my carbon-fiber Brabus steering wheel saga...

[run.exe]

*sigh*

:dispoint:

(please read this thread from bottom to top, for chronological continuity)


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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Scott M. Shell
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 10:32 AM
To: 'Andreas@brabus-usa.com'
Importance: High


Good morning, Andreas.

Given that extremely disappointing (no c-f fabrication/steering wheel) news, I respectfully request 1 of the following:

1)
...that I be allowed to ship my Brabus Sport Airbag Safety Steering Wheel back to Brabus so that
its visible, walnut burlwood pieces (upper and lower) may be removed (assuming the wheel radius is not
a single piece of uninterrupted, solid wood) and that everything be shipped back to me (at my expense).
I will then have my carbon-fiber fabricator take down 1/32" from the wood surface, laminate them in
carbon-fiber fabric, and


2)
...that Brabus North America source a NOS (New Old Stock) c-f steering wheel, e-mail me detailed pictures, thereof, and quote a price (including shipping)

To answer your question, the Brabus pedal set and door pins worked fine (as expected), thank you.

I have posted images of them (I black, Mil-spec anodized them) all over the WWW;
if you are interested, you may view them at my 500E website at the following links:

http://www.nemonis.net/images/Brabus/Brabu...usPedalKit1.jpg (http://www.nemonis.net/images/Brabus/BrabusPedalKit1.jpg)
http://www.nemonis.net/images/Brabus/Brabu...usPedalKit2.jpg (http://www.nemonis.net/images/Brabus/BrabusPedalKit2.jpg)
http://www.nemonis.net/images/Brabus/Brabu...usPedalKit3.jpg (http://www.nemonis.net/images/Brabus/BrabusPedalKit3.jpg)

Given the overwhelmingly favorable response, thereto, Brabus may wish to consider doing this, in house...

RSVP / Kind regards,

- Scott M. Shell



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Andreas@brabus-usa.com [mailto:Andreas@brabus-usa.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 8:11 AM
To: Scott M. Shell


Hello Scott,

our German headquarter is not working on this type of steering wheel anymore.

Please let me know if the pedal set works for your car.

Best Regards

Andreas Hartmann
Retail Sales
BRABUS North America
4040 Campus Drive
Newport Beach CA92660
Tel.949-797 0177
Fax.949-797 9171





-----Original Message-----
From: Scott M. Shell
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 4:36 PM
To: Andreas@brabus-usa.com
Subject: RE: continued...


Understood; thank you.

Have a nice (4-day) weekend!

- s/m/s




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Andreas@brabus-usa.com [mailto:Andreas@brabus-usa.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 4:28 PM
To: Scott M. Shell


Scott,

you may talk to Ron or Kevin in my absence, please do not ship out any samples until we have an answer from Germany,
regarding availability of the wheel.

Thanks

Andreas Hartmann
Retail Sales
BRABUS North America
4040 Campus Drive
Newport Beach CA92660
Tel.949-797 0177
Fax.949-797 9171





-----Original Message-----
From: Scott M. Shell
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 4:30 PM
To: Andreas@brabus-usa.com
Subject: RE: continued...


Might you have someone else contact me, in your absence, since time is of the essence?

To what address shall I ship my carbon-fiber swatch/sample?

RSVP / Thank you,

- s/m/s




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Andreas@brabus-usa.com [mailto:Andreas@brabus-usa.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 4:06 PM
To: Scott M. Shell


Scott,

I'll be checking overnight as to what is doable on
this carbon fiber steering wheel, however I'll be off
tomorrow and Monday of course, so I will be getting
back to you on Tuesday.

Best Regards

Andreas Hartmann
Retail Sales
BRABUS North America
4040 Campus Drive
Newport Beach CA92660
Tel.949-797 0177
Fax.949-797 9171




-----Original Message-----
From: Scott M. Shell
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 3:57 PM
To: Andreas@brabus-usa.com
Subject: RE: continued...
Importance: High


Thank you, Andreas.

Friendly reminder (re: my Brabus Sport carbon-fiber airbag safety steering wheel):

- please confirm the weave-size and color of the carbon-fiber fabric Brabus will use.

