BC BENZ BULLETIN
Volume 27 - Issue 4
Winter 2017
MBCABCStars BRITISH COLUMBIA SECTION
Saturday January 13, 2018 HOLIDAY DINNER Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar @6pm. see ad inside.
INSIDE
EVEN T R ECAP
MEMBER
EVE NT RECA P
WHISTER RUN
PROFILE
TESLA DEMO
Wow, what a weekend
Ryan Nand
Electric Avenue
CONTENTS BC BENZ BULLETIN Volume 27 - Issue 4; Winter 2017
02
Editor’s message
03
Editorial team
04
President’s message
07
Member profile
13
Whistler Rally 2017
21
Tesla test drive
27
New Members
29
Holiday dinner Ad
30
Upcoming Events
EDITORIAL BC Stars Volume 27 - Issue 4 - Winter 2017 Well, it’s that time of year when the days grow short, the nights draw in and we perhaps start to think more of home, hearth, family and friends. It’s the time of year when many of us put our cars away until the weather brightens. While there are no club driving events on the calendar for the next couple of months, this does not mean that we cannot spend time together – enjoying each other’s company. Who knows, there may even be some car talk! We continue to meet monthly at the Whitespot in Coal Harbour – the first Tuesday of January will be the next meeting, and the first Tuesday of February follows. As well, the BC Stars Section is planning our annual holiday dinner on Saturday, January 13th, 2018 at Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar, North Vancouver, starting at 6pm. Look out for the advertisement in this issue, which has all the details. I hope to see you at one of these events. I wish everyone a safe, happy and enjoyable holiday season, and a successful 2018. Joseph Anthony Editor Joseph Anthony Editor newsletter (at) bcstars.org
`
EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Joseph Anthony
Creative Director: Matthew Peck
Contributing Editor: Paul Browne
Contributing Editor: Tony Millikin
LETS GET SOCIAL
FOLLOW US AND HAVE YOUR PHOTOS FEATURED HERE!
YouTube
Photo credit: Instagram @mocedees
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Matthew Peck PHOTOGRAPHY
Matthew Peck Peck
D
ear Members, I want to take this opportunity to wish all members a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year. As your new president I’m
looking forward to what 2018 will bring our section. I hope to see many of you at our annual holiday dinner and award ceremony January 13th, 2018 at Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar in North Vancouver. Get out and drive. Best, Matthew Peck President - BC Section
Mercedes-AMG brings Formula 1 technology to the road Mercedes-AMG brings Formula 1 technology to the road Frankfurt/Affalterbach–The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE will celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt: the two-seater super sports show car for the first time brings the very latest and efficient, fully-fledged Formula 1 hybrid technology to the road. This high-performance hybrid has an output of over 1000 hp and a top speed exceeding 350km/h. The show car combines outstanding racetrack performance with day-to-day suitable Formula hybrid technology and exemplary efficiency. \\ Press Information Date: September1, 2017
For more information, please contact: Mercedes-Benz Canada JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca Sinead Brown 416-847-7588 sinead.brown@mercedes-benz.ca
WRITER
Matthew Peck PHOTOGRAPHY
Matthew Peck
Member Profile Ryan Nand URBAN COOL
T
his month we are debuting a new Section in our newsletter where the Club will feature an interview with a current member of the
BCstars. This month, it is BCstars pleasure to introduce Ryan Nand. Ryan is a new and very engaged member of this Club who is sharing his story as a car enthusiast and proud Mercedes-Benz owner.
