NYC-LONG ISLAND SECTION MERCEDES

STAR-GAZER
NYC-LONG ISLAND SECTION
Volume 48, Issue 3
MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB of AMERICA, Inc.
www.mbca.org/NYC-Long_Island
NYC-LONG ISLAND
3rd Quarter, 2010
CLUB HAPPENINGS
WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS: ANDREW McINTYRE, BOB BENNETT, CASSANDRA
JOHNSON, CHRISTOPHER ROLLO, FRANK SCHURY, GENNADY OSMERKIN,
GERHARD GARDNER, JAY CORN, JEFFREY SPERBER, JOSEPH DeFELICE,
KEVIN QUIGLEY, LENNY ACKERMAN, MICHAEL RUSSO, ROB DELROSSO, TOM
ZOMERFELD, WAJID JAFRI
JUNE JAMBOREE MONTVALE, NEW
JERSEY
Our Section Members attended this
wonderful Regional Event, had a great
time, and were awarded beautiful
trophies.
Popular Vote:
rd
Mod Sport-3 - Priscilla Sedita-2001 CLK320
Old Sedan-David Lamm-1995 E320
Old Sedan-Daniel Nickolich-1992 400E
Old Sport-2nd- Vinny Milo-1987 560SL
Old Sport-Dennis Damascus-1990 560SEC
Vintage Sedan-Robert Midura-1980 300SD
Vintage Sedan-Alex Rosner-1981 300TD
Concours:
Class 12 Andrew Syracuse-2009 C300
Class 13&14 2nd- Dominick Citera 1998 S500
nd
Class 15 2 - John Betsch 1965 280SL Euro
rd
Class 16 3 - Sylvia Sama 1989 560SL
Class 16 Jerry Shapiro 1987 560SL
COMING EVENTS
December 5th Sunday
Noon to 5PM
Holiday Party
Place: Inn at New Hyde Park
Contact: Vinny Milo
vcmilo@aol.com
(212) 861-4027
EVEN THOUGH PRICES ARE UP, WE ARE MAINTAINING LAST YEARS COST OF
$45 FOR ADULTS AND $25 FOR CHILDREN.
NEW YORK CITY-LONG ISLAND SECTION
MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA
MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR
WERNER FEHLAUER
w.fehlauer@verizon.net
High Mileage Award and Forms
The High Mileage Award is available free to Mercedes owners who have
traveled at least 156,250 miles (250,000 kms). After completing the application,
the owner must take the car to a Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer for odometer
verification.
The badge recognizes cars that achieve the 250,000, 500,000, 750,000, 1,000,000
kilometer and one million mile marks. In addition to a badge for the car’s grill,
the owner also receives a presentation folio with a High Mileage Award certificate.
To download your application directly, go to: http://www.mbusa.com/media/
downloads/main/heritage/High_Mileage_Application.pdf#search=%22MBUSA
%20high%20mileage%20form%22
SECTION MEMBER BADGES
Three line name badges may be ordered be ordered from the “Club Store”
in your Star Magazine. The cost is $9.00 plus delivery. Please specify your name,
color, style, and Section when ordering. This and Mercedes-Benz clothing and
accessories may be ordered from the “Club Store.”
You may place your order by mail or the toll free number: (800) 637-2360.
Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM mountain time.
2010 MERCEDES LOYALTY REWARDS PROGRAM
The 2010 Mercedes Loyalty Rewards Program for members of the MBCA
have been established and published, for Mercedes vehicles purchased during the
2010 calendar year. For the upcoming year’s program, please consult the MBCA.org
website and click on “2010 Loyalty Rewards Program.”
Publication of advertising in the STAR GAZER in no way implies endorsement of
any product or service offered therein by Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc., any of
It’s sections, or Mercedes-Benz USA.
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT & EDITOR
JERRY SHAPIRO
67-19 215th Street
Oakland Gardens, NY 11364
(718) 637-7234 cell
jshapiro41@verizon.net
VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER
ANDY MONAHAN
76 Georgia Avenue
Long Beach, NY 11561
(516) 432-3154
jandrewmonahan@hotmail.com
SECRETARY
Dr. JOHN WEIGEL
101 Thornwood Road
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
jawmbc@gmail.com
TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Lou Palumbo
100 Windsor Avenue
Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 742-3320
gullwingmotors@yahoo.com
YOUR AD HERE?
Let our members see your product or service with a business card ad.
For great exposure to an elite audience of fellow Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.
Send to: jshapiro41@verizon.net
MEMBERSHIP
Oliver Seligman
112-12 68th Ave
ADVERTISING
Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 575-8277
mogs05@aol.com
The STAR GAZER and everything in it shall remain the sole property of
the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc., New York City-Long Island Section. All
information contained in its publication is solely for the members of the Club.