My preference is that I be allowed to FedEx you a sample swatch) of the weave-pattern/weave-size/fabric/(black-gray) color combination I currently have installed in my 500E. Obviously, I need everything to match, exactly!

Ideally, I would be allowed to supply the needed carbon-fiber fabric to be used; I only need to know how much fabric (in US yards) is required.

RSVP (tomorrow, 23MAY03 is fine) / thank you,

- s/m/s

[ZorroAMG]

Sorry to hear about that Scott. Can't someone locally remove the wood and then have Thomas cover it himself?

[run.exe]

...is that the wood is a single/unbroken piece.

I hesitate to cut free/separate the visible pieces, for obvious safety concerns.

I may just have it sanded down (CAREFULLY) 1/32 - 3/64ths of an inch, so that c-f fabric can be laminated on top of bare wood.


Stay tuned...

[ScottyC190E]

Brabus just ain't about the old school. :(

[run.exe]

Brabus' motivation apperars to be large-scale projects.

I am STILL awaiting a reply from Mr. Hartmann...



:bored:

[run.exe]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Scott M. Shell
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 3:03 PM
To: 'Andreas@brabus-usa.com'
Importance: High


Thank you for your reply, Andreas; however, I remain quite frustrated and confused by Brabus' polymorphic policy.

In summary, I am willing to pay for a carbon-fiber steering wheel which you say is "made to order," yet I am unable/not allowed to
order one because it "is not in stock." By definition, herein lies my problem.

I fail to understand the following:

1) Brabus makes the exact steering wheel style I am seeking (I own one, in walnut burlwood).
2) Brabus makes and sells carbon-fiber steering wheels.
3) Brabus has demonstrated an "exclusionary policy" towards late-model Mercedes-Benz vehicles older than 1997.
4) Brabus refuses to accommodate me.

Am I missing something - or does Brabus only share the enthusiasm of the "performance enthusiast" with a $40K+ budget?
I assure you - I am not "some renegade W124-036 fanatic living in a dream-world;" I live and breathe all things Mercedes-Benz.
In fairness, it is loyal customers, with uncompromising standards, such as myself, who allow companies like Brabus to thrive.
I see no difference between 50 sales @ $1,500 and 1 sale @ $75,000... unless you are nonverbally telling me that you are purely
a commission-driven salesperson. The fact that I am not spending $75,000.00 with you (at present) is irrelevant, I must firmly insist.

The courtesy of your clarification is requested/required.

If you cannot, please be so kind as to forward me the name and e-mail address of the ranking Brabus North America executive.

Thank you.

- s/m/s






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Andreas@brabus-usa.com [mailto:Andreas@brabus-usa.com]
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 2:41 PM
To: mis@tightlink.com


Dear Scott,

Brabus can not accomodate your first request, it's simply outside of our business spectrum.

Sadly, all of our carbon fiber steeringwheels are made to order, a c/f wheel fitting your car is not in stock.

Best Regards

Andreas Hartmann
Retail Sales
BRABUS North America
4040 Campus Drive
Newport Beach CA92660
Tel.949-797 0177
Fax.949-797 9171

[ZorroAMG]

What a tool, he is probably a 7$/hr retail drone who is too lazy to give a sh!t about your requests...I sure hope you get an exec to deal with...good luck

[run.exe]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG
What a tool, he is probably a 7$/hr retail drone who is too lazy to give a sh!t about your requests...I sure hope you get an exec to deal with...good luck

...not to mention the fact that he can't spell, punctuate, or use proper syntax to save his career.

This chucklefcuk is starting to annoy me...

[Dr. ///AMG]

lol

[run.exe]

Originally posted by Dr. ///AMG
lol

OK... F$%^IT... time to THROW DOWN!!!

WAITER! Bring me a tall can of WHOOP-@55... PRONTO!!!

[ScottyC190E]

Man, this sounds like JUST the shit Joey was put through when ordering his front bumper spoiler and it didn't come with a needed insert. He played the same hell with them. It seems they only want to deal with someone who is buying a car from them. The more I hear, the less I admire Brabus. Money is not everything, customer service is. I be damned if WALD treat they're customers like that. That is because the Japanese customer service is second to none and they put the company name first, before themselves.