Matthew: I believe the first time we met was in 2016 at the All German Car Festival. At that time you had a C230 Hatch Compressor, right? Ryan: Yes, it was the first Mercedes Benz I owned and it was a 2005 c230 Kompressor hatch, with minor custom changes. Matthew: How did you find out about the club and what made you decide to join? What do you like most about being a MBCA member? Ryan: I first started going to the Thursday night meets by Queensborough bridge and I met other Mercedes-Benz owners there who told me about a club called MBCA. I checked it out and found out about BCStars. From then on I started attending the events. Matthew: I feel many members remember what first attracted them to the Mercedes-Benz marquee. For some it was their father’s car, for others it may have been a poster on the wall or perhaps it was the prestige and exclusivity of owning one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Ryan, can you tell us about your first experience with the marquee and what attracted you to it? Ryan: When I was a kid, probably age 9 or 10, I used to go to Toys-R-Us and get those model cars that you can build and paint yourself. I remember having a Lamborghini Diablo, the Ferrari F- 50 and also the Mercedes CLK GTR and a couple more cars . Mercedes CLK GTR was my favorite because it was the one that took the longest to build and it was the one I was most proud of. As I grew up I just fell in love with the shape and size of Mercedes vehicles over BMW, Porsche and Audi. Matthew: Ryan, I usually find that many of our members are automobile enthusiasts, are there any other brands you have or had a passion for? Tuners, Lowriders, American Muscle, British, motorcycles? Do you still dabble in those? Ryan: Honestly I’m not going to lie, I am a really big fan of lowriders. I never imagined myself to own a Mercedes because I was a ride or die lowrider kind of guy. I use to own a 1981 Cutlass Supreme which me and my dad rebuilt the motor to a 305 small block. I ended up getting it ready for hydraulics when I had the installer come in and check out my car. He told me the frame was too rusted and that it will break the frame once I bounce it. After that my next car was a 1994 Cadillac DeVille with a Northstar engine. I loved that car. It was one of those big boat cars that my wife didn’t like but I just had to have it and I ended up putting two15 inch subwoffers in the trunk with a 5000 watt amplifier. I still had the rims I bought for the Cutlass, but when I went to get them installed on the Cadillac they did not fit. I ended up parking the car and, because I left it sitting for too long, when I went to start it I cracked the manifold and the head gasket. It was going to cost me too much to repair, so I ended up scrapping the car. My wife told me I need to get a reliable car and the Mercedes-Benz was my first choice. Matthew: Ryan, let me get back on track here, what was your first Mercedes-Benz and why did you pick that one? How many Mercedes-Benz do you own? What is your current Mercedes-Benz? Do you have a favorite? Ryan: I have only owned 2. One I already sold, 2005 C230 Kompressor. And the one that I own til this day is a 2012 C250 4matic. Matthew: Have you done any restoration work or modified your current Mercedes? Ryan: I have done an AMG style rear diffuser, rear spoiler lip and rear windshield visor. I’ve also added E63 exhaust tips and aftermarket projector headlights with black housing, an AMG style grill and of course my MBCA and BCstars decals. Matthew: Ryan, what will your next Mercedes-Benz be? Ryan: I would really like to get the GLE Coupe but, we will have to stick with the family car now with a baby on its way. So I have been looking into the 2014 ML 550. Matthew: Ryan, let’s play a little game. Daily it, Weekend it, Collect it. Out of every Mercedes-Benz ever made, which one would you Daily, which one would you Weekend and which one would you Collect and preserve.
Ryan: Daily
2016 Maybach s600
Weekend 2017 GLE AMG Brabus 63S Collect
W124 300 E AMG
Matthew: Ryan, I’ve asked you a lot about your connection to the Marquee. Is there anything else you would like to share with the other members, anything at all? Ryan: I Just want to give a special thanks to my wife for putting up with all the modifying I do to “her” car. Matthew: Great way to end your profile!
Mercedes-Benz Canada reaches for the stars in November
A
TORONTO,
1,
Coupe,” says Brian D. Fulton, President and CEO of Mer-
2017) – With one month remaining in 2017,
ON
(December
cedes-Benz Canada. “Though we’ve already broken last year’s
Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national
sales record, we are aiming to close the year with a strong final
dealer network are pleased to report the
push and to ring in 2018 on a high note.”
company has already set a new record for total annual sales. Mercedes-Benz Canada has retailed 48,625 units year-to-date (+8.9%), surpassing the previous record for total annual sales that was set in 2016 (48,320 units). Monthly sales of 4,534 vehicles have contributed to this result, which marked an increase of 7.9% over November 2016. Year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz Canada has retailed 42,403 passenger vehicles and luxury light trucks, a growth of 12.7% over the same period in 2016. That number comprises 21,331 passenger cars (+8.0%) and 21,072 luxury light trucks (+17.8%). Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 3,902 passenger cars and luxury light trucks (+12.6%) in November, of which the former constituted 1,792 units and the latter 2,110. Year-to-date, the Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division sold 15,937 units (+7.6%), of which 12,491 were Certified PreOwned. The division reported its best-ever November results with 1,263 units delivered over the course of the month, including 906 Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. “The steady arrival of our 2018 models has resulted in a strong performance across all model lines, in particular our E-Class and S-Class models and the luxury mid-size GLC SUV and
Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca.
