oknish

Thoughts on joining, anyone? Good/bad/ugly/whatever?

http://www.mbca.org/index.htm

cablvr

Joined several years ago. Most important benefit is the MB Loyalty Rewards program - after one full year of membership, MB offers a rebate upon the purchase of a new vehicle (in 2008 the reward is in the form of an MB gift card, was a factory cash refund in 2006 & 2007). Upon delivery of a new GL, the 2008 reward is $1,500.

Other than the reward program, a magazine arrives every 2 months - mostly articles of classic and racing MB models. Usually good intros on new models. Worth the price of admission IMHO.

BeanCounter

Nish, I totally agree with cablvr. I joined to take advantage of the loyalty program as well. I think it is 45 bucks a year and that entitles you to the rebates and you get the Star magazine and some other things. I also get my local Las Vegas chapter newsletters. My local chapter is pretty active and they have a lot of activities. For 45 bucks it is well worth it.

AsianML

Depending on your local chapter there could be a lot of meets and events as well.

lkchris

Your dealer may provide discounts on parts/service to members.

lwain56

I really enjoy getting the "Star", the MBCA monthly magazine. Absolutely worth the 1500 dollar buyer reward which comes off your best deal.

amdeutsch

Isn't the new setup, the MB gift card, only usable on MB services whereas the rebate in previous years was basically spend as you wish cash in hand?

cablvr

I think the previous year(s) Loyalty program was a cash rebate (in the form of a check) directly from MBUSA. I will be taking advantage of the 2008 program as soon as my GL arrives from Vance. IIRC, the 2008 program is designed around a gift card usable at any MBUSA dealer toward any services, parts or down payment.

Quote from the program "You may be eligible to receive a gift card valued up to $1,500 toward parts, service, personal accessories or vehicle accessories at any Mercedes-Benz dealer................" based upon the specific vehicle purchased.

Look here -- http://www.mbca.org/pages/documents/loyalty_2008.pdf

oknish

Thanks, y'all. I joined. I have to say it was more for Star magazine and maybe the rebate. Not sure what the local LA chapter is like but will find out.

pmb600

I have been a member for a little over a year and unfortunately have not used any of the rewards from buying--just bad timing. But I enjoy being in the club and my NNJ chapter has some good events. I even got to tour the VPC in Maryland because the MBCA did a trip there which was very cool.

Nevada Jack

I also just re-joined after an absence of 20 years or so...

Mercedes used to have a magazine (quarterly I think.) Forgot the name but was a high quality pub with some excellent images and other information on the models and features. Wonder what happened to that?

cablvr

NJ,

Are you referring to the MBCA magazine called "The Star" or something published by MBUSA?

Nevada Jack

MBUSA magazine.

pmb600

I believe it was called "Mercedes Moments." And I think sadly it was discontinued in 2005.

Nevada Jack

Thanks...I think that was it.

lkchris

Momentum

Nevada Jack

Correct...:-) Thanks