Mercedes-Benz light-alloy wheels 2013: Attractive wheels for the summer

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When winter slowly draws to a close and temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius are to be expected on a lasting basis, it is time to switch to summer tyres. This is also just the time to upgrade your car with a set of attractive light-alloy wheels. Mercedes-Benz Accessories is now presenting various new wheels, several in sporty 19-inch size and featuring a high-sheen finish, for numerous current model series.

High-sheen light-alloy wheels derive their additional appeal from the interesting contrast between the apparently bare metal surface and the painted areas. They lend the vehicle a yet more exclusive appearance and are considered by the designers at Mercedes-Benz to be more than just a passing fad.

Apart from improving a vehicle's appearance, Mercedes-Benz light-alloy wheels also offer the utmost in safety. All wheels are designed precisely for the vehicle concerned in terms of stress, strain and dimensions. The light-alloy wheels are required to undergo a comprehensive development and testing programme before they are considered fit for purpose. In the course of this programme, each wheel design has to pass a diverse range of rigorous tests in accordance with strict Mercedes-Benz guidelines, all of which go beyond the statutory requirements. Special test methods are applied here to simulate the challenges encountered in real-life road traffic, for example, and the materials are examined using state-of-the-art x-ray systems. High-sheen wheels additionally undergo tests involving subjection to highly corrosive salt spray or a 28-day alternating climate programme, for example. Only after passing all these tests do the wheels earn their place in the Mercedes-Benz genuine light-alloy wheels range.

A brief selection of new Mercedes-Benz light-alloy wheels:

CLA-Class (also fits A- and B-Class)
5-triple-spoke wheel, 45.7 cm (18-inch)
Surface finish: tremolite metallic / high-sheen
Wheel size: 7.5 J x 18 ET 52, price: € 309 [1]
Article number A246 401 2202 7x44

C-Class Saloon and Estate
7-spoke wheel, 43.2 cm (17-inch)
Surface: black / high-sheen
Wheel size: 7.5 J x 17 ET 47, price € 295
Article number A204 401 6902 7x23
Wheel size: 8.5 J x 17 ET 58, price: € 299
Article number A204 401 7002 7x23

E-Class Saloon and Estate
multi-spoke wheel, 43.2 cm (17-inch)
Surface finish: vanadium silver metallic
Wheel size: 8.5 J x 17 ET 48, price: € 284
Article number A212 401 0000 7x45
5-twin-spoke wheel, 48.3 cm (19-inch)
Surface finish: himalayas grey / high-sheen
Wheel size: 8.5 J x 19 ET 48, price: € 399
Article number A212 401 4802 7x21
Wheel size: 9.5 J x 19 ET 48, price: € 409
Article number A212 401 4902 7x21

E-Class Cabriolet and Coupé
5-twin-spoke wheel, 48.3 cm (19-inch)
Surface finish: himalayas grey / high-sheen
Wheel size: 8 J x 19 ET 44, price: € 399
Article number A207 401 1902 7x21
Wheel size: 8.5 J x 19 ET 48, price: € 399
Article number A212 401 4802 7x21

SL-Class
multi-spoke wheel, 48.3 cm (19-inch)
Surface finish: palladium silver / high-sheen
Wheel size: 8.5 J x 19 ET 35.5, price: € 425
Article number A231 401 2702 7x19
Wheel size: 9.5 J x 19 ET 47.5, price: € 420
Article number A231 401 2802 7x19

M-Class
5-twin-spoke wheel, 53.3 cm (21-inch)
Surface finish: himalayas grey / high-sheen
Wheel size: 9 J x 21 ET 53, price: € 499
Article number A166 401 2702 7x21

The online Accessories Configurator at www.mercedes-benz.de can be used to find the appropriate wheels and the right tyre sizes for virtually every Mercedes-Benz. All Mercedes-Benz sales partners are also pleased to assist you in finding the tyre that is best suited to each specific Mercedes-Benz model. The ideal combinations have been ascertained in strict tests together with leading tyre manufacturers. The better wheels and tyres are matched, the better the rolling and wear characteristics will be.

The light-alloy wheels and matching tyres are available from Mercedes-Benz partners.

Tips on handling and looking after wheels

The manner in which wheels are handled has a major influence on their value retention and the safety of the vehicle. Useful tips:

- Clean the winter wheels thoroughly after changing in the spring, regardless of whether steel or light-alloy wheels are fitted.

- Do not use aggressive cleaners. Products recommended by Mercedes-Benz are gentle agents which will clean the wheels effectively.

- Do not clean with sharp or rough sponges.

- Observe the specified wheel tightening torques. Wheel bolts which are too tight or too loose will damage the wheel in the long term.

- Do not oil or grease wheel bolts, as at the specified tightening torque this will result in excessive prestressing, which may cause damage to both wheels and bolts.

- Use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts only.

- Check the wheels after they have taken heavy knocks, e.g. when driving through deep potholes. If deformation is visible, be sure to have the damage checked at a dealership.

- Fit only the size of tyre approved for the wheel.

- When carrying high payloads and/or towing a trailer, adjust the tyre pressure accordingly and be sure to observe the permissible wheel loads.

^[1] All prices per wheel, excl. tyres and fitting. Recommended retail price in Germany, incl. 19% VAT

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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OFFICIAL: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class prone to appear in mid-2013

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Dr. Dieter Zetsche revealed today the new GLA-Class will be introduced at Frankfurt, with the Concept GLA-Class to be showcased in two months as (main) highlight of the Auto Shanghai 2013. Our strong belief is that this late position from the top of the company is rather contradictory and contrasting to recent reports towards the outcome of the new S-Class, which, seriously, received postponement after postponement.

