MBCA Carolinas Section Newsletter 3rd Qtr 2011

MBCA | Carolinas Section

THIRD QTR

2011

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MERCEDES BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA, CAROLINAS SECTION

S

helton Vineyards Event is This WEEKEND

Shelton Vineyards will host a Mercedes-Benz car show for all Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts like yourself! Join our Carolinas Section on August 27 - 28 for a second year of great participation at this club event, along with our partners in the Triangle Section for a wonderful weekend of cars and friends!

Admission is free. There are winery tours, delectable meals at The Harvest Grille and wine tastings available for all to enjoy! Hotel rooms are available to show participants at The Hampton Inn and Suites at Shelton Vineyards, 336-353-9400.

Awards for “Most Original,” “Oldest,” “Best of Show,” and “Most Unique” will be given and we’d love to see winners from the Carolinas Section!

Please use the registration form on the Shelton Vineyard’s website for entering your vehicle and return as soon as possible to Shelton Vineyards. Or e-mail Odette@overgaardweb. com with your car model and year. All cars will be registered and grouped in their designated class the day of the show.

“I am delighted that your section is keyed up about our event and will be bringing a good group of cars,” said John Gillespie, Vice President of Operations at Shelton Vineyards.

“It is our goal to build into one of the great annual events for MBCA members and all fans of Mercedes Benz automobiles in the Southeast.”

For more information on the MBCA Carolinas

Directions to Shelton Vineyards: Shelton Vineyards is located in Dobson, North Carolina.

GPS Directions 1344 Twin Oaks Road Elkin, NC 28621 Coordinates- N 36 degrees 21.286/ W 80 degrees 46.115/ Directions From Charlotte Take I-77 North to Exit 93 (Dobson), then follow the signs to the vineyard. We are approximately 1½ hours north of Charlotte.

Section participation, e-mail Odette Sigler Pedersen, Odette@overgaardweb.com or call (704) 507-2112 (Odette’s cell).

Let’s make it another fantastic event with grand participation!

by Soren Pedersen

Brake Fluid

Flush

Brake fluid has been and is still the most neglected maintenance item. Most carmakers have excluded this from the schedule in order to keep the long term service to a minimum. If you lease or are not planning to drive your car past 100,000 miles, this will not affect you. However, if you are planning to keep your car, the brake fluid should be changed every two years. This will have significant impact on long term repair cost by preventing expensive brake and hydraulic system repairs. Mercedes Benz cars are no different and the fluid should be changed.

Changing out your brake fluid can seem like a daunting task. Most people don’t feel comfortable taking on such a critical system as the brakes. Mercedes uses two different brake systems; normal hydraulic and Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC). SBC was used in some Mercedes models between 2003 and 2008. SBC uses a ‘brake-by-wire’ system where a sensor on the brake pedal senses how much pressure there is applied, relays the signal to a computer that tells the SBC pump to apply pressure to the breaks.

I am pointing out the SBC systems as it is different in both from a function point of view but also in regards to maintenance. Most people might feel inclined to just take their vehicles to the dealership and ask them to do the flush, and that is of course the perfect solution. But if you know your way around the engine bay and can change a tire, you are halfway done with the flush!

The process for doing the flush between an SBC system and a traditional one is more or less the same. The difference is that the fluid in the SBC pump cannot be flush without going to the dealership or any other place where the tech has access to a StarDiagnosis system.

The amount of fluid in the SBC pump is about 1 cup and it will mix with the fresh fluid just fine.

The process of flushing the fluid is to push it out by adding new. The pushing is done by using a power flush tool such as the power bleeder from Motive Products. The bleeder works by putting new fluid in the tank, attach the adaptor to the brake reservoir and apply pressure. Then open the bleed nipples on the brake caliber and let it run until the fluid is clear. Sounds simple enough, right? Since you are going to replace all the fluid, you should start with the caliper that is the furthest away from the reservoir. That will typically be the right (passengers) rear brake. Then move to the next furthest (left rear), and so forth, working your way towards the reservoir.

