Do most of you forum members belong to MBCA? What are the advantages of membership? Do you attend the GTG and swap meets? I'm thinking of joining.

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85 300CD Signal Red/Tan sold
83 300D Manganese Brown 109K
97 E420 Midnight Blue 197K sold
98 BMW 328i Vert White 100K, sold
95 BMW 525i White 125K, sold
93 BMW 525iT Red 193K, sold
95 E320 Green Wagon 125K, sold
94 E320 White 127K, sold
85 300SD 156K Grey (Annie), sold
84 300D Lapis Blue 170K (Judy), sold
99 ML 320 Black (lease), 1998 C230 White (lease)
00 Honda S2000 Red (lease)
86 Mercedes 300E (sold)
84 Porsche 911 Red (sold), 1965 Porsche 911 White (sold)

I joined MBCA on a whim about a year ago. I have to say that I really haven't participated much, other than Mercedes Day (which I'm not clear whether they sponsored or not). I thought I might enjoy getting to know other Benz people, but I guess I'm a little reclusive after all. The technical tips in the STAR magazine (every other month) are very good, but some of the events seem a little stogey to me. My local chapter puts out a somewhat lame newsletter telling how nice the last event (which I probably didn't attend!) was and all of the boring financial business. (no offense, Minuteman).

The Star's classified's have a lot of nice cars, but these club folks want ridiculous prices for them.

So my opinion should be taken with a grain, because as mentioned, I wasn't that involved. Just the same, IMHO, your money would be better spent on a subscription to "Mercedes Enthusiast" magazine from the UK, which is much better, and attending our free get together's organized by the fine folks on this forum. I really did enjoy the New England GTG this spring and by the way, will not be renewing my MBCA membership!
Cheers.

I've been a member of MBCA for several years and, in my opinion, The Star alone is worth the price. Many local sections have events, and some of the larger ones are publicized in advance in The Star. So even if your section is lame, there are events sponsored by others that are really great. The Tampa section sponsors a driving event in Feburary that is very highly regarded.

Another possible benefit is a dealer discount on parts and service with an MBCA membership. In the Tampa area, all three dealers offer a 10% discount. I've heard of dealers in other area offering as much as 20%.

As for the people, I'm of the opinion that there are two types of Mercedes owners. Those who appreciate the engineering, which coverers most of us here, and those who want the prestige. You will find both types in the club and it is simple enough to just associate with the people you like.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

This is a re-post of mine from a while back....


"I have enjoyed my time as an MBCA member (since March '95).

But, like anything, you get out of it what you are willing to put into it.

For me, it's not the events or the magazine or the sticker on my windshield. It's the friendships and comraderie that has evolved with the time and effort...and participating as a member of the club. I have been overwhelmingly fortunate to meet men and women through MBCA who have become some of my closest friends.

Invest a little time and a few dollars and see for yourself. For some, it is worth it. For others, maybe not."


just my $.02