The wagon, redefined. Some view the wagon as a functional necessity. At Mercedes-Benz, we see it as a design opportunity. The new C-Class Wagon features fluid, unbroken lines from front to rear, signalling both the spaciousness and refinement that await within. Underneath it all are the same technologies that have made the C-Class a benchmark for performance and innovation in its category. Proving beyond a doubt that practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of driving passion. The all-new C 300 4MATIC Wagon. Total price starts at $49,160.*
Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Retail Group Mercedes-Benz Vancouver 550 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver | D#6276 Open Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
Mercedes-Benz Boundary 3550 Lougheed Highway, Vancouver | D#6279 Open Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
1-855-586-4490 | mbvancouver.ca Mercedes-Benz North Vancouver 1375 Marine Drive, North Vancouver | D#6277 Open Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Mercedes-Benz Richmond 5691 Parkwood Way, Richmond | D#6278 Open Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Mercedes me Aberdeen Centre, Richmond | D#6278 Open Sunday: 11am – 7pm
© 2017 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. Shown above is the 2018 C 300 4MATIC Wagon with optional equipment and wheels. National MSRP starts at $46,000. Total price starts at $49,160, which includes freight/PDI of $2,395, dealer admin fee of $595, air-conditioning levy of $100, PPSA up to $45 and a $25.00 fee covering EHF tires, filters and batteries. Vehicle options, fees and taxes extra. Vehicle license, insurance, and registration are extra. Dealer may lease or finance for less. Offer may change without notice. Visit mbvancouver.ca or your local Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Retail Group store for full details or call the Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Customer Care at 1-855-586-4490.
WRITER
Sean Clark PHOTOGRAPHY
Matthew Peck
Wow what a day!
I
would like to start this off with a big
us chose to meet on Friday, at the Horseshoe
week and the journey. This year’s gathering
‘thank you’ to everyone who joined
Bay Ferry Terminal, and drive up together.
marked a new change for our Section and
us on our 2017 Whistler Run. As our
My wife, Saras, and I waited to meet Barry
our Region. Barry, the outgoing Regional
annual season wrap up, we really had
and Gwen arriving on the ferry from Nanai-
Director, and Jeff, the new Regional Direc-
a grand finale for the year. We experienced
mo. Matt Peck and his father Joe met us also,
tor, were both present. Our new Section
Whistler at its best. The weather was truly
as well as Jeff and Shelley Shindler. We would
President, Matthew Peck, created a signature
amazing, and we had a great turnout for our
have missed Larry and Sally Cole, but they
cocktail, the ‘Blue Star’, for the occasion.
outdoor activities.
had warned us to look out for them driving
Saturday morning, we were served a light
‘the other German car from Stuttgart’.
breakfast and headed out for a scenic tour of
In total, twelve cars gathered, from all over
It was a nice weekday cruise in light traffic
the Whistler area, and beautiful Alta Lake.
the MBCA Northwest Region. Our Regional
along the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Van-
Our drive took us high above the town,
Director, Barry Patchett, and his wife Gwen,
couver to Whistler. Recently upgraded for
where we posed with our cars for some pro-
joined us from their home on Vancouver Is-
the 2010 Olympics, our scenic drive around
fessional style photos with Whistler and the
land, on his very first visit to Whistler. It was
wide sweeping curves was delightful and
mountains as a gorgeous backdrop. Thanks
a great pleasure to see Jake and Ria Schuter
stress-free. Our visitors had a good view of
again to Matt, those photos are sure to be a
again, Alberta Members who came all the
the coastal waters on one side, and forest and
wonderful souvenir.
way from Medicine Hat, in their SLK! We
mountains on the other.
We then drove to Rainbow Park, a gloriously
were also happy to welcome Sally and Lar-
At Whistler’s Pinnacle Hotel, Jeff Schindler’s
sunny and peaceful spot right by the lake. A
ry Cole from the Seattle Section, to make it
Event Organisers had worked hard to ar-
picnic lunch was laid out, where we could sit
a truly Regional event. Our furthest traveler,
range a lavish Hospitality Room, to welcome
out on the grass to relax and enjoy the view.
and regular attendee, Joe Peck, flew in from
our guests as they arrived. A casual dinner of
Our tour continued back to our hotel for a
Los Angeles.
