Although I can't PROVE that the author is correct in all of his assertions, unfortunately I'm NOT shocked that it was written... I don't know about the comparisons with the other vehicle models but as far as the differences between the materials of the newer MB's as opposed to the older MB's I kinda think that MB HAS skimped slightly on the quality of parts,etc they use. I've got a few 115's and a 126 that are STILL bulletproof and ALL of the materials are STILL in tact after in some instances over 20 years, whereas I've had a NEW S-Class that after 2 years was more of a pain replacing this and that going out every 3 months (even though it was warrantied). My 86 560 SEL only had a total of 2 warranty covered problems done since 89 which was 3 years later after the orig owner bought it which was an amp for the cruise control,rear window switch. Since I had it besides the regular maint, I've only HAD to replace another rear window switch for $14 because it didn't light when I turned on the lights (although it still rolled up the window). My then new S class would have something going out all of the time and two of my buddies that have S600's have the same problem (not with the engines per se but interior electronics,check lights,function buttons breaking from use.They and another friend with a new ML always say they wish they could get a nice "old school" benz like mine because of the issues witht their new ones. My buddy even gave the ML to his wife and got a Lexus 430! I think that realistically, MB is just trying to keep up with demand for the "racy yet refined" look and of course to lighten the load you have to use lighter parts (which are cheaper) and cutting costs of materials means that yes, some of it will seem "cheezy". Too bad the $ of the cars still go up while they pay less but hey that's business and you can't be mad.I'd say, if you don't like it,buy another car or just shut up and drive
Hell if you can spend a million to make a billion, go for it. MB has the "prestige" and legendary history of the "old school" engineering from their predecessor cars that set standards that will ALWAYS remain in the minds of their faithful or wannabe owners that would damn near kill to drive one and wouldn't give a flip if they had to have "warranty" work done to their vehicle twice a week for the rest of their lives... overall they ARE among the BEST of the best and if you can overlook little crap like a cup holder,or plastic flip handle in your trunk (you shouldn't have to go into your trunk THAT much to use that thing anyway)
you should be alright.I think I heard that the germans didn't think you should drink in your automobile and the cup holders were only an issue over here because we damn near eat an intire dinner in our automobiles so...there's my bicentennial minute-okay 5 minutes!!