Benz obsession - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Omega · #1 06-27-2002, 07:59 PM

Hi all,
My friends and family are all starting to think I'm entirely obsessed with Mercedes vehicles. Am I the only one that gets a little tug at the ole heart strings when they see an old benz that hasn't been cared for properly? The other day I was driving down the highway, I saw a white 300D, early to mid 80's I would say in absolutely horrible condition. There was rust all over it, the wheels were almost pitch black from the brake dust, and both stars were missing (well the trunk star was just broken, but still). So am I really the only one that gets upset on seeing one of these beautiful cars treated like this?

Ashman · #2 06-27-2002, 08:04 PM

nope. I hate to see a benz that is in bad condition. part of the reason I wont go to scrapyards for parts. I hate to see benzes in that state.

Alon

Holson Adi · #3 06-27-2002, 08:10 PM

I don't really get upset when I see a Benz in a bad condition. It's quite sad to see a new model neglected though. The old model I just think that it's a car that someone bought just because he/she wanted a benz and can't be bothered to take care of it.

It is pretty amazing to see the state that some of these W123's are in (they are almost everywhere in differing conditions). I see everything even the W126.. there are just so many neglected W126's here.

When I see a neglected 300D I do want it for parts... :p

rickg · #4 06-27-2002, 09:04 PM

I agree with the others. I like a nice shiney Benz, but a crusty one shows the endurance of these things. I saw an old 220D a few months ago. The rear end was sagging, it was about 3 different colors along with varying shades of rust, and the interior was a mess, what I could see of it. But the old fellow driving seemed pleased, and so was I to see it still cruising down the road.

#5 06-27-2002, 09:52 PM

whom ever knows me thinks im obsessed with Mercedes Benz tooo......i use to work at a junkyard with my uncle, all we did is sell parts for mercedes, we had hundreds of wrecked benzes,,it was so sad seeing them. My uncle still ownes the place, so i drop by once in a while to see how my benzes doing...

BenzOnline · #6 06-27-2002, 10:47 PM

My uncle has a 1999 C230 kompressor which is still new but could care less in taking care of it. The carpet is always full of some sort of crumbs and the wheels and exterior are pretty dirty. I hated to see it but didnt mind seeing the BMW in that kind of state!

I offered to take up the chore of washing and waxing it and cleaning up the car and now the car is better but everytime I take it for cleaning, it is quite a mess when I pick it up!

#7 06-27-2002, 11:13 PM

A tear comes to my eye everytime I see a w126 and 2 every time it is beaten up. Hey face it we are obseeesed it's a good thing

My friends think I'm crazy because I get joy out of pushing a car to the limits or just driving period. (my girl friend thinks I'm physco in a car I wonder why)

ymsin · #8 06-27-2002, 11:24 PM

I always feel sorry to see a car in a bad shape. It could be any car.

But I am always glad to see a well kept MB. Can never have enough of time to admire its curves and finish.

I don't care about any other car, UNLESS of course its a Volvo, BMW, Jaguar, Range Rover, Bentley, Porsche, VW, Ferrari, Lexus or a ROlls.

Omega · #9 06-28-2002, 09:41 PM

you know I never really thought about it from the "well used" angle. That's a really good point. It does make it a bit easier to deal with seeing one in such a state of disrepair. Althought I do plan on being buried in my benz, I don't think I could ever neglect it like that. But those are just my ramblings

Ken300D · #10 06-28-2002, 09:49 PM

I also plan on being buried in my Benz. But I'm the practical sort.

Cremation ===> Ash Tray (only).

When I see a 300D in bad shape, I usually think, Wow! At my car's rate of decay observed since I've had it, it has at least 20 years left!

Ken300D

#11 06-29-2002, 05:52 PM

I'm getting ready to bring one back from the depths of death. It looks BAD right now. By the time I get 'er done though, she'll be cherry again!!!

G-Benz · #12 07-01-2002, 01:48 PM

What's amazing is that many of us who take pride in the condition of our vehicles or notice neglect in other MBs, allow ourselves to rot otherwise...

...we'll change the oil at each 3K-mile interval, but not get a medical checkup in more than a decade...

...or detail the wheels with a Q-tip...but not get a needed haircut or replace our aging shorts with new ones...

My wife illustrated this point, after I lovingly washed and dried two of the MB vehicles last Saturday morning...but let our daughter go free to play with friends, knowing she got up in the same clothes she slept in, and didn't wash up or anything...(oops)

#13 07-03-2002, 03:28 PM

When i see a neglected, dirty, W123 or 126, i feel more proud than anything else. When driving with a friend in Chicago, driving my 123 sedan, we noticed a 123 wagon up ahead, it was sagging at the rear, a little rusty, and spuing tons of diesel soot out the tailpipe. But that old car sure did look proud driving down the road along with its owners who were more than twice my age. My friend commented "that its still running" and "more than likely has a ton of miles on it". I couldnt help to smile at the two in their wagon as i passed them.
I think the same thing when i see a neglected late 1970s Cadillac driving down the road. My god these were fine vehicles in their day, and just the fact that they are still running is a testament to their quality. So i dont get "upset" if i see a neglected Mercedes driving down the road, perhaps they are in a less fortunate economic situation, but i will say neglected or not, every person that i have seen is proud driving that old benz just as if it were a new one.

Omega · #14 07-03-2002, 06:44 PM

There have been a lot of great replies to this thread. I think a few have definitely given me reason to change my way of thinking when seeing an "out of shape" Benz. Rather than seeing it as neglected, I'm now starting to see it as "well enjoyed"
Ken, I must say your reply had me laughing so hard my sides were starting to hurt. Great idea...I wonder if Mercedes will start selling urns with the three pointed star