CNET Reviews 2008 BMW M3 Coupe

bmw m3 coupe cnet review
CNet have rated the 2008 BMW M3 Coupe with an outstanding score of 9.4/10 in a new review. Here’s what they had to say about the model:

The good: The 2008 BMW M3’s roster of performance tech is amazing, from the double-VANOS system, to control fuel flow, to its engine, to the sport adjustable suspension, to regenerative braking to power its electronics. In the cabin, we like the integrated traffic reporting in the navigation system, the iPod adapter, and the Bluetooth cell phone system.

The bad: Beyond some interface issues with the iDrive system, we found very little that could be considered bad about the M3.

The bottom line: The 2008 BMW M3 is a tame lion. It’s easy to handle among traffic and urban driving, while ferocious on the track or out in the hills. Its cabin electronics are among the best available.

For the full review (including video of the M3 in action), visit CNet.

Dream machines in three classes: The current Mercedes-Benz Coupé family

The Mercedes-Benz Coupé family is more youthful, more attractive and more innovate than ever before with the new CLC Sports Coupé, the new-generation CLS-Class and the 4MATIC version of the CL. The CLC is the new youngster in the Mercedes range, the compelling entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz Coupé family. Engineering highlights of the CLC include a new direct-steer system for even more agile cornering, state-of-the-art infotainment systems featuring Europe-wide DVD or hard-disc navigation, as well as an uprated four-cylinder engine that now develops 135 kW/ 184 hp. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 10.8 percent compared with the outgoing model.

The four-door CLS Coupé looks even more stylish than before thanks to its understated yet effective styling modifications. The Mercedes-Benz engine line-up is joined by the 2.8-litre V6 engine developing 170 kW/213 hp, which consumes just 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC). The Mercedes Coupé family is headed by the luxurious CL-Class, which is now also available for the first time with permanent all-wheel drive. The new CL 500 4MATIC thus offers even greater traction and handling stability in the wet, in snow or on ice.

Coupés have always been very special cars. Especially Mercedes coupés - the epitome of elegance and exclusivity in automobile design. In essence, they represent the ultimate in refinement. No other car brand has such a proud coupé tradition and no other car brand offers such a compelling and versatile coupé family as Mercedes-Benz.

The CLC is the new “youngster” in the Mercedes Coupé family. It shares some of the family’s unmistakable features, yet retains its very own personality with its powerful proportions and striking rear end, which sets the tone with its youthful vitality and self-assured appearance…

Full story can be found at DueMotori.

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Mercedes-Benz World at the British International Motor Show again

In 2006, Mercedes-Benz used its stand at the British International Motor Show to launch Mercedes-Benz World and in 2008 the experience will feature again.

Dubbed by many as the “motor show every day of the year”, Mercedes-Benz World has seen over 440,000 guests pass through its doors since it was opened in October 2006.

Over 15,000 children have enjoyed their first taste of driving thanks to the Kid’s Driving Experiences programmes which allow kids to drive in a brand new Mercedes-Benz on the original surface of the hallowed Brooklands Circuit - if they’re tall enough to reach the pedals.

Visitors to the 2008’s motorshow will be able to see another stand for Mercedes-Benz World and Gordon Freshwater, corporate events manager at Mercedes-Benz UK wants to see as many people at the event as possible.

“But if they can’t make it to London, people can see our latest models and services at their local retailer. As well as Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands we’ve over 150 state-of-the-art facilities all over the country, and of course they’re open year-round,” he added.

Original Story here.

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Mercedes-Benz At Auto China 2008: Details Of The U.S. Bound GLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, the versatile new member of the Mercedes sport utility vehicle family, will make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2010MY GLK350 will form the basis of the U.S. lineup, and will be offered in both 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires. The GLK features a 108.5-inch wheelbase and boasts unique design language which sets it apart from the rest of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs that includes the M-Class (which spurred the trend toward more car-like SUVs), the larger GL-Class, the crossover R-Class and the iconic G-Class.

Showcasing bold exterior design, generous cargo capacity and available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, the GLK350 combines the perfect balance of styling, versatility and performance. The 2010 GLK-Class will be produced exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

Full story (including pictures) here.

Mercedes Benz SLK: even more driving pleasure with considerably lower fuel consumption

Mercedes Benz SLK
Following a comprehensive model facelift, the Mercedes Benz SLK is now even more dynamic and provides an even more emotional driving experience. The most important visual changes include a redesigned front and rear end, as well as a carefully modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. Mercedes Benz also installs the V6 sports engine from the SL-Class in the new SLK 350, where it develops an output of 305 hp at 6500 rpm 33 hp more than the six-cylinder unit in the previous SLK 350. Torque has also been increased by 10 Nm, and is now 360 Nm at 4900 rpm.

