Jim, I agree with you on most of what you say, but there were considerable numbers of 115's, 116's, 123's and 126's (my favorite)sold world wide not to mention the models before the 115 series. they were all solidly built elegant cars of the highest order.

Where I think Mercedes made their mistake was was not being satified with selling a smaller number of cars and maintaining their hallmark reputation and tried to jump in to mass market where price, gimmicks and slick promotion is the name of the game.Then if you add to the mix the purchase of Crysler Corp. you have a formula for "it used to be the best car built"

Of course many people will say yes but they had to compete in the modren market. And my answer is why!as they had a market unto them selves for decades why compete with Lexus, BMW, Honda, etc.why not continue with smaller numbers of sales
and the highest standards of quality. This Method works fine for ,Porsche, rolex, Gucci,to name a few. Just how long can their reputation of old last when the grumbling grows louder and louder..........

William Rogers...........