No comments about Randt Mercedes-Benz, 1963-70 (Brooklands Books).

1 comments about The Star and the Laurel: The Centennial History of Daimler, Mercedes, and Benz, 1886-1986.

1. Large, expensive, photo packed book covering the history of Daimler Benz from the start (mid 1800s) until 1986. Published by Mercedes Benz of North America. Fairly accurate, interesting historical account of the world's finest cars. Includes info on Ferdinand Porsche who designed many cars for Daimler Benz. The author tends to awkwardly go back and forth between the histories of Benz and Daimler (before their union in 1926) but it is still a very desirable book for those interested in European automobile history.

No comments about Mercedes Benz 190 1959-1968 Owners Workshop Manual (Autobooks).

2 comments about Mercedes-Benz M-Class: The Complete Story Behind the All-New Sport Utility Vehicle.

1. This is an excellent account of the development of the M-class sports utility vehicle by Mercedes-Benz. Replete with many pictures and stories about the genesis of this truck, I found the book informative and visually interesting.



2. First introduced in 1997, the ML 320 and the ML 430, have exceeded all expectations for the first SUV from Daimler Crysler. This is the book that outlines the development and the many ideas that came together to make this one of the most desirable trucks on the road! Many excellent photos by Road and Track author, John Lamm. The book also outlines a brief history of Mercedes-Benz. The factory photos are also included with a story of how Vance, Alabama, USA, was selected from all the sites that were on the table. This is a must read for the car enthusiast and a definite collectible for the Mercedes-Benz owner! Remember the old advertising phrase from Packard? "Ask the man who drives one!" The same applies for the Mercedes-Benz ML 320!

5 comments about Mercedes-Benz 350 and 450 V8, 1971-1980 (Haynes Manuals).

1. I expected this manual to be as complete as other Auto repair Manuals, however I was rather dissapointed on that this manual was net very deep into system especially the the fuel injection. Stick to manufactures repair manual if you can or CD



2. Anyone out there know if this book covers 380SL and 500SL 1981 model year onwards. Amazed that Haynes haven't seen fit to publish one or at least tag a section onto this book.



3. You don't get a lot of book for your money with this one. The cover illustration ...is really nice, and it goes downhill from there. The Chilton book is actually more useful than this one! (Guess what: It's also at least twice as thick.)

   Haynes usually excels -- but with Mercedes they've really left us in a lurch. As of this writing (7/25/01), they don't cover the 80s R107 and W126 models, including the 380SL, SEC and SEL models now quite affordable (and loved) by tinkerers.




4. it seems to be as complete as any Haynes books I own
   it gives you the basics and some inportant info
   but not complete



5. By the time I received this book it was worth $35 and I waited a month for it to arrive. The book it,s self is probably worth maybe $2 and the contents a $1 so as you can tell I was not very impressed with the book

No comments about Buy Me a Mercedes-Benz.

5 comments about Chilton's Repair and Tune-Up Guide Mercedes-Benz 1974-84: All U.S. and Canadian Models 190E 2.3-190d 2.2-230-240D-280-280C-280Ce-280Se-300D-300Cd-30 (Chilton's Repair Manual (Model Specific)).

1. As the owner of a 1981 and a 1984 Mercedes 300SD, I find this manual absolutely useless. I have recently attempted to find information about the operation of power windows, the engine cooling system and the air conditioning system only to be frustrated by the total lack of any information about these systems in my children's vehicles. I'm currently looking for an manual for these vehicles more along the line of the user friendly, informative Hayne's manuals I had been used to.



2. The only thing this book is good for is my fire place. Black and white diagrams only. Hardly any advice on how to diagnose or fix a problem. You need a Phd in automotive technology to read the electrical schematics. In one word, USELESS!! DONT BUY IT.



3. After many persuals of the appropriate sections of this book, I was at every bit as much a loss to troubleshoot and perform preventative maintenance on my Benz as before. This book reads as if culled from a generic template, with alterations added on to appease the series' editors--not as though it were the product of experienced mechanics and engineers familiar with and fond of the ways of the Mercedes. I started troubleshooting and tuning up my car twenty years ago with the help of books, and this manual left me wanting to strangle the writers. Pass it by.



4. I NEED THE DIAGRAMS OF THE BELTS OF ONE MERCEDES190E 1985



5. Anyone looking for information that is actually useful, and finds the Chilton manual less than so (and especially people that the more useful Haynes manuals don't cover, like drivers of 115 diesels) should be aware that Mercedes sells their shop manuals on CD for around $100.
   
