- Greater Washington Section - Mercedes

Greater Washington Section
www.gws-mbca.org
Summer 2011
In this Issue
Upcoming Events:
GWS Picnic...................... 6
Autocross & Track Events....... 7
Calendar of Events................ 3
From the President............... 4
New Members........................ 5
Legends of the Autobahn.... 8
Spring Recap.......................... 7, 9
2011 C 300 Sport.................... 10
MD & VA Tags.......................... 11
Trading Post........................... 13
GWS Leadership..................... 14
Advertisers:
American Service Center........ 2
AMP....................................... 13
Curry’s Auto Service............... 8
EMB....................................... 13
Euro Motorcars...................... 15
Mercedes-Benz of Tyson’s Corner....12
Radial Tire............................. 4
R & H Motorcars .................... 3
Use a QR code reader on your smart
phone to view the latest info on the Greater
Washington Section website.
Euro Motorcars Bethesda Service Director, Jim Willard (Left)
with John Reilich and his 500SEC at the Mercedes-Benz High
Mileage Certification event.
Photo by William Hopper
Come Out, Come Out to Play!
A
nd that is just what members have
been doing this year! Coming out
to play with their cars!
Is it because the membership is growing?
Or is it because so many of our members
are having such a good time? No doubt,
a little of both! This past Spring’s social/
technical events had record turnouts, and
the 2011 autocross season is seeing more
members behind the wheel becoming
better drivers, with A/X practice.
For good reason too! Events are fun, and
a great place to share in their passion
with fellow enthusiasts. Have a question?
Need a resource? Members have been
sharing information at club events for
years! No one is a better resource than an
MBCA member, whatever it is a technical
question, or just where to find something
you might need, another member knows
the answer. Attending events is the
fountain for answers.
This year GWS members have been
regularly attending Cars and Coffee in
Great Falls VA, a two-hour Saturday
morning event where well over 100 people
bring out all kinds of interesting cars, from
BMW Isetta bubble cars to Bentleys. It is
a place for members and others to share
their enjoyment of the car hobby!
June provides the opportunity for GWS
member teams to show off on the race
track at the LeMons Race during Capitol
Offense at Summit Point Raceway. Last
year, we had one team running this year,
there are four competing for the coveted
bags of nickels, in cars that cost less than
$500. The hilarity of the race is matched
only by the determination of the teams!
Come out and cheer each team of fellow
GWS members to a win!
For those of you looking towards the
Summer Picnic, we are changing it up
this year! A new twist, a popular vote
Funcours. Come out and enjoy yourself
with fine cars, good music, delicious food,
great friends and so much more!
Looking forward to our Annual D-I-Y
Event at American Service Center? It
has been moved to October 15 because
of the extensive renovations that ASC’s
Arlington, VA dealership is undergoing.
Plan on coming out and wrenching on
your Mercedes-Benz this Fall at American
Service Center.
We could use your help! The Section
needs volunteers to fill several board and
committee positions. Think about joining
us, as we have fun running this club!
Passionate about our Mercedes.
Dedicated to our communities.
At American Service Center and Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria, we owe our success to the people and
communities that surround us. That’s why, for over 70 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to giving back.
The way we see it, we’re part of one big neighborhood. And you always take care of your neighbors.
We are proud to be an exclusive Mercedes-Benz dealer at both locations and are dedicated to the
sale and servicing of the best automobile in the world.
MercedesJustMercedes.com
Calendar of Events
Visit the GWS-MBCA website for the latest updates and activities, or to register:
www.GWS-MBCA.org/event.html - All dates are subject to change.
Ju n e
18 -19 Le M ons Rac e - Capi tol O f f ense
Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point W V
Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
26
AUTOCROSS # 3 James Wood High Sc hool
Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
Ju ly
10
AUTOCROSS # 4 Ja m e s Wood High School
Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
11-12 High Per for manc e D r iving School
Sum mi t Point - M ain Circui t
Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
17
PI CNI C, FUNCOURS & FLE A M A R K ET
N or th Potomac M D, Contact: Marianne Lumsden 571.225.0169 msener39@hotmail.com
2 9 - 31 CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE OF AMERICA AT ST. JOHNS
(for mally M eadow b rook Concour s) Troy, MI Contact: Pete Williams 586.293.0935 pwmbca@aol.com
Au g u st
8/17-21STA RTR A I LS O uray, Colorado
Contact: Judy Bennett star trails2011@aol.com
21
AUTOCROSS # 5
Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
S e pte m b e r
11
AUTOCROSS # 6 Ja m e s Wood High School
Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
S e pte m b e r (co nt .)