Before we start the analysis, this is Dr. Z's statement from the speech:

"Our most important new model will make its world debut in the middle of this year: the new S-Class. The S-Class is not “just any” car:

- It is the epitome of the luxury sedan;
- a symbol of German engineering skill recognized the world over;
- a metaphor for best-in-class."

These latest allegations put the introduction of the new S-Class under high doubt. Initially, as we have already reported in our various articles on this topic, the W 222 should be officially premiered at the Chinese motor show in April, following the release of the first pictures and specifications at the end of March (26th ??). But, as visible from the same speech, Dr. Z stated clearly the S-Class is coming in the middle of 2013 - June or July, most likely.

However, he confirmed the new S-Class future portfolio will comprise up to five variants, without making any further comments. Those versions should be the standard model (SWB, LWB), the Pullman (XLWB), the Coupe (C 217), the Cabriolet (A 217) and maybe, the 4-door Coupe (C 222).

The statement: "In the coming years, we will launch five versions of the new S-Class."

The document with the full speech can be found at --> http://bit.ly/XqQYY8

In the mean time, we show you the latest spyshots of the S-Class captured in wintry Sweden, where the W 222 continues the cold weather development programme.

Image Credits: GermanCarForum

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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The Mercedes-Benz Eyewear Collection Spring/Summer 2012: Eye-catching fashion!

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The Mercedes-Benz Eyewear Collection is right on trend with the very latest semi-transparent colours. For example, models in the 2012 spring/summer season are available with sides and rims in expressive red and trendy teal, while timeless hues such as grey, black and brown also remain available.

The Mercedes-Benz Eyewear Collection Spring/Summer 2012 contains many new sunglasses and spectacle frames that combine a casual yet elegant design with functional quality at the highest level. The Mercedes star is the central element adorning the sides of every Mercedes-Benz frame. The classy 3D effect is achieved through a number of intricate production steps, some of which are carried out by hand. This gives every pair of glasses in the collection the characteristic Mercedes-Benz look. Developed by Mercedes-Benz and their cooperation partner Rodenstock, the glasses are available now from specialist retailers.

The Mercedes-Benz Eyewear Collection Spring/Summer 2012 covers a broad range of designs, from young & fashionable to comfortable & elegant all the way to exclusive & luxurious. In addition to these, the models of the Mercedes-Benz Eyewear Drivers Edition have been specially developed for long drives. With the exception of models in the shield style, all sunglasses can be fitted with prescription lenses.

This is an overview of the new models:

Referencing Mercedes-Benz car design, the M4003 polyamide spectacle frame has contoured arms, as do the M3010 and M3011 sunglasses. The Mercedes star on the side adds to the interplay of light and shadow. Different variants with full rims and Nylor half-rims, along with different colour concepts featuring classical shades such as havana and black along with modern, trendy colours like teal, burgundy and sand will delight glasses wearers of every type.

The M2012 to M2015 models reflect the tradition of ultimate technical quality to which both Rodenstock and Mercedes-Benz subscribe: the prescription glasses with their innovative stainless steel arm design are very striking, yet at the same time exceptionally modern and light. Due to the flexibility of the material these glasses do not require spring hinges, so there is nothing to spoil their delicate appearance.

The absolute stars are the M2008, M1017 and M1018 models, a spectacle frame with titanium sheet rim and two sunglasses made from extremely light pure titanium. Stylish rims with a high-set bridge, a special arm design and the integrated hinge milled into the side meet even the highest requirements. Timeless colours such as black, dark brown, titanium grey and gold match this classic look. The two sunglasses M1011 and M1012, made from an ingenious titanium polyamide combination, are the first shield models in this line. Thanks to an innovative design, the arms and nose pads can simply be clicked onto the shield.

New additions to the Mercedes-Benz Eyewear Drivers Edition include the M3006 sunglasses (in a sporty classical style) and the aviator-style M1009 sunglasses. Both are available with Rodenstock SunContrast lenses in green and with polarising lenses in brown. Less reflection and increased contrast mean the eyes remain relaxed for longer and get tired significantly more slowly – a clear safety bonus when driving.

Sunglasses from Mercedes-Benz offer optimal UV protection and comply with international standards DIN EN 1836, ANSI Z 80.3 and AS NZS 1067.

An eye on quality – in car production and for glasses

Mercedes-Benz glasses are subject to the same rigorous testing and quality checks as the company's car production. When creating frames for glasses, quality management starts long before the actual production process, just as it would do for vehicles. Even at the development stage, Rodenstock performs extensive tests on new frames. Every single component of the initial samples is checked thoroughly to ensure it meets quality requirements. Special machines and devices are used to test the components' long-term reliability, for example the stability of the hinge function even after the arms have been folded and unfolded several thousand times. Once a model has gone on sale, a monitoring process kicks in, where every complaint is logged and appropriate optimisation measures are put in place immediately.

About Rodenstock and Mercedes-Benz

Rodenstock and Mercedes-Benz have been licensing partners since 2010. Both companies boast a long, distinguished tradition, the highest quality standards and German engineering par excellence. These two premium brands are always one step ahead of the competition in terms of expertise, technical innovation and ground-breaking design.

Rodenstock is one of the world's leading manufacturers for lenses and frames, operating production sites at 14 locations in 12 countries.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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