Monday, August 29, 2011

Mercedes-Benz.tv: The New B-Class



More agile, more efficient and safer than ever: The new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is the all-rounder in the compact class.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Volkswagen Repairs - 3 Reasons to Have Repairs Done by a Volkswagen Specialist


Why should you have your repairs done by a VW Specialist?

I've heard from different people that Volkswagens are expensive to repair and that parts are difficult to find. My answer is usually, "Not if you know where to take them." Over the last thirty years in car sales and the last five years concentrating on selling Volkswagen almost exclusively, I've learned a few things. We have seen most of the common problems so there are very few repairs I haven't done. The biggest mistake I see is taking your VW to a general repair garage rather than a VW specialist.

These are the reasons why you seek out a VW Specialist:

1. They know where to source parts, either new or used at good prices and at a reasonable cost. When you are repairing the same make and model all the time they have usually done their homework at sourcing out the common parts that they need to do the repairs.

2. Repairing the same model day after day means they have done the common repair jobs ie: timing belt replacement, brakes, front end, electrical, etc., many times. This has two advantages. It's done right the first time and it's done reasonably quickly.

3. When you have unusual problems crop up, there's a better chance that a VW specialist has seen this problem already and they know what is required to fix it. If they haven't seen the problem, they're probably hooked into a specialty site like VW Vortex where they can post the problem and have dozens of VW techs offer dozens of solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3905849

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in Volkswagen service and reapirs. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.
707-455-8870

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Top 4 Ways To Baby Your Mercedes Benz Car


You spent the money on this amazing machine, so nothing's too good for your baby. But as a practical matter, babying your Mercedes Benz gives you a fine ride for as long as you own it, and helps you preserve the resale value. Here are five things you need to do.

First, change the oil regularly. There's nothing easier you can do for your Mercedes Benz than treat the engine well. Fresh oil does the job.

But how often is "regularly"? It used to be every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. But if you use Mobil 1 oil in your Mercedes (and their engineers say you should), engine advances in the past decade or so have made "regular" seem like not very often. Most Mercedes models, even at the high end, say you can change your oil at between 10,000 and 15,000 miles. Hey, the engineers designed your fine machine, so maybe you can trust what they say about oil changes.

Second, you need to wash and dry your Mercedes properly. You've spent a hefty amount on your Mercedes car, so don't take away the magic by ruining your paint job. Washing and drying properly will help you preserve the paint.

Washing a Mercedes isn't rocket science, but here are some specific things to keep in mind:

1. Pick a shaded area to let your car cool down before you wash it, and to prevent water spotting later during the drying phase

2. Consider cleaning the wheels first to give your car time to cool down, and use only non-acidic wheel cleaner

3. Use only sheepskin or microfiber mitts (or towels) to avoid damaging the paint

4. When you rinse the car, do so from the top down, to avoid getting dirt and gunk in already rinsed areas

5. Use only non-abrasive soap for washing, wash from the top down, and rinse your mitt or towel first before you dip it in the soap again (to get rid of dirt you've already cleaned off, so it won't scratch your paint)

6. Dry with a waffle weave towel

Third, keep your Mercedes well waxed to repel dirt and gunk that can damage the paint over time. You have several options here, but Mercedes enthusiasts everywhere will give the thumbs up to non-petroleum carnauba wax. It not only gives your exterior a nice luster, but also fills in minor scratches. You'll want to buy a wax with 20-50% carnauba and the remainder being brightening agents and perfectly safe natural oils. After you've freshly washed your car, apply the wax in straight strokes with a foam pad, and take it up quickly with a soft terry cloth towel before the wax dries too much. That will give you the shine you're looking for, without making a mess.

Fourth, don't forget to condition the interior! That means the leather (or M-B Tex) and wood. You'll want to use a non-solvent based and non-petroleum based cleaner. Word on the street is that there's no reason to buy anything special from Mercedes. You can go to your local auto store and buy products made by Meguiars, a well recognized brand that lots of Mercedes Benz car owners swear by.

Now you know how to baby your Mercedes. It doesn't take a lot of time, but the extra attention you give your baby now will pay you back down the road.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1782280

Saturday, August 20, 2011

OEM Replacement Parts For Luxury Vehicles


Your luxury car needs routine maintenance to ensure that it is running properly and efficiently. Throughout the life of your foreign import, there will be times when some of the vehicle parts need to be replaced. When this happens, you should choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car parts. A good mechanic knows that OEM vehicle parts offer high quality performance and unique benefits that you cannot get from aftermarket alternatives.