2 4
W M A A CAR SHOW Dulles Airport, Dulles VA Contact: TBD
3 0
High Per for manc e D r iving School
Sum mi t Point - Jef f er son Circui t
Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
O cto b e r
10/1-2High Per for manc e D r iving School Sum mi t Point Rac eway Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
10/2 ANTIQUE CAR SHOW Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington DC Contact: TBD
9
AUTOCROSS #7 James Wood High Sc hool
Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
15
GWS A NNUAL M EETI NG & D-I-Y Tech Event
American Service Center Arlington VA Contact: Warren Bain 70 3 . 9 0 6 . 9 6 5 8 w b74 0 t @ya h o o.c o m
N ove m b e r
6
AUTOCROSS #8
Contact: Mike Wir t 443.463.8965 mwir t@phillipsfoods.com
27-2 9 M BCA NATI ON A L BOA R D M EETI NG
Contact: Bill Hopper 202.596.2852 wwhrestoration@att.net
D e ce m b e r
4
N ew M e mb er Welco m e Rec ept ion,
Mercedes-Benz of Baltimore, Ellicott City MD
Contact: Henr y & Laurie Harrell 301.890.1380 h _ h a r re l l @m a c.co m
Special Discounts
Available to
Mercedes-Benz
Club of America
Members!
“…the Baltimore Area’s Oldest Mercedes-Benz Dealer, Selling Since 1965…”
9727 Reisterstown Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117
1-88-893-1710
www.rhmotorcars.com
Metro Tri-Star
Sales Department
Monday through Friday
8:30am-8pm
Saturday
9am-6pm
Service Department
Monday through Friday
6:30am-9pm
Saturday
8am-2pm
3
From the
President
Jim Glenn
jamesglenn41@gmail.com
4
T
imes have changed, and people have changed!. It is all part of life, and with that this
club and section have also changed. And we need new people to get involved to help in
running the business of the Greater Washington Section.
I want to thank Jon Renthal for his devotion, and the time he put into being our section’s
Treasurer. Recently Jon stepped down from an officer’s position so he can continue to focus
on his health. We all wish him the best, and look for him to be back involved in the club
again very soon.
Now, I ask you, as members of the club, to step up and become involved in the Section.
We need a new section Treasurer! The job involves using Quickbooks to keep track of the
Section’s finances, and to make reports on them. The job also involves attending regular
meetings, and working closely with the Officers and Board of Directors of the Section as they
manage the club. You will help develop the budget and handle the day-to-day finances of the
Greater Washington Section. Several of us have held this office, so you will not be going into
it without support. If you would like to be a part of this, please contact me to discuss the
responsibilities of the position.
Along the same lines, the section needs someone to manage our communications and put
together our newsletter, letting everyone know about all the things that go on in the largest
section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. We publish four times a year, and produce
a number of stories promoting our events, both upcoming and past, to the automotive
enthusiast public.
If you want the club to do something that you think others would enjoy, come aboard and
become involved! (It is all a part of running of this club on a hands-on basis.)
You will notice on page 14 there is a request posted for those positions that need to be filled.
The Board has a lot of fun working together, and we know you will enjoy being a part of this
group of dynamic volunteers that run your club!
Jim Glenn
Summer 2011
New Members - Please welcome our newest GWS members to the Club.
Brian Lasley Warrenton VA
Daniel Leonard
Fairfax VA
Susana Perry
Rockville MD
L. Sklenar
Baltimore MD
Mark Schuman
Linthicum Heights MD
Jeannie Crowley
Reston VA
Henry Zimon Alexandria VA
David Trebing
Washington CO
Jeffery Sisco
Upper Marlboro MD
Scott Brzezinski
Middletown PA
Tony Sides
Alexandria VA
Paul Altman
Cheve Chase MD
William Geist
Arnold MD
Maggie Harris
Washington DC
James Glover
Centreville VA
h_harrell@mac.com
Kurt Nyberg
Winchester VA
David Galeota Alexandria VA
Wayne Chang
Leesburg VA
Kevin Gillis
Washington DC
Joel Horne III
Mclean VA
Clifton Nickles Baltimore MD
Jody Katz
Mclean VA
Azhar Chaudhary
Chevy Chase MD
Curtis Generous
Great Falls VA
Darryl Ellis Washington DC
Lenworth Henry
Bethesda MD
Milton Ahlerich
Alexandria VA
Russell Marr Reston VA
Joseph Sirh
Clifton VA
Gary Lucombe Bowie MD
William Scholtz Annapolis MD
Craig Rice
Mt Rainier MD
William Crowell
Rockville MD
Goetz Oertel Potomac MD
Bonnie Weber
Waynesboro VA
Michael Galletti
Ellicott City MD
Sheila Peel
Rockville MD
Henry & Laurie Harrell
GWS Membership Chairs
Did You Know?
• You get an extra month of MBCA membership for every new MBCA member you recruit?
It is easy to do! Have new members include your name and member number when they apply, or send them this link.
http://www.mbca.org/refer-a-friend
• As a member in good standing of at least one year, you get a GRAND off the purchase of a new Mercedes-Benz?
This is after you have negotiated your best deal! See the website for more details:
http://www.mbca.org/benefit/2011-loyalty-rewards-program-us for more information.
