Do people look at you in your MB diesel ?

[Angel]

Sorry for such a simplisitic title,
I was driving to work/school today and noticed more than a couple people (that were waiting for the bus) getting a good look at my 240D.
I've noticed this before when closer to the city, but I figured it was becuase of the ***potential*** bling that my car (our cars...) posess...

when I first bought my car, and I told the guys at my guard unit, the first question was "Are you gonna pimp it out ?"
"uhh...no- it runs fine the way it is"

I've gotten a few comments from younger women at drive-through's that say "is that a mercedes ? wow, I wish I could have one" (Knowing that they have no respect for engineering/longevity anything, its just the 3 pointed star. I kinda chuckle when I think "yeah, and you'd love the acceleration too"). I dont bring up my car, or try to stare at people on the side of the road, so as to draw thier attention, but it seems that the car does it for me. China Blue even, not an outrageous color, bundtcakes, no tint, diesel klatter... (my star is still attached, knock on wood shifter-surround)

So I ask- do you find that your MB diesel attracts attention more than other cars on the road ? if so, How can we use this to our advantage ? How can I spread the good name of MB diesel owners ?

("it runs on vegetable oil", "I'm always looking for parts cars" "Got a date tonight ?")

[benzene]

I don't get many looks at all in mine, I think it's too old for people to pay it any mind. Wish it did, I love a good ego boost as much as the next guy.

[aklim]

They say "Nice car" but have no cpmprehension that it is a diesel nor do I think they care.

[billrei]

There are still too many W123's on the road to attract much attention. In my W109's I see kids pointing and asking their parents what kind of car is that? However for pure sex appeal nothing beats early Jags. I owned a 1967 Jaguar MKII sedan and woman flocked to that car. XKE's should come with condoms standard in the glovebox.....

[pawoSD]

I get looks like that mainly at work when I am prowling around the parkinglot for a spot(its a movie theater, so quite a few people)....and around school campus looking doing the same thing. Yesterday I parked in a snow drift at the side of the road that was deeper than my front bumper This was near a traffic light (very near) so a couple lanes over were several people waiting for the light, I just moved over and plowed right into the drift spot that no one had taken (for obvious reason) and proceeded to go forwards and backwards in it a few times plowing and flattening it all out....never once getting stuck, amazing considering it was almost as deep as the tires. When I quick stopped into work last week for my schedule I came out to see an older man standing next to his minivan staring at my car.....then he stared even more at me when I came up to it I don't think he expected someone my age.

[benzene]

he probably couldn't believe you'd grind your lovely car into a snowbank

[rwthomas1]

I try to keep my car very clean so it always looks its best. I think the old MB styling is very distictive compared to all the aero-lump econoboxes on the road today. You can't tell most brands apart anymore. Hyundais look like Saabs, etc. A clean, shiny car with distinctive styling will always draw some attention. Not a bad thing. RT

[BodhiBenz1987]

Sometimes when I've just washed it, I get a few looks. It's not that uncommon a car, but I think when the suns out and he's all clean, that chrome grille cowling just sparkles, the white paint looks brilliant (well, not up close ... ) and the palomino intererior looks very sharp, too. The 124 is such a classy design ... a lot of car manufacturers copied it but didn't really "get" it. And 123s and 126s, even if they are fairly common, are still a very unique-looking car. I also think that, as with all older cars IMO, one that is clean and well-kept REALLY stands out. This more true for you guys driving the 123s. My 124, even though I consider it classic, looks fairly modern ... in fact most people who dont know better mistake it for a mid-90s model.

One other thing I think makes our cars different is the double-take effect ... people hear "CLATTA CLATTA CLATTA" and they look, expecting to see some junky clunker, or at least a cute little diesel putter ... and instead it's a smart-looking BENZ giving out that sound. They don't expect it. A lot of these people don't even know that MB made diesels.

There are three kinds of people who check out my car, from what I can tell: 1) People who don't know jack about cars or MBs and just think "oooh Mercedes ... $$$" 2) people who don't know anything about cars or MBs and think "WHY is that girl's car so %^&$* loud?! and 3) awesome folks who appreciate the wonders of the MB world and look at fellow MB drivers with respect.

I myself always check out old MBs. The best is when I'm out running and I see a nice one drift by and I trail it with my gaze as it drives by, as though it's some sort of million-dollar vehicle. Now, when I am IN my Mercedes, i would imagine the driver of whatever MB I am staring at can understand why I take such an interest in their car. But when I'm out running, and my interest in MB is not apparant, these poor drivers must just think I'm a wacko. So if you notice any random runners staring down your 123, take no offense ... it's only admiration.

[Hatterasguy]

I get a few looks, a lot more when I have my summer wheels on. But their are a heck of a lot of MB, BMW, Aubi ect around so you really don't get many looks. I check out every old MB though but for another car to get my attention it has to be something cool. Usually summer brings out the nice cars. For example I was following a green Austin Martin Vanquish(sp?), holly crap those things look good.

Oh and nothing like a nice XKE, I just love looking at those.

[d.delano]

The Aston Martin Vanquish.
There are a few around here, probably a $200k car?
I see 'em here just parked right out on the street, with all the salt and dirty slush and grunge all over them. Some people here are wealthy enough to use them as drivers. Very attractive cars, and when the driver opens one up, it lets out a sound I've never heard before.
I get looks, but only from middle-aged to older people. I can almost read their minds. They are thinking about when they used to own this exact car.
But if any younger peeps turn their heads I know why- it's the loud clatter.

[stayalert]

On Friday afternoon I saw 2 300's traveling North on 95 in Maine. The first one had 2 distinguished women (guessing maybe 70-80 years old) the second car was right behind it with two distinguished gentlemen riding in it. I was a couple of lanes away blasting along in my VW TDI but I did a double take and then did a triple take. I saw the expressions on the faces of the women...they were smiling and chatting away....couldn't help but smile myself.....diesel on!
Rob M Concord, MA

[lietuviai]

I got some dirty looks a few times because of the smoke it was belching out when I had it floored.

When I drive my Volvo wagon, slate grey, not a sole, except occasionally maybe another Volvo owner with the exact same car and color (wow, that's just like miiine) they never look or notice!

When I drive my 87 300 D, I notice a few people look, usually old men while I'm parked in front of the milk store with engine clattering away (hmmm wished I bought one before I retired)

But when I drive the 450 SL, top down, booooy don't the woman take notice, their antenni go right up, and point right at you!

And I laugh, and think, if they only knew how broke I really am, they'd run the other way!

[Johnhef]

I do get quite a few looks in my MB's but mostly because of the cosmetic changes I've made. I just rather have a 123 or 124 that stands out a bit from the rest of them, although I'm still all over every bone stock one that comes in for service
I'm surprised to find I dont have a picture of my 124, I'll have to fix that soon, so here's my 123: (sorry about the size!)

[83-240D]

people do look. the car is not just another jelly bean on the road. it is hard and rectangular and different.