My first benz! - should I collect?

dolphinhouse

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Just ordered a new C220CDi Elegance Estate Auto in Obsidian Black, with COMAND, Intelligent Headlights, Parktronic, Heated Seats, R25 7-Spoke Alloys and the obligatory cup holder.

As with all new benz I've got the chance to go collect it from the factory in Germany, has anyone done this, and are there any hints and tips on how to get the most out of the trip.

Does anyone have a C-Class with the Intelligent Headlights fitted? If so how easy is it to switch between UK & Euro driving?

And last but not least, does anyone know where I can lay my hands on a online/PDF version of the COMAND user guide for this car - I'd like to have a read.... car not due till October - so plenty of spare time :(
 

PeterCLK

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Welcome to the forum and congratulations on acquiring such a nice vehicle.

You will get plenty of advice on your queries but can I just say that I have seen reports both for and against collecting from Germany - the ones against complained of poor hotel and transport arrangements, whereas others say it went very well.

I collected mine from the dealer, mainly because I've driven to and from Germany in the past so there was little "novelty" value for me.

If you do a search of the forum it should bring up some answers.
 

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Congratulations on the new car,, many have done the trip and enjoyed it,,only ever been 1 post where the guy did not
 

psmart

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Welcome!

When in October? In Stuttgart you have the Oktoberfest between 25.09 - 11.10.2009, which besides the factory visit is well worth the trip (if you like beer, meat and a massive fair).

Germany is always worth a visit, nice people in General. If you like Technology, Sinsheim, about 60 miles north of Stuttgart has 2 massive museaums full of old cars, submarines, Concorde/Concordski etc.

The C220 was picked up from Stuttgart with the factory tour and althogh I didnt go on it myself (was working) was advised it was worth it.

When you say intelligent lights, do you mean the ones which turn with the steering?
 
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oldmovieguy

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I ordered my new MB on Saturday and although fairly convinced we wanted to collect from Stuttgart the dealer sold us when he recounted the happy exploits of past customers.
He mentioned that the MB Museum in Stuttgart is closed on Mondays so if that is one of the reasons for going, be aware of that.

We were also told that many customers like to stop overnight (s) in other towns and cities on the way back so we have plumped for one deffo in Cologne and maybe one other in Belgium or France.
Have Fun!!

P.S. It will be an early December collection so a lot of the main German Cities will have Christmas Markets going full blast, more fun!
 
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dolphinhouse

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Thanks all.... I believe the C-Class Estate is built in Bremen, which doesn't have a museum like Stuttgart. I guess it'll depend on how much extra it will cost to take the wife and kids.
 
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dolphinhouse

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When you say intelligent lights, do you mean the ones which turn with the steering?

Yep, does anyone know if they're easy to adjust for driving on the continent. The ones in my Passat are not - but a friend of mine has the equivalent BMW system and tells me it's just a switch under each unit....
 

teddycatkin

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In the old days a trip was highly recommended and usually included two people ?
I.E. spouse or partner--I do not know anyone who has been lately or to Bremen-it would be nice to have a report of the experience posted ?
My experience of northern Germany was very different folk from the south and I felt uncomfortable all the time I was there ?
 

PeterCLK

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When I considered collecting mine I was told all cars were collected from Stuttgart irrespective of where they were made.

Woth checking out.
 

PeterCLK

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Actually it is Bremen it's on the Merc website.

Sorry for the confusion.
 

psmart

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Yep, does anyone know if they're easy to adjust for driving on the continent. The ones in my Passat are not - but a friend of mine has the equivalent BMW system and tells me it's just a switch under each unit....
I have these lights on my ML and to be honest, I havent noticed them dazzling the left side driving over here. I havent got round to investigating if there is a switch like on my old ML, but to comply with the law, I just have a sticker on, even though I doubt it does much as the lights turn!!!!
 

Alex M Grieve

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I have these lights on my ML and to be honest, I haven't noticed them dazzling the left side driving over here. I haven't got round to investigating if there is a switch like on my old ML, but to comply with the law, I just have a sticker on, even though I doubt it does much as the lights turn!!!!

I used my W211 E Class AG (Xenon lights) in France without correction and nobody seemed to mind. I had looked for a switch, without success. My plan, if stopped, was to say the light pattern was symmetrical and did not favour either side. :rolleyes:;)
 

television

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I used my W211 E Class AG (Xenon lights) in France without correction and nobody seemed to mind. I had looked for a switch, without success. My plan, if stopped, was to say the light pattern was symmetrical and did not favour either side. :rolleyes:;)

And did you drive in the middle of the road as well, after taking that position :rolleyes:;)
 

Dosco

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I used my W211 E Class AG (Xenon lights) in France without correction and nobody seemed to mind. I had looked for a switch, without success. My plan, if stopped, was to say the light pattern was symmetrical and did not favour either side. :rolleyes:;)

That's my man always has a plan 'B' however in those circumstances the question is would plan 'B' have worked with the local gendarmes:rolleyes:
 

Alex M Grieve

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That's my man always has a plan 'B' however in those circumstances the question is would plan 'B' have worked with the local gendarmes:rolleyes:

Je ne sais quoi - or in my everyday Franco-Scottish - je ne dinna ken fit!
 

psmart

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I used my W211 E Class AG (Xenon lights) in France without correction and nobody seemed to mind. I had looked for a switch, without success. My plan, if stopped, was to say the light pattern was symmetrical and did not favour either side. :rolleyes:;)
If you get stopped by the Police, just turn the car around and drive on the opposite side.... problem solved :rolleyes:
 

Micman

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As with all new benz I've got the chance to go collect it from the factory in Germany, has anyone done this, and are there any hints and tips on how to get the most out of the trip.(

You order a new car and they try to glamorise the 'collect it in person' for no extra cost.

No way, they should discount the price if you collect it yourself - you ordered it - they can damn well deliver it to your local dealer for you. :lol:

It's not Ikea, they sell you items at low cost because you collect it from the warehouse and build it yourself.
 

st13phil

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As with all new benz I've got the chance to go collect it from the factory in Germany, has anyone done this, and are there any hints and tips on how to get the most out of the trip.
My story is on the "other" forum, here. While my trip was to Stuttgart and yours looks like it'd be to Bremen and will thus be a little different, I'd say that it will still be well worthwhile.

MB-UK were extremely accomodating regarding making arrangements, and the German side went like a well-lubricated clock. Regarding costs, MB-UK made a charge for taking a partner but it wasn't horrendous and I managed to do a deal with them by supplying my own "air-miles" flights. Others have since met a brick wall trying to do a similar deal, so maybe MB-UK's policy has changed on that one, but you can only ask...

On the basis that you may never get another chance to do it, I'd say get it organised ASAP!
 
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oldmovieguy

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My story is on the "other" forum, here. While my trip was to Stuttgart and yours looks like it'd be to Bremen and will thus be a little different, I'd say that it will still be well worthwhile.

MB-UK were extremely accomodating regarding making arrangements, and the German side went like a well-lubricated clock. Regarding costs, MB-UK made a charge for taking a partner but it wasn't horrendous and I managed to do a deal with them by supplying my own "air-miles" flights. Others have since met a brick wall trying to do a similar deal, so maybe MB-UK's policy has changed on that one, but you can only ask...

On the basis that you may never get another chance to do it, I'd say get it organised ASAP!


I flipped over and read your report on the 'other' site and I congratulate you on your 'tour de force'.
We will be going in December to collect our new 'E' Class and your very comprehensive post has whetted the old appetite somewhat, many thanks.
 


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