Those who adapt to change survive.
Who would have ever thought that Mercedes would make an SUV? The instrumentation would go digital? that we would have cup-holders? The changes that our beloved car manufacturer is making is only to allow it to remain competitive and stay in business, without them we would not be able to buy our parts for our older quality cars. I asked a dealer about the new S when I had my 140 in for service, Why does it look so cheap, even the windshield wipers are plastic? he responded that every change was the result of consumer feedback. I then replied, are you asking Mercedes owners or just any consumer?
Mercedes quality has degraded, but Chrysler's quality has improved. Chrysler has products now with MB components (crossfire) and there is a new MB product that resembles a Pacifica to launch soon. Cross-components, cross development, (Cross Fire) creates similiar products. MB is not the Same, it is now Daimler Chrysler, it will survive, but the old school MB owners don't want plastic and femine designs. Myself I prefer the masculine, powerful, secure appearance and dependability of the 129's and the 140's, the new S and SL are pretty to look at, but I still don't want one. (yet). Stay competitive, stay in business. Peace
Regards,
Brian