It depends where you live and drive. In NYC the SD. Was just another black mercedes. I was flagged down more than once by people thinking I was a taxi. In New Paltz the SD got me thumbs up from the local eco-hippies but driving the Suburban made me a Fascist! In WV I get strange looks until peole realize it is a diesel then I get the thumbs ups. I get more attention down here in the 'burban than in the MB.

That being said I get mostly "yuppie scum" comments whenn driving the BMW, but you have to expect that in a silver e28!

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"I have no convictions ... I blow with the wind, and the prevailing wind happens to be from Vichy"

Current
Monika '74 450 SL
BrownHilda '79 280SL
FoxyCleopatra '99 Chevy Suburban
Scarlett 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Krystal 2004 Volvo S60
Gone
'74 Jeep CJ5
'97 Jeep ZJ Laredo
Rudolf ‘86 300SDL
Bruno '81 300SD
Fritzi '84 BMW
'92 Subaru
'96 Impala SS
'71 Buick GS conv
'67 GTO conv
'63 Corvair conv
'57 Nomad

You drive a Merc and people think that you are made of money. Here is my report:

1. 1985 300D - $1,800
2. 1999 E300 - $23,000
3. 1981 300D - $1,150
4. 1985 300D - $2,000
5. 1984 190E - $850

Total: $28,800

That is an average purchase of $5,760 each.

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Current:
1985 300D aka Miss Margaret
1991 300SE aka Alarice
1995 SL320 aka Samantha
1997 K1500 Silverado
Past:
1999 E300 ex-wife got it and let her son ruin it
1984 190 2.3 ex-wife got it and let her son destroy a great car
1985 300D (CA version) aka Maybelline lost to deer at high speed.
1981 300D aka Madeline (went to salvage at near 400k) rusty, yet best car I ever drove
Wishlist:
McFarlan TV6 (only a few privately owned)
ReVere with Rochester engine
1917 Premier (only one left)

My wife is certain we are treated worse by drivers and vendors than when we drove an old Jeep Cherokee or a newer Toyota Matrix. I have gotten some thumbs ups and double glances by other w123/w116 drivers. Here in San Antonio, a certain (large) segment of the citizenry seems to really appreciate anyone who drives an older car in nice shape. I feel a certain comradery with the folks driving the restored Camaros and GMC pickup trucks around town.

But I totally relate to parking "around the corner" before I walk into a store that works on commission or that sets their own prices......

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Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT

I never really thought people noticed my benz or would think much of it because it is old and even has a little rust. Although I haven't heard major comments such as those of the OP, people do make comments like "is that YOUR car?" or "What's up with that car?" "what year is that Mercedes?" etc... which shows me they do notice and think about it.

I personally couldn't care less and try not to have pride over my possessions, but it is a little weird to discover that people have that much of an impression based on my car, or that they have even noticed what car I drive.

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I just got a call from my client manager, I'm going to work tomorrow at the same frozen foods company! Guess I'll have to drive the Benz again and see who comments this time!

i have caught nods usually from other mb drivers, probably for having the wagon, but ive also seen some double takes when people look at me ( a 20 year oild mischeif maker) in a pimpster sd at a traffic light.
there are many mercedes here in portland, although i have to say i am not a fan of the biodiesel stickers, run it, make it, keep it to yourself, its a sham to see another mb at the pump that has a bio sticker on the back.. just slap a dancing dead bear or space face on instead

i have always flaunted my cars no matter how broke i am(even if it be an 87 pontiac hooptie)

i love knowing that i got my sd for 2000 bucks and that without that 'yuppie scum' that bought if for folds more thirty years ago, i wouldnt own it!

best cars ever

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'79 240D
'79 300SD

those that are missed:
'80 300TD bandit
'76 300D cleta jill

I hate that hip-hop type that bastardizes a mercedes by cheapening it up with that gaudy cr@p and knock-off (mexican made) AMG imitation rims they think shows money, more off, when shopping for project vehicles and I run across a car owned by one of these types, I treat them like vehicles with rust issues and just walk away, you can spend many thousands righting the wrongs that thoes folks do just to portray to their friends that they have money. . .(often times wonder if anyone believes them)

I have had a few experiences where people have asked if it was for sale, I had an old room mate's step father offer me $15,000 for the SL-C, I ofcourse replied "not interested". . I know I could have bought a few more SL-C's with that amount, however I cant fathom selling the 107. . I'd be like loosing a family member. . .

I typically get the same comments most of you all get, people saying 'nice car' or something similar at the gas station or a thumbs up at a light, I am always appreciative.

Interesting note though, when I'm at work all the little hispanic girls think im rich because I drive a benz, my wife (german/irish decent) cant stand the 107 because "its an old car" as she puts it. . .

I'm just a classy gentleman in my opinion. . .

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". . .back before accountants designed cars"

-Current Stable-
'78 MB 450SL-C 107.024.12.020783 #3840 <Kayleen>
'85 FORD F250 6.9L Diesel <Allison>
'98 Lexus ES300 <Rachel>
Long Gone...
'74 Chevy G10...........................'99 GMC Yukon 4X4
'83 Chevy Suburban 6.2 diesel .....'99 SAAB 9-5
'90 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS............. '01 Chevy Tahoe
'98 Nissan Altima .......................'02 MB ML320
'88 Chevy Suburban V2500 4X4 6.2 diesel

Bingo.
An MB is (about) class. You don't need to show off class, it does it all by itself. If you attempt to show it off it means you don't have the class in the first place if you ask me. Understatement is my motto.

Some one once tried to run me off the road, while I was driving the 300D. It got so bad he even went in front of me and slammed on his brakes, luckily I knew he was going to do that so I distanced myself and made him make a fool of himself to other motorists.

My co-worker once said, "YOU have a MERCEDES?" when we went out for lunch. At first I didn't think he'd say anything to that effect but I guess I was wrong, then when I used the other Benz he was even more surprised, "You have TWO MB's?"

Considering we were paid the same for student work that time I guess he was shocked. Then afterwards he confessed he liked the car very much.

Now that I'm out of school and finally got my degree I wonder what my soon-to-be co-workers would say when I drive up in my car.

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

I don't think the democratic party has the monopoly on douchebags AT ALL.

See www.whitehouse.gov for more information.

Back to business...

My 1983 Petrol Blue 300CD arrives tomorrow!

I've always had pretty positive remarks from people, and most people in the area think the cars are much newer/nicer than they are.... I just bought a CDI though, and I'm wondering how thats going to turn out (I'm 23). I'm *sure* to get some nasty looks/comments/etc for that combo. Funny thing is that I paid less for my CDI than a good sized SUV or some of the nicer cars. Not much I can do about it now besides enjoy the CDI

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John Robbins
'05 E320 CDI - 240k
'87 300TD - 318k

Whoever mentioned parking around the corner from a commission-based store....I can totally relate. We tend to take the Jetta when there's a deal that needs to be worked out.

Also, I've noticed a few diesel Mercedes and TDI's driving sloooooooowly past my house...hopefully it hasn't made its way on the international biodiesel producers map.....I have some sad news for them......

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99 E300 TD -- sold
01 540i 6 spd

I have been told my W123 is "me"

or.. its a grandpa car or a jew-mobile(which makes abosultely no sense at all since none of my jewish friends drive or use anything german)

I'm not a supporter of Bush, I'm saying in a conservative state, I haven't experienced the problems of being run off the road by snobs. Not like I used to in Seattle, WA. Southern California, New York, Illinois,.........etc...

Liberals in NY and ILL ...Man whats this world coming to.?