pleasing the nouveau riche

Somehow I get annoyed by those status-seeking, arrogant new Mercedes-Benz drivers who think that the only "real" Mercedes is a 2000-plus model. These people will never understand and appreciate what driving and owning a Mercedes-Benz is all about. Contrary to popular views, having a Benz has really nothing to do with status (although image is a bonus, which comes with owning a Benz). A true Mercedes-Benz connoisseur is one who can appreciate all Benz models regardless of year and price. It's a deep interest, a passion that transcends the superficial and the mundane.

I've noticed that those who buy a M-B solely for the right to be arrogant usually buy the newer models. These people actually will look down upon those who drive older model Benzes, thinking that they're better because they have a newer car (this is a big no-no among M-B enthusists). This attitude is also shared by people who desire a M-B for the very same reason stated. They don't understand that M-B had to cut corners in workmanship and material to lower prices, thus, making the newer M-B cars more affordable for many people. There was nothing wrong with that, as this corporate strategy benefited both consumers and M-B AG. Those who could not buy a M-B before could buy them now; customer numbers increased, which in turn increased profits for M-B.

I guess to make up for its lack of quality, M-B made its cars more flashy and perhaps a little bit more pretentious. It dropped its understated luxury image and began to overstate it. Come to think of it, M-B has really started to take advantage of its image and seems to be actually marketing it. It has added more electronic gadgets and styled parts of the car--which, by the way, no longer abides to the "form follows function" philosophy--in an effort to please the nouveau riche.

Perhaps some of these people will never learn to appreciate what quality is--or what a real M-B is, for that matter. Maybe I'm biased, but I love the 1990s M-Bs. In my view, I think models like the W124 and W140 are the last of the true M-Bs. Nothing is more beautiful, more timeless, more luxurious, more classy than the W124 E-Class. Sure I love the new M-Bs, but the 90s models win my heart. All hail the W124 (especially the 94-95 models)!

[el presidente]

I like all MB's....new and old...even the new C-Class Sport Coupe.

It depends on who you are talking to as to what "the best" MB is.....different for everybody.

My "nouveau riche" philosophy:

It may give some perverse pleasure to look down their noses at others that don't have the latest/greatest car, fur coat, house or watch. But, the fact of the matter is this:

There WILL ALWAYS Be somebody that

Has MORE money than you
Is BETTER looking than you
Is THINNER than you
Is STRONGER than you
Has BETTER connections
Is a BETTER dresser
Is a BETTER driver

Is smarter, has more class, has a hotter spouse, is more sophisticated, has a better wine collection, has a nicer jet.......and on and on.

The "competition" among folks just to feel superior over those they perceive to be "less adequate" than they to me is funny. They are just plastic people with nothing really to offer.

To me, life is too short (I'm just 36) has more to offer and is more rewarding than constantly trying to keep up with the Jones's......

[elau]

Good, bad, or indifferent. Keeping up with the Jones may not always be a bad thing. It is the natural process of progress and improvement. Otherwise, we will still be living in trees and eating berries.

[Ken300D]

The "real" Mercedes were made BEFORE 1995.

They're all Chryslers after that. Or to be more precise, Daimler-Chryslers.



Ken300D

[Kuan]

For the most part, we in Minnesota are pretty sensible about our vehicles. Here it's the size of your boat which defines your manhood, not your car Also your icehouse, yep, people around here drool over luxury icehouse suites more than they do over new Benzes

Kuan

[G-Benz]

My life revolves around my relationship with God, my family and the state of my career. What others do (nouveau-rich or not) matters not...if they chose to look down on me because of make of car (or any other product that doesn't fit their breed) then so be it...I don't hob-nob with them anyway.

We all benefit economically from their conspicuous consumption though...

Keeping up with the Joneses does not improve the breed...improving an concept, design, or process does!

[Lebenz]

I would say that for well over 99% of folks, owning a MB, new or old, is a lifetime achievement. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand why. There is no stated or implied obligation on the part of MB ownership, or even use, to know anything about other MB vehicles, the MB linage, the chassis or engine designation. I would assert that the perspective used in the first post of this thread is an example of reverse snobbery. Which is to say, it is a put down of those who buy a MB as a choice and as part of their success in life. There is nothing at all wrong with that, just as there is nothing wrong with being successful.

[lowprof.]

I was talking to my wife just yesterday about starting to save up a little dough so we can buy a couple of later model,low mile creampuff 124's before they really start to become collectibles. They are an end of an era, and amongst the greatest cars ever built.

mi dos centavos


donnnoooo

[Kuan]

Originally posted by cossie
In my view, I think models like the W124 and W140 are the last of the true M-Bs.

Some people were saying that about the W126's when the W140 came out. So can you recognize a "nouveau riche" person by the way they drive their brand new W220? Seriously, what bugs you about people who drive brand new Mercedes Benzes? I used to have an almost new ML320... but really, so what? People are people whatever they drive. Sometimes they adopt different personas while they drive their cars. It's they're neuroses, not yours

Kuan

I agree with Cossie, both about MB's chages, and about new owners. Go to a MB dealership and stand around the service waiting area, and see what most of the owners are like. Please note that I didn't say "all." I also think the MB cars have gotten "flashier," but I think this really applies to most all new cars. I don't know what manufacturer has the same ideals as MB may have had a decade ago and before.

[Kuan]

I gotta admit, striking up a conversation with the people in the waiting area is like pulling teeth. I hang around the parts counter and talk to people there.

Kuan

[BENZ-LGB]

Originally posted by el presidente


There WILL ALWAYS Be somebody that

Has MORE money than you
Is BETTER looking than you
Is THINNER than you
Is STRONGER than you
Has BETTER connections
Is a BETTER dresser
Is a BETTER driver

Is smarter, has more class, has a hotter spouse, is more sophisticated, has a better wine collection, has a nicer jet.......and on and on.

That may be true Senor Presidente, but I've yet to find a person who meets that criteria vis a vis me

El Dictador :p

P.S. I like ALL Mercedes, old, new, in-between, I even like the little tail-fin Benzes. It is all good...

[el presidente]

Love the old "finbacks"

E.P.

[Ben300SD]

I may be going out on a limb here, but I think the last "real" Mercedes were those that were overseen by Bruno Sacco throughout their design processes. The first project that Bruno led was the development of the 126 which debuted in 1979. He followed that with the 201, the 124, the 140, the 202, and finally the 210. Then, sadly, in 1998 or 1999 (not sure), Bruno retired.

Can anybody think of a more literally timeless design than the 126? A showroom condition Euro 1979 280SE still looks brand new to most eyes. Bruno was a not just a product of the Mercedes corporate structure, he was a developer. Bruno left, and so did the Mercedes that we all know and love.

I can't fully understand the state of mind of an individual who purchases a new Mercedes for the image. Personally, I would much rather have a timeless, beautiful, sturdy, rationally designed older Mercedes than some cheap imitation of the original. I guess I would find it difficult to take somebody seriously if they were to look down on me because my Mercedes was not as new as theirs.

[el presidente]

Benz-LGB,

I know you are picky about "yelling" in all caps........

.......sorry.