• With MBCA membership you get discounts and deals at more than just your local Mercedes-Benz Dealer? How about Brooks Brothers, Sears, Allied Moving and Passport Auto Transport, just to name a few!
http://www.mbca.org/member-benefits
• MBCA recently negotiated special reduced collector car insurance rates for members with Chubb Insurance?
http://www.mbca.org/benefit/collector-car-insurance-program
• As an MBCA member you get free or reduced admission to Mercedes-Benz museums worldwide?
http://www.mbca.org/benefit/free-or-reduced-admission-mercedes-benz-museums-worldwide
• Odds are 1 in 6500 that you might win something in the MBCA Raffle that is held twice a year?
http://www.mbca.org/benefit/club-raffle
• Are you a member of USAA? If so, you get great discounts on the purchase of a new Mercedes-Benz!
Ask your Mercedes-Benz dealer or salesperson for more info.
Metro Tri-Star
5
MBCA | GWS Summer Picnic
Picnic, “Funcours”
& Flea Market
Sunday, July 17, 2011
North Potomac MD
T
All Day Event
he 2011 Picnic “Funcours” and Flea Market will be held
for the eighth year on the lawn of Steve and Barbara
Newby’s home in North Potomac. Again this year, you
will find good music, tasty food, fine libations, good friends
and a terrific selection of fine
Mercedes-Benz’s on display. If
you need yet another reason to
attend, come sell and shop for
automotive-related items at the
GWS Flea Market.
Instead of an officially judged
Concours d’Elegance, we will
hold a “Funcours,” where the
judging will be done by you!
Numerous categories, with
multiple winners in each, will
encourage those who may not
have shown their MercedesBenz before. Every MercedesBenz driven to the event can
be eligible for an award, from daily drivers to show cars. We
encourage cars under or in the process of restoration to come
out as well. If you can drive it, bring it and show it off! The
only recommendations are that you wash and vacuum the car.
All are eligible for awards!
As for the cuisine, it’s a picnic, so plan on great burgers and
brats, as well as all the usural delicious picnic goodies. There
will be beer, a nice selection of wines as well as sodas and water. Please remember to tip the bartenders, as this event helps
us raise funds for the Joe Wozney Fund in the MBCA Educational Foundation with a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and, of
course all of the tips our bartenders rake in! So tip generously!
We encourage everyone to bring items to contribute to the
silent auction. (Given that we are trying to raise money for a
worthy cause, we respectfully request that you not donate any
items that have been the subject of numerous “re-giftings.”) For
those items you do not wish to donate but would rather sell, it’s
back for 2011, the much beloved GWS Flea Market!
Brush up on your haggling skills, and price your stuff to sell!
Start cleaning out the garage, boxing up all the Mercedes-Benz
or other auto-related items you have been storing, be they
rims, wheels, filters or gaskets, even cars! What about those
tools that you were just sure you were going to use, and didn’t?
Have a car for sale? Well, this is your chance! What will be for
sale? Any auto-related items: jewelry, objects d’art or items that
are near and dear to an auto fancier’s heart. We ask that you
6
refrain from selling such non-automotive items as personal,
household or garden goods, or any white elephants that no one
wants! We do ask that you take home anything that does not
sell, and not leave it behind for us to clean up!
Please be sure to register early, so we know how many cars to
expect and how much food to order. Pre-register to participate
in Concours or the Flea Market. The cost to attend the picnic
is $20 per person, in advance, and $25 at the gate. There is
no additional fee to show your car. As always, member’s kids
under 21 are admitted free with a paid member. Take a space
at the Flea Market for $10, tables and chairs are available for
$15 per set.
Yes, there will be live music again this year! The Eight Balls
are back by popular demand! Mark Sunday, July 17, on your
calendar and plan on bringing the
entire family. We hope to see you
there!
Directions: From the Washington
Beltway take the exit for MD190 / River Road (West) toward
Potomac MD-190. Follow MD190 West / River Road through
the village of Potomac (7.0 miles
– 15 minutes.) Turn right at
Stoney Creek Road (1.5 miles – 3
minutes.) Turn right at Travilah
(1.0 mile – 3 minutes.) Turn left
at Split Creek Ct. (0.3 miles.) The
Newby Estate is just past the very
end of the cul-de-sac. Keep driving
straight ahead down the lane. Their driveway is on the left after
you go through the cul-de-sac. Be watchful for speed cameras
along the roads of Montgomery County!
For Picnic and Flea Market Info or to register, please fill out
the registration form found on the www.GWS-MBCA.org
website and send it, along with your check, to:
Marianne Lumsden
101 Walker Dr
Fredericsburg, VA 22401-2625
571.225.0169 or msenner39@hotmail.com
Plenty of Iconic SL’s were on display at this
Spring’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in
Florida Photo by William Hopper
Summer 2011
Events for 2011
A
utocross and track events are in full swing! Our regular
Autocross season has been going strong again this year
and will continue through the summer into the fall.