The Club assumes no liability for any of the information contained in its publications.
NEWS ITEMS, ARTICLES, ETC.
All copy must be sent to the editor of the STAR GAZER in typewritten or
computer generated form. Final deadline is the first day of the month of publication
with distribution on or about the following month.
ADVERTISING RATES
FULL PAGE
$200.00
EVENTS
Vinny Milo
222 East 80th. Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 861-4027
vcmilo@aol.com
QUARTER PAGE
HALF PAGE
$150.00
BUSINESS CARDS
NON-MEMBER & COMMERCIAL
CLASSIFIED AD (1-12 LINES)
EACH ADDITION AL LINE
$35.00
$1.00
$75.00
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
$50.00
John Anaischik, Vincent Milo,
(36 Characters per line)
Andrew Monahan, Louis Palumbo,
Oliver Seligman, Jerome Shapiro,
Jan Van Der Baan, Dr. John Weigel
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
The STAR GAZER reaches over 550 Mercedes-Benz owners in the NYC-LI region.
ADDRESS CHANGE
It is distributed nationwide to other Sections of the MBCA, Inc. There is a 10% discount for
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF YOU
a full year paid in advance contract. Club members may run a non commercial ad free for
CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS, SEND
two editions. Please send all copy to the Newsletter Editor with your Club membership
NOTIFICATION OF THE CHANGE TO:
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MBCA, 1907 LELARAY STREET,
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COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80909
Classifieds will run for 2 consecutive weeks unless otherwise noted. Please Contact the editor directly regarding any ad
placements or changes. For email, use the word STAR GAZER in the subject for immediate attention. Forward to Jerry Shapiro at:
jshapiro41@verizon.net
President’s Message
Our Section has had a very active summer and fall event schedule. In June we participated
in the 47th Annual June Jamboree at Mercedes-Benz USA, hosted by NNJS in Montvale, New
Jersey and some of our members won awards at this event. I was a judge at this show, and
the cars were all beautiful, making the job difficult, but a labor of love. Corporate provided
us with breakfast and nice barbeque lunch to enjoy during the awards ceremony. On the
cover of this issue lists our Section entries in both the Popular and Concours classes.
July took us to Belmont Park for a “Day at the Races.” Many members attended, enjoying a
delicious buffet brunch and an opportunity to wager on the ponies. I saw some happy faces
walking away from the ticket counters with some green in their hands. We had a raffle and
members took home some nice prizes, which were donated by our Section.
In August our Section had lunch on the Queen Mary II. This event was truly memorable and
very well attended by 90 members and friends. This ship is very large and modern in every
way. Our lunch was served in the spacious Grand dining room; it was gourmet delicious,
with each course served by the excellent wait/staff. The Captain welcomed us at gave a little
talk on Mercedes-Benz history. Everyone was dressed in business attire and our group
looked great! After lunch we were given a tour of the ship and our guide pointed out some
of the ships unique features. Special thanks to Vinny Milo, who did a great job of organizing
this event.
September brought us out to the Hunt Club in Westport, Connecticut, for Club Day and the
Fairfield Concours. We had many of our Section members attending, as well as participation
from Northern NJ, South Jersey, and Connecticut/Westchester Sections. Members of our
Section were present at the Long Island Cruzin’ for a Cure Car Show in Nassau County, and
the Alternatives for Children Rally held in the Hamptons in the eastern end of Long Island.
Both of these events were for very worthwhile charities and our Section is proud to support
these events. Our Oktoberfest Party at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant was well attended
and the German specialty food and drink served was delicious.
We still have one more event scheduled for this year; our annual Holiday Party at the Inn at
New Hyde Park. Please attend this social event and share in the fellowship of a Club that is
all about our favorite topic; Mercedes-Benz!
Keep the revs up,
Jerry
We want you “in the loop.”
Are you receiving member emails?
You may be missing member email alerts and reminders. Do we have your current email
address?
Please send your updated email address to: jshapiro41@verizon.net
From our members…
Every other year I go to Germany to see my family. This year’s trip was a little bit
different; I not only saw my family and saw the sights, but I went to the Mercedes-Benz
Museum and engine factory located in Stuttgart, Germany. During this trip to
Germany I was not alone. I went with my parents and my girlfriend. We landed in
Frankfort, Germany and rented an E220 CDI from Hertz. The E220 had LED day time
running lights, LED turn signals, tail, and brake lights. Bi-Xenon headlamps with
active curve illumination, Leather seats with cloth inserts and partial powered front
seats to name a few features.
