Most of the subscribers to the Diesel Discussion Forum are of the same opinion as you, Gurkha, but it is not that common to find a typical MB customer who really cares about much more than the fact it is obvious they can afford an expensive car. In the past MB's were expensive because they were reliable and robust, and these characteristics gave them a value that measured up with their purchase prices. Today, they are relatively less expensive than they were in the 1980's, and they are significantly less robust and reliable. The conclusion one draws is MB is engaging in the reverse of the Toyota-Lexus, Nissan-Infinity or Honda-Acura strategy. There are now dozens of MB models to choose from, and they are being sold as slightly costlier versions of each market segment they play in, which seems to be all markets now. Unlike the Japanese companies, MB did not rebadge or create a new brand to accomplish this. Instead they watered down the MB name with lots of models and filled them with all kinds of under developed gizmos. From what I have seen, it appears making a solid cheap car, then growing into the luxury market is more successful or easier than being only in the luxury car market, defining the market and then expanding to reach the rest of the spectrum of the automobile market.

The MB heritage is at risk, since the customer base MB is pandering to is perfectly willing and capable of making direct comparisons to Japanese makes. It seems MB, and BMW with its styling of late at least, is now being paced by the Japanese companies. I doubt the Japanese will make room in their traditional markets for MB willingly, and low cost packed with features is a Japanese invention. MB should go back to making superior machines and live in the markets where it can lead. It would be great if they could do this with the entire range of cars and SUV's they have today, but I doubt it. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)