[Kühl Carbon]

You know, I alway got really great cordial responses out of Carlsson ... Fab Design wil produce all things Benz for $$$ .... looky:

http://www.fab-design.com/bilder/fzgd07.jpg http://www.fab-design.com/bilder/fzgd08.jpg

Man I wish I had a set of these...

http://www.msnusers.com/_Secure/0VQAAAHEZElVFgsmjXunVK2FoJw2fdx*G0Qxw!7*m226IYNjoi 94itGnWkQqzvpi*eS7yx03UMqLPdbN8J38b9VluI4gKUpJlqAT Vybnr08zDPfhH1TC0ju2Uv793bOmT/fab_slk_03.jpg?dc=4675424148288574804

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by ScottyC190E
Man, this sounds like JUST the shit Joey was put through when ordering his front bumper spoiler and it didn't come with a needed insert. He played the same hell with them. It seems they only want to deal with someone who is buying a car from them. The more I hear, the less I admire Brabus. Money is not everything, customer service is. I be damned if WALD treat they're customers like that. That is because the Japanese customer service is second to none and they put the company name first, before themselves.

Actually, now that you mention it...I went through the same stuff with them when I tried to get a CF lip for the AMG kit...in the end they told me that even though it's advertised (to this day) on the website, the "CF lip was an experiment that never happened"...and I even visited them in person

[run.exe]

Originally posted by Renn 208
Actually, now that you mention it...I went through the same stuff with them when I tried to get a CF lip for the AMG kit...in the end they told me that even though it's advertised (to this day) on the website, the "CF lip was an experiment that never happened"...and I even visited them in person

*WEAKSAUCE = NO-GO*

[run.exe]

"Shit3 du jour:"




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Scott M. Shell
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 9:57 AM
To: 'Andreas@brabus-usa.com'
Cc: 'steven@brabus-usa.com'; 'steven.beaty@brabus-usa.com'
Importance: High


Good morning, Mr. Hartmann.

While I appreciate your reply (sardonically, if Brabus truly valued a $1400 sale as much as a $40,000 sale, I must assume
you would have replied last Friday), I remain confused/disillusioned/incredulous.

I cannot comprehend how custom fabrication/build-to-order (Brabus' very raison d'etre) is somehow - in my case - "outside (its) business spectrum."

I will further my quest for understanding/satisfaction with Mr. Beaty; in the interim, please confirm the following:

- that the proper spelling of his name is: "Steven Beaty"
- that his e-mail alias is: steven@brabus-usa.com

RSVP / Thank you,


- s/m/s






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Andreas@brabus-usa.com [mailto:Andreas@brabus-usa.com]
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 8:39 AM
To: Scott M. Shell


Dear Scott,

we would love to accommodate your request but please understand:

- Brabus does not make your specific steering wheel in C/F
- the custom fabrication requested by you for your s/wheel is not offered by Brabus.

Brabus does not differentiate between a $50.00 order or a $50.000.00 one, we're always doing our best to fulfill our customers wishes, in your case unfortunately it is not possible.

Please feel free to direct your request to our President - Steaven Beaty.

We hope to be of service to you again in the future.

Best Regards

Andreas Hartmann
Retail Sales
BRABUS North America
4040 Campus Drive
Newport Beach CA92660
Tel.949-797 0177
Fax.949-797 9171

[redline]

march your a$$ to the store :mad: :mad:

[run.exe]

No problem.. I have e-mail AND voicemail awaiting Mr. Beaty.

(BEGIN: thumb-twiddle)

[ZorroAMG]

Originally posted by run.exe
No problem.. I have an e-mail AND vociemail awaiting Mr. Beaty.

(BEGIN: thumb-twiddle)

What's a "VOCIEmail?" ;) J/K

Seriously though, I wonder if I could have you correspond/negotiate for me in the future if I ever have problems dealing with manufacturers. Your linguistic skillz are off da hook!

[run.exe]

No problem; I don't ENJOY this kind of correspondence mind you; however, if need be... LET IT RIP!!!

