March Benz of the Month Contest - Time to VOTE

[chad300tdt]

It's time to vote for the March Benz of the Month!

Read the 3 posts below to see photos and read a little about each car.

[chad300tdt]

Miawesty – 2007 CLS550

Thanks for the notification of my 2007 CLS550 being nominated for benzobsession.com's March Benz of the month! It's quite an honor!

Attached, you will find the photos you requested and following is a brief write up of the car and how I came to own it.

I ordered the car in October 2006 in 544 Barolo Red from Mercedes Benz of Pembroke Pines in Pembroke Pines, Florida for a sticker price of $79,660. It arrived in January 2007 with the stock 5.5 liter Twin-Spark 32-Valve V8 and Driver adaptive 7 Speed transmission with Touch Shift. Optional equipment installed includes 881 Electronic truck closer, P02 Premium II Package, and 321 AMG Sport Package. I also opted for 731 Matte Burl Walnut Trim over the more popular gloss trim.

Originally the car was a daily driver and was on a 27 month lease and I intended to return the car to Mercedes at the lease end. My plans changed however, when I found myself returning to Ohio just 4 months later. I knew I didn't want to drive the car in the winter, so I got an SUV and later traded that for a GL320 CDI which is what I use as a daily vehicle. When the lease was up last year I wasn't yet ready to part with the car and bought it, knowing full well I was paying more than I should.

When I made the move back to Ohio from Florida, I had 3300 miles on the odometer. It was trailered to Ohio (enclosed, of course) and as it sits now has 19,999 miles on the clock. Although I love the car, I avoid driving it right now because the thought of it rolling to 20,000 miles kills me and I suppose it's true in some way I am just saving the car for someone else. I've had it for 3 years now, making it the longest I've ever kept a vehicle.

[chad300tdt]

cmitch - 2006 ML350

I've been looking for quite some time for a W164 when I came upon this find. A 2006 ML350 Certified Pre-owned that an individual had purchased from the dealer in November, 2009.

When I seen the pics on ebay, I KNEW this was a good possibility for purchase. While I 'thought' that I would not like black interior, since I never cared for my ML430's dark charcoal, I was extremely surprised how well it was accented with brushed chrome and Bird's Eye Maple. The black interior is stunningly classy and real easy on the eyes. The seats are fashioned out of MB Tex with leather inserts. I never imagined that these seats would be so comfortable. Added along side are power adjustable headrests and memory seats. The power tilt and telescoping steering is a welcome addition, since it's much easier to enter and exit the vehicle when the steering wheel is moved out of the way. One feature to get used to was the 'paddle' shifter with the gear down switches on the back of the steering wheel. At first, I did not appreciate MB eliminating the console gear shift but, now, the added convenience of the cup holders in the console, where I've always wanted them, has become a major plus.

The Harmon-Kardon Stereo system delivers crisp sound. Satellite radio is available.

Other options include cargo management system, power folding mirrors, power sunroof, rain sensing wipers, power rear hatch, towing package, chrome side steps and parktronic.

The 3.5 liter V-6 Double Overhead Cam delivers 268 hp at 60000 RPM with an impressive 258 lb-ft torque @2400 to 5000 rpm. This vehicle has much more power than my ML430, which really makes my ML320 seem weak.

With the remainder of the CPO warranty and my meticulous maintenance, I am hoping for many years of trouble free service from this ML.

[chad300tdt]

The clk man - 2002 CLK320

As Robert's friend I wanted to say that his CLK is more than the specs below that he sent to me. It helped him create the infamous "CLK man" of internet legend. Through the many hours of phone conversation I've learned that he was able to use his skills to get a good deal on a fine MB.

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 Coupe Interior Standard Features  

- Air conditioning with climate control - Element antenna - Peripheral anti-theft protection - Front ashtray - Audio anti-theft protection: code

- Bose audio system with AM/FM - Automatic drive indicator on dashboard - Cargo area light - Cargo capacity: all seats in place (liters): 311

- Front seats cigar lighter - Clock - Coming home device

- Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2002/mer ... index.html and range for remaining fuel

- Dashboard full console with open storage box , floor full console with covered storage box - Delayed/fade courtesy lights - Cruise control

- Front seats and rear seats cup holders - Door pockets/bins for driver seat and passenger seat - External temperature - Floor covering: carpet in load area

- Floor mats - Driver front airbag , passenger front airbag with occupant sensors - Sports seat - 3-point reel height adjustable front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners

- Front seat center armrest - Garage door opener - Lockable glove compartment - Height adjustable electric adjustable two head restraints on front seats , height adjustable two head restraints on rear seats

- Headlight control with time delay switch-off - Heated washer - Illuminated entry system

- Internal dimensions: front headroom (mm): 937, rear headroom (mm): 909, front hip room (mm): 1,364, rear hip room (mm): 1,166, front leg room (mm): 1,064, rear leg room (mm): 792, front shoulder room (mm): 1,344, rear shoulder room (mm): 1,280 and interior volume (liters): 2,285

- Low fuel level warning - Low washer fluid level warning - Memorized adjustment on door mirror position with three driver's seat positions, three passenger seat positions and head restraint

- Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch and includes power windows - Power steering - Front power windows with two one-touch - Front reading lights - Rear fog lights

- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side and passenger side - Bucket asymmetrical two rear seats - Automatic operation rear view mirror - Remote audio controls - Remote fuel filler door release

- Electric remote trunk/hatch release - Front seat back storage - Leather seat upholstery with additional vinyl - Seating: four seats

- Service interval indicator - Front side airbag - Eight speakers - Leather covered steering wheel - Tachometer - Telematics - Driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirror

- Ventilation system with recirculation setting, micro filter and active carbon filter

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2002/mer ... z0gaLTQwu8

[Gregs210]

That's a pretty overwhelming vote -- and by no means a reflection on the other nominees.

The shot that did it for me was the one that included a nice shot of the front plate and the cool wheels.