Euro Trip
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 71
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From: Miami, FL
2002 S430
Euro Trip
I will be going to Germany in the beginning of June to visit a friend of mine over there. He happens to live in a small town called Winnenden which is the headquarters of Lorinser. Do you guys think they sell their stuff much cheaper over there? I will also be visiting Sindelfingenand and getting a tour of the factory, I assume they might sell some accessories but have no clue as to what. Point is, I want to buy these items but don't know if it is much cheaper over there. If anything I could pick up some things for some members here. Any input on this issue would be greatly appreciated. 
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Joined: Feb 2005
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With the exception of the 7% discount on the actual cars (which is really because of your ability to import it as "used" if you pick it up over there), I don't think the current Dollar/Euro relationship is going to allow you to get anything inexpensively.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Michigan, USA
'05 E320 CDI, '07 VW Touareg V10 TDI, 2007 Porsche GT3
Originally Posted by billycwhatup
...I don't think the current Dollar/Euro relationship is going to allow you to get anything inexpensively.
If you haven't done Euro Delivery before, be sure to search the forum for "Euro Delivery". You'll find many useful hints, tips and reminisences.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 24
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From: Surrey, UK
211 E320 CDI
The accessories on sale at the MB factory are limited to the kind of stuff sold in the "Accessories" brochure at the dealership (assuming that they have the same brochure over in the US that they do in Britain). In other words:
Floor mats, boot liners, spare bulbs, roof bars and carrier systems, childens seats, seat covers, etc. - nothing that you can't just walk off with and stick straight into the car.
They also sell the lifestyle stuff that is so essential for the kind of person who forgets what make of car they drive when it is out of their sight: watches, shirts, pens, desk accessories, etc.
And they sell a neat-looking mountain bike made from unobtainium.
It is all cheaper than it is at the UK dealerships, but I suspect that it is more than you would pay in the US.
Floor mats, boot liners, spare bulbs, roof bars and carrier systems, childens seats, seat covers, etc. - nothing that you can't just walk off with and stick straight into the car.
They also sell the lifestyle stuff that is so essential for the kind of person who forgets what make of car they drive when it is out of their sight: watches, shirts, pens, desk accessories, etc.
And they sell a neat-looking mountain bike made from unobtainium.
It is all cheaper than it is at the UK dealerships, but I suspect that it is more than you would pay in the US.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 24
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From: Surrey, UK
211 E320 CDI
And another thing: Unless you have a particular desire to see the E being built, I strongly suggest that you phone the factory and make sure you choose a tour time that takes you around the C Class production line - it is the only one where you get to see the engines and suspension being married to the body shell - it is simply an unmissable sight. Even my wife was riveted (or does that mean something completely different in the USA?)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Miami, FL
2002 S430
Well I just got back from Germany and I have to say that the Sindelfingen plant is just absolutely amazing!!! Over 40,000 workers and close to 3,000 vehicles produced a day! There were some interesting sights, such as the new S-Class being seen at the plant. Although all except one were under that cover which doesnt let you see it completely. There was also a section of the welcome center dedicated to people who pick up their regular Benz, and then another who are there to pick up their Maybach or SLR.
I saw the Maybach production building as well, was pretty interesting cause I saw a few driving around the plant.
While in Winnenden I asked my friend if he knew anyone who worked at Lorinser and sure enough he did! I managed to get the rear trunk lip with a 40% worker's discount. I couldn't believe it.
I also was at the BMW museum in Munich....not really much to see. They are building a new one right across the street from the plant though. Mercedes is also building a new museum too. The only place I didn't manage to go to was AMG in Affalterbach. The person on the phone who I spoke to told me I could easily get a tour of the production since I was only one person.
Over all a great trip and recommend anyone who has the money and time, to visit Sindelfingen and Germany in general.
I saw the Maybach production building as well, was pretty interesting cause I saw a few driving around the plant.
While in Winnenden I asked my friend if he knew anyone who worked at Lorinser and sure enough he did! I managed to get the rear trunk lip with a 40% worker's discount. I couldn't believe it.
I also was at the BMW museum in Munich....not really much to see. They are building a new one right across the street from the plant though. Mercedes is also building a new museum too. The only place I didn't manage to go to was AMG in Affalterbach. The person on the phone who I spoke to told me I could easily get a tour of the production since I was only one person.
Over all a great trip and recommend anyone who has the money and time, to visit Sindelfingen and Germany in general.
