Volume 48 - Vol 3 | June 2026 | | |
View Through The Star
by Rusty Duncan, President
A New Starting Point
Unlike a mountain drive, we cannot always predict the twists and turns of life. Sometimes the road changes direction before we expected it to, and sometimes that change brings both excitement and a little sadness.
That is where I find myself now. Circumstances in our personal life have created a wonderful opportunity for my wife, who has accepted a new position in Charlotte as Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement at Providence Day School. It is a terrific promotion and a meaningful opportunity for her to work with a strong and experienced leadership team at one of the top private schools on the East Coast.
As a result, we are moving. Soon. Thankfully, Charlotte is only about a four-hour drive from Atlanta. I will continue to serve my clients in the Atlanta area and plan to be back in town a couple of times each month. But this change does mean that my role with the Peachtree Chapter will also be changing.
I will continue serving as Chapter President through October. At that time, I will step down as President. We are very fortunate to have a strong board in place, including our current Vice President, Marisa Hegyesi, who will step up to become President. I have great confidence in Marisa and in the rest of our board, and I know the chapter will be in very good hands.
I also want to be clear about one thing: I am not leaving the Peachtree Chapter. Read More
| | |
Member Spotlight
RaShaun Bosley
| | |
by Marisa Hegyesi
RaShaun Bosley
RaShaun is originally from the Palm Coast of Florida. He is 33 years old and single. RaShaun has a bachelor’s degree in public relations. His open and friendly personality blends well with that degree.
In his free time, RaShaun enjoys watching new movies. Funny movies are what makes him laugh. He described himself as “keeping it tight and organized.” My kind of person! His favorite food is Filet Mingon. Rashaun’s favorite book is Sherlock Holmes. His favorite TV show – Blacklist (great series). The music he enjoys is House. He loves both cats and dogs. His favorite place is Santa Monica Beach. Being from Florida, which is about as flat as a pancake, RaShaun “loves the scenery of the mountains behind the ocean.”
RaShaun presently owns a 2015 C250. If he could have any model/year Mercedes, he responded “Any AMG!”. Read More
| | |
6/6 | Barber Museum Tour & Drive | register | map
6/7 | U.S Space & Rocket Museum & Dinner | register | map
6/8 | Performance Driving at TGPR | register | map
6/6 | STARS and Coffee | register | map
6/20-21 | PCA HPDE at Barber | register | map
6/28 | GAS ATL Meetup Noon-3pm | map
7/4 | MBCA 4th of July Parade | Enter Here | map
7/11 | BBQ Progressive Rally-Duex | register | map
7/15 | MBCA Peachtree Board Meeting | Contact President
7/25 | Members' Appreciation Lunch | register | map
7/28 | GAS ATL Meetup Noon-3pm | map
| |
8/1 | STARS and Coffee | register | map
8/8 | Mountain Drive | watch for details
8/18 | Tech Session - 722.6 Transmission | register | ZOOM
8/23 | GAS ATL Meetup Noon-3pm | map
9/6 | STARS and Coffee | register | map
9/12 | MBCA Driving Academy | register | map
9/16 | Concours Judging School | watch for details
9/19 | Mountain Drive | watch for details
9/27 | GAS ATL Meetup Noon-3pm | map
| October, November, and December | | |
10/4 | Peachtree Concours | watch for details | map
10/10 | MBCA Peachtree Board Meeting | Contact President
10/24 | Deutsche Car Show | watch for details
10/25 | GAS ATL Meetup Noon-3pm | map
11/1 | STARS and Coffee | watch for details | map
11/28 | Holiday Lights Drive | watch for details
12/5 | Holiday Luncheon | watch for details
12/6 | STARS and Coffee | watch for details | map
| | Mercedes 722.6 Transmission Conductor Plate Replacement | by Gary Edwards, Technical Advisor | | | | |
I recently wrote about transmission limp mode in a 1997 Mercedes S500 Coupe (C140). I had first changed the connector sleeve, then the transmission control module.
The car kept returning to transmission limp mode. It was time to replace the conductor plate. This isn’t unusual for one of these transmissions and some consider conductor plate replacement to be a routine maintenance item. I think that 722.6 transmissions are often replaced when all that’s required is a new conductor plate.
| | |
In my case, the other hints were the fault codes. I had consistent 013 and 109, both of which call out the transmission RPM Sensor N3 signal defective. The N3 RPM sensor is on the conductor plate. So, conductor plate replacement was clearly the next thing to do.
