After about the 3rd read, I understand it. Bottom line, if you want the old amg sport package, a sunroof, and a proper stereo, you have signed on for the whole deal.
I think it would be great if MB offered a "practical value" package for the US; small diesel, manual tranny, mbtex, sunroof, and a couple of gadgets. And while I believe all the "rationale" behind the US diesel introduction, MB does everything it really wants to do, when it wants to do it. "They blinded me with science" .....and government regulation.
And will the 164 qualify for US truck tax exemption???
By the way, for those who remember, this reminds me of how we waited and speculated around the followup to Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" back in the mid-70's. I just hope the 164 is no "Darkness on the Edge of Town".
Ray
__________________ 1974 280 (gone)
1982 380SL (schwarzekatz)
1984 300TDT (why did I get rid of the best one?)
1992 300E (gone and forgotten)
1993 190E (daughter drives)
1994 E320 Wagon (gone and forgotten)
2002 ML320 (thank goodness for extended warranty)
After about the 3rd read, I understand it. Bottom line, if you want the old amg sport package, a sunroof, and a proper stereo, you have signed on for the whole deal.
Ray
Well, not quite the whole deal--you can skip the Comfort Package, Lighting Package and Air Suspension Package, not to mention nine individual options.
Touche', my point being that the pricing strategy is the same as the 163, and attractive options are packaged in ways that force the MSRP into the stratosphere. Too expensive a vehicle to pay for stuff you don't need or want, and special ordering is really just about paint and interior. Other ML markets were allowed to emphasize the U in SUV. I spent 45k on my '02, and it would have been a stellar value at 10% less.
Touche', my point being that the pricing strategy is the same as the 163, and attractive options are packaged in ways that force the MSRP into the stratosphere. Too expensive a vehicle to pay for stuff you don't need or want, and special ordering is really just about paint and interior. Other ML markets were allowed to emphasize the U in SUV. I spent 45k on my '02, and it would have been a stellar value at 10% less.
Ray
Unlike Europe, MB is trying to be only a premium brand here. As long as there is demand they will manipulate the options to get the prices as high as possible. Not much profit in selling a stripper.
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