   Spendy (and still imperfect), but THE best source of information on the subject short of finding a paper shop manual secondhand or apprenticing yourself to a master Mercedes mechanic.

No comments about OVERLAND-A Mercedes-Benz Journey Through The Americas.

3 comments about Mercedes Benz Saloons: The Classic Models of the 1960s and 1970s.

1. One of the most difficult topics for any author of an automotive history must be the oldest motor manufacturer in existence. For this reason, Laurence Meredith decided to narrow his account of Mercedes-Benz's history dowm to the 1960's and 70's.
   
   Unfortunately, the legendary Ponton models of the 1950's are not included, but they are mentioned in the introduction, and a picture is shown. The book starts with their successor, which followed the American trend towards tail fins. Also included are the first two S-Class models, the 600, the later four-and six-cylinder models, known as the New Generation, and the coupe models based on these cars. The SL and SLC models are not featured.
   
   Some people will argue that these cars were far too staid to warrant a book on their history, but if you consider how many of these cars are still around, you understand why this book had to be published. Meredith gives a complete account of their model histories, but because so many models are covered, not much technical detail is given. That is understandable, although there will be those who might miss it.
   
   The most recent models covered by the book are the early versions of the classic W 123, which was arguably the most successful Mercedes-Benz ever. The W 126 S-Claqss, introduced in 1979 is also mentioned, but not discussed in detail. The history of the 600 makes fascinating reading, and one wonders how many people realise that it was still produced as late as 1981. The
   Maybach can probably be seen as its spiritual successor.
   
   If you are a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, you really need to get yourself a copy of this book. Dare one ask that a volume of models produced in the 1980's and 1990's be published soon?



2. Not only one of the nicest books about Mercedes car but also a practical guide for Mercedes collectors. Rich of pictures and documentation. Well worth the buy.



3. The Mercedes-Benz Saloons by Laurence Meredith is an entertaining read on a subject that is quite thin on reference literature, but the book does have a number of issues that let it down.
   
   The first thing I noticed about the book is the lack of color photographs - though the 164 pages of text do have photos on virtually every page, there are only 8 pages of color photographs (unnumbered pages in center of book). The majority of photos are period factory or press photos, but a few modern photos of modfied cars make their way in, including the rear of a fintail with a quite dented bumper. Sometimes the text discusses them as being modern photographs and sometimes not. I prefer to see period photos of unmodified cars. There is also a photo of a 280/8 listed as a 280S (pg 81).
   
   Technical data (generally summarized in grey boxes) is a bit spotty as well. Data is not listed for every model and the majority of the time is not listed adjacent to the text discussion of the model. An example is the 250S (W108) technical data box on page 37 with the Heckflosse text; the W108 text is on page 66. Aside from being located in strange places the technical data seems to be accurate engough, though I have not compared it to other references.
   
   Meredith's writing style is personable and easy to read. He maintains an air of humor thoughout that is subtle but prevents the text from becoming too dry. For example, when describing the W110's he states: "The cabin was capable of accommodating five adults in reasonable comfort, and the boot was sufficiently large for a 'ton' of luggage, or several naughty children."
   Meredith also has a tendency to put down the technology of concurent English automobiles. While it is generally acknowledged that Mercedes' engineering is most likely superior to Triumphs, I could do without the repeated and constant reminders. This aspect of Meredith's writing style also bleeds over to the Mercedes, he repeatedly calls the styling dull and states "The wood trim on the front and rear doors was a trend that, regrettably, shows no sign of abating even in the twenty-first century." (pg 81). Thanks, but I can draw my own opinions on asthetic characteristics.
   
   In summary, despite its shortcomings, I would recomend the Mercedes-Benz Saloons to anyone owning a Mercedes sedan from the 60s or 70s. The focus of the book on a specific era of Mercedes sedan is it's greatest strength; the scarcity of literature on these cars leaves it little competition. The book is fun to read, the photos are fun to look at, and the personal tone makes it go by quickly.

2 comments about Mercedes-Benz SLs & SLCs 1971-1989 Ultimate Portfolio.

1. A very nice collection of road tests and driving impressions of one of the most desirable Mercedes-Benz. Clarke confirms his class. Some pages are in colour.



2. Republished auto magazine road tests of all the SLs and SLCs from 1971 through 1989, with tables of specs and performance. Other books look better on the coffee table, but this is the one we can use to compare the years quickly and easily. And it's less than half the price of books not as thorough, though prettier.