I refuse to be condescended to... EVER... especially as a PAYING CUSTOMER!

[run.exe]

Looks like it's time to FedEx Priority Overnight Mr. Beaty an official letter...

[///AMG124]

Scott,
Did you ever call NR Auto about the carbon fiber for the steering wheel? I had a Porsche 996TT done in silver cf about a month ago. They may can do this for you. But I also think they sub this stuff out through 3rd party. Just a thought.

Tommy

[run.exe]

Originally posted by ///AMG124
Scott,
Did you ever call NR Auto about the carbon fiber for the steering wheel? I had a Porsche 996TT done in silver cf about a month ago. They may can do this for you. But I also think they sub this stuff out through 3rd party. Just a thought.

Tommy

Would you please e-mail me the details/some pics?

Thank you,

nemo@nemonis.net

[///AMG124]

Here is the latest carbon fiber replacement I did for the 03 996TT (not cheap overlay).

http://images.andale.com/f2/124/107/8051513/1056590050773_1055929842251_DSC00528.JPG

http://images.andale.com/f2/124/107/8051513/1053758001734_DSC00514.JPG

http://images.andale.com/f2/124/107/8051513/1054365406492_DSC00518.JPG

http://images.andale.com/f2/124/107/8051513/1056668668001_1055565010748_DSC00527.JPG

http://images.andale.com/f2/124/107/8051513/1056559822446_DSC00519.JPG

We did all the custom audio including the Alpine screen with navigation custom molded in the console. Amazing what you can do with other people's money.

[dshr]

Amazing what you can do with other people's money.

Absoulutely amazing job. I can't wait to get my hands on some cf and actually complete the projects I want done. I have limited skills with cf but my buddy's dad is willing to give it to me for free it's going to be alot of trial and errror :o

[ScottyC190E]

Originally posted by dshr
Absoulutely amazing job. I can't wait to get my hands on some cf and actually complete the projects I want done. I have limited skills with cf but my buddy's dad is willing to give it to me for free it's going to be alot of trial and errror :o

DIY is always better in the long RUN. :P

[run.exe]

Originally posted by ScottyC190E
DIY is always better in the long RUN. :p

I hope your friend's dad works for a tool company...

;)

Also, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL, as c-f fabric fibers are TOXIC and can cause <<SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH>> ...especially if burned and inhaled!!!

THIS IS NO JOKE!

[dshr]

I hope your friend's dad works for a tool company...



Also: BE VERY CAREFUL as c-f fibers are toxic/can cause SERIOUS injury or death (especially if burned and inhaled)!!!

He actually owns a couple of companies that do some industrial sand blasting, welding and some other stuff..............I've learned a few lessons w/starting a fire with fiberglass :o

[Rocky]

Originally posted by run.exe
...Also, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL, as c-f fabric fibers are TOXIC and can cause <<SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH>> ...especially if burned and inhaled!!!

THIS IS NO JOKE!

So is smoking a d00bie :D :D :D

[Brabus]

Scott, can you just overlay your existing wheel??

[run.exe]

Originally posted by Rocky
So is smoking a d00bie :D :D :D

...you must be smoking the CHRONIC if it's KILLIN' folks...

:werd:

[run.exe]

Originally posted by Brabus
Scott, can you just overlay your existing wheel??


No.

The grip thickness will be wrong (by the added thickness of the c-f fabric).

[Dr. ///AMG]

Originally posted by run.exe
No.

The grip thickness will be wrong (by the added thickness of the c-f fabric).
Mill it down like you wanted to do the wood pieces no?

[ZorroAMG]

Then the structural strength/safety issue comes into play doc....I probably would either deal with the improper thickness or leave the wheel as is Run....

[Badinfo]

I believe that milling the wood 1/32 of an inch as was previously stated would not compromise the integrity of the wheel. It is also to be considered that the small portion of wood that would be shaved off would be replaced by epoxy resin and carbon fiber, which would offer equal if not greater strength. The tricky part is milling the wood uniformly, which quite frankly, is beyond my hand skillz.

