2013 Mercedes-benz C-class C250 on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Mercedes-Benz releases US-spec 2014 Sprinter details

Last week, Mercedes-Benz released the details for the updated 2013 Sprinter intended for global markets, but this week it has announced what changes are being made to the US-spec version of the van for the 2014 model year, including the Freightliner model. As expected, most of the changes made to the European model will be present on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter when it goes on sale in the US, which is expected to be this fall.
The biggest difference between the Sprinter announced last week and the one headed to our shores is what is found under the hood. While European Sprinters will come with diesel engines and offer the availability of a supercharged four-cylinder gasoline or CNG engine, US Sprinters will still offer the 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel. This year's Sprinter now comes standard with a new base engine, the 2.1-liter four-cylinder BlueTEC diesel. This smaller engine will produce 161 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and will be paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission; the optional 3.0 V6 puts out 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and will be mated to a six-speed auto.
Fuel economy for the new Sprinter has not been announced, but Mercedes-Benz has made numerous changes with the goal of improving efficiency. To this end you'll find a new, low-friction rear axle and the optimization for the generator, fuel pump and power steering pump.

YouTube viewers prefer BMW

BMW owners sometimes get a bad rap as being snobbish, rude drivers, but according to a new study by the online marketing company ZEFR, Bimmer aficionados also have a close relationship with the brand's vehicles. With well over 4 billion YouTube views, the German automaker is the industry's king of the road online. Making the popularity even sweeter for marketers, 95 percent of those clicks are for fan videos, which represents loads of free advertising. BMW isn't the only automaker with such an extensive following. Honda comes in a close second with around 4 billion views, and Mercedes-Benz is just a little behind it. Among all brands, it's the norm for fan-made videos rather than the official ones to get the lion's share of the clicks, generally 95 percent or more. "YouTube has become a treasure trove for connecting with the right people for automakers," Dave Rosner, ZEFR marketing boss, said to Automotive News. Beyond just a popularity contest among brands, automotive videos are big business on YouTube, according to ZEFR's research. Enthusiasts are leading the way, too. Racing is by far the most-watched category with 895,000 clips generating a staggering 8.2 billion views. Classic cars are also a very hot topic with 305,000 videos getting 1.6 billion clicks. Surprisingly, when it comes to watching auto videos, sedans are most popular on YouTube with over 9 billion views, according to Automotive News. Meanwhile, SUVs, performance vehicles, and pickups were each around 3 billion or less. You can check out the full study for yourself, as a PDF, here. Related Video:

Mercedes recalls 126k C-, GLK-Class models for airbag system flaw

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 126,260 vehicles in the US because a flaw can lead to sudden airbag deployment or the safety devices not activating in a crash. The campaign covers the 2008-2009 C-Class, including the C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG; plus the 2010 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic. On these models, a manufacturing error can lead to corrosion and potentially the malfunction of the airbag control unit. According to a chronology (in a PDF) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are at least three alleged cases of unintended airbag deployment in the US in these vehicles. Mercedes-Benz USA spokesperson Donna Boland tells Autoblog that there are no reports of injuries, though. To fix the problem, dealers will inspect the part and will replace it as necessary. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Air Bag Control Unit may Corrode and Malfunction Report Receipt Date: OCT 27, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V711000 Component(s): AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 126,260 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) MERCEDES BENZ C300 2008-2009 MERCEDES BENZ C350 2008-2009 MERCEDES BENZ C63 2008-2009 MERCEDES BENZ GLK350 2010 Details Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. SUMMARY: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 C300 Sedan, C300 4Matic, C63 AMG, and C350 vehicles, and 2010 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the air bag control unit may corrode and cause the control unit to malfunction. CONSEQUENCE: The malfunctioning air bag control unit may cause the air bags to unexpectedly deploy increasing the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash. Alternatively, the air bag control unit malfunction may cause the air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, increasing the risk of occupant injury. REMEDY: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag control unit and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.