Our first night was on the Rhine River. We went into town, ate dinner, and had a
few drinks, but the real fun started the next day driving on the Autobahn and feeling
the power of a diesel engine. I never drove a car that had a diesel engine and I have
never driven on the Autobahn before, so I did not know what to expect. Driving on the
German highway is an experience I will never forget. Here in the US, we have been
taught to obey the speed limit and other traffic laws, but driving on the Autobahn
where there was no speed limit was intoxicating. I knew I was doing everything right,
but in the back of my mind I was waiting for the Police or in this case, the Polizei to
blare their sirens and pull me over. I am also not used to driving on a road where potholes are non-existent.
Driving in Germany is different from driving in the States because everyone
respects the laws and each other on the roads. On the German highway, once you
pass someone, you immediately go into the slow lane. Also, if someone is driving
slowly in the passing lane you cannot flash your headlights; you have to turn on the
driver’s side turn signal to let the driver know that you want to pass. Also, if there is a
traffic announcement on while you are listening to the radio, you cannot switch
stations.
On the German highway there are cameras all over watching every move making
sure that the roads are clear of accidents and that people are obeying the traffic laws. Hello Big Brother. All in all, the CDI
we had was a great car and I would buy one if it came to the states.
After seeing my family, touring Germany and seeing what the country had to offer in terms of beer, candy, food, and
hospitality, it was time for us to leave. But we could not leave Germany without going to Stuttgart. We originally wanted to
go to the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, but it was not possible. Instead, we saw the next best thing: the engine
facility, where we were taken on an informative tour. In my opinion, the Sindelfingen tour is more interesting. However, it
was fascinating to learn how the engines are made. This tour was only done in German, so my mom translated what the
tour guide said. Unlike the AMG plant, the engines are not made by hand. They are all done by robots and for every robot
there are four workers behind the robot. These workers impute codes and coordinate telling the robot where to go and
what to do. The engine plant made 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engines. We also learned that each engine is made differently,
depending on where the steering wheel is set up. Before installing anything onto the engine, a robot takes a picture of the
part to ensure identification in case of a recall. Before the engines are sent to any of the plants around the world, they are
tested to make sure there are not any leaks or imperfections. Although the cars are made in Germany, US, Africa and Asia,
all of the engines are made in Germany. Mercedes is proud of this because not all car companies manufacture the engines
in their home country.
Before we left, we went on a tour of the Mercedes museum. This was an interesting tour because each person
received an electronic device that could detect where you were in the museum and automatically described information,
depending on your location. If you found something interesting and wanted more information, all you had to do was point
and click. The tour talked about the history of Mercedes-Benz and the innovations that the company has made over the
years. The tour also showed how the company was able to contribute in the rebuilding of Germany after World War II. The
tour also talked about the company’s racing history and where it was headed. To add one more item to the list, the tour
described each car on display and what the car was known for.
In the same building, but separate from the tour, there was a show room of all of the cars that were on sale. The cars
in the showroom ranged from the A-Class to the S-Class plus the SUVs that Mercedes offers. What I found interesting was
that they had a “Young Classics” section, where they sold cars that were at least twenty years old.
Overall, it was an enjoyable vacation, which included an informative experience in Stuttgart. My girlfriend was very patient
with me during this vacation, especially on the engine tour! If anyone is planning a trip to the Mercedes museum, MBCA
members get in for free and guests of MBCA members get a discount. Also, if you are interested in buying any souvenirs,
you are entitled to a 25% discount; just one of the many perks of being an MBCA member!
Andrew Syracuse
JUNE JAMBOREE
Photos by Carl Ian Schwartz
JUNE JAMBOREE
Photos by Jerry Shapiro
JUNE JAMBOREE
Photos by Jerry Shapiro
A Day at the Races
The Star and the Queen
On a beautiful August Sunday, 100 members of the NYC-Long Island Section and their
guest boarded the Queen Mary 2 for a fabulous lunch in the Grand Britannica dining room.
A champagne cocktail hour was highlighted with an address by Captain Bates, who in his
welcoming remarks linked the great names of Mercedes-Benz and Canard.
Cocktails were followed by wonderful multi-choice three course meal with wines.
The program consisted of a raffle for a framed, art deco picture of the Queen donated by
Canard. After lunch, we were taken on a tour of the ship by Alicia, who provided Section
members and guests with information on the ship and its future cruises.
It was a special day, enjoyed by all.
Vinny Milo
The Star and the Queen
The Star and the Queen
Club Day and Fairfield Concours
Club Day and Fairfield Concours
Oktoberfest at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant
NYC-LONG ISLAND SECTION
MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY
SUNDAY, 05 DECEMBER 2010
1200 - 0400pm
INN at NEW HYDE PARK
Jericho Turnpike
New Hyde Park NY 11040
We will once again host our lunch, by popular consensus at The Inn at New Hyde Park.
