When it comes to engine, one really needs to understand where MB is coming from. In Europe, unlike in the US, manufacturer has no incentive to produce more hp for their cars. The governments tax the car by its hp output. Along with high gas price, European car makers have all the incentive to make cars with less hp on the paper, but extreme performance on the autobahn. Thus the reliable engines that MB has. Another case in point, any Porsche you most likely run into is a 6 shooter, but they give a Viper with a V-10 run of the money. The R129 actually has a 4 cyclinder version made for the European market, the SL280. Now, just like anything else, there are always exceptions, ie the Audi and the M3. But that is really due to demands from the young well-to-dos with new moneys. For the old moneys they still prefer to spend wisely and choose the marque with less money. They no doubt can afford expensive cars, but they sure do not get rich by not spending their dollars wisely.

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95 R129
04 Infiniti G35.5 BS
10 X204