[run.exe]

Originally posted by Badinfo
I believe that milling the wood 1/32 of an inch as was previously stated would not compromise the integrity of the wheel. It is also to be considered that the small portion of wood that would be shaved off would be replaced by epoxy resin and carbon fiber, which would offer equal if not greater strength. The tricky part is milling the wood uniformly, which quite frankly, is beyond my hand skillz.

Correct.

This will, undoubtedly, have to be done by hand; it doesn't promise to be cheap!!!

[Ozzie Bob]

Any word on this man :confused:

On a side note, my new interior resembles yours now! :D

[Ozzie Bob]

Except the colors are 'reversed' (if you will).......

[Ozzie Bob]

one more

[Ozzie Bob]

Oops, here you go....

[Stefan]

My custom 4 piece carbon fiber steering wheel:

http://www.rankmyride.com/data//e/f/1294//.large/newmods_014.jpg

[dshr]

My custom 4 piece carbon fiber steering wheel:

That looks awesome. Would you mind sharing how much that cost and who did the work?

-Dustin

[run.exe]

Originally posted by Stefan
My custom 4 piece carbon fiber steering wheel:


Stefan,

I need contact data, please, for the fabricator/craftsperson who made your (pictured) steering wheel (which, I assume, used to be leather & burlwood). I need this exact job done on my Brabus Sport Airbag Safety wheel. Is that real carbon-fiber, and (assuming so) do the seams (where the wrapped fabric overlaps) overtly show?

Would you be so kind as to post some very close-up pictures of the c-f details, to include (especially) where the c-f meets the leather seams/stiching/borders?

RSVP / Thank you,

nemo@nemonis.net

[run.exe]

WICKED JOB, my friend!

That interior is off-the-hizzle-fo-shizzle!!!

Peeeeeeeeace to your interior action, my friend!!!

[ThreePointsix]

Ozzie - how do you like your Holden? HSV does awesome interiors! I have been following the Holden scene for several years now - HOT. Just subscribed to Australian 'street commodores magazine' even! We will be getting the Monaro here in 4 months(Pontiac GTO). I am considering the purchase of that car to supercharge for the ability to hang with Vipers and M5's! GM C.E.O. Bob Lutz has been quoted saying that the seats in the Monaro/Commodore line are the most comfortable seats he has ever sat on in any GM product - EVER!

Tommy - that C/F in the Porsche looks great. I will drive to your shop to discuss overlay possibilities in my C36 since the OEM look-alike stuff isnt available for my pre '98 doors. To elaborate, my door panel trim was never available from MB as the C/F look alike pattern that comes on the post '97 sport models. If it was then I would go that route due to price/OEM quality.

Run.exe - your lit skillz should be used in a legal court setting - verbally ballin! Keep it up!

[Ozzie Bob]

Originally posted by ThreePointsix
Ozzie - how do you like your Holden? HSV does awesome interiors! I have been following the Holden scene for several years now - HOT. Just subscribed to Australian 'street commodores magazine' even! We will be getting the Monaro here in 4 months(Pontiac GTO). I am considering the purchase of that car to supercharge for the ability to hang with Vipers and M5's! GM C.E.O. Bob Lutz has been quoted saying that the seats in the Monaro/Commodore line are the most comfortable seats he has ever sat on in any GM product - EVER! The Monaro seats are indeed comfy! :) In fact I was going to buy one, but I've ALWAYS wanted a HSV and my ClubSport was just TOO GOOD to refuse! :)
The seats in my ClubSport are extremely supportive, one of my friends said "It's like the seat gives you a big hug" :P She of coarse loves the rest of the car too ;)
www.capa.com.au (http://www.capa.com.au) do 'Performance Kits' for the Gen III V8 Holdens. I believe the s/c are sourced from the US actually :)

If you are after any Holden or HSV info (catalogues, etc) let me know - theml320man@hotmail.com :)

Edit: I LOVE my HSV! :D :D :D :D

[run.exe]

Originally posted by ThreePointsix


Run.exe - your lit skillz should be used in a legal court setting - verbally ballin! Keep it up!

LMAO!!! I HOPE I WON'T HAVE TO!!!