We are back at James Wood High School, 161 Apple Pie
Ridge Road, Winchester VA 22603, where we held the A/X
season last year. Dates have been confirmed for the season!
It is about a 90-minute drive from the Beltway, or you can
use Route 7 and the Dulles Greenway if you want a more
direct route, though time is offset by the cost of the tolls.
Directions: Take I-66 WEST to FRONT ROYAL
T
rack Events, for those of you more interested in spending
time driving on the racetrack!
Members have been asking to get some time on Summit
Main, so we are joining our friends from Track Daze on July
11 - 12 back on Summit Point Main. And again on October
1 - 2 on Summit Point Raceway’s Shenendoah Circuit.
For more information on any of these driving events, please
contact:
Mike Wirt 443..463.8965 mwirt@phillipsfoods.com
Take the I-81 NORTH towards WINCHESTER, exit #1B
Take the VA-37 NORTH/BERKELEY SPRINGS(US-522 N)/
ROMNEY(US-50 W), exit #310
Turn left on VA-37 NORTH
Take the ROUTE 522 exit towards BERKELEY SPRINGS/
WINCHESTER
Turn left on N FREDERICK PIKE
Turn right on APPLE PIE RIDGE RD
JAMES WOOD is located on the left.
Collision Center Tour, A Big Hit!
The goal of the day’s event was to educate MBCA members
A great thing to do on a rainy early spring Sunday is come
on how a good body shop operates, and how to get the best
inside for a tour of one of the largest Collision Centers
repair possible. If you want to find a good body man, ask a
on the East Coast. Over 30 MBCA members, potential
car painter, the one who has to make the body work look
members and section friends gathered at Tyson’s Corner
Collision Center, a part of Mercedes-Benz of Tyson’s Corner good under a paint job! Members asked about using LKQ
verses OEM parts or recycled OEM parts. The unanimous
on March 6, for an afternoon of socializing and learning
response from the Center’s staff was OEM or the best quality
about the craft of automotive body repair.
David Saenz, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Tyson’s recycled OEM parts you can get. OEM ensures the proper
fit, and fit is the key aspect of any body repair.
Corner, gave an informative, interactive presentation
about the importance of the combination of well-trained
A tour of the Center included a chance to see first-hand
technicians, the proper facility equipped with the right tools the downdraft booths as well as the frame straightening
and equipment to do the job correctly. Dave introduced
and paint mix machines. Tyson’s Corner Collision Center
his staff and discussed each of their specialties, from frame
handles a number of makes of vehicles, as they support the
repair, body repair, painting,
Penske Group of Dealerships in
and or estimating, and how the
the area. Makes such as Mercedesteam works together to properly
Benz, Aston Martin, Audi and
Porsche are commonly repaired
diagnose and repair a damaged
in this shop, and the Center has
vehicle.
been chosen by Tesla to be their
Most all body work is paid for
Washington area repair facility.
through insurance companies.
The tour and presentation were
Dave explained the process, as well
as the pitfalls, of working with
enhanced by a delicious spread of
insurance companies. One thing
food and the handing out of M-B
many people were not aware of
of Tyson’s tee shirts to those who
is that you can choose whatever
stayed to the very end. This event
body shop you wish, no matter
offered members the chance for
what your insurance company may
attendees to mingle and catch up as
suggest. The choice of a shop is
well as to discuss events coming up
MBCA | GWS members inspect an S Class being for 2011.
yours if you want it to be!
worked on at Tyson’s Corner Collision Center.
- William Hopper
Metro Tri-Star
Photo By William Hopper
7
Legends of the Autobahn
WEST
COAST
SUMMER
CONCOURS
LEGENDS OF THE AUTOBAHN CONCOURS
RETURNS TO MONTEREY HISTORICS WEEKEND
IN AUGUST 2011
After a very successful 2010 inaugural year, the Legends of the Autobahn: West Coast Summer Concours returns as part of the Monterey
Historics Weekend in 2011 on Friday, August 19. Co-hosted by MBCA, the BMW Car Club of America, and
the Porsche Club of America, Legends of the Autobahn is one of the “must see” attractions of this worldrenowned automotive weekend.
The one-day event brings enthusiasts, owners, and aficionados of distinctive German cars together to view
some of the finest marques in the world. Held on the greens of the Rancho Cañada Golf Club in Carmel
Valley, California, Legends attracted an audience of over 1,000 to view the 250 cars on display in 2010.
“With Mercedes-Benz as a featured marque at the weekend’s famed Pebble Beach Concours, it’s sure to be
an epic weekend for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts,”according to Laura Simonds, MBCA National Treasurer.
For those interested in entering the Concours (pre-1992), a $60 entry fee will apply. For those wishing to
display only (any vintage), a $30 entry fee will apply. Spectators are welcome with no admission fee.
To register on-line visit www.legendsoftheautobahn.com/mbca. The discounted “early bird” registration
deadline is August 1, and all registration closes on August 12. For more information, contact Laura
Simonds at simondsl@pacbell.net or 650-592-7613, or Robert Schilling at res.mbca@offserver.com or
650-619-7550.