More formalized, the steps would be: • Attach the power bleeder to the reservoir, and apply 15 PSI pressure. This is to make sure that there are no leaks once you start the bleeding. If the pressure goes down, you have a leak that should be fixed before attempting to do the flush. On most cars the leak would be between the reservoir and the master brake cylinder. It is a rubber grommet and over time it can become bridle. Mercedes does not sell the grommet as a separate part but there are several places on the internet that sells just the grommet, and replacing it is trivial. Simply empty the reservoir, and pull it straight up. To replace, lube it with a little brake fluid and push it back into the master brake cylinder.

• If you found no leaks, release the pressure and add fluid to the power bleeder. Before you start it is a good idea to empty the reservoir using a syringe or similar and refill with fresh fluid.

• Attach the adaptor, and pressurize to 20 PSI. • Jack up and secure the car, remove the wheel and locate the bleed screw on the rear of the brake caliper body. It will more than likely have a protective rubber cover over it that you will need to remove and refit later.

The power bleeder from Motive Products, found online at motiveproducts.com

SEE BRAKE FLUSH, P.3

BRAKE FLUSH, CONT’D

• • • • •

Place one end of the clear plastic hose over the nipple (end) of the bleed screw.

Place the other end of the hose into the disposable bottle.

Loosen the bleed screw by 1-2 turns to release fluid into the clear pipe.

Once the fluid is clear, close the bleed screw gently and not using too much force.

After bleeding each wheel, check that there is sufficient brake fluid in the brake reservoir in the engine bay (where you top it up).

Party

Once you are done, torque the wheel bolts to 100 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. This is to avoid uneven pressure resulting in a possible bent rim. If you have a steel rim, it is not a concern.

You can bleed the fluid in about 30 minutes and most of the time is spent jacking up the car and removing the wheels. The amount of brake fluid varies a little between each model, but about a liter should suffice, but check with your owner’s manual and/or the dealership. A liter of M-B brake fluid is about $12 with the MBCA 10% discount (remember to present your MBCA membership card). I would recommend using genuine M-B fluid since the price difference between that and other brands are negligible.

On a 1-5 star scale, with 5 being the most difficult thing you can do in terms of repair, I would rate this a 2 star.

Held on June 11, 2011, the annual Dock Party was once again given by the gracious super-hosts, Katherine and Henry Dunbar at their lovely Charleston home.

The Dunbar’s Fabulous Dock

President’s Message

MBCA CAROLINA’S SECTION PRESIDENT, RICK DEIBER

The Fall Season is almost upon us, bringing the joys of football, cooler weather, and our usual hectic schedules.

Your car club has a pretty busy lineup of events planned for the Fall too, so you’ll want to grab your calendar now while you’re reading this issue to pencil in the events you’d like to attend.

We know you joined the club to learn more about your favorite brand, Mercedes Benz, and we have a lot of opportunities for you to meet knowledgeable folks and develop new friendships. Come out to an event near you this Fall and see what you’ve been missing.

N

WELCOME Gary Andaas Al Borino John Cato John Coppedge Salvador Cuellar Louis Hart Robert Hottensen Don Howard Paul Johnson Robert Knosalla Gabriel Lori

rick@deiber.biz

Tidbits. . .

Cases for The Star Magazines Custom Star Case with dark blue leather-like finish has a foil stamped MBCA logo. This handy library case holds approximately 12 issues (or two years’ worth). If you’re interested in this item, type this link into your browser: www.mbca.org/product/case-star-magazines Original Factory Brochures If you also have an interest in American cars, this website features the original factory brochures for nearly every American car ever made. Search by manufacturer, model and year. http://www.lov2xlr8.no/broch1.html.

EW MEMBERS! Nick MacKowski Jerry Marcum John Norton Robert Pharr Carranza Pryor Putesy Pyles Robert Rada Bob Ruscitti Phillip Snyder Robert Ward Harvey Watson

Cannon’s Specializing in Pre-Owned Mercedes 2640 Asheville Highway Hendersonville, NC

JERRY CANNON Owner

828-606-7255 Cell 828-692-6541 Office

H

WHAT’S

APPENING...

Upcoming Events - MBCA Carolinas Section August

27: Shelton Vineyards Mercedes-Benz Show (Dobson, NC) Polish up your favorite ‘Benz and join fellow Carolina Section members for this fabulous display of Mercedes automobiles at the picturesque back-drop of Shelton Vineyards and Winery in Dobson, NC. Join the Carolina’s Section for its 2nd annual participation in this event, including displaying your ‘Benz at the car show (no fee), tours of the winery and dining at the vineyard’s Harvest Grill. Awards for “Most Original,” “Oldest,” “Best of Show”and“ Most Unique” will be given, and we would love to see a Carolinas Section Member be selected! What a wonderful weekend to enjoy such fun festivities!

