Somehow I get annoyed by those status-seeking, arrogant new Mercedes-Benz drivers who think that the only "real" Mercedes is a 2000-plus model. These people will never understand and appreciate what driving and owning a Mercedes-Benz is all about. Contrary to popular views, having a Benz has really nothing to do with status (although image is a bonus, which comes with owning a Benz). A true Mercedes-Benz connoisseur is one who can appreciate all Benz models regardless of year and price. It's a deep interest, a passion that transcends the superficial and the mundane.

I've noticed that those who buy a M-B solely for the right to be arrogant usually buy the newer models. These people actually will look down upon those who drive older model Benzes, thinking that they're better because they have a newer car (this is a big no-no among M-B enthusists). This attitude is also shared by people who desire a M-B for the very same reason stated. They don't understand that M-B had to cut corners in workmanship and material to lower prices, thus, making the newer M-B cars more affordable for many people. There was nothing wrong with that, as this corporate strategy benefited both consumers and M-B AG. Those who could not buy a M-B before could buy them now; customer numbers increased, which in turn increased profits for M-B.

I guess to make up for its lack of quality, M-B made its cars more flashy and perhaps a little bit more pretentious. It dropped its understated luxury image and began to overstate it. Come to think of it, M-B has really started to take advantage of its image and seems to be actually marketing it. It has added more electronic gadgets and styled parts of the car--which, by the way, no longer abides to the "form follows function" philosophy--in an effort to please the nouveau riche.

Perhaps some of these people will never learn to appreciate what quality is--or what a real M-B is, for that matter. Maybe I'm biased, but I love the 1990s M-Bs. In my view, I think models like the W124 and W140 are the last of the true M-Bs. Nothing is more beautiful, more timeless, more luxurious, more classy than the W124 E-Class. Sure I love the new M-Bs, but the 90s models win my heart. All hail the W124 (especially the 94-95 models)!