge when jumpstarting the vehicle when the key is still in the ignition, causing the EIS to lose (or flash) its memory. When this occurs, replace or repair the module.
Other notable symptoms of a failing or failed Ignition switch or steering lock include:
- Intermittent functioning of the key fob
- Intermittent failure of the push start button (if equipped)
- The inability for the key fob to turn to the starting position to start the car
- Instrument cluster lights do not illuminate after you turn the key
- The key fob turns, but the vehicle will not start
- The steering lock does not release steering when you turn on the ignition
- The key fob does not rotate at all in the ignition slot.
However, there are instances where only the key fob may be faulty. In that case, if a spare is available, use it to start the vehicle and see if it works. If it does not, replace the EIS. Fixing this problem requires the services of a professional to get it right for your vehicle. At A1 Performance Auto Repair, we would ensure that this is done professionally by offering you world-class services. Give us a call and be assured of a trouble-free automotive experience.
by Admin | Nov 26, 2019 | Mercedes Benz
When you want to go electric with your car, because it seems to be the right thing to do, but you don’t want to give up all the luxury of your Mercedes Benz, there is now a solution. Mercedes has gone fully electric with their EQC brand.
The Fully Electric Mercedes
The new Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC gives you everything you want in your SUV, but it’s 100% electric for doing your part in helping save the environment from fossil fuels. The EQC 400 has all the power and comfort of an all-wheel drive SUV. It’s starting price is $67,900.
Charging up your EQC 400 can be done in 10 hours for a full charge using your wall unit at home. When you use DC Fast Charging, it cuts charging time from 10% to 80% to just 40 minutes.
You can plug your car into your 110v outlets however, it’ll take a long time to charge. The EQ is meant to charge on a 240V charging station. When you purchase your EQ 400, ask about installing a 240V charging station at your home, it’s easy to do.
You might think of an electric car as a glorified golf-cart, but that just isn’t so. This car will go 110mph. So, it is going to get you where you want to go very quickly. While it’ll take longer if you reach peak speeds then have to wait on the side of the road while the cop writes you a speeding ticket, it’ll go the speed limit just fine, too. Acceleration is rated at 4.8 for 0-60mph.
When You Can Buy One
Ask your Mercedes dealership to put you on their mailing, list so you’ll be notified when these are going to be available in the US. They are expected to be released in early 2020.