Despite this higher output and very good performance figures, the fuel consumption of the SLK 350 has been significantly reduced. Its combined consumption with the six-speed manual transmission is now 30.7 mpg, which represents a remarkable improvement in fuel consumption by 2.7 mpg.

In addition to the Mercedes Benz SLK 350, the four-cylinder model SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and the six-cylinder SLK 280 remain available in this compact Mercedes roadster range: the output of the supercharged four-cylinder engine has increased by 21 hp to 184 hp, while fuel consumption has been improved by 4.2 mpg to 36.7 mpg. The NEDC fuel consumption of the SLK 280 (231 hp) has been improved by 1.3 mpg to 30.4 mpg. The SLK 55 AMG continues to be powered by the familiar 5.5-litre V8 engine developing 360 hp.

The designers have given an even more sporty touch to the visual appearance of this cult two-seater. One eye-catching feature is the newly designed front bumper, which now has differently distributed cooling air apertures and a more pronounced arrow shape. The rear end has also been restyled; the diffuser-look lower section now makes the roadster appear even more muscular from the rear. Trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and dark-tinted tail lights do even more to accentuate this impression. The exterior mirrors now have LED indicator repeaters with a pronounced arrow shape, and also have a larger lens area.

Original story from CarPages.

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BMW 118d wins World Green Car of the Year

BMW 118d wins World Green Car of the Year
BMW’s award-winning EfficientDynamics programme has been honoured with a global brand. A jury consisting of 47 motor journalists from 24 countries has awarded the BMW 118d, a model that displays all facets of EfficientDynamics, with the “World Green Car of the Year” at the New York International Auto Show 2008.

Judges of the World Car of the Year Awards praised BMW and its 118d for offering buyers a model with a range of innovative technologies that reduce fuel consumption and cut CO2 emissions as standard. The three- and five-door BMW 118d record an impressive 62.8mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of just 119g/km - putting it into the Band B category for Vehicle Excise Duty. The BMW 118d now costs just £35 a year to tax.

To help it achieve these impressive figures, EfficientDynamics technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop and Electric Power Steering are employed to cut fuel bills and emissions. An optimum gearshift change indicator is included to encourage economical motoring.

Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America, said: “BMW is very excited that the BMW 118d with EfficientDynamics won the World Green Car title. The measures that we’ve implemented within our EfficientDynamics strategy into every BMW mean that we’re able to provide customers with the driving pleasure they expect from a BMW, while still meeting the stringent requirements for fuel-efficiency and low emissions.”

The award has cemented BMW as the world’s leading producer of environmentally friendly premium cars and comes swiftly after BMW received recognition for EfficientDynamics by winning similar ‘green’ awards in the UK and abroad. What Car? and CAR magazine ‘Green Awards’ and the Fleet News Environmental Award were presented in the UK. A host of other European publications and organisations, including the coveted Auto 1 Innovation Award presented during the Geneva Motor Show, have also been bestowed on BMW.

Judges of the World Car awards previously presented BMW with the World Car of the Year honour for the 3 Series model range in 2006. This time the BMW 118d was chosen ahead of 10 other environmentally friendly production vehicles for the World Green Car of the Year. The Mercedes Benz Smart fortwo cdi and the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI were the two other top three contenders.

(Original story from BMW)

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Peter Mutch

We were referred to PMW when the local main dealer couldn’t resolve a problem on our Mercedes. Peter worked through the vehicle methodically until he found the fault and resolved it.

That was good, but what was better……. He stayed until 9:30pm to fix the fault so we could use the car for our holiday the following day.

We have never returned to the main dealer and refer all our friends to PMW.

Peter Mutch: May 14th 2008.

David & Cherry Wall 16th May 2008 & 7th October 2008.

After Using your garage for the third time last week, I would like to thank you very much for your honesty and  brilliant customer service.  This is very, very rare to find.

You are the only garage I have ever been to that I would recommend anyone to use.  Without any doubt, I will always come back.  I have passed your details over to my friends and will advertise your garage on our notice board at work.

Cherry Wall: 7th October 2008

‘You provided a brilliant and fast service. Diagnosed the fault with the car first time. We shall be using PMW as our repair centre from now on.’

I was a mechanic all of my working life and I know not everyone in the motor trade is genuine. I was not given any ’schpeel’ but straight to the point as to what my fault could be, which I agreed with.

My wife was ‘ripped off’ last year when she had a service carried out at another garage, we will be using PMW from now on and hopefully gain confidence in garages again.

Please thank you and your staff again for being honest and restoring our faith. Don’t ever change…….. And we will always use you.

David & Cherry Wall 16th May 2008.

Barry Futter

Since my first approach for a ‘B’ service on my A class, I have been more than staisfied with the attention I have recieved.  You highlighted a number of problems from that service, and very kindly supported me to get these resolved with Mercedes-Benz Direct.  I will always be grateful for your help.

Barry Futter 17th May 2008