Back Issues 2013

2013 MERCEDES ENTHUSIAST BACK ISSUES

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Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 145 November 2013

First Drive: The punchy petrol A250 4Matic with near AMG handling but pleasingly non AMG fuel economy
First Drive: Seven-seat sublimity in the new GL350 Bluetec
Star Car: On the road in the brand new S63 AMG, the 577bhp super limo that redefines rapid luxury
Spotlight: As the Ponton hits 60, we bring three together to celebrate this seldom seen saviour of the brand
Roadtest: The CLA180 Sport has bags of style, but does it have substance too? We get behind the wheel to find out
Motorsport Special: We get up close and personal with Fangio’s record breaking W196R Silver Arrow
Performance Special: Practical Perfomance – C63 AMG: Is this the best, affordable do it all, nearly new Merc?
Classic Roadtest: The V116 450SEL 6.9 has a mighty reputation – but what is really like to own?
Ownership: We go behind the scenes with an alloy wheel refurbishment specialist to understand the process
Spotlight: An inspired tribute to old school AMGs, this twin-turbo widebody C124 is something very special indeed
Youngtimer: This immaculate, range topping, Thistle Green S123 280TE could be a concours star in waiting!
Tuner Car: Tuner FAB Design is known for its extreme machines – and this SL63 based Bayard does not disappoint!
Classic Choice: Once serving a ruling family in Central America, this two-tone 220SEb now lives in California
Price Point: Ready to spend £30,000 on a new B220 CDI? Be sure to consider a used C350 CDI Estate, too

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 146 December 2013

Spotlight: If its rare colour hadn’t already caught your eye, this 300SL Gullwing’s tale will make it unforgettable
Roadtest: The new E350 Bluetec Cabriolet AMG Sport combines ace pace and economy with stunning looks
Motorsport: Meet the team behind the new A-Class that’s bringing Mercedes-Benz to the BTCC for the first time!
Youngtimer: This W116 300SD North American special is an education in early turbodiesel technology
Tuner Cars: These SKG/Kleemann C-Classes make great pin-ups for the Danish tuner and its UK agent
Star Project: A full restoration wasn’t the original plan, but this Fintail’s owner now has the Mercedes of his dreams
Spotlight: Track time in the awe-inspiring Blitzen Benz gives fresh insight into the guts and skills of the earliest racers
Youngtimer: A W124 with a difference, this saloon has a Mosselman twin-turbo straight-six and period Recaro seats
Roadtest: In dazzling South Seas Blue, this A220 CDI AMG Sport is a fast, frugal and fab looking little hatchback
Classic Choice: The unusual pairing of 114 saloon and coupe gives a rare chance to put them head-to-head
Buyer’s Guide: The R171 SLKs are more affordable than ever – here’s everything you need to know before buying

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 144 October 2013

First Drive: On the road in the facelifted E220 CDI Coupe
Classic Choice: Effortless elegance is the order of the day with this beautiful, blue 280SE Coupe
Interview: Mercedes boss Dr Dieter Zetsche takes us for a ride as we learn about the man behind the moustache
Youngtimer: Perhaps an unusual restoration project, but this R129 SL280 is now a real show stopper
Performance Special: The Tuner Route – Carlsson Coupes: A lesson in making the most of what you’ve got
Performance Special: Performance Classic – S70 AMG: Back to the old school with this awesome, rare AMG
Performance Special: Practical Perfomance – C63 AMG: Is this the best, affordable do it all, nearly new Merc?
Perfomance Special: Off The Shelf – A250 Engineered by AMG: Thrills in Mercedes’ spicy baby Benz
Perfomance Special: Inside Performance – The Science of Tyres: Behind the scenes with Continental
Performance Special: The Modified Route – E55 Duo: A bit of what you fancy with two phenomenal E-Classes
Buyer’s Guide: They’re stylish modern classics, but today the remaining C123s need consideration when buying
Spotlight: You don’t see a 500SEC Cabriolet every day!Get the story behind this modern classic sensation
Ownership: As summer memories fade, heed our top winter tips to help keep your Mercedes in the best of health

