A few moments ago, I posted a reply to a young member regarding driving full out. In the course of my post, I was moved to relay the story of the time I was allowed to drive a 6.9. I was about half the age then that I am now, but that afternoon-early evening clearly remains my favorite driving memory involving a Benz.

Without turning this forum into an encounter group, I think it would be sort of interesting to read of other member's favorite moments involving the marque.

My favorite memory in an MB (so far) was a crystal clear fall morning on the twisty back roads of a 100 mile loop drive (San Juan > Ortega Hiway > Lake Elsinore > Santa Rosa Plateau > De Luz > Fallbrook > Oceanside > San Juan). My bride of 31 years, Leise, was driving and familiarizing herself with the modified suspension - she likes to corner FAST! I was enjoying the company and scenery, and we both realized at the same moment that this was the first time since college that we were enjoying a car as part of the ride experience, instead of just transportation.

Driving the small French mountain/coast roads near ST Tropez, Cannes and Nice up to Monaco with a R129 300SL topdown!!!

...even the memory itself makes me wish it would be summer again...

greetingz,

I enjoyed the drive in my 300SE from Edinburgh in Scotland to Birmingham (where I live) in England. It was a good six hours of nice country roads.
Very fast, and very good fun. Just quite expensive on the petrol.

Three glorious weeks, fall 1989, rental 190E, 5-speed, 2,500 miles in and around the alps of Bavaria, Austria, Northern Italy, and Switzerland! :cool: We'd done the same trip in 1985 on a motorcycle.

Mountain passes with dozens of hairpin corners and specatacular scenery. On one side of the road there's sheer mountian, it's a LONG way down the other side and there are no side barriers. Thrill to be the first one to spot a bus coming the opposite way and realize you both won't fit through that corner... :eek:

A very brief run on the Autobahn, where "slow" traffic in the far right lane is doing 80+ mph, and overtaking in the center means do 100 or so. Remember to watch the mirror in the left lane because even though you're topping 110 and climbing, you may see a distant speck, a flash and then a Benz or BMW will be on your bumper RIGHT NOW! with a 50 mph speed advantage. Get out, pass, get back in, or else!

Biggest thrill? Being the first car at a construction light leading to a one-lane temporary road through the meadows that replaced the road wiped out by an landslide. When the light goes green, it's one-way traffic for 5 miles, no speed limit, no centerline, no shoulder, and lots of curves. Oh yeah, about 50 motorcycles up front with us. Drag race at the light and then try to keep up with 1,000cc sportbikes. :rolleyes: We gave 'em a run for the money, stand on gas or brake as appropriate, drift through corners, etc. while trying not to hog the whole lane so they could pass when possible. We have some of that on videotape somewhere around the house and I still get goosebumps remembering. :D

Thanks for bringing up the topic, and I appologize for running on so long.

"Please, sir, may I have some more?"

BCingU, Jim

I would have to say my favorite driving experience with a benz has been getting to ride in my grandpa's 6.9 he had down in newport beach where he used to live.

of course that was many many years ago, and the car was sold years back and he also is no longer with us.

Most recent experiences driving a benz that really made me feel great, the first time I drove my 92 300CE 4 months ago. I had switched from a jeep to the benz. I used to feel bored and depressed when driving the jeep and really only cared about getting to my destination.

With the benz now I smile as I drive, I'm always enjoying every minute of it, and I take longer routes everywhere just so I can drive a bit longer. I even leave earlier to get to my destination so I can take the longer route.

lastly, I really enjoy knowing the car is all mine. :) hehe

Alon