WINNER
“2009 TOP SHOP Finalist”
by Tire Review Magazine
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www.CURRYSAUTO.com
8
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Summer 2011
Spring Recap
High Mileage
Certification
Seventeen applications were certified and submitted for
High Mileage Awards, two of them for the 500K Award
and the rest for the 250K Award. Our highest mileage
vehicle was Ray Richards’s 1983 300CD with 365,521 on
More than 50 MBCA members from as far away as
the odometer. The oldest vehicle that came out was a black
Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Long Island, New York
1958 180D Ponton owned by Barbara Frank, though hardly
turned out on a rainy cold
the highest mileage, it sure was a
The following cars were certified for the
Saturday to spend some quality
show stopper!
Mercedes-Benz High Mileage Award
time at one of Washington DC’s
We thank the staff at Euro
‘83 300CD - 365,521 – Ray Richards
top dealers, Euro Motorcars
Motorcars Bethesda for their
Bethesda, learning more about
‘84 300TD - 333,357 – John Heflin
hospitality, serving breakfast and
their Mercedes-Benz’s.
lunch as well taking time out on
‘72 300SEL 4.5 - 300,990 – Karim Morsli
This is the second year that the
a busy Saturday to spend with
‘85 500SEC - 265,849 – John Reilich
Greater Washington Section
MBCA members teaching them
has held a Mercedes-Benz
‘77 300D - 232,522 – Phillip and Cherise Menard more about their cars.
High Mileage Certification and
- William Hopper
‘94 E320 SW - 246,496 – Mariusz Dymerski
Service Clinic. This clinic is
designed to certify high mileage
‘90 300E - 214,578 – Mariusz Dymerski
Mercedes-Benz automobiles for
‘92 300D - 197,597 – Aaron Streeter
members so they may receive a
‘92 300E - 192,885 – John David
grill badge and certificate from
Mercedes-Benz stating that
‘92 300E - 187,216 – Oscar Desierto
accomplishment. It is also an
‘83 380SL - 183,331 – Rich Weiss
opportunity for members to go
over their Mercedes-Benz‘s with
‘86 190E 2.3-16 - 182,131 - Brad Blase
a certified technician to learn
‘00 ML320 - 180458 – Marge & Don Lentzen
what their M-B may need for
the coming driving season, and
‘90 300SEL - 167,000 – Isidor Patapis
get to know the Euro Motorcars
‘87 300D - 165,345 – Michael Williams
staff to find out more about the
‘83 380SEC - 161,530 – Steve Kresge
mechanics of their car.
‘98 ML320 - 155,437 – Bill Hopper / David Feske
Mercedes-Benz High Mileage and Service Clinic Photos:
(Top Right) Jim Willard (holding instrument cluster) and Ray
Richards. (Bottom Left) Barbara Frank and her ‘58 190 D Ponton.
(Bottom Right) Jim Willard (seated) and Cherise Menard, who
brought her husband’s W123 in for certification while he is stationed
Photos by William Hopper
overseas.
Metro Tri-Star
9
An Everyday - Enterprise Rental - 2011 C300 Sport
The W204 C Class interior is roomy for driver and passenger,
but leg room for rear passengers can get tight if either are on
the tall side or like the seat back. This model had basic power
seat functions, and the console/armrest had plenty of storage
inside. The two level glove box was roomy with plenty of
storage space, and featured an air vent to keep it cool. The
dual front to back cup holders also worked well to hold more
than just a water bottle, like an iPod or other electronics.
The W204’s trunk is quite roomy and there was no stuffing
in suitcases or the other various items I was carrying for my
10-day trip. I was also impressed with the use of space within
the engine compartment, and could see that this model was
designed to accommodate more than just the base engine.
R
ecently I had the opportunity to attend MBCA | Alabama
Section’s Heimatfest 2011, held at Barber Motorsport
Park outside of Birmingham, Alabama. Because this was an
MBCA event where the cars were as much a part of the event
as were the members, I picked up a new 2011 C Class sedan
from my local M-B dealer’s Enterprise rental fleet to drive to
the event.
This was your basic, no-frills service loaner, and it provided
me with a chance to experience the W204 RWD first hand.
The size of the vehicle is excellent for everyday driving,
with an excellent turning radius and very good handling,
especially in sport mode, where the transmission tends to be
a little more spirited, as opposed to the fuel saving economy
mode.
However, my first impression was that for a base model,
the 3 liter engine and seven speed automatic transmission is
very powerful for daily driving as well as highway situations.
After taking it on a parade lap at the Barber Motorsports
Park Track, it made me yearn to try out the 350 or AMG 63
version, as this one was a bit out of breath when I stomped on
the accelerator. Because I was on a budget, the fuel sipping
virtues of the 300’s engine were perfect with MPG’s in midto upper-20’s in town and low 30’s on the highway, cruising
at posted highway speeds, using $4 a gallon premium
gasoline.