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 143 September 2013

Star Car: In the new S-Class has Mercedes-Benz created another world-beater? We get behind the wheel and find out
Classic Choice: Less is definitely more as we take this gorgeous 190SL and indulge in some classic cruising
Star Project: The facelifted E220 CDI SE is the new entry level diesel and builds on the popularity of the old model
Top 10: Depreciation is your friend! We find 10 300bhp Mercedes that cost just £3,000 – take a hero home today
Spotlight: Meet this awesome Benz Prinz Heinrich, an intrepid racer from the dawn of motorsport
Price Point: This month, a sexy, new CLS250 CDI Shooting Brake or a hot, used E63 AMG Estate
Tuner Car: Mercedes’ supercar gets the supercharger treatment from Weistec Engineering – behold the SLS 750!
Youngtimer: The rare, top of the range R107 560SL and why something a little different could be just the ticket
Technology: We go behind the scenes with Harman to reveal hoe the experts give us the very best in-car audio
Spotlight: Feeling a little blue? The tale of this modified C200 Kompressor will almost certainly inspire
Roadtest: A fantastically fun and frugal A180 petrol makes a brilliant case for not taking the diesel route

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 142 August 2013

First Drive: Meet the recently facelifted E250 CDI SE
Star Cars: On the road and track with Mercedes’ 355bhp super hatchback and coupe, the A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG
Spotlight: Celebrating the 125th anniversary of the first drive – and why we owe Bertha Benz so much
Buyer’s Guide: Sexy looks and stunning performance are just two reasons why R230 SLs make great used buys
Youngtimer: Based on the mesmerising W124 E500, this E60 AMG Limited packs an even more ludicrous six-litre V8!
Then & now: The 450SEL & 450SLC were exclusive cars when new- and still command great respect today
Tuner Car: Brabus has gifted this four-wheel drive CLS500 Shooting Brake with AMG esque performance
Classic Choice: It may be over six decades old, but there is plenty of life left in this South African 170S
Youngtimer: If ever a Mercedes-Benz was worth the trouble it caused this modified 190E 2.5-16 is surely it
Technology: Mercedes’ landmark gearbox is 10 years old – all hail the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission!
Motorsport: Meet this 1977 London to Sydney 280E, a W123 that took on this epic test of endurance – and won!
Used Roadtest: This A208 CLK320 Cabriolet is proof cheap can also be cheerful – bring on the summer sun!
Spotlight: Tearing up the Las Vegas Strip in this simply stunning 280SE 3.5 based Mechatronik M-Coupe

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 141 July 2013

First Drive: We put the C250 AMG Sport Plus Coupe with the optional AMG handling package through its paces
Star Cars: A significant facelift makes the latest E-Class coupe and cabriolet more appealing than ever
Classic Choice: Saved from the crusher, this splendid 180D Ponton is serving its new family very well
Preview: Mercedes-Benz finally takes the wraps off the new S-Class – a luxury saloon like nothing that’s gone before
Spotlight: We celebrate the SLR McLaren at 10 years old with one of the model highlights, a rare, limited edition 722
Star Project: Charting a full Pagoda restoration from start to finish – and revelling in the amazing results
Interview: We meet British designer Mark Fetherston. The man behind the SLS AMG, the new A-Class and more
Motorsport: It’s that time of year again as the DTM lands at Brands Hatch
Roadtest: The V6 CLS350 CDI Shooting Brake mixes brute force with beautiful looks and practicality
Youngtimer: A low mile lovely with a V12 heart, time in this majestic W140 S600 is to be savoured
Tuner Car: Lorinser pumps yet more aggression into the latest SL500, with a soundtrack to match its huge grunt
Pricepoint: For £30,000, can a used C63 AMG make more financial sense over three years than a new C220 CDI?
Ownership: Is buying a car a good idea? With care it can open a new world of options – we show you how

