Benz literature and paper

[BENZ-LGB]

Does anyone here collect Benz literature and "paper."

A couple of years ago I began collecting Benz "paper" to add to my modest collection of Benz books (freinds who know that I like these cars buy me books about Benz).

I recently picked up a "dealer kit" for the 1990 model year. It is interesting to see what kind of information Benz of America gave its dealers.

[300SD81]

I tend to grab the manuals and other paperwork out of junkyard cars when I see them, if that counts..

[PC Dave]

I have no idea why, but I started going nuts on eBay a couple of years ago. Way too much money later, I have half a filing cabinet in my office filled with all the brochures MB has put out over the last 25 years, with maybe half a dozen exceptions (the fever just sort of left me one day, I haven't bothered searching for the outliers). I don't ever look at them, it's kind of pointless, but I guess most collecting is. The newer brochures are fine, but the ones from the late '80s and early '90s are extraordinary, especially for the S Class each year. I can't imagine what it cost MBUSA to print them.

[BENZ-LGB]

Originally Posted by PC Dave

I have no idea why, but I started going nuts on eBay a couple of years ago. Way too much money later, I have half a filing cabinet in my office filled with all the brochures MB has put out over the last 25 years, with maybe half a dozen exceptions (the fever just sort of left me one day, I haven't bothered searching for the outliers). I don't ever look at them, it's kind of pointless, but I guess most collecting is. The newer brochures are fine, but the ones from the late '80s and early '90s are extraordinary, especially for the S Class each year. I can't imagine what it cost MBUSA to print them.

WHEWWWWWWWWWWWW

For a while there I thought I was the only one afflicted with this "disease."

I have been limiting my collection to brochures for the Benzes I own, or have owned. Also included are teh Benzes that i would like to own some day.

Some of the prices being asked in eBay are crazy.

So now I go to the local Benz dealer (especially the parts department) and take their free brochures. I put them away and hope to sell them some day.

Dave, I like your avatar. Ferocious looking. It fits your personality just fine!!!!

[PC Dave]

I know what you mean. For the last year or two, when I'm in Santa Monica I stop off at W.I. Simonson on Wilshire, they stack all the current brochures on a table along the west wall of the showroom. Before a sales person can ask me what I'm looking for, I'm out the door with six or seven brochures - it's much cheaper than eBay, especially now that MB is introducing a new line every year (R, GL, CL, CLK, etc, etc.). It was easier when there were just 2 or 3 "families".

BTW, if you think MB brochures are pricy, look for one for a VW Phaeton - pretty rare. Someone on VW Vortex linked to an auction for an '04 Phaeton brochure that went for over $100. Crazy..

Thanks for your thoughts on the avatar. On most forums I'm "Ursa Major" (for obvious reasons, since you've met me ). Just trying to be consistent.

[BENZ-LGB]

Originally Posted by PC Dave

I know what you mean. For the last year or two, when I'm in Santa Monica I stop off at W.I. Simonson on Wilshire, they stack all the current brochures on a table along the west wall of the showroom. Before a sales person can ask me what I'm looking for, I'm out the door with six or seven brochures - it's much cheaper than eBay, especially now that MB is introducing a new line every year (R, GL, CL, CLK, etc, etc.). It was easier when there were just 2 or 3 "families".

BTW, if you think MB brochures are pricy, look for one for a VW Phaeton - pretty rare. Someone on VW Vortex linked to an auction for an '04 Phaeton brochure that went for over $100. Crazy..

Thanks for your thoughts on the avatar. On most forums I'm "Ursa Major" (for obvious reasons, since you've met me ). Just trying to be consistent.

Yep, I am funding my IRA by taking brochures (free ones) from Benz dealers and selling them when I reach retirement age!!! A few months ago I took a Benz wheels catalog from the service department (again, a free catalog!).

The other day I saw the exact same catalog advertised in eBay. Starting bid was $25.00 The seller advertised it as a "must-have" item for any Benz collector. It eventually sold (I can't remember the selling price).

Can you believe that someone would pay for a catalog (plus shipping charges) when you can just pick it up for free from the dealer???

Some of the stuff I have bought is interesting, because it gives a historical perspective on the company. For instance, in 1990 Benz offered only 14 models. Most of these models were different permutations of the 300 series (like the 300TE and the 300TE 4matic or the 300E 2.6, the regular 300E and the 300E 4matic). All basically the same car, with different levels of equipment and performance enhancements.

I have given up keeping track of all new Benz models.

Ursa Major is cool...but if they start calling you teddy bear, then you may have some other issues to deal with.

If I had to pick one animal that I would like to come as, assuming we could come back as an animal, it would be the polar bear.

[Hatterasguy]

I collect them to, but only when I can steal them. I have about half a dozen related to various W126's.

[SwampYankee]

So far, my collection consists on one ad out of a magazine. I will keep my eye out for anything else I come across though.

After I bought my TD, my mother asked me what year it was and I told her. Later the following day she came into my office with an ad out of the 12/79 Gourmet Magazine featuring the full line of 1980 MB Diesels (300SD/CD/TD/D and the 240D).

"Why choose a Diesel from a line of cars when you can choose a Mercedes-Benz from a line of Diesels? For 1980 Mercedes-Benz makes three different sedans, a station wagon, a coupe, three engines and two transmissions. And offers 44 years of Diesel experience."

I don't know how she found it so fast, I'm the only MB owner in the family so it's not like she's been holding onto it for all of these years. I guess she was throwing out some old magazines and thumbed through them all before tossing them.

Right now it's just in a sheet protector but I do plan on trimming it and having it framed to hang in my office at home. So while it's only in its infancy, my interest has been piqued.

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by 300SD81

I tend to grab the manuals and other paperwork out of junkyard cars when I see them, if that counts..

If you have a 90"420 SEL manual I'll buy it from you...

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by Mistress

If you have a 90"420 SEL manual I'll buy it from you...

Are you *STILL* looking for one?

ehhhh (shakes head)

Mistress Heather's in Trouble Gas Tank Door Post #7 et seq.


aiii de mi, caramba

[300SD81]

Originally Posted by Mistress

If you have a 90"420 SEL manual I'll buy it from you...

Sorry, so far I have only collected 3, all for the 300SD. I'll keep a lookout though, I go at least once a month. I have the manual for a 91 420SEL in pdf files from the W126 CD if you want it tho.