I love everything about my SL except...
 

Why must every goober in a Ford Escort, Hyundai or Dodge Minivan try to catch me on the freeway? I don't care how fast I go, I look back to see Fred and Ethel on my tail! "Look Ethel, our Grand Caravan goes as fast as the fancy sports car!"

Why must everybody feel the need to touch the car? There's no braille on it! After every drive, I'm wiping oily fingerprints off the black paint!

...just venting - thanks for listening.

Think of it this way:
Thery're not trying to race you - they just want a closer look.

Can you blame them?

- michael

When I am in the other car (not the 560sl) I sometimes catch up to other SL's just to look --they are so good looking. Outside of Beverly Hills in the late 80's they are rare -- I don't think people are touching mine??? But then I don't have black paint.

yes, it really stinks. i try really hard not to look at a blonde bombshell as she walks by me....all the time!!!

Yes, I think Michael hit the nail on the head - they just want to get close to spec it.

Most guys love exotic cars, and in the years I owned my 350SL and this last week of my R129 ownership it was exactly the same pattern for me too. I always thought they were racing until they stayed behind me.

Even I do the same to new Porsches, Ferraris and Bentleys and high end MBs (but not in my Merc... so uncool :))

When you consider it, our cars are relatively rare sights on the road, even in the places you'd expect to see them most. I did an extensive day tour round Beverly Hills when I was in LA last month, and even in the most expensive areas there was only the occasional Porsche to be seen. Some ML's and the odd Jag, but nothing else - unless you count an eccentric old guy in a Rolls.

Even in my trip through Universal Studios parking lot, there was a couple of Porsches, a smattering of Lexi and a lot of mid-range Japanese autos.

I saw only one SL in that time.

With only 179,000 R129's produced over 11 years means little more than 16,000 a year were bought throughout the world. Of those, I know 47 were sold in my city by one dealer in that whole period. That's not a lot by any standard.

The world is full of ordinary cars, and the tiny percentage of SL's stand out. No wonder people want to stare at us.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening black/grey on black leather, now in the shop for facelift painting lower body.
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey on grey leather, best in country!
~1991 Miata MX5, sparkling BRG on tan leather, wife's - (and my polishing)
~1992 Honda US s/wagon, black/grey
ex 350SL, 230E, 280E (and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice)

I've noticed that when I'm in my 450sl, everyone seems to ride right up on my ass. It really ticks me off!! I have had people pull up next to me and comment on how nice the car looks, which always makes me feel good. But the morons that ride my rear bumper when there is plenty of room to pass, or the folks on the back roads that have to get closer and closer REALLY annoy me. Have a GREAT day, Guys. BOB

People touch mine...with their doors! :mad:

I've had three dings removed in the last year. Since it's really my wife's mode of transportation, she parks it anywhere.

But the few times I drive it, I notice a lot of aggressive driving behavior with vehicles adjacent to me... :rolleyes: ... especially if it's Friday!

My wife and i work in the same building, and because of her crazy deadlines as of late, we have had to take separate cars. We left home at the same time this morning, so I got a chance to watch what happens while she's in the SL. Loads of men in Tahoes and Suburbans either tailgating or passing her up at over 15 mph over her speed (in residential areas).

My wife must not notice this, since she never mentions this stuff to me ever...perhaps our testosterone-laden selves are more atuned to this behavior?:confused:

G-Benz, would you please move over...
 

... so I could catch up to your wife in her SL and get a better look!

97 sl500 triple black
Sport Pkg 1
27k Miles

When I drive my wife's Camry, my Corolla or my F-150, I miss the top down -pinned to my seat- balls out exhilaration of my SL. When I drive my SL I miss the anonymity and worry-free driving that I enjoy in my "lesser" vehicles. There's just no pleasing me! Do you think I need counseling? :)

After I bought my mint '84 380SL my dad asked if I was getting any more dates now that I had a classic Mercedes. My response?
"No, but I'm getting a lot of 16 year old boys in Camaros and Firebirds that want to race me!":p

Every now and then you see justice done to one of the 'harrassers".

Recently, I was headed home from work in the 500SL and stopped at a traffic light next to a convertible Mustang. He was "goosing it" and letting me know that he wanted to check things out. So, I hit it pretty good at the light change and backed off at the speed limit. He, and his buddy in trail, kept on stepping up the pace and even induced another car they passed to join them as they headed by the fairgrounds. They were probably going close to 80 in a 45 MPH zone.

As luck would have it, a Deputy Sheriff was headed in our direction with radar on. I saw him hit his lights as he lit up these guys and I politely slowed to let him cross the median in front of me. Then I watch as he caught up to each of the three and motioned them to the side of the highway. I politely honked and waved as I chuckled while driving by.

Had I not been used to being 'challenged' by every Taurus, Camry, Expedition, etc., I would have probably merrily joined the chase. Glad I avoided that one.

There is something to be said about a beautiful, powerful automobile moving slowly (or at least the speed limit) -- think of a big cat pacing and stalking and then exploding into speed when its needed.

On an analagous note:

I wonder if notorious martial arts experts have to put up with every wannabe street fighter challenging them at every corner? :rolleyes:

I am sure they modestly "bow out" of the hollow challenges...they have no need to prove themselves (and get lawsuits for inflicting death on the challenger)...

...such is the case for the SL owner...I let the car in the opposite lane screech off...then I proceed in my "Sunday drive" mode... ;)

>>There is something to be said about a beautiful, powerful automobile moving slowly (or at least the speed limit)
------

Hey Dan,

You're so right. I'll never forget the new SL I saw a few years ago cruising just under the speed limit with a bunch of guys who looked though they didn't have a care in the world. Assuming they weren't chemically affected, it was a very impressive display of courteous driving.

I drive that way in my '91 Daimler (without chemicals :)), and when I also do it in my SL500 it seems to create a 'bubble' of respect around me.

But keep up with the loonies and I'm just another wannabe.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening black/grey on black leather, now in the shop for facelift painting lower body.
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey on grey leather, best in country!
~1991 Miata MX5, sparkling BRG on tan leather, wife's - (and my polishing)
~1992 Honda US s/wagon, black/grey
ex 350SL, 230E, 280E (and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice)

Hey Ken:
What's a Daimler? Do you have any pictures to post? What gets shipped to the U.S. that resembles it?