September 11: Euro Classica Car Show (Winston-Salem, NC) You are invited to EURO CLASSICA , featuring the cars and motorcycles of Europe. Vehicles will be displayed with the buildings of the 1700’s town of Old Salem as a backdrop. The event will take place at historic Old Salem located in Winston-Salem, NC. The event is scheduled for Saturday September 10 and Sunday September 11, 2011. Let’s show everyone our Mercedes-Benz pride and come out strong as representatives of the Carolinas Section! You won’t want to miss this awesome event! Register at www.euro-classica.com.

Sept. 24: Member BBQ (Columbia, SC) Come one, Come all – It’s a MBCA Members’ BBQ ya’ll! Venture on out to Columbia, SC and enjoy some delicious, down-home BBQ! Hosted by our own MBCA Carolinas Section editor, Melissa Sprouse Browne and her husband Chip, you’ll enjoy Southern BBQ and just a good ‘ole time! You won’t want to miss this Members’ event on the gorgeous Saluda River – especially for all of ya’ll who live in Columbia! Let’s get this party started!

October 7-9: OktoberFest & Road Rally (Hickory, NC) Oktoberfest is a three day festival which brings 100,000 people to Downtown Hickory for a juried craft show; “KidsFest” ethnic crafts, rides and games. You should come with an appetite since thirty-three food vendors will be selling an enormous variety of irresistible food, including home-baked chicken pot pies. roasted corn-on-the-cob, the always-popular “funnel cakes” and, of course, hot dogs and hamburgers. MBCA Carolinas Section will meet Saturday morning for a scenic drive in the mountains and convene in Hickory to enjoy the festivities later in the afternoon.

14-16: EuroFest (Greer, SC) Join MBCA Carolina’s Section members for the 16th EURO Auto Festival 3-day event on the beautiful campus of BMW in Spartanburg, South Carolina. As in years past, featured and honorary marques will lead the field of one of the largest European car shows in the Southeast, including celebrating the 1961 introduction of the Austin Healey Sprite/MG Midget models affectionately know as “Spridgets”. The new host hotel will be Greenville’s Embassy Suites and Golf Resort, offering great rooms, attractive rates and a beautiful setting. Exciting new programs are being added such as technical sessions, wine & history tours and even a spouses program. EURO is also bringing back your favorites - factory tours at BMW Manufacturing with driving events at the BMW Performance Center.

WHAT’S HAPPENING, CONTINUED...

Capriccio Ristorante Make Your Reservation

November for a Romantic Rendezvous!

5-6: Concours D’Elegance (Hilton Head, SC) 10% Discount for MBCA Members!

Be a part of MBCA Carolina’s Section tradition and join fellow 1034 Chuck Dawley Blvd. members at the Concours d’Elegance, literally translated, means Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 “parade of elegance.” Since its inception, the term referred to (843) 881-5550 a very special type of carriage or automobile show, and the Concours D’Elegance at Hilton Head, SC is no exception.

Featuring BMW as the honored marquee, Dennis Gage from SPEED Channel’s My Classic Car as the Honorary Chairman and Boris Said as the Savannah Speed Classic’s Grand Marshal. The club participates in the Saturday Car Club Jamboree. The Event itself covers several days, and culminates on Sunday with the official Concours display and judging. WE ONLY HAVE SLOTS FOR 10 CARS TO EXHIBIT WITH THE CLUB. IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY REGISTERED, PLEASE EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST ASAP. December 3: Annual Dinner (Charleston, SC)

