When I look at the 3 wheeled cart that ushered in the Mercedes Benz automobile, I think of the years of innovation and quality poured into this car. I drive an older 300E quite frankly because I like the body style, especially the grill, and the back view of the car. I also chose the 300E because of the simplicity of the 3.0 inline six, and the large amount of room in the engine compartment to work on the car. I like the spartan interior and sporty gauges. I really do not like the design of the E320 despite it being newer. I also must confess that the challenge of getting more performance out of the 3.0 (dual turbos) is an attraction.
As far as prestige, I try to follow in the spirit of the renaissance
man. To be a connoisseur of the beautiful, and that which boldly states quality. The MB does not make the man, the MB compliments the man. For me, I must be well read, well educated (formally and informally), follow the gentleman ideal, be physically fit, and have integrity. This takes time and commitment, but prestige comes from knowing I follow my personal code to the best of my ability. The MB compliments my life well.

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Robert Davis

- very well put

the M103 inline-6 appeals to me because of its mechanical idealness - perfect dynamic balance, and uniformly-spaced exhaust pulses. That it is proving to be bulletproof just adds to its allure.

the timeless and purposeful design of the Sacco-designed cars (especially the 124 and 201) also speak to me. They exude solidity and elegance at the same time. In a parking lot of soapbar-shaped cars, they simply stand out.

the driving experience forces one to drive maturely, discouraging the need to prove oneself (in city driving). But on the highway, the car's character and autobahn breeding make themselves known, and all the design elements begin to make sense.

yes, the car has a cachet especially to those not familiar with the brand. But I am careful to not derive my self-esteem from it - I would rather think that I chose it because of who I am and what I value.

I heartily agree Robert! I have many diverse interests of which Automobiles is only one. I'd like to think however, that the fact that I am an autmobile enthusiast, and that I choose to drive a Benz, speaks not only of my taste in vehicles, but for the vehicle's capable performance and engineering which sates and developes that taste.

Regards,
- Ryan

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'95 E420 - 'Shadowfax' 138kmi.
'92 Volvo 740Turbo Bard 193kmi
'74 240D - 'Ol' Green' 4spd Manual 104kmi. (sold )
'77 300D - 'Red' 223kmi (sold)
'75 240D - 'Bianca the Blue Bomber' (sold)

Robert:
Well said.

We need to start a new advertising campaign: What would Aristotle and Confucius drive?


Kerry

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13