It is inevitable that some of your vehicle parts will wear out or become damaged and need to be replaced. No matter how much care you give your vehicle, many of the original parts simply are not able to last the lifetime of your car. When a part does need to replaced, it is imperative that you take your automobile to repair shop that specializes in servicing your type of vehicle.

The biggest advantage of OEM parts is that they are designed and created by the same manufacturer who made your car. As a result, these parts are designed to precisely fit your specific vehicle. Proper fit ensures that your replacement part will work as well as the original. An ill-fitted part could cause other parts to break or wear out more quickly. This can result in even more expensive repairs in the future.

Another benefit to OEM parts is that they are made from high quality materials. They are built to function properly in your specific model and make. Using only OEM parts will preserve resale value and maintain the integrity of your vehicle. Keep all receipts and service records for potential buyers to view.

Most shops will not offer warranties on repairs using aftermarket or refurbished parts. If a discount replacement does not work or fit properly, you are responsible for any expenses accrued from getting it fixed. Be sure to find a certified service center that uses only OEM parts and offers a warranty on parts and labor.

Not all service and repair shops use OEM replacement parts. You will need to talk with your mechanic to ensure that he is using the parts that will be most effective in your vehicle. Your luxury vehicle is a big investment and keeping it functioning at peak performance is essential to your enjoyment of driving.

Ordering discounted parts online or using refurbished parts may initially save you some money. However, you will more than likely end up with incorrect parts. Returns and exchanges can become time consuming and expensive. Remember that you never want to force a part to fit. This can cause your engine to malfunction and create even more expensive repairs in the future. Fixing it right the first time with high quality parts that specifically created for your vehicle is the best way to ensure that your car will work properly and efficiently.

Your vehicle's manufacture designed very specific parts to help your car run efficiently. When you think about it, it makes sense to use the replacement part that is as close to the original as possible. Requiring your mechanic to use only OEM replacement parts in your foreign import will ensure that it continues to run smoothly for the life of your vehicle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6376202

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Volvo Concept Universe Launch Video




This video presents Concept Universe - the new design study from Volvo, and features Volvo's chief designer Jonathan Disley explaining his vision for this car.

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in working on Volvos. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.
707-455-8870

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Volvo Cars Based On Racing Concept


The Volvo car manufacturing company has announced it will produce three automobile models with features inspired by the Volvo Ocean Race, the prestigious around-the-world yacht race that attracts internationally respected sailors to compete for top honors.

The special models were announced by Volvo at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the highly regarded annual car show held in Switzerland.

The new models, to be known as Volvo Ocean Race Editions, will be associated with the V60, the XC60 and the XC70 in the Volvo lineup. Orders for the special editions are slated to begin in April 2011 with delivery scheduled to start in July.

Volvo company officials have not yet released details on the cost of the special-edition models.

Design details of the new Volvo models are inspired by sailing, the marine lifestyle and the challenge and exhilaration associated with high-level yacht sailing. Volvo offers two specially created colors in the new line, known as Volvo Ocean Blue II and Electric Silver. The Volvo Ocean Race logo will appear in strategic locations on the back of the cars' front seats. Leather upholstery in the cars' interiors comes in soft beige and off-black, according to Volvo. The logo will also appear in various spots on the exterior and interior of the special editions of the cars.

The new editions of the cars will also feature attractive chrome detailing and unique aluminum wheels.

Volvo is targeting an audience of professional and amateur sailors as well as sports fans who appreciate skilled athletes and dramatic competition and drivers who respect the seafaring lifestyle.

Volvo officials said they expect to sell 7,500 of the special-edition autos, with many of the customers coming from Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy.

Karin Backlund, the director of global sponsorship for Volvo, said in an official statement: "With the Volvo Ocean Race, we have a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the brand and highlight specific characteristics such as design, dynamic performance and innovative technology. It enables our effort to move the brand towards more emotive values."

Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo manufactures, markets and distributes buses, trucks, heavy construction equipment, marine and sailing equipment and aerospace items as well as passenger automobiles. Volvo Cars, the company's automobile subsidiary, is famous for its demanding safety standards as the cars' tendency to record extremely high mileage totals.

It is no surprise that safety is also an important consideration in the Volvo Ocean Race, which was established in 1973 under a different name and has been owned and operated by Volvo since 2001. The race takes place once every three years.

