Back in December of 2006, EPA fined Mercedes-Benz USA and DaimlerChrysler AG for certain air pollution violations. At that time, 29,000 AMG Mercedes-Benz vehicles were involved with a recall to address emission related defects.

Everyone with an affected AMG Mercedes-Benz has been to the dealer to have their software updated and the secondary relay in the air pumps replaced right? OK, probably not.

We are providing this information now so those that have purchased a used car will be aware of the issue. And, they can have their car repaired at the dealer under the recall if necessary.

The following information is from EPA's "Settlement Fact Sheet" published on their compliance website. It provides the VIN number ranges and AMG Mercedes-Benz models recalled. Continue reading » »

During the past few years, we have rec'd numerous questions pertaining to Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN). No, we don't have all of the answers but we can tell you what we have learned.

The system used for today's Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) is based on standards originally set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) back in 1979 and 1980. Slightly different implementations of the ISO standards have been adopted by the European Union and the United States. Today's VINs consist of 17 characters and do not include the letters I, O or Q. Before the standard was established in 1980, vehicle manufacturers used different VIN formats.

Q: Do AMG Mercedes-Benz cars have a specific VIN designation?   Continue reading » »

AMG Mercedes has a private forum for AMG owners where they release event info and news – the AMG Private Lounge. For example, on March 26 a team of AMG specialists will answer questions during a live forum event. You can register for the site using your VIN. Once registered, you can participate in the discussions and/or read the posts if you missed the event.

Here is the info for those interested:

AMG ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
With a team of MBUSA AMG Specialist on hand, bring on your questions! On Wednesday, March 26th from 9:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST AMG Product Management will join us for this unique opportunity to have your questions answered in our third chat session of 2008. The session will be located in the “Chat Section of the Private Lounge.

AMG AT THE NY AUTO SHOW
With an opportunity to host more than 100 Private Lounge members and guests at the AMG NY Auto Show Preview Night, the event was a full success. We are also happy to report that a Private Lounge member’s guest was also the winner of the IWC watch given away at the event. Details and images of the event can be found on the Private Lounge.

In other news, a date has been added to the AMG Challenge Graduate Program:

FOR THE AMG PRIVATE LOUNGE
DATE ADDED – 2008 AMG CHALLENGE PRIVATE LOUNGE GRADUATE PROGRAM, APRIL 25, 2008 AND OCTOBER 5, 2008
We still have a small number of spots open for the Las Vegas date in April and we are now registering for the Miami date in October. The AMG Private Lounge is pleased to offer a 2008 AMG Graduate Challenge program to our members on Friday, April 25th in Las Vegas and Sunday, October 5th in Miami. These Private Lounge Graduate Challenge events will follow the same format as our standard Graduate Program with the addition of a few AMG surprises. Registration is first-come first-serve and is limited to 45 participants. Registration will fill up quickly so sign up now if you are interested. Visit the Private Lounge and look for the discussion boards.