Mercedes Enthusiast Magazine Article

[littlefin]

Hi all!

Just to let you all know that Mercedes Enthusiast Magazine is writing a lead feature on the W116 for an upcoming edition (probably April). I know this because my 280SE has recently been professionally photographed (with a friend's 6.9)  for the front cover

I have also given a telephone interview on the subject of my W116 ownership (short interview  )

I made sure to big up W116.org big time - so watch this space!

I anticipate a huge influx of new enthusiasts to the Forum!

[adamb]

When that mag was launched I used to buy every issue. Recently I sifted through the stack of early ME copies and uncovered 5 issues featuring articles on W116 in various guises. I will bring these to our March Brooklands meet. If there's interest in other early copies (including the first issue!) I can bring those too.

[Big_Richard]

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[JasonP]

I was wondering if there was a magazine like that in America. I'd like to subscribe.

[WGB]

I have had an airmail subscription to Mercedes Enthusiast since almost the first year it was printed.

It arrives in my post box a couple of days after it is released in the UK and 2 to 3 months before it appears in the Newsagents here.

I enjoy the current M-B news and upcoming models and have discovered a wealth of of information by reading the articles - often only a sentence or two is important eg - I discovered the M117 timing chain weakness first in M-B Enthusiast.

It was an article in the magazine some years ago that made me catch a train from London down to Weybridge and see Mercedes Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey built around the remains of the old Brooklands Race Track.

http://www.visitsurrey.com/things-to-do/mercedes-benz-world-p208771

They seem to be able to get their hands on a number of well kept specimens either via museums, dealers or the specialist Mercedes Dealers but I wish they would get a bit more in depth and technical with some of their write ups.

Maybe a section on old Mercs written by someone with some technical knowledge each month would add a bit more interest as well as the general move away in the UK from large Petrol Engines to engines that use that other fuel (Like my wife's ML320CDI  that I don't drive very often)

Bill

[marku]

Hi Phil

Good see any coverage of the 116 but the club will not like it. They are always lobbying Mercedes to get them to close down 'unofficial' clubs and publications. From what I could gather Mercedes are pleased with any coverage and increased interest.

Mark

[marku]

Good write up of the W116 450SEL in the March edition - alone worth the rather extortionate cover price.  Putting forward the view that general interest is rising as the model becomes increasingly rare. So advice must be buy now before the price goes up!

[littlefin]

I'll keep my eyes open for a copy in my local Tesco. Magazine section is usually quiet enough to do some sly reading without actually having to pay the cover price 

[littlefin]

Good see any coverage of the 116 but the club will not like it. They are always lobbying Mercedes to get them to close down 'unofficial' clubs and publications. From what I could gather Mercedes are pleased with any coverage and increased interest.

Hi Mark
The British MB Club is obviously keen to protect its status as the (only) UK MB Club recognised and supported by Mercedes-Benz Classic Club Liaison in Stuttgart. Having said that, I really can't see that an enthusiasts forum such as this poses any threat to them or to that status. After all many members of this ORG are also members of the official Club, such as you and I (and doubtless many others).

As you have said elsewhere on this forum, the international nature of this internet-based group offers far more in many ways than a 'normal' domestic marque car club could, but does not seek to usurp that kind of organisation. As for 'Mercedes Enthusiast' I don't think that it would be in the interest of any manufacturer to try to quash an independant publication apparently dedicated to promoting interest in their brand. Purists might complain about the accuracy of some of the content, or criticise the lack of technical detail, but I would say that comes with the territory when trying to appeal to a mass audience. I agree that in my experience Mercedes-Benz themselves are generally pleased with any positive interest shown in their products both old and new.

Phil

[marku]

Hi Phil

Yes you are quite right of course. It just that the club rather jealously guards its official position. I came to the wider Mercedes world through the club and I am still discovering what's  out there. In fact I have only just learned, through the forum and your posting, of Mercedes Enthusiast which is excellent and which I well might take a subscription. I thought the March edition's 116 write up very good and the promise of April's  '4 decades of the 116' even better. More cover of the 116  can only increase its profile and hopefully lead to the kind of market support such as in the US.  I think it very likely that the 116 in the UK is about to have a great future.

Sorry, I did not mean to run down the 280. Never my intention - didn't realise your partiality. It is just that mine is, as posted elsewhere, for bigger engines. I had for years followed the Jaguar XK and rebuilt some but am now converted totally to Mercedes and in particular the 116. Hope to see you at Brooklands and continue this conversation.

Mark     

[Squiggle Dog]

I was wondering if there was a magazine like that in America. I'd like to subscribe.

There is The Star magazine, which features many vintage models. It comes with a membership in the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. I can sign you up if interested. It costs about $50 a year now, but for me the membership pays for itself over and over with the parts and service discounts I get from The Classic Center and other dealers.

[JasonP]

Oh, shoot. I bet you could have got a deal there. I signed up with them about three weeks ago. Have not received my Star magazine yet, but am now a member of the MBCA and the local Kansas City chapter as well.

Now if I can just get my lazy ass to drive 50 miles to the nearest MB dealership, I can get my form signed and get a mileage tag.

[littlefin]

I was wondering if there was a magazine like that in America. I'd like to subscribe.

There is The Star magazine, which features many vintage models. It comes with a membership in the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. I can sign you up if interested. It costs about $50 a year now, but for me the membership pays for itself over and over with the parts and service discounts I get from The Classic Center and other dealers.

Members of the UK Mercedes Benz Club receive 'The Gazette', a monthly in-house magazine which publicises national and local club events and contains write-ups of events past, rallies etc. Members also submit technical articles and items on recent auction activity, Formula 1  etc etc. There are also sections for members to advertise cars & parts for sale.
The cost of this publication does not come out of Club funds but is covered by the commercial advertising it carries.

[marku]

Another excellent write up for the 116 in the April issue of the Mercedes Enthusiast. Could this be the start of wider interest? And if it is do we really want it?

[littlefin]

Another excellent write up for the 116 in the April issue of the Mercedes Enthusiast. Could this be the start of wider interest? And if it is do we really want it?

I'm glad you enjoyed the article. I think both cars look pretty tasty...but then I'm slightly biased 

Please explain why we wouldn't want wider interest in W116's? Members of this forum continually complain about insufficient recognition of these cars qualities. Why start complaining when that appreciation starts to spread?