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 140 June 2013

Used Roadtest Special: A thundering CLK55 AMG helps us to mark 10 years of the 209-series CLK cabriolets
Spotlight: Concept GLA previews a brand new Mercedes set to take the compact SUV segment by storm
Buyer’s Guide: Fancy an everyday modern classic? We’ve all you need to know about the much loved W/S124s
Event: Variety is always the spice of the show and this year’s Techno Classica was no different!
Roadtest Special: We take the E63AMG S-Model 4Matic on track and discover 4WD makes all the difference
Classic Choice: Beneath its spell binding good looks there is one surprise with thjos gorgeous 220SEb Coupe
Spotlight: This modified C280 Estate is a testament to its owner’s vision and determination to be different
Take Two: The first and second generation CLSs square up and reveal the secrets of their unprecedented success
Motorsport: Meet a US based Mercedes enthusiast who is not afraid to burn rubber in his classic racing SLs
Roatest: We take to the roads in the cleanest and greenest new A-Class, the A-180 CDI BlueEfficiency SE
Youngtimer: It may ‘only’ have a six-cylinder engine, but this W126 280SE could still be called a world beater
Tuner Car: With 567bhp and 614lb ft torque, this amazing Weistec E55 is a supercar owner’s worst nightmare
Ownership: We’ve driven 4,000 miles on winter tyres. Should you be finding space in your budget for a set?

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 139 May 2013

Spotlight: The W202 is 20! Join us on a drive down memory lane and celebrate these overlooked C-Class stars
Star Car Special: On track in the sensational new 622bhp SLS AMG Coupe Black Series – hold on tight!
Star Car Special: Mercedes new CLA brings four-door coupe looks to the compact sector, but how does it drive?
Star Car Special: The SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive proves zero emissions motoring can be massive fun
Star Car Special: The new W222 S-Class is just around the corner, so we can pop inside for an exciting preview
Used Roadtest: An unusual but engaging modern classic, this 320CE Cabriolet is ready to welcome the sun
Roadtest: With 208bhp, bags of style and impressive handling, the A250 AMG Sport makes a compelling package
Tuner Car: The brand new Brabus 800 Roadster has an incredible 789bhp twin-turbo V12 – and the looks to match
Classic Choice: Opulent looking in mid blue. Why this stunning W108 280SE brings out the best in everyone
Price Point: A new C250 Coupe or a current shape, used CL500 – either could be yours for around £40,000
Youngtimer: ‘Just’ the R107s cheaper sibling? This 450SLC proves it is a very fine tourer in its own right
Classic Choice: Cars like this charming 300S Coupe took Mercedes-Benz back to the top in the post-war era

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 138 April 2013

Star Cars: Read our first verdict from behind the wheel of the brand new and significantly facelifted E-Class range
Star Cars: Back and better than ever, Mercedes’ hot new load lugger, the E63 AMG S-Model Estate, is set to thrill
Classic Choice: Inheriting this 300SL Gullwing from her late husband, this owner has embraced the classic life
Spotlight: Charting the roadster revolution as we bring all three SLK generations together, head-to-head
Buyer’s Guide: Once flagship saloons and coupes, today the 140s give you a lot for your money – if you’re careful
Roadtest: In the UK the entry level CLS250 CDI BlueEfficiency Shooting Brake – a real practical stunner!
Youngtimer: This rare 300SL AMG packs a 3.2-litre straight-six that adds a sporty edge to the R107 package
Used Roadtest: Just a few years old , but this super frugal E220 CDI BlueEfficiency Estate is going for a steal
Motorsport: Road legal yet also capable of tearing up the track, this racing W123 defines cheap fun on four wheels
Used Roadtest: Behind the wheel of a surprisingly rare W204 C350 – and why it was too good to be discontinued
Tuner Car: The Carlsson CLM35 BT gives owners of the top diesel ML much more pace, punch and presence
Youngtimers: Not content with one rare 201-series, this owner has bought himself two 190Les, both in great nick

