Lots of static about MB quality that isn't there anymore or whatever. I wouln't touch one of those MB suv's with all the gadgets.. I prefer my 84 300D and 91 350sdl.

Anyway, since most people don't drive MB's I am sure that the MB lustre hasn't worn off the public in general. In most movies MB's are still prominetly displayed. In nearly all capitals of the world, MB's still haul around the rich and famous, and are always being blown up in rather less dubious distinction (the other day in Baghdad, it looked like a newer SEL class had its roof blown off. You could still tell it was a MB by the wheels and side moulding.

I think in the movie "Blackhawk down" the one taxi driver/informant was driving a beater 240d taxi that was really getting beat up but still drove

As long as movies and the media portray luxury as the MB hood ornament, the perception of quality and german engineering, whether or not real will live on. I've never seen the lexus or Infiniti is considered by Hollywood as a luxury car. I don't mind.