I am sorry but I must disagree with your opinion regarding Audi. I am a die hard MBZ owner and fan but must point out that nowadays Audi is probably closer to MBZ quality and engineering than even BMW. The Audi A8 is probably one of the most advanced designs in the world, aluminum space frame structure, light yet stronger than a regular steel unibody, quattro all wheel drive, available in Europe as the S8 with almost 400hp and a 6 speed manual or the incredible V8 twin turbo TDI with 250hp and tons of torque at avg 30MPG, the specs go on and on. If I had to choose between a 2001 S class and an A8, I would probably go for the A8. The new A8L is even more striking. The problem with resale is true only in the US. In Europe Audi outsells MBZ by a large margin and all their models hold up their values better than MBZ or BMW. It is a mistake to think of Audi as just a VW with a V8 in the same way it is wrong to say that new Mercedes are glorified Chryslers. VW's are VW's, Audi's are Audi's, in fact the VW Passat started life as the A4. A lot of VW's new designs are evolutions of original Audi projects. I agree that old Audi's are indeed inferior in some aspects when compared to older MB's, my opinion about old and new MB's is quite clearly stated in a post named "new mb's", but Audi has come a long way in refining their designs and engineering to match and surpass MB's in quite a few aspects.
Thank you and regards,
Joe Brasileiro
1980 450SEL
1987 Jaguar XJ6