Peter:

Pure snobbery, again! That 72 2002 was the nicest car to drive I've ever had the privilige of operating, except maybe the one time I drove a 633 (or was it a 733?) coupe -- pure pleasure. Ah, the good old days........

Alas, the vast majority of Benz and BMW owners only buy them because of the price tag -- we do live in that happy place where status is everthing, performance doesn't count -- and the 'burbs are the WORST. I have the dubious privilige of living in a rural area rapidly suburbanizing,and I see it every day--- nearly collided with a woman in a bright yellow SLK this morning. She appeared to think that an expensive car and being in a hurry entitled her to ignore the "right turn only" markings (have to zigzag approaching a light). Naturally, I'm sure she thought my 72 280 SE was a piece of junk since it isn't brand new and I don't live in her "exclusive suburb"!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!