Winter Tips for Your Mercedes-Benz

STUTTGART/HOCHGURGL, GERMANY – December 4, 2014: While ski and snowboard fans are already feverishly awaiting the first snowfall, many motorists are having mixed feelings about the fast approaching winter season. Not to worry, with the right accessories the joys of winter can be savoured in full relaxation on four tyres as well. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH and Mercedes-Benz sales partners have equipment and accessories that are tailor-made for all the models and their drivers. They also offer tailored winter complete wheels for every Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Mercedes-AMG model with the option of assemblage and storage of the summer tyres upon request.

The Mercedes-Benz winter complete wheels can be recognized on the Mercedes-Benz original tyre and tyres by the marking MO (Mercedes Original) or MOE (Mercedes OriginalExtended with run-flat capability) on the sidewall. The tyres marked with MOExtended have “run flat" properties: even after a puncture they can be driven to 80 km at a max speed of 80 km/h[1]. In case of sudden loss of pressure, the vehicle remains in the lane, thus tyre change in dangerous conditions is not necessary. In close cooperation with leading tyre manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz develops its matching tyres after rigorous testing criteria, perfectly for its vehicle models. Up to 50 critical criteria must be met before the tyres are awarded the seal of approval MO or MOE as a Mercedes-Benz original tyre. In addition, the assembly of complete wheel set in Mercedes-Benz quality and perfect balancing for best driving comfort. Advantages of Mercedes-Benz genuine wheel/tyre combinations at a glance: More safety thanks to optimum coordination with the onboard safety systems

Attractive Mercedes-Benz design

Tested quality

Quick availability and 10-year guarantee of availability at the end of series production

Precision fit and perfect concentricity

Excellent ride and noise comfort with low wear and tear

The wheels have a special anti-corrosion paint finish for a long service life and winter resistance

With the accessories configurator found on the website, one can find the right rims and the right tyre size for almost any Mercedes-Benz model. The ideal combinations were determined also in strict tests together with leading tyre manufacturers. The more accurate rims and tyres are matched together, the better the ride and wear and tear characteristics.

Moreover, in the same vehicle configurator, the corresponding summer or winter tyres can be ordered and are available at season change at a Mercedes-Benz dealer of choice. The first storage and delivery are free of charge.

Multimedia-Systems: Top-Systems for retrofitting

First, before the fun in winter vacation, comes the drive into the mountains. And as several vehicles are often headed for a similar destination, a modern navigation system provides invaluable assistance in finding the shortest and least stressful route. With an Audio 20 CD on board, it is possible to retrofit the to the user-friendly Garmin® MAP PILOT navigation system. Its top functions include an extensive voice control and operation via controller or touchpad. The navigation software and the map data are stored on an SD card, which is simply inserted in the Audio 20 CD's dedicated SD card slot in the centre console. Garmin® MAP PILOT uses the standard colour TFT display above the centre console, featuring a high-resolution map display with the look and feel of Garmin®.

The COMAND Online[2] multimedia system is also available for retrofitting. COMAND Online allows digital TV/radio reception, for example, and offers a host of other features including fast hard-disc navigation, automatic traffic jam avoidance via up-to-date and accurate "Live Traffic Information", an integrated WiFi hotspot and the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system. COMAND Online as After-Sales solution is available with or without DVD changer, and the monitor can also be retrofitted as a stand-alone option.

The Mercedes-Benz Bluetooth® (SAP) telephone module ® (SAP- SIM Access Profile) also incorporates a host of multimedia functions. Features include an integrated UMTS module connected directly to the vehicle's exterior antennae; the telephone module provides COMAND Online with a fast, stable and secure internet connection. The SAP module, Version 4, can either be connected to COMAND Online either via Bluetooth® or a USB cable via the Media Interface Consumer Cable Kit (as of NTG5). Connecting via USB can result in up to 7x faster transmission speeds.

The portable iPad® docking station for the rear compartment turns the rear seat area into a communications centre and cinema – it ensures that the trip into vacation can't take long enough for the kids. The mounting bracket is simply attached to the head restraint posts and can therefore be removed again at any time. It is suitable for all 9.7-inch iPad®models from the iPad 2® to the iPad 4®.

