its tough to go to an MB dealership and not think that you are somehow out of place. I just remind myself that in 1982, my 240D was a $20k car. OTOH, every time I go there something breaks (first it was a bulb and a turn sig on my motorcycle, then my 300D engine seized on the way home...I avoid the place just on superstition now =)

I also remind myself of how clueless most people (esp. those that take theirs to the dealer ?) are about cars.
My brother took his family and went w/ his in-laws to the Jersey shore (they rent a house out there sometimes, tells you about thier financial situation). On the way back to PA their minivan's (manufr. unnamed, but they have something to do with MB nowadays =) belt pulley fell off. Yes, the pulley that drives the serp. belt that runs all the accessories just fell off. His dashboard lit up and he pulled over to the side listening to the pulley clank around underneath the hood.
Short version of story, the families got a hotel and the next day my uncle from PA arrived w/ some tools- between that and a local McParts store, they drove the minivan home the next day. His in-laws were more than impressed that he was able to fix the van and drive it home, net cost WAYYY less than $100 (I'm sure the wife just kept her mouth shut after complaining about all his cars and tools in the garage =)

Just imagine one of those MB-owning suits in that position. =)

-John

__________________
2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)