Got pulled over today... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Warden · #1 04-17-2003, 03:42 AM

...by a Beemer.

I was driving to the weekly Scout meeting (I'm a leader in a Sea Scout program; maritime division of the Boy Scouts) down in Los Gatos (kinda southwest of San Jose) when I notice a black Beemer following me. I start wondering why, when I noticed him flashing his brights at me. I figured he was trying to get the smelly ol' diesel out of his way. At the next stop sign, I noticed him waving at me. I wave back, wondering what's going on...then, driving agian, he flashes me with his brights one more time. This time, I just pull over to let him pass...when, to my surprise, he pulled over right behind me. I roll down the window just as he runs up, certain that something's wrong with my car and he's going to tell he what. He introduces himself, says there's no problem, but he does have one question...

"Is your car for sale?"

Given the general shape of my car, I was quite flattered, although I love my lil' diesel enough that I politely declined. I gave him the URL to this site; maybe he'll come over. He said he was looking for a car for his daughter...

I thought it was cool

Nate Stanley · #2 04-17-2003, 10:13 AM

Warden,

I work for a couple of guys who both have BMWs, one a 740IL and the other a late 90's 3-series.

The 3 series gobbled up 2-3 grand last year in varous bits and pieces (we're not talking major part or system failures either), and the '01 740 IL has been in the shop 5-6 times since October.

It wasn't always this way. I have a friend who bought a 1600 new in the late '60s and sold it after 10 years, and he had one falure on the car in all that time- a burned out lightbulb. I really believe after the 2002tii's in the early 70's , they lost sight of the design intent of the car. (ultimate jiving machine?)
I understand completely why the BMW flashed you.

OTOH, since you are in the area, a word to the wise- There's a green Dodge Durango with civilian plates prowling US 101 south of Gilroy, enforcing the 55 limit in a construction zone. LET HIM GO BY!

I saw him pop 2 drivers in the last 30 days--

Stevo · #3 04-17-2003, 10:33 AM

Warden

I new Los Gatos was an up scale place but the cops driving Beemers would be a little much.

BTW your article about diesel vs gassers was very good and just right to pass along to those who whine about "smelly diesels"

lrg · #4 04-17-2003, 12:49 PM

Nate,
I couldn't agree with you more about BMWs. They are nice cars but the quality today is nothing compared to the era of the old 2002. MBZ seems to have a bit of the same problem but IMHO no where near as bad as BMW. I'd love to have an old 2002tii in my stable but have no interest in an old 320, they're just not the same.

LRG

Nate Stanley · #5 04-17-2003, 12:54 PM

Irg,

I hope I don't start a flame war here, but most 20 yr old Benzes look better than 20 yr old BMWs. Check out the browned plastic trim around the back windows-Benz uses metal, paint is better, vinyl upholstery is like armor plate.

My '84 300D has 273K on it, wouldn't trade it for anything but another Benz. It drives better than others cars with 1/3 the miles.

Richard Eldridge · #6 04-17-2003, 01:46 PM

I washed and waxed my 30TD and parked it facing the street in front of my house.

Around 6 PM a guy pulls up in front of my house in an old battered Honds and begins to honk. This seems to be a custom in some of the countries immigrants to Miami have: they bang on the gate or honk outside the house rather than coming up and knocking on the door.

So I come out and the guy asks me how much I want for my wagon. I tell him that it isn't for sale, and that I had to take the Greyhound ll the way to Atlanta to buy it.

I paid $3K for it, but I saw that the guy at ************** in Bellingham WA had one on E Bay for 4995 with over 200K miles on it.

Could a station wagon become a collectors item at only 18 years old? I seem to have read that between 1980 and 85 there were only 28,000 of these imported. Mine sold new for around $35K, which in 85 would get you a pair of Buick wagons, I think.

I saw a neat 60's Mercury Turnpike Cruiser style 2 door wagon in a carshow several years ago that looked pretty awesome.

I am pretty happy with the 300TD. It just needs a few minor things to be perfect.: the new radio won't play CD's much of the time or MP3's ever, the rear wiper & washer don't work and the antenna was disconnected by the PO because it seemed to be draining the battery.

There are a couple of small holes in the leather upholstery.

bjcsc · #7 04-17-2003, 03:16 PM

Steveo:
Our state police drive BMW's, both motorcycles and 7 series patrol cars. You see them all the time on the highways...of course we have a manufacturing plant upstate in Greenville, and here in Charleston the Z3's and 4's are in rows acres deep down at the port. In my opinion, the 2002 and 3.0cs were the last of the great BMW's...

jassz · #8 04-17-2003, 08:32 PM

This sounds like it could be a commercial. The guy in the BMW asking the guy with the Mercedes if he can buy his car. Kind of like the Coke truck driver drinking Pepsi.