For those who want to have everything in sight, even behind them, the user is encouraged to retrofit the Rear View Camera Kit.

A second luggage compartment on the roof

Skis, sledges or snowboards – sports equipment will reach the destination safely and easily with the roof carriers and roof boxes individually tailored to all Mercedes-Benz vehicle models. All roof-mounted transport solutions are based on the roof carriers from the Alustyle series. A practical case for transport and storage is available for the base support system. Mercedes-Benz offers two carrier variants for transporting winter sports equipment on the roof: The New Alustyle "Standard" skis and snowboard carrier is designed for up to four pairs of skis or two pairs of snowboards. The "Comfort" version is able to carry up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. As a special feature, this version has a useful pull-out function that makes loading and unloading easier.

Practical oriented functionality, an elegant design and ample transport capacity distinguish the range of genuine roof boxes of Mercedes-Benz. The robust luggage boxes of high-quality material are available in three sizes with capacity of 330, 400 or 450 litres. The boxes can be opened and closed from either side with the help of gas-pressured struts. Valuable contents are securely held in place with the tensioning straps included as standard. A further benefit is the 3-bolt system on the lockable luggage boxes which provide effective anti-theft protection. Ski carrier inserts for the roof boxes and a grey/black ski bag are also available as accessories.

Practical additions for the rear compartment

The products from the Style & Travel Equipment series help make the rear of many Mercedes-Benz models even more functional. A basic support clamped between the posts of the front head restraints acts as a holder for further accessories. The support can be combined, for example, with a coat hanger. This can be removed separately – handy for transferring an item of clothing on the hanger to a hotel room. The folding table not only folds up, but its height and angle can be adjusted too. It also features an integral beverage holder. The universal hook can be used to hang up personal accessories such as handbags and other items weighing up to 1.5 kg.

Protection against dirt and a means of organising the space in the boot

Those living in regions where there is persistent snow, or who regularly drive into the mountains for winter sports greatly appreciate the precisely fitted classic all-weather mats which available from Mercedes-Benz for most model series. They are made of robust, washable plastic for extremely hard wear and tear, and reliably protect the high-quality carpeting in the footwell area against wetness and dirt thanks to a recessed area and raised edges. The all-weather mats are secured against slipping by the Mercedes-Benz fastening system.

Boot tubs made of impact-resistant polypropylene provide the same protection against snow melting from ski-boots. These are also available for many Mercedes-Benz model series and feature a honeycomb structure to hold the separately available stowage box in place. Some of the tubs also allow useful Velcro fastening for the concertina load sill protectors. This protects the rear area against scratches during loading – and clothing against dirt on the vehicle. Another cleanliness product is the reversible mat which protects the boot floor and comes in tailor-made versions for many Mercedes-Benz models. One side is made of non-slip rubber and is thus easy to clean. The other side is made of a soft velour material.

To make sure that nothing slides around during the winter holiday journey, and that the luggage compartment is always tidy, Mercedes-Benz offers various organisation systems. These include a plug-in module with a telescopic rod that enables the boot to be flexibly subdivided to prevent items from sliding about. The stowage box is available for all model series and is intended as an addition to the shallow boot tub. It securely holds items that might tip over or slide about, and can be subdivided into up to four sections thanks to adjustable divisions. The useful concertina bags in robust, washable woven nylon securely hold shopping or winter sports accessories. The folding anthracite-colouredshopping box likewise offers plenty of space. Classic items for the boot not only in winter are the tie-down straps and the luggage net for the boot floor.

Further typical winter accessories are the plastic and aluminium telescoping snow brush, battery chargers with trickle charge function and 3.6 A or 25 A capacity, mud flaps(available as a set for the front and rear) and snow chains. And authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers also keep the right winter complete wheels and tyres for all vehicles in stock.

[1] In the case of a partially loaded vehicle. In the case of full payload, the distance can be reduced up to 30 km.

[2] Available only with Comfort Telephone (code 386)