light food and some drinks was a great way
little free time to wander the village, before
It was a great weekend for driving, so a few of
to greet everyone unwinding from a work
changing for dinner. This year, we had a woncontinue on page 21
MBCA Vancouver Island Section member Barry Patchette
MBCA BCstars member Don Rutherford
MBCA BCstars member Frank Edwards
MBCA BCstars member Hardy Suelzer
MBCA BCstars member Jeff Schindler
MBCA BCstars member Leigh Gayman
MBCA BCstars member Matthew Peck
MBCA BCstars member Joseph Anthony
MBCA Seattle section member Sally and Larry Cole
MBCA BCstars member Dan Cachola
MBCA BCstars member Sean Clark
Alberta section member Jake Schutter
left to right: Don and Marion Rutherford, Larry and Sally Cole, Hardy and Elizabeth Suelzer, Dan Cachola, Joe Peck, Jake and Ria Schutter, Jeff Shindler, Frank Edwards, Sean and Saras Clark, Barry and Gwen Patchette, Joseph Anthony, Leigh Gayman
derful multi-course meal at the Alta Bistro, “a stylish space for seasonal French fare”. Dinner was followed by taking a hotel shuttle to the very elegant Chateau Whistler, and their excellent Lounge. There was a great cultural exchange, sampling the excellent selection of Bourbon and Rye whiskeys available. Some also visited the Beer Festival, an annual Whistler event. A few of us stayed the next day for the farmers’ market in the Village. We all said our goodbyes, some for the trip home, and some others who went on to explore the highways of the BC Interior. Special thanks to Jeff and his Whistler Organising Committee, especially Marion & Don Rutherford, and Linda & Gary Pullyblank, who really made it a first-class event for all of us – a colossal effort that paid off tremendously. Thanks also, to Matt Peck who did a superb job of hosting, and made it fun. And thanks to our sponsors, Hagerty, and the MB Retail Group who generously contributed.
Left to right: Hardy Suelzer, Marion and Don Rutherford, Frank Edwards, Barry and Gwen Patchette, Joseph Anthony, Joe Peck, Saras Mudaliar and Sean Clark, Matthew Peck, Linda Pullyblank, Shelly and Jeff Schindler, Leigh Gayman, Dan Cachola, Elizabeth Suelzer, Gary Pullyblank, Ria and Jake Schutter.
Hardy Suelzer, Sean Clark and Joseph Anthony looking very daper at Alta Bistro.
Larry Cole, Sally Cole and Sean Clark enjoying a picnic lunch at Rainbow Park.
Front: Jake Schutter, Jeff Schindler. Back Row: Saras Mudaliar and Ria Schutter enjoying a picnic lunch and the view at Rainbow Park.
Electric Avenue Te s l a S to re To u r & D r i ve Once the system is engaged, drivers have to just let go. Going around corners can be unnerving at first but, I was able to let go and have “Auto
WRITER
Pilot” take over. However, not all members found this so easy. It should
Matthew Peck PHOTOGRAPHY
Victor Chan
F
be noted that safety dictates drivers should always have their hands on or close to the steering wheel and, if the car notices that you haven’t touch the wheel in some time you will be alerted in a variety of ways. To disengage the Autopilot all one has to do is tap on the brake. The power of Model S P100D is thrilling. The only way any of us could
ifteen members and guests from the British Columbia Section were invited by Tesla to experience their cars at a private event held at the Park Royal store in West Van-
couver, November 12, 2017. Members began to arrive at 9:30am where we were greeted with fresh coffee from Starbucks and pastries from Tim Hortons. The showroom featured their new Model X and two Model S sedans, one with the new option of all-white leather interior… truly stunning. As members socialized and enjoyed exploring the showroom and different models on their own, Tesla experts were preparing to give the club a in-depth overview of the history, technology,
describe the feeling was comparing it to the instant acceleration of a roller coaster that zips you away from a dead stop. In a blink of an eye, the Tesla takes you from 0 – 100kph, immediately putting a smile on your face. Tesla uses a regenerative braking system which uses energy from the brakes to charge the car’s battery. This is unique in a braking system and as a result the car slows down much faster when you get off the accelerator. When the test-drive portion of the event was over everyone returned to the dealership. The manager, Inge Von Aulock, surprised us all with
performance and safety of their vehicles.
overnight vouchers which allowed event attendees to take a Tesla of our
Sean of Tesla Park Royal began the tour by informing MBCA mem-
of the day and talked about for days after among other members of the
bers that Mercedes-Benz and Tesla share history together. In May, 2009 Daimler AG acquired an equity stake of less than 10% of Tesla for a reported US$50 million. In addition Mercedes-Benz also designed and produced the steering wheel and drive selection columns in the Model S, X an 3. Mercedes-Benz also uses the Tesla battery packs in their fully electric B-class models. After Sean’s presentation and overview of the vehicles, groups of three and four were assembled. Many of course were eager to demo Tesla’s latest offering, the Model X. Their were multiple legs of the test drive where everyone was able to get behind the wheel. I drove the first leg which began at the Park Royal store, then onto the Hwy 99 toward Cypress Mountain and up to the Lookout. The second driver then took over and drove us up to Cypress Mountain base point. Along the way, all drivers were able to experience the drive in both dry and wet weather. One of the most asked questions was about “AutoPilot” where the car drives itself; hence, most popular request was to experience “AutoPilot”. My group was able to try this futuristic feature on the 99 Hwy.
