[Firewater]

So I've always enjoyed brotherhood, comradeship, and sense of belonging to a "group." I have the idea that Mercedes-Benz owners are part of this group. I find myself nodding to other individuals driving a Mercedes, showing them a little more courtesy in traffic (not that I'm not curteous in traffic, what an asshole ) and enjoy checking out their cars.

The flipside of this positive feeling of community, is that I'm driving what many Mercedes drivers look "down on." Are older Benzes not part of the "in-crowd" when it comes to MB drivers? Are they too readily available to the "common" man? This common man being someone who doesn't recognize the prestige, the quality, and history of these cars. Someone who doesn't care for their car as enthusiasts do, but simply treat it like a vehicle?

I suppose it comes down to the individuals behind the wheel. Is the other person one to appreciate such comradeship, or even the person to appreciate the fact they are driving a MERCEDES-BENZ.

I almost scoff at my former self, driving around in my father's 560 SEL, regarding it as just a "hand-me down," not acknowledging compliments in an effort not to seem boastful, but deep down I only knew it was nice to wax it once in a while and change the oil. I knew nothing about the history or the WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE AND WHY! Ever since the accident I've come to appreciate this car, and the entire Mercedes lineup.

What are your insights?

 

[Firewater]

You seem to indicate that as being positive. That is part of the reason the new cars are safer. In the 116/126, you are what is absorbing the energy, where as in the newer models, the car absorbs the energy, hence its "foldling like an accordian".

Thats the only thing that bothers me about the old car owners.

They think their quality is second to none (yet can never explain why, except for "it feels high quality"), they think that its safer (its not, crumple zones are there for a reason), and they think that nothing matches its "classiness".

I think we all justify our purchases to ourselves, but it can come off a bit like sour grapes.

I agree OliverK. Crumple zones are there for a reason and I can attest to the necessity of them from my recent accident. The hood, the radiator core support were the ones that took the damage and brilliantly crumpled at safe locations to prevent injury to the driver (me). Had the hood not been engineered in the manner that it was to absorb the energy of the impact, that hood would have come crashing through the window and resulting in a very likely death...

Let's not contradict ourselves when we say that Mercedes-Benz stands for quality and engineering marvel and in the same breath saying the older cars lack the features of the newer cars as far as safety crumple zones. Instead, I would argue that our cars, the W126's are indeed engineering marvels... for THEIR ERA. With advances in manufacturing processes and engineering capabilities, more crumple zones are able to be incorporated into the cars of today without compromising their structural integrity outside of impacts. Furthermore, with the "mass produced" parts that machinists allegedly "don't put their heart and soul into anymore" are less expensive and easily replaced in impact collisions. While an 1988 560 SEL compared with a 2009 S550 in lets say a 45MPH collision might look less damaged, it's the S550 that will more likely be not only be repaired much more efficiently, but also at a lower cost and higher "return to normalcy" rate.

 

[Firewater]

You bring up some interesting points, but from the examples you provide, I'm simply not seeing the shocking disconnect that is often reported. I suppose Im not one to worry about wire supports and countersunk screws, but it seems to be that MB's level of interior/exterior finishing is still exemplary.

Also, some things are simply engineering for engineering's sake. Why make a cadmium plated bracket when a simple plastic wire tie works just as well, yet costs less, weighs less, and takes up less space?

Although MB may have changed, the world has also changed, and MB has had to change with it. I don't know how many people would want a 4700lb E-class which costs $95k and gets 15mpg. (just an example)

I agree that over engineering can in some respects be unnecessary. Downgrading or even elimