Turn of Century or Newer Mercedes – Any Enthusiasts? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mercedes Man · #1 10-01-2016, 07:25 PM

When I drive a rental car, it makes me think how nice, quiet, and speedy they are. It seems that technology has advanced—air conditioning is really cold. When I get back home, I notice the diesel is a little noisy and slow. Down the road for a minute, I like the feel of my Mercedes—big steering wheel, heavy doors, nice ride, the smell of the horsehair cushions (especially if it has not been driven for a week.) I like that purr and that little idle vibration from the engine. The slowness is no big deal and not bad at all. The transmission shifts with a little bump every time exactly where I would have shifted it myself if it were a manual transmission. This is a special car and a lot of fun to drive. Then I think, the rental car was nice, but it makes a good rental car, and not a car to keep. My Mercedes has a soul, but not the rental cars.

I rode around in GLK 350 diesel in Germany, because my co-workers knew I drive a Mercedes. They asked me what I thought. I said it was a cheap Benz: cloth seats, plastic dash, no self closing doors. We also had an Audi A6 diesel. The A6 was a better car with more features (even self closing doors) and did 130 mph with no problem.

Do the turn of the century Mercedes have the same soul as the old ones? The people who made my Mercedes have been long gone. I think the newer ones cannot be the same. Are they like throwaway appliances? They probably drive like rental cars. For the price, I think it worthwhile checking them out anyway. Hopefully those are the best cars in the world yet, especially the e-class and s-class.

dkr · #2 10-01-2016, 10:31 PM

Whenever I drive a rental car, I immediately notice how inferior they are in terms of ergonomics and how I can feel every bump in the road.

I don't think there are as substantial groups of enthusiasts for newer "old" Mercedes cars. Some of these cars are close to functional obsolescence. And, many of the jobs are beyond a DIYers capability. That said, I have seen some of them from time to time and been impressed at how much car you can get for so little cash.

Dkr.

KrustyKustom · #3 10-01-2016, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercedes Man

When I drive a rental car, it makes me think how nice, quiet, and speedy they are. It seems that technology has advanced—air conditioning is really cold. When I get back home, I notice the diesel is a little noisy and slow. Down the road for a minute, I like the feel of my Mercedes—big steering wheel, heavy doors, nice ride, the smell of the horsehair cushions (especially if it has not been driven for a week.) I like that purr and that little idle vibration from the engine. The slowness is no big deal and not bad at all. The transmission shifts with a little bump every time exactly where I would have shifted it myself if it were a manual transmission. This is a special car and a lot of fun to drive. Then I think, the rental car was nice, but it makes a good rental car, and not a car to keep. My Mercedes has a soul, but not the rental cars.

I rode around in GLK 350 diesel in Germany, because my co-workers knew I drive a Mercedes. They asked me what I thought. I said it was a cheap Benz: cloth seats, plastic dash, no self closing doors. We also had an Audi A6 diesel. The A6 was a better car with more features (even self closing doors) and did 130 mph with no problem.

Do the turn of the century Mercedes have the same soul as the old ones? The people who made my Mercedes have been long gone. I think the newer ones cannot be the same. Are they like throwaway appliances? They probably drive like rental cars. For the price, I think it worthwhile checking them out anyway. Hopefully those are the best cars in the world yet, especially the e-class and s-class.

This is a great discussion. I have a 2011 GL 350 and a 2012 Sprinter and I will say they do not have the mechanical discussion when you drive them they totally have a personality you do not get from an Asian car for example. I guess what some find quirky I find interesting. I concur my 124 is the best, sweet humming non turbo diesel, from the moment you put the key in the door you feel the mechanical robust construction. If you are listening closely you will pick up on little cues when something needs attention.

I had a new E class as a loaner and my only complaint was there was zero feedback in the steering, but man is that chassis stiff and tight.