The black-on-black in the sport trim gave the vehicle a classic,
though athletic look. The durable M-B Tex was impressive.
The dash and door panels had faux wood trim, making it
feel a bit more upscale than a previous C300 I had driven
with brushed aluminum trim. Although not equipped with
navigation, satellite radio or MBrace®, the standard audio
system had weather band, a classic Mercedes-Benz touch,
very helpful when traveling to follow weather conditions
along the way. The unit was Bluetooth® equipped and easily
connected to my mobile phone, making it safe to talk hands
free.
10
To test its handling and sportiness, I attended our section’s
autocross. The electronics caused the car to correct itself
during maneuvers around pylons, cutting power, keeping the
operator out of trouble, just as it should if it were in a realworld situation. Once the program was defeated through
the steering wheel controls, the car maneuvered excellently
with only a hint of the advanced electronics. On the road, I
took it on the legendary Tail of the Dragon in the Smokey
Mountains. An eleven-mile road with three hundred and
eighteen curves from Tennessee into North Carolina. This
twisty road traverses up and down hills deep in a heavily
wooded National Forest. A road that you do not want to
speed along, but quite that fun to drive in the right car. The
C300 was sprightly and handled well on the tight hairpin
turns, the right car for this kind of drive!
Leaving the mountain roads and heading back to the
Interstate, while driving through a small town, the local
constable saw me and quickly turned around and tailed me
until I reached the town limits. A black-on-black MercedesBenz, even one that is a stripped down rental car, turns
heads!
William West Hopper
2011 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sport images
(courtesy of William West Hopper)
Summer 2011
Maryland MBCA | GWS License Tags
Maryland State license tags with the Greater Washington Section logo and
the words “Mercedes-Benz Club” are available. These are not available
through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, you can
purchase them ONLY through the club!
Please send the form below to Ed Hainke, coordinator, with
two checks: One payable to MBCA| GWS in the amount of
$10. And the second check payable to Maryland MVA in the
amount of $25. Ed will then contact you for the required MD
MBCA information.
Mercedes-Benz Club of America | Greater Washington Section Tags for Maryland Residents
Name ______________________________________________ Member # __________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Phone (h) ____________________ (w)______________________ (c) ______________________
Send this form and two checks Payable to:
MBCA | GWS for $10 and Maryland MVA for $25 to:
Ed Hainke, 10755 Sawpit Cove Road, Lusby, MD 20657
Virginia License Plates are Coming!
M
embers have been asking for Mercedes-Benz Club license tags with the club logo for the State of Virginia.
MBCA|GWS member Ben Weber is working on this project and will be submitting applications. If you
want to show off your membership in the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, this is the chance to do it. Please
contact Ben for more information email: VAStarTags@gmail.com or 703-606-5002.
VIRGINIA
MB0000
Mercedes-Benz Club of America
Mercedes-Benz Club of America Tags for Virginia
Name
Address
Phone (H)
NOTE: This is a representation
of what the MBCA Virginia
License Plate will look like, this
is not the final product.
Metro Tri-Star
Member #
(W)
Send this form and one check for $10 payable to GWS-MBCA to:
Ben Weber, 17 W. Boscawen Street, Winchester, VA 22601
11
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THE CAR WHISPERER
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the 300SL Gullwing, 300SL Roadster and later, 230SL
and 250SL. He was also one of the first mechanics ever
to work on the famous 600 limousine. During the next six
years, Norbert became not only proficient in the repair
of these vehicles, but also logged more hours on these
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From 1966 to 1968 he worked for Mercedes-Benz
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with the United States and accepted a job at HBL in
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area, pleasing thousands of clients in various positions
such as Technician, Quality Control Manager, Shop
Foreman and Assistant Service Manager. In addition to
his unique professional credentials, Norbert has been a
member of the Mercedes Benz Club of America since
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Greater Washington Section from 1986-1994.
Norbert Lamp brings his legacy from Mercedes-Benz
Germany to you here in Tysons Corner today. As one
of the leading experts in the field of Mercedes-Benz
mechanical restoration, he has assisted many MercedesBenz owners with the full mechanic restoration of their
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Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner is proud of Norbert
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collection, Norbert will work with you to develop a
comprehensive plan to fulfill your dream.
To schedule a consultation please call:
Chris McGrane 703-448-2289 or
Norbert Lamp at 703-380-3490
Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner
12
Summer 2011
EMB
Means
Parts
We strive to give you the best possible prices on
replacement parts for your Mercedes, BMW and
other vehicles. Both comercial and individual
customers are welcome.
Saturday — walk in - UPS delivery weekdays
By appointment during the week
3827 Pickett Road
Fairfax, Virginia
703-425-5380
emhorvath@verizon.net
The Trading Post
CARS:
2004 E500 4Matic Wagon
tectite gray/stone interior.
83K mi. New brakes/
rotors,tie rod ends & tires
this month. heated seats,
Harmon Kardon sound.
