As one of Germany’s automotive trailblazers, Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing innovative cars that were ahead of their time ever since Karl Benz came up with the first fuel-powered car in 1886. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Mercedes-Benz that shaped its illustrious history.
- They accidentally invented the first motorcycle.
In 1885, Daimler created a gasoline-powered one-cylinder engine and added it to a wooden frame inspired by a bicycle. The Daimler Reitwagen (riding wagon) has since been regarded as the world’s first motorcycle.
- Mercedes-Benz invented the first modern automobile.
Karl Benz’s three-wheeled Motorwagen was patented in 1886. It was powered by a 954cc single-piston, four-stroke engine with a 0.9 hp – powerful at that time. His wife Bertha took it on a 120-mile tour around Germany.
- The German automotive giant was a hybrid car pioneer.
The 1906 Mercedes-Benz Mixte integrated a gas engine with a dynamo to generate electricity for two rear wheel hub motors. The Mixte eventually was developed into a race car in 1907 that could reach speeds of up to 75 MPH.
- Mercedes-Benz was among the first to have a four-wheel braking system.
Developed in 1924, the four-wheel brake system gives immediate feedback on any road condition and adjusts accordingly. Drivers experience smooth and precise turns for maximum safety.
In 1931, it also launched the first car to have suspension on all four corners – the Mercedes-Benz 170.
While Mercedes-Benz is known for excellent engineering, their cars still require periodic maintenance to ensure roadworthiness. Schedule an appointment at Nashville-based GPO Tuning for your Mercedes-Benz repair and tuning requirements. The GPO Tuning team is trained to resolve performance issues specific to the brand.
- Its iconic silver shade came to be out of necessity.
The silver shade Mercedes-Benz race cars have been known for was a result of the need to be lighter. To meet the 1934 Nurburgring Race 750 kg weight limit, Mercedes-Benz’s aluminum W25 race car was stripped of its white paint and then won the race.
- Mercedes-Benz pioneered safety crumple zones.
At a time when most car manufacturers subscribed to the more-metal-means-safer-cars philosophy, Mercedes-Benz engineer Bela Barenyi went against convention and developed crumples zones – structural safety features that would deform upon impact. This innovation helps absorb the force of an impact during a crash, thereby protecting passengers. Crumple zones were integrated into all Mercedes-Benz cars in 1959.
Located in Nashville, German car specialist GPO Tuning specializes in Mercedes-Benz collision repair work.
- Mercedes-AMG is the brand’s high-performance automotive arm.
Founded in the 1960s by two Daimler-Benz engineers focused on motorsports, AMG officially became part of the Mercedes-Benz family in 1990 and has since custom built 50 Mercedes-AMG performance vehicles with power outputs from 225 kW (306 hp) to 470 kW (639 hp). The AMG vehicles are at home both on the road and on the race track.
- Anti-lock brakes were built with the S-Class in mind.
Life-saving anti-lock brakes allowed the driver to steer the car and prevent collisions even while braking hard. Mercedes-Benz worked with Bosch to refine the technology in the 1970s and they were added to the S-Class in 1978. It soon became a standard feature in all Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
- Mercedes-Benz unveiled a self-driving car in 1995.
Mercedes-Benz installed an autonomous system in its W140 S-Class car. The car drove over 1,000 miles on the Autobahn and hit up to 115 mph with little to no human intervention.
- Pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles come with an unlimited-mileage warranty.
Owning a Mercedes-Benz is perhaps the ultimate car enthusiast’s dream. And it may be well within reach as the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned (CPO) program offers these iconic vehicles at more accessible price points. Each CPO Mercedes-Benz comes with an unlimited mileage warranty for up to five years.
Living up to its commitment to quality, all vehicles under the CPO program have been certified and reconditioned by skilled Mercedes-Benz technicians. This is the same level of quality and expertise you can expect each time you bring your car to GPO Tuning.
Mercedes-Benz owners in Nashville can rely on ColorKraft Auto Refinishers (ColorKraftauto.com) for paint and bodywork, collision repair, dent repair, wheel repair, and car detailing services. Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, and BMW models are also accepted for maintenance and repair. Schedule an appointment for Mercedes Benz repair or for other German Automobiles needing repair by calling 931.901.0238. German Performance Options (GPO Tuning) is Nashville’s most trusted import repair shop. Consult with their service advisors by calling 615.248.9466.