Events of Interest Outside of the Carolinas Section Sept. 24 - 30: Great Lake Mille Lake Huron and surrounding area. Come drive the spectacular Great Lake Mille, a majestic tour around Lake Huron including the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay. The five day tour kicks off at the St. Claire Inn in St. Claire, Michigan and a visit to the Wills St. Claire Museum. Attend the Lexington Classic Car Show; visit Goderich, the “prettiest town in Canada” and ferry to Manitoulin Island to explore the Great Spirit Circle Trail. Elk viewing, wine tastings, gourmet dinners and so much more. For more information, call Ron Harshman at 218-213-4967 or email: r_harshmen1234@msn.com Sept. 23 - 25: Northeast Region Fall Foliage Rally and Tour Take a spectacular fall foliage drive that begins at the Auto Museum ni Saratoga Springs, NY; winds through the scenic Adirondack Mountains and ends at the Olympic Village of Lake Placid, NY. $100/per person includes special reception Friday evening and dinner Saturday night. Reduced rate accommodations available at Lake Placid Crowne Plaza. www.mbca-hudmo. com or call Ron at 518-822-1664.

Sept. 26 - Oct. 1: Tour of Germany Visit AMG, the Classic Center, Sindelfingen Visitor Center, the new Mercedes Benz Museum and so much more. Luxurious accommodations, three meals/day, profesional guides, transportation, admission fees and taxes included in $2,500/per person cost. Call Jim at 617-879-0017 or email jimo55@comcast.net or www.mbca.org/travel.

Oct. 1: Touring Joara, Tarheel Section Event Fundraiser to support the Exploring Joara Foundation. The Tarheel Section is a sponsor; this year’s tour celebrates the 125th anniversary of Mercedes Benz. This event combines the feel of a Grand European style tour with a poker run for a bit of competitiveness. The drive visits the historic Fort San Juan and Native American Village of Joara near Morganton, NC. Dinner following the tour on Saturday night. Event hotel: Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland, NC (828) 765-2153. Contact Scott Coley, scottmci@directus.net.

Mercedes-Benz Skyland Automotive, Inc.

255 Smoky Park Highway • PO Box 6359 Asheville, NC 28816-6359

(828) 667-5213 • (828) 667-8463

www.skylandautomotive.com

H & H Auto Service

35 Hunter Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Proud Members of the MercedesBenz Club of America Since 1983

•Sales and Service of Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benzs •Service by Experts Trained on Mercedes •Great Advice and Helpful Information H&H Auto Body - Check out our website at www.hhautobodyhhi.com

(843) 681-8384 • www.handhautos.com

Gat hering

Images from May’s

MBCA CONTACT INFORMATION Carolinas Section Officers Contact List PRESIDENT Richard Deiber Huntersville, NC (704) 948-1433 president@mbcacarolinas.org

TREASURER Roy L. Davis Columbia, SC (803) 331-1852 treasurer@mbcacarolinas.org

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Anthony Santagati Beaufort, SC (843) 522-9444 sandspub@aol.com

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Fred Harris Statesville, NC (704) 902-6253 harrisfred@hotmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT Soren Pedersen Waxhaw, NC (980) 722-5651 vicepresident@mbcacarolinas.org

EVENTS CHAIR Odette Sigler-Pedersen Waxhaw, NC (704) 290-2257 odette@overgaardweb.com

SECRETARY Position Vacant

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Melissa Sprouse Browne Columbia, SC (803) 791-3800 info@mbcacarolinas.org

MBCA | Carolinas Section

About MBCA Established in 1956, MBCA has approximately 20,240 active members and 9251 additional household members in 12 regions which are comprised of 80+ local sections throughout the United States and Canada. Each region is adminstered by a regional director who is responsible for assisting and inspiring the sections in the region. The regional director also fosters the formation of new sections, coordinates regional activities and represents the constituents as a member of the national board of directors. Hundreds of events are organized by sections, from social gatherings to tech sessions, from car shows to driving events. Most sections publish a newsletter of information and events and each section has its own officers and bylaws.

National Board: Rodger Van Ness, President: rvann40398@aol.com; Steve Dierks, Vice President: sdierks007@cs.com; Mary Alice Cozza, Secretary: marcozza7@neo.rr.com; Laura Simonds, Treasurer: simondsl@pacbell.net. Eastern Regional Director, William Hopper, wwhrestoration@att.net.

Additional officers and contact information may be found in the latest issue of The Star magazine.

From the National Business Office: With every email and address update that we receive at the NBO, we will send a 10% off coupon for one item in the Club Store. One coupon per member will be sent electronically (so it must include a valid email address). Please send these updates to Geni at geni@mbca.org.