What is it about a Benz - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JackG · #1 01-20-2007, 07:12 PM

that keeps us hooked? I bought my first in May, by the end of June, I was searching for others. Today I bought #2.....and I still find myself searching......why?

raMBow · #2 01-20-2007, 07:22 PM

Psychological Flaw or a sign of superior mental intellect, take your pick.

Stevo · #3 01-20-2007, 07:45 PM

I'm currently in therapy doing the twelve step program for my out of control addiction, I have six 123s and am lusting for more.

JackG · #4 01-20-2007, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevo

I'm currently in therapy doing the twelve step program for my out of control addiction, I have six 123s and am lusting for more.

Your in therapy........WHY

Stevo · #5 01-20-2007, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackG

Your in therapy........WHY

I have 6 MBs and lust for more and you ask ...WHY

stcbenz83 · #6 01-20-2007, 08:21 PM

Im going to get shot by my parents. THier is this awsome 82 240D by my house that some guy knows nothing about, and he is selling it because his mother-in-law dosnt drive anymore and it was hers. only about 137K. and only asking 1100. looks to be perfect. bet i could get it fr 800$

so this would be my 3rd-- 1.83 240D euro 1.84300D turbo and maybe this 82 240D.

on top of that we have my moms car, dads car, and my older and younger brothers cars in the driveway, it looks like we have a car lot heh.

iNeon · #7 01-20-2007, 08:40 PM

I don't know why no Mercedes-Benz enthusiast can ever admit this.

We, as fairly blue-collar greasemunkies, feel that these automobiles bring us up to a certain level in society-- they are both status symbols AND toys for tinkering and getting greasy playing with.

Personal feelings as to why I won't entertain the thought of selling my Shlomo Benz:

The car validates me. It tells people that I have discerning tastes, but a limited budget and some modicum of mechanical prowess. It tells me that even if I can't afford a new automobile, that I can afford a very nice one-- a safe one, and one that exudes class without pretentions.

It makes me feel good whenever people exclaim " YOU drive a MERCEDES?!?" with that puzzled and crazed look in their eyes.

I smile and reply: "Yep, and it has manual windows."

kerry · #8 01-20-2007, 08:40 PM

It was recently discovered that the vibrational frequency of 616 and 617 diesels is precisely the same as testosterone in an ultrasound machine.

Mismost · #9 01-20-2007, 08:57 PM

For me, it was the grill with star above it and it was a station wagon...both which sound crazy! But, I just couldn't get that car's nose outta my mind...it just looks RIGHT. I now have it parked right outside my office window where I look out, see it, and grin. It is just a cheap thrill, but I like it.

jbach36 · #10 01-20-2007, 11:13 PM

I admit, I've trashed MB when I have repairs. I say, there's no excuse for a "premium car" to need so many repairs, especially their stupid a/c system that causes their very own customers, problems and money. How could they do that, and make the a/c's wrong for like, 30 years straight? Toyota Tercels are more comfortable than a car with no a/c!!

But that all said, my 300d is currently purring like a well fed kitty cat. It drives great. A real joy to drive, and probably the .... only car .... I've ever owned, that I actually look FORWARD to driving. I've had a MB before, but this one is just way cool. Maybe it's the purring sound of the diesel when at 45 mph+ or something. Sitting in traffic is a drag, and the initial accelerating is annoying with diesel, but once it's going, it's just great.

jeff 1991 300d, 100k

MarkM · #11 01-20-2007, 11:18 PM

That is, for Mercedes in general. I have a thing for Mercedes 123 Diesels, for the following reasons:

1. Being diesels, these cars are inherently different than most other cars on the road;
2. THE most durable, over-engineered, production car ever built; if you fix it, it will keep going.
3. Simplicity, well designed, superior build quality...nothing fancy;
4. View from the cockpit....the hood star and those round air vents are about as cool as you can get
5. Classic exterior look
6. Tinkerer's dream; most of us are compelled by some inner urge to keep our hands busy and fix things (even if they don't need fixing). These cars are a real dream to work on...things come apart readily without breaking things, and go back together again. Even down to the window switches...take them apart, clean out the crumbs, clean the leaf springs, contacts, ball bearings...i have even soldered in new leds and resistors...put it all back together and it is as good as new! Also very few special tools are necessary for working on this car....many "special tools" can be shop made.
7. It is the almost-classic hobby car I can afford...it also happens to be my daily driver...that's one reason why I can afford it.
8. I find these cars real fun to drive...smooth engine growl at highway speeds...very nice road feel. They are not a performance car, but real satisfying especially when suspension, steering etc. are all functioning properly.

Mark

DubMutant · #12 01-20-2007, 11:32 PM

I had never been in a W123 before in my life. I have owned a gasser A3 VW Jetta for 10 years, 224K mi. and nothing but suspension and clutch, brakes and exhaust plus maintainance. I still like it.

This is different though, but in a way its the same. I love the feel and driveability of both cars, but the way the Mercedes awoke from its 20 year life in the city and blew that beautiful puff o turbo soot and did like 90 the first time I put my foot in it. Body was nice, had some issues but well worth it, not to mention, my friend ThosDoran found her just in time to reinvigorate her. Hope to have the Passat 16v up for winter beater ASAP.

tarbe · #13 01-20-2007, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iNeon

I don't know why no Mercedes-Benz enthusiast can ever admit this.

We, as fairly blue-collar greasemunkies, feel that these automobiles bring us up to a certain level in society-- they are both status symbols AND toys for tinkering and getting greasy playing with.

Not true in my case. I sold a really clean Lexus LX-450 (that most folks thought was a couple years old) to get this 24 year old 300SD.

You could say my "status" took a hit

Especially with my daughter. She does not care for Millie, and she lets me know it.

tarbe · #14 01-20-2007, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry edwards

It was recently discovered that the vibrational frequency of 616 and 617 diesels is precisely the same as testosterone in an ultrasound machine.

I can believe that! Similar to the vibration I got from the 35" Toyo MT tires I had on my LX-450.

Different methods, same result

aklim · #15 01-21-2007, 08:31 AM

I had a couple of Merkurs. An XR4Ti and a Scorpio. Almost every time I would need a part, the word of the day was "Obsolete". The parts guys even make a joke about me. When I get to the counter, before I ask for anything, they would say "That is obsolete. Oh, what was the question?" I asked for a positive cable for my 91 Firebird and it was obsolete within 10 years of the car being manufactured. WTF??? MB seems to have parts for 40 yo cars. Also, I know a couple of MB Techs that are good in spite of me calling them MasturBate Techs.

Further to that, my 99 C280 performed very well in saving my neck when someone hit me in the door at 55 or better.