The service will be Buffet and will include:
Cocktail Hour
Cold Antipasto
Fruit and Cheese Boards
Passed Appetizers
Lunch
Meat Carving Station
Two Pasta Stations
Four Hot Entrees
Salads
Dessert
Coffee and Cake
EVEN THOUGH PRICES ARE UP, WE ARE MAINTAINING LAST YEARS COST OF $45 FOR
ADULTS AND $25 FOR CHILDREN.
This year’s raffle will have our best gifts ever, including certificates to restaurants.
Please make checks out to:
MBCA
Sent to:
Vinny Milo
222 E 80 Street
New York NY 10075
Questions: 212 861-4027
vcmilo@aol.com
Subject: Holiday Party
MERCEDES-BENZ RACE 1910
A large field of 30 cars raced in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race held on October 1, 1910. The
race was run on the same course as in 1909- a total of 12.64 miles including 5.15 miles of the
Long Island Motor Parkway. The winner needed to complete 22 laps of the course for a total of
278.08 miles.
#4 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Spencer Wishart. Finished 17th. Flagged during 18th lap.
#7 Benz (Germany) driven by Eddie Hearne. Finished 8th. Led most number of laps.
Completed 22 laps averaging 61.2 MPH.
#8 Benz (Germany) driving by Franz Heim. Finished 27th. Caught fire during lap 6.
From the Howard Kroplick Collection
#16 Benz (Germany) driven by David Bruce-Brown. Finished 12th. Flagged while running
during lap 22 when race was called.
#18 Alco (USA) driven by Harry Grant and mechanician Frank Lee. Finished 1st for second
consecutive year. Completed 22 laps averaging 65.18 MPH.
Jerry Shapiro in the Alco-6 “Black Beast,” Vanderbilt Cup 1st Place winner in 1909 & 1910. This
racer has been completely restored by owner, Howard Kroplick, who shows his racer at local
car shows, competes and wins (50+mph) in vintage car races at Lime Rock Park. Howard is an
automotive historian who has a website VanderbiltCupRaces.com This website provides
interesting stories, great photos and videos of the Cup Races, America’s first International
Road Race. The six Vanderbilt Cup Races were first held on public roads and then on
the privately owned Long Island Speedway from 1904 to 1910. These colorful, exciting,
and dangerous races drew huge crowds from 25,000 to over 250,000 spectators.
From the Howard Kroplick Collection
FOR SALE
2004 ML350
44,431 Miles
Excellent condition
Options: CD multi disc changer, Bose Premium Sound, Moon Roof, Side air bags
KBB value for private sale: $16,800
Member price: $16,000
Rich Weissman
631-338-3412
************************************************************************************************
1991 350SDL
273K. Well Preserved, Smoke Silver,
Second owner. 27 MPG Hwy. Additional parts.
Asking $6,650. Clark Pritchett, Waterford, CT
(near the casinos)
860-444-1884 Modlrrnews@aol.com
1987 Mercedes Benz 560SL
WDBBA48D0HA058845



Bright Red Exterior w/ Tan Interior
79,000 Miles
Complete Mechanical & Cosmetic Ground Up Restoration
Mechanical
 Major Service
 All Fluids Replaced :Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid, Coolant
 New Brakes : Rotors & Pads / Calipers Powder coated
 New Shocks
 New Light Bulbs
Interior
 Redone w/ New Front & Rear Seats
 All gauges , lights & switches work perfectly
 No cracks or signs of wear
 New Stainless Steel Door Sills
 New Gentex Photo chromatic Rear View Mirror w/ Temp & Compass
 New Kenwood Audio Head Unit w/ Navigation, Rear View Camera , Sirius & IPOD Interface
 New Speakers : Front & Rear
 Valentine 1 Radar Detector Hardwiring ( Detector not
Included)
 Lloyd Mats Plush Floor Mats
 Hand Stitched Leather Steering Wheel Cover
Exterior
 New Windshield
 New Bumper
 New German Soft Top , Plastic Windows & Seals
 Custom Made Dayton Wire Wheels w/ Spinner
Center Caps
 4 New Dunlop 18” x 8” Tires
 New Hand Pin striping
 Removable Hard Top w/ Cart & Cover
 New MB Badges

 New Headlights , Fog lights & Turn Signals
Upgrades
 Keyless Entry & Remotes
Misc




Clean CarFax
Flawless Paint
3 Keys & Remote Entry Fobs
All Manuals
$22,000 Negotiable
516-742-1369
John P. Roulett
1980 MERCEDES-BENZ 300TD
EXCELLENT MECHANCAL CONDITION, VERY CLEAN, 52,000 ORIGIONAL MILES
SERIOUS INQUIRES: (516) 742-3320
NYC-LONG ISLAND SECTION MEMBERS RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT
ON ALL MERCEDES-BENZ REPAIRS and PARTS