A very good article that lays out how MB got where it is today, and what it needs to do to get back to making quality cars.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8840360/

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-Paul-
'01 E430, Sport 72,000 mi
'98 C280, 126,500 mi

I never liked this marriage made in hell. Maybe it saved Chrysler, but is sure smudged the Mercedes name. If they start sharing more parts, it will become another exercise in badge engineering ala GM's Pontiac and Buick, etc. The Chrysler 300 gets a boost by bragging about a Mercedes-derived suspension - what does Mercedes get out of that?

Hopefully they can find a way to break the relationship, then Mercedes should start making simple solid automobiles of the highest standards in looks and quality.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Profitable use of tooling that would have otherwise been retired.

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC

In other news, DCX is being investigated by the US for alleged illegal bribery payments to various countries. The investigation includes the suicide in Germany of a DCX official from Africa.

about chrysler causing mb problems. i see it as mb upgrading chrysler more. i think that mb doesnt want to build simple cars at least to sell here. they are building the simple mercedes like they sell in europe here as chryslers. at least it looks asif that is how it is headed.

i rented the chrysler 300 for christmas break out in vegas. it had a 2.7 engine. it was a little doggy but got over 30 mph driving mostly 80+. the roadholding was very mb like. i drove thruough about 200 miles of a blizzare both sides of flagstaff new mexico. i passed everybody just like i always do in my mercedes in snow. the car never placed a step wrong. just like a mercedes.

i am happy to see what they are building now. i am waiting for the magnum with a mb cdi engine with six speed. i will buy that!

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

MTI
Have you not received yours yet ?

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2007 C 230 Sport.

When I said simple, I didn't mean cheap. It would still be expensive but built with an eye toward mechanical excellence instead of electronic. The German application of computers and electronics is a little funky and they need to tone it way down.

I too rented a 300 and all I noticed was the ridiculously high beltline that makes it difficult to rest your arm out the window, and the way the paint sprayer missed painting the areas around various hinges. They're getting better but its still crap. If I were Mercedes I would not be happy about my parts and engineering being offered in a Dodge.

Consider that Cadillac used to be an amazing car at one time. Thats before the bean counters moved in, established commonality to cut costs, and essentially turned it into a Chevy with extra chrome. That brand has suffered ever since, and even with the recent improvements, is still trying hard to overcome its tarnished image. And lets face it, image is a big part of what these cars are about. Unfortunately I see MB heading down that same road.

Maybe DCX is trying for a Lexus/Toyota kind of arrangement, but this mish-mosh will take DECADES to get there.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma