MB quality has been damn sliding for that last 5-7 years. Now that they are aligned with Chrysler, things will get even worse.

Mercedes-Benz will continue to flourish for some period of time simply because there are a ton of yuppies in this country walking around with "look at me" attitudes. They're buying a status symbol.

Unfortunately Lexus has long since knocked MB off the shelf when it comes to new car quality.

I have a last-year 126 car and love the "gee I wish I had one of those" looks I get from people driving by me in their over-priced-Honda-Civic-looking MB cars.