All boats in the Volvo Ocean Race are equipped with global positioning satellite systems so that the sailors can relay their precise location in the event of an emergency. Each entrant in the race is required to successfully undergo a training course in safety precautions before the event.

The next edition of the race is scheduled to begin in Alicante, Spain in October 2011 and finish in Galway, Ireland, in July 2012.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6123085

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Evolution Of The Porsche Cayenne


As the Porsche company approached the 21st century, they realised they were missing out on what was becoming a sizable market sector, namely the mid sized crossover market. Up until this point the sector had been dominated by brands such as Land Rover and Jeep. However, since the introduction of the Mercedes ML in 1997 and the BMW X5 in 1999 it was becoming obvious to Porsche that they were missing out on something.

Consequently Porsche designed and introduced its own interpretation of the type in 2002. Porsche were able to call on other similar models within its stable including the Audi Q7 and the Volkswagen Touareg for inspiration and know how, to allow it to develop a rival for the BMW and Mercedes offerings. Also, with the advent of the Porsche Cayenne as it was to be known, Porsche offered something that had not been available in a Porsche since the discontinuation of the Porsche 928 in 1995, namely a V8 engine.

The base model Porsche Cayenne though is powered by a VR6 derived engine, which is the same unit that powers the above mentioned VW Touareg as well as the Volkswagen Golf R32. It produces around 250 horse power which is good enough the get the rather large and heavy Porsche Cayenne from rest to 100 kph (62 mph) in around 7.5 seconds.

However, as Porsche are not necessarily known for their slow cars, there are other options available. The next step up is the Porsche Cayenne S. This version has a V8 engine delivering 340 horse power. This decreases the sprint time from the above 7.5 seconds to a more respectable 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

After that there is the Porsche Cayenne GTS which houses a 4.8 litre V8 engine which produces 405 horse power. The sprint time consequently drops again to now below 6 seconds at 5.7 seconds.

There is also available, in true Porsche tradition a Cayenne Turbo and a Cayenne Turbo S. The first of the turbo Cayenne's had 450 horse power and so the sprint time dropped again to 5.3 seconds. Mercedes were now taking note though and countered with the Mercedes Benz AMG63 version of the ML. Porsche hadn't finished though and followed up in 2006 with the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. The Turbo S was home to a monster 4.5 litre twin turbo V8 producing 520 hp. This was good enough for a 0-100 kph time of 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 171 miles per hour.

Still though Porsche had not finished tweaking the performance of the Cayenne and at the Beijing Motorshow in 2008, they revealed a new version of the Turbo and Turbo S. The former had received another 50 hp and so had a 0-100 kph time of 4.9 seconds. The new Cayenne Turbo S now had 550 hp and dropped another 0.2 second off the sprint time to 4.7 seconds.

With the introduction of the second generation Porsche Cayenne in 2010 it is clear that Porsche have not finished with this platform and there are more great things to come.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6059811

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Why People Are Still In Love With The American Muscle Car


Muscle cars are classic cars that were built mostly for power for on the drag strip or tame enough to be driven on the road. They were owned by any type of people, sometimes elderly ladies owned these types of vehicles driving them to church and to the store, while the same exact model may be bought by someone who only intention was to race it on race day. There were many different models of these cars and now they are some of the most sought after cars for car collectors.

The American Muscle cars were mostly built in the late 60's and early 70's. They were solidly built cars that many have lasted for many years and still are on the roads as vehicles that are driven daily. There are clubs that have been created so that people can show off their vehicles and admire the other models of the cars.

When you drive a Muscle Car instantly you feel like you are young again, full of life and feeling great about everything. You can hear the engine roar with the gunning of the engine, and you can feel the power as the rubber meets the pavement. There have been many movies that show these types of vehicles and teenagers having fun while driving these cars, these are the types of memories that most people have with these vehicles. The auto makers seem to be aware of the thrill of owning and driving these vehicles as they are replicating the muscle cars and making them newer and more fuel efficient.

The thrill of owning or seeing these cars goes beyond what people can imagine. People will drive many miles to visit car auctions so that they can bid on owning a piece of American History, and becoming the proud owner of an American Muscle Car.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2448683

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept


A milestone in the history of the BMW Group: The world premiere of the electrically powered concepts BMW i3 and BMW i8. A first look at these models, which will go into production in 2013 and 2014.

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in working on BMW's. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.
707-455-8870