There are plenty of threads on the forums covering how to replace the conductor plate, so I’m not going to provide a detailed procedure, I’ll just cover my observations on what I learned. As with all transmission work, cleanliness is vital; the hydraulics in the transmission are totally intolerant of any dirt, contaminants or particulates.
| | |
Sponsor Spotlight
DC MotorWerks
| | Two Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and technicians, Cameron Davis and Andy Sumner, created the “Enthusiasts’ Auto Shop” where they service your car at a quality and level of attention few other shops can or will provide. They aim to say “Yes” to any job or obstacle. In conjunction with using OE supplier or better parts, they excel in the industry.
DC MotorWerks has been in business for six years and just celebrated their fourth anniversary at their current location. About 86% of DC MotorWerks’ service is on Mercedes. They also service Lamborghinis (8%) and Ferraris (6%). They also have pre-owned models for sale.
In their spare time, they participate in Monterey Car Week, the Cannonball Run and the Amelia Concours d’Elegance.
Cruise in and check out DC MotorWerks. Loaner cars are available upon request. Off hour pickup/drop offs can be arranged. Snacks and refreshments are always available. View More
| | |
Birmingham, Alabama
June 6 - 8, 2026
| | |
Gary Edwards, Event Planner
We have a fun weekend planned for June 6 through 8, culminating in an MBCA Performance Driving.
- On Saturday, June 6th we will have a guided tour of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum followed by a Mountain Drive to Cheaha State Park.
- On Sunday, June 7th we will drive up to Huntsville to visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. We’ll have an early dinner in the Oxford area on Sunday evening, location TBD.
- On Monday, June 8th. we will have a great full day of High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) . Talladega Gran Prix Racetrack (TGPR) is a fun track, easy enough to learn for a novice, but subtle enough to challenge the experienced drive. The price is only $250.
If you need a hotel room, contact the Hampton Inn & Suites Oxford/Anniston 210 Colonial Dr Oxford, AL 36203, (256) 831-8958.
We’d love to have you join us for all the weekend’s events. Register for one or all three of these fun events below. There are still plenty of spots still available.
| | |
Barber Vintage Museum
and Drive
Saturday June 6
| |  | U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville
Sunday June 7 | | | |
HPDE Performance Driving
Talladega Gran Prix
Monday June 8
| | | DAHLONEGA
4th of July Parade | | |
MBCA Peachtree is gearing up for a fun and festive new adventure—join us as we participate in the Dahlonega 4th of July Parade in historic downtown Dahlonega! This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our beautiful Mercedes-Benz vehicles while celebrating Independence Day with a vibrant community tradition.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
- Lineup: Begins at 9:00 a.m.
- Parade Start: 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Downtown Dahlonega
- Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle
- Category: Automobile (MBCA Peachtree – must be listed to stay grouped together)
Each participant will submit an entry including vehicle details (year, model, color, and anything special). The official entry deadline June 19 2026, and late applications will not be accepted—so don’t wait!
To participate, complete and return the entry form with payment,
Let’s make this a memorable debut for MBCA Peachtree—shine up your star and join the parade!
| | BBQ Progressive Rally-Duex
July 11 | | |
Ernie Smallman, Event Planner
The rally will take us on a journey to the following famous BBQ joints:
-
JDs BBQ, Acworth, GA
-
Williamson Brothers BBQ, Canton GA
-
Big Easy BBQ, Canton GA
-
Rally Point Grille, Woodstock GA
Each stop along the way you eat your way some through some delicious BQQ, sides and desert at the final stop along the route. Come enjoy a day of driving and some fabulous BBQ. Just $15/per car (includes two desserts at the last stop) + pay your way at each stop.
| | Members' Appreciation Lunch
JD's on the Lake, Canton GA
Saturday, July 25, 2026 | | |
Ernie Smallman, Event Planner
Join us for a special 2026 Member Appreciation Event on Saturday, July 25th at 11:30 am at the newly reopened J.D.’s on the Lake in Canton, GA - just minutes from Woodstock overlooking Lake Allatoona. This rustic lakeside favorite—reminiscent of classic Georgia fish camps and recognizable to fans of the Ozark series, will host members on its newly built covered lower deck, “The Bottom of the Lake,” reserved exclusively for the club.