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 137 March 2013

50 Years of the Pagoda: The Pagoda Story: Eight years, three models, millions of admirers
50 Years of the Pagoda: Behind the Wheel: A drive to remember in an exquisite 280SL
50 Years of the Pagoda: The Forgotten W113: The V8 pwoered Pagoda that never was
50 Years of the Pagoda: Rallying: The 21st century rally car that is following a long tradition
Roadtest: In the driver’s seat of the brand new, range topping B220 CDI powered by a 166bhp turbodiesel engine
Youngtimer: From rags to riches, this once crash damaged 190E 2.6 was simply too good to let die
Spotlight: Feeling guilty after leaving it to rot, the owner of this SL55 AMG couldn’t resist getting it back onto its feet
Tuner Car: With four-wheel drive deploying 513bhp, not many cars can stay with Vath’s awesome V50S Estate
Youngtimer: Why this much loved W123 200 is the perfect everyday classic for this new family
Classic Choice: With a beautiful patina of age, the owner of this 200SEb Cabriolet is very lucky indeed
Pricepoint: Around £30,000 could get you a new C250 CDI or a used E350 CDI – which would you choose?
Spotlight: Inspired by You Tube, this W115 220 satisfies its owner’s practical needs and his enthusiast streak too.

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 136 February 2013

First Drive: New, range topping AMG Sport Plus trim adds extra fun to the frugal C220 CDI BlueEfficiency package
Spotlight Special: The 600 is 50: Celebrating five decades of one of Mercedes’ most enduring status symbols
Spotlight Special: The 600 is 50: A driver’s car and a limousine, we enjoy ti8me behind the wheel of a W100 600
Spotlight Special: The 600 is 50: Was the 600 always going to have a V8? All this and more in the inside story
Buyer’s Guide: The new S-Class is coming, making these still brilliant, early W221 S-Classes even more affordable
Tuner Cars: Going to extremes with tuner Carlsson and its stunning interpretations of the CLS350 CDI and CLS63
Classic Roadtest: Thought all good condition 123 coupes were super expensive? This 230CE proves otherwise
Interview: AMG boss Ola Kӓllenius exclusively reveals his exciting plans for the in house tuner – one not to miss!
Roadtest Special: Taking on the Scottish Highlands in the fabulously fast and furious SLS AMG
Youngtimer: Still very affordable, this R129 SL500 is perhaps the perfect blend of classic and modern
Classic Choice: Beautiful and almost certainly a one-off, this 230S Special Roadster is a forgotten rallying gem
Used Roadtest: A chic, current shape E-Class cabriolet or coupe from just £20,000? Top value, perfectly packaged
Profile: The British, world renowned, bespoke vehicle builder Vantagefield shows off some of its incredible work

Mercedes Enthusiast Issue 135 January 2013

First Drive: The B200 BlueEfficiency is the most powerful petrol fuelled B-Class – but can it better the diesels?
Roadtest: Behind the wheel of an A200 CDI as we get our first chance to drive the new A-Class of British roads
Spotlight: A stunning W124 230E concours star that also, almost unbelievably, lives in the real world
Technology: A behind the scenes W222 S-Class preview as we learn about the marques latest safety kit
Interview: We speak to Gorden Wagener, Mercedes’ head of design and the man behind the next S-Class
Classic Choice: This lovely 200 Fintail was hidden away for 25 years and has just 38,000 miles on the clock
Tuner Car Special: Tuner Brabus hands us the keys to its AMG beating SL500 and trailblazing A250 AMG Sport
Roadtest: A new, 1.6 litre, turbocharged petrol engine and fresh trim for the C180 BlueEfficiency Coupe
Take Two: W163 and W164 MLs go head-to-head – and following the W166s launch, they are better value than ever!
Youngtimer: Bought sight unseen, this 500SEC has given its trusting owner little to regret – and much to admire
Pricepoint: For £40,000, you could buy a new R172 SLK250 or used R230 SL350, but which makes most sense?
Used Roadtest: Tiny on the outside, massive on the inside, this A170 CDI is a family used car buyer’s dream
Spotlight: Follow us Stateside as we explore the many hidden and amazing talents of this super cool, modified CLS