Auto tailgate keyless entry.
Stored in heated garage
in Arlington. Outstanding
condition. Photos on request.
$15,250. David 703.869.2054;
DVanduzer@RVArchitects.
com
2001 SL500 Sport Black-onBlack. 91000 miles. Upgraded
brakes-cross drilled rotors w/
ceramic pads. Hard top with
stand & car cover. dealer
maintained. Recent service
with fluids changed. Garaged
and covered. $12,500. Jerry;
jerry10kintigh@comcast.net
1997 C36 AMG Silver exterior/
black interior 125K mi, very
good example of a rare
AMG. All power options work;
Rec maint; cooling sys, tune
up control arm bussings, tie
rod ends, alignment, crank
sensor, tran flush/fill. $9,500,
open to offers. Renard;
585.615.7322; gli@cox.net
1993 500SL Mars red,
Champagne Interior,
Beautiful, 133K mi, hard &
soft top, wind deflector,
excellent maint & condition,
garaged, not smoked in,
SAT/HD/Bluetooth/Ipod/
CD/MP3 radio, everything
works perfectly. $8450.David;
301.807.1639, DLRever@
verizon.net
1986 190E 2.3-16 Smoke silver.
A/X & TOR Champion, w/
Toyo R888s for track & street,
Hoosier A6’s for A/X, spare
limited slip dif, exhaust, axels
and various 190 bits. $6,000.
Ted 703.893.3030 tedjoseph@cox.net
etc. Both tops, complete
and correct with exception
of interior and exhaust. Tidy
engine compartment with
new firewall pad. Some rust
underneath, paint not great,
but nice from ten feet. Can
be enjoyed as is or improved.
$11,900. Charles: 703.431.7796
ctaylor738@aol.com
Tires Wheels & Parts:
1985 300D Turbodiesel engine
& Transmission: In perfect
running order. Approx 250K
mi, also sold separately
(engine $600, Trans $350)
Transmission accomodates
any ‘81-’85 W123 turbodiesel
sedan, coupe or wagon.
Engine is for 300D or 300CD,
pick up in Silver Spring MD.
Also have many other W123
parts. Andrew: 202.966.1946;
squasher@starpower.net
W123 interior parts: Blue
driver’s seat (good M-B Tex
needs support)$25; 300TD
Front & rear blue/palomino
door panels (good cond)
$25 each. 1985 300TD rear
hatch pieces in palomino
perfect $50 & $75. 1985
300D turbodiesle engine,
runs great & still in car $500/
obo. Andrew: 202.966.1946;
squasher@starpower.net
Trading Post Ad Info:
GWS members may place
a free ad. To place an ad,
go to www.gws-mbca.org/
tradingpost.html and click
on “Request an Ad.” Have
a question? Contact Janet
McFarland: 703.765.9405 or
janetmcfarland@earthlink.
net. The editor has sole
discretion in determining ad
acceptability and length.
For Up-To-Date Listings
see: www.gws-mbca.org/
tradingpost.html
1980 450SL White/blue interior.
both tops, one owner 132K
mi, driven dail, current VA
inspection. $6000, obo. Brant;
703.626.0890 bvitek2@cox.net
1966 230SL Euro, Light Ivory,
red MB-Tex. New engine
in 2009, local miles only.
Runs excellent. New motor
mounts, shocks, steering,
Metro Tri-Star
13
Greater Washington Section - GWS-MBCA - Leadership - 2010
GWS-MBCA Board of Directors
P res i d e n t
J i m G l e n n.................................. 70 3 . 3 6 0.16 69
9513 Mount Vernon Landing, Alexandria VA 22309-3222
..... . ....................... j a m esg l e n n 41@g m a i l .co m
V i ce P res i d e n t
.J o h n H ef l i n................................ 3 01. 693 . 493 0
5 8 0 5 B e l l s L n., F red e r i ck M D 2170 4 - 6 819
................................... j o h n h ef @co m ca s t. n et
We bma s t e r s
D a ve T h o m p so n.. .......................70 3 . 4 0 6 .15 8 6 . ................................. j dt @@a s hto n l a b s .co m
Pa u l Va n d e n b e rg....................... 70 3 . 478 . 215 8 . ............................................. pd j v@pd j v. n et
Se cre t a r y
.M a r i a n n e Lu m sd e n.................... 571. 2 2 5. 0169
101 Wa l ke r D r., F red e r i ck s b u rg VA 2 24 01-262 5
................................ m se n e r 39@h ot m a i l .co m
Tre a su re r
Vo l u n t e e r Ne e de d
MBCA D i re c t o r, E a s t e r n Re g i on
B i l l H o p p e r.................................2 0 2. 3 6 3 . 418 9
5455 Broad Branch Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20015-1753 ..... . .......................... w w h res to rat i o n@at t. n et
B o a rd M e m b e r s – Ap p o i n t e d
Ra y Lo m b a rd o........................... 3 01. 52 0. 5 512
..................ra y m o n d a l o m b a rd o@ ya h o o.co m
B oa rd M e m b e r s – Co m m i t t e e Ch a i r s
D r i v i ng Eve n t s
M i ke W i r t.................................. 4 4 3 . 4 6 3 . 8 96 5
.............................. mw i r t @p h i l l i ps fo o d s.co m
Me m b e r sh i p
