Typical profile of a w126 owner

[NewMBie]

Having been on this and other MB forums for a while now and this is how I see a typical W126 owner who frequent these sites.

A 40 ish male with a decent income. He who loved MB at a young age but could not afford one then. He who wants to feel bigger than he who really is.

Don't mean to offend anyone but this is just how I see it.

[MS Fowler]

I am afraid your sentence structure obscures your meaning.

[MRTIKKET]

Your premise has a few flaws in it. My auto collection is worth well over 1 million dollars. My wife's personal daily driver is a flawless 1989 300SE, which we purchased new. 50K was a fair amount of money in 1989. I have purchased every series of S-class made by MB since 1972, except the 140, which I'm glad I missed.

We have a 2001 S500, that she rarely drives, prefering the 126. Recently, I purchased a used 1985 500SEC, after restoration, I intend it to be my daily driver. I will probably have 4 times the money invested in it than it will be worth. These cars are a labor of love, regardless of your age or when you finally purchase one.

Cars are rarely good investments, for someone looking to make a profit, unless you are selling basic crapped out transportation to an unsuspecting buyer.

As far as people looking for a car that raises their stature in life, I don't buy it. I get more looks and compliments while driving my 126's than I get with any of my other cars, with the exception of my Superbird. Driving that car, is the same as walking down a busy street butt-naked.

[cyberdrakon]

I'd have to agree.

[420SEL Realtor]

..126 owners take price in knowing they drive one of the best made cars ever... I my highly competitive world of real estate sales I continue to be complimented on my "classic" car.

My classic 420Sel is the least expensive car on my office's parking lot - but has the most classs :)

[ackvig]

[QUOTE]MRTIKKET - 10/30/2004 10:49 PM

Your premise has a few flaws in it... I have purchased every series of S-class made by MB since 1972, except the 140, which I'm glad I missed.

QUOTE]

MRTIKKET, you've VERY quickly become one of my favorite posters, but finally, a chink in your armor. I'm afraid YOUR premise has a few flaws in it. From your original post, you are obviously a man of means, therefore the W140 is PERFECT for you! 1st) you can buy the best of the best condition W140's out there to be found, and, 2nd), you can maintain it to factory recommended spec. Make note, the factory recommended a VERY agressive preventive maintanence program that the average buyer simply could not maintain - you could. And when one drives a properly tuned W140, pull to the side, we're coming through. And THAT's my word. Correct yourself on this matter MRTIKKET. You've got all those other greats, so get yourself a mint W140 and keep it up. You won't regret that.

Peace to youse W126 cats. Nuff respect due.

[dsilvar]

Owning a Benz is like owning a piece of art.
How it makes you feel and what it envokes in you, is a matter of personal taste and ones emotional attachment to cars. If it makes you feel rich knowing it once was out of reach..well thats ok too.
For me its symbolizes what life is all about..power, comfort, style and the appreciation of the good things in life.
Ihave a W126 and a W129 and thats great!..an SLR would be nicer..but.what the hey, I still have some farvegneugen!!!

[Thomas J]

I think, that the one thing all w126 have in commen is: a love for that car!! It's old, quit expensive, and probably not the most wize thing you can throw your money at...[:D][:D] so if you're rich, why not drive a new car?? Face it - we're all enthusiasts...

I'm 29 and a proff. musician - and don't make a lot of money - but I just HAVE to have that car... it makes me happy just thinking about it. Ofcourse it's cool, that people look and appreciate your car - but I drive for myself! I'd ride it, even if noone could see me...[8D]

[jamies420sel]

NewMBie, I think that your thesis lacks one underlying tenet: most (if not all) of us work on our cars.

I was sold (figuratively AND literally) my 420 by my wife's mechanic, Gil. I was looking for a large, used sedan (I don't do mini-vans or SUVs) that would put a considerable and comfortable distance between the occupants. My other requirement was that parts were available, durable and (comparatively) reasonably priced, so that I could work on it myself. I had never considered Mercedes. Gil recommended two cars: late '80s 6-cyl. 5-series BMW and '86-'90 S-class with diplomat seating (the "L"). I was surprised that he didn't recommend Lexus or Infiniti, but as it turns out, he works on them and would never own one (according to him).

I enjoy tinkering with well-engineered objects with a high level of build quality: Olympus 35mm "pro" cameras, Gibson guitars, fine tools, etc. After years of working on a variety of automoblies that were designed and built by accountants, it is still a pleasant experience to work on a car designed by professional engineers - car guys.

I'm a car guy, too [:)].

[jhodg5ck]

I happened into the MB world through a friend of our family passing along a 116 280SE he wasn't using anymore. It was my first car which I drove as a daily for a while until I replaced it w/ one of my father's Healey's (black 64 which still haunts my insurance to this day....). Having worked on both Brit and German iron the German bits were far more intuitive and thus enjoyable to work on.
My next car was an 87 560SEL which was the first MB I really sunk my teeth into. Since then I have been hooked.. After going to the Kansas City meet 2 years ago I got the SEC bug and have owned 3 since that time.
I continue to drive these cars as they are easy to work on, parts are Cheap and w/ proper care they will go forever. I do not think there is a better car available for the money then a pre 91 MB.

Oh, and I'm 26:)
Jonathan