choice home for the night – WOW! This was definitely the highlight MBCA BCstars. I realize that going into the colder season, it can be a struggle to organize or even attend events. This event was was a great success in many ways and the socializing between new and veteran members was great to see.
`
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS We are pleased to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the Club, to the following Members and their families who have recently joined our BC Section. John Coyle, Kelowna B.C.
Trevor Doyle, Richmond B.C.
Matthew Guenther, Vancouver B.C. Alex Sartori, North Vancouver B.C. Ken Twyman, Mill Bay B.C. Shaun Zhao, West Vancouver B.C.
CLASSIFIED ADS Classified Ad Policy Classified ads are intended to help members sell their personal items. Ads submitted are subject to review by the board of directors for determination of commercial or non-commercial status. Members submitting ads deemed commercial in nature will be notified and charged commercial rates ($25 per issue). Non-commercial, classified, ads are free to members and are $10 for non-members. Ads will run for one issue (3 months) of the Print and Web editions of the BC Benz Bulletin. We can include one image of each item for sale. No additional charge will be made for images submitted in digital format. Payment for non-member ads should be made out to “MBCA BC Stars Section�. All payments should be sent to the address above along with a copy of the ad. Whenever possible please submit the text of the ad and associated image by email. These policies are subject to change without notice.
ADVERTISE HERE Current MBCA members can advertise their Mercedes-Benz in our BC Bulletin for free. contact info@bcstars.ca OWNER
MBCA Member VEHICLE INFORMATION Submit your listing for the next newsletter.
HOLIDAY DINNER Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar @ 6PM. 25 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
January 13, 2018
landing.bcstars.ca/holiday-dinner/
RSVP by FRIDAY
WWW.BCSTARS.CA
UPCOMING EVENTS Below is a listing of upcoming events, both club events and non-club events for the automotive enthusiast. The club website contains more details, and more up-to-date details of listings. Please see: www.bcstars.ca
FEBRUARY 24, 2018
REGISTER NOW Email: mbca.bcstars@gmail.com
Canadian Museum of Flight The Canadian Museum of Flight is a non-profit, volunteer-driven museum dedicated to restoring, preserving and showcasing Canada’s rich aviation heritage. In the early 1970’s, a group of aviation enthusiasts made a move to stop the exodus of historic aircraft leaving Canada for the U.S. and Europe. This group pooled their resources, to acquire as many of these aircraft as possible. The Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation was incorporated, as a non-profit society, in March 1977 and was given the authority to issue tax-deductible receipts for donations. The Museum was located on Crescent Road in Surrey, British Columbia. In 1996 the Museum moved to the Langley Airport. In the spring of 1998, the Museum legally changed its name to the Canadian Museum of Flight Association.
MARCH 16, 2018
Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell facility tour Only 15 lucky MBCA members will be selected to peek behind the curtains at the Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell facility, located in Burnaby. The tour will cover research and the development of production technology leading to large-scale manufacturing of one of the key components of fuel-cell powered electric vehicles. This event is scheduled for Friday, so if you’re selected please make proper arrangements. More information to follow. To be considered, please email your interest to: mbca.bcstars@gmail.com Subject line: Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell facility tour
BC STARS EXECUTIVE President: Matthew Peck Vice-President: Anthony Millikin Secretary: Manfred Stenzel Treasurer: Gary Pullyblank Newsletter Editor: Joseph Anthony Club Historian : Marie Stenzel Webmaster: Mark Block Alaskan Officer: John Fouse Jeff Shindler Paul Browne Bruce Woloshyn
BC BENZ BULLETIN Volume 27 - Issue 4; Winter 2017 www.bcstars.ca
WHITE SPOT 6PM. 1616 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2V5
The monthly meeting takes place on the first Tuesday of the month
WWW.BCSTARS.CA Want more causal weekly/monthly cruises with other Mercedes Benz enthusiasts? Want a bigger role within the club? Do you have a suggestion? Join us at our next monthly meeting. info@bcstars.ca