H e n r y & La u r i e H a r re l l.. .............. 3 01. 8 9 0.13 8 0 ...................................... h _ h a r re l l @m a c.co m
So ci a l
O p e n............................. Vo l u nte e r s N e ed ed
Te ch n i ca l Eve n t s
Wa r re n B a i n .............................. 70 3 .9 0 6 .96 5 8
...................................... w b74 0 t @ ya h o o.co m
Ad H o c Co m m i t t e es
Concou r s
O p e n............................. Vo l u nte e r s N e ed ed
Com mu n i ca t i on s Ch a i r
O p e n............................. Vo l u nte e r s N e ed ed
News l e t t e r E d i t o r
O p e n............................. Vo l u nte e r s N e ed ed
. ews l e t t e r Ad ve r t i s i ng Ma n ag e r
N
J a n et M cF a r l a n d....................... 70 3 . 76 5.94 0 5 ...................... j a n et m cfa r l a n d@ea r th l i n k . n et
D a t a b a se/O n l i ne News l e t t e r
H e n r y H a r re l l.............................. 3 01. 8 9 0.13 8 0 ...................................... h _ h a r re l l @m a c.co m
Ra l l y Me i s t e r s
J D H a r r i m a n.............................. 410. 4 61. 2 3 3 4 . ................................. j d h a r r i m a n@m s n.co m
14
S t a t e o f Ma r y l a n d L i ce n se Pl a t e P ro g ra m
E d H a i n ke................................. 410. 326 . 2 8 8 8 . ................................... e h a i n ke@g m a i l .co m
S t a t e o f V i rg i n i a L i ce n se Pl a t e P ro g ra m
B e n Web e r.. .............................. 70 3 . 6 0 6 . 5 0 0 2 . ..................... B e n@m a s te r m ed i a g ro u p.co m
Te ch n i ca l Com m i t t e e
Ste p h e n Sp ecto r.. ......................5 4 0. 8 37. 270 8 . .................................... s r s s w f @ w i l d b l u e. n et
Te ch n i ca l Ad v i so r
Ri ck E l l i n g e r, RC I m p o r t s.. .......... 3 01. 762. 42 0 5 . ................................... r i ck @ rc- i m p o r t s.co m
The Section Needs YOU!
Come Help Out & Have Fun!
G
WS could use your energy and enthusiasm as we
grow. We are looking for members to be active on
the MBCA \ GWS Board to help do what we do best!
Section Treasurer: The Section needs someone who
is organized and good with accounting. This Spring
our GWS Treasurer Jon Renthal stepped down due to
health issues. We could use your organizational and
accounting skills! Requires attending up to 8 meetings a
year and handling the section’s finances and budget.
Concours Chair: Like looking at Mercedes-Benz’s,
have an eye for detail and an interest in working with
the membership to develop judges? Concours Chair sets
up and runs the Concours events throughout the season
for the Section.
Communications Chair: Using the printed word,
pictures and reaching out to the public to tell the
story of the Club and Section. This position involves
production of the newsletter, and other PR aspects of
the section.
Other Areas of Interest: There are always projects,
committees and events that can use your help. If you
want to do something fun, no doubt others will as
well, so offer to do it as part of the Greater Washington
Section. Volunteers are Always Welcome!
Contact: Jim Glenn 703. 360.1669
jamesglenn41@gmail.com
Summer 2011
www.euromotorcars.com
Metro Tri-Star
PR SRT STD
1307 Warrington Place
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Alexandria, VA 22307
ALEXANDRIA, VA
PERMIT # 484
The Metro Tri-Star is published by the Greater Washington Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. Please send all material for
publication to: Metro Tri-Star, 1307 Washington Place, Alexandria, VA 22307 or JanetMcFarland@earthlink.net. For display advertising,
contact Janet McFarland at 703-765-9405. Explicit permission to republish articles is given to all sections of the Mercedes-Benz Club of
America, Inc. Articles are the opinions of the writers and no authentication is given or implied as to the validity of any expressed opinion.
Some of the Many Faces of Our Members
Smiling faces are very common at Greater Washington Section events. Members having fun with other
members are an important part of what make this the largest and most active section in the club.
Here are a few you might recognize. Photos above are: (Left) Ben Weber and Brad Blase in the queue at the
first autocross of the season. (Center) the very large crowd of drivers that come out to section autocrosses
each month. (Right) C.M. Bixler donated his collection of M-B models, STAR Magazines, M-B Technical
Reference books and numerous M-B brochures and other items to the section’s archives.
Photos by Janet McFarland and William Hopper