Members will enjoy a complimentary lunch featuring a spring salad, choice of fried catfish, blackened grouper, or chicken fingers, sides, rolls, beverages, and banana pudding dessert. Attendance is limited to the first 50 registrants, so early registration is encouraged. This popular event is expected to fill quickly.
| | Virtual Tech Session
Mercedes 722.6 Transmission
Tuesday, August 18 | Join us via Zoom at 7 pm Tuesday August 18th for a Tech Session on the Mercedes 722.6 Transmission by Peachtree Chapter Technical Advisor Gary Edwards.
The 722.6 5 speed automatic transmission was used in many Mercedes from the mid-1990s well into the 21st century. Though robust and reliable, these transmissions have some unique issues that can cause confusion and even prompt unwarranted replacement. Gary will cover limp mode, setting and checking fluid level, connector sleeve replacement, transmission control module inspection, cleaning and replacement and conductor plate replacement. The tech session is FREE, please register below. | Gary Edwards, Event Planner
Join us for another MBCA Driving Academy at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Driver Training Facility. For just $100, you’ll gain hands-on experience in car control, including ABS braking, emergency lane changes, wet skidpad handling, a low-speed autocross, and precision parking.
Many insurance companies offer discounts for completing this course! We’re also seeking instructors and volunteers—if you’d like to help, please contact edwardsgw@nu-z.net. | SAVE THE DATE
Concours d'Elegance
Bertha Benz - 140th Anniversary
RBM of Alpharetta
October 4, 2026 | |
Sam Kamber, Concours Chair
Which car(s) will you enter? The categories are not limited to, but will include GTs, Pre-1947, Show (25+ years), Street (AMGs Early, AMGs Late, Wagons), Custom, Show/Shine or maybe a new category - “Lemon” (for the worst of the worst condition).
More details of the 140th Anniversary celebration will be revealed as we approach the date.
| MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
December 5, 2026 | | |
Ernie Smallman, Event Planner
Join the Peachtree Chapter for our 2026 Holiday Luncheon at the award-winning Table & Main in historic Roswell. Known for its warm Southern hospitality and seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, this charming restaurant—housed in a beautifully restored 100-year-old home—offers the perfect setting to celebrate the season with fellow members and guests.
Guests will enjoy a plated lunch with entrée selections, salad, and dessert, along with a cash bar. Final menu details and registration information will be shared this fall.
| |
Drive to Paradise Hills Winery
Saturday, May 16, 2026
| |
Rusty Duncan, Event Planner
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, 33 MBCA members and guests kicked off a perfect spring morning at DC Motorwerks, enjoying a light breakfast and great conversation before setting out on a scenic drive toward the North Georgia mountains.
The destination? Paradise Hills Winery, Blairsville. Watch for more events like this in the future to drive and dine in the North Georgia mountains.
| |
Mercedes-Benz USA Leads Community Revitalization and Honors Philanthropic Dealerships Through “Driving Your Future” Initiative
|
- Hundreds of MBUSA employee volunteers participated in service events during National Volunteer Week, including the revitalization of the outdoor space at Atlanta's Southwest DeKalb High School.
- MBUSA recognized its dealer partners nationwide with the 2025 Philanthropic Leadership Award, honoring their commitment to community impact.
-
All National Volunteer Week efforts support MBUSA's corporate social responsibility mission, "Driving Your Future", which advances education and safety programming to empower the next generation.
In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19 - 25, 2026) and Earth Day, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) partnered with Atlanta United's former goalkeeper, Brad Guzan to transform a teacher courtyard and student garden at Atlanta's Southwest DeKalb High School. The company also recognized 10 Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the U.S. with its inaugural Philanthropic Leadership Award, celebrating the meaningful impact dealerships are making in their local communities.
Both efforts underscore MBUSA's national corporate social responsibility mission, "Driving Your Future," which supports programming and resources necessary to foster development and empower young people for future successes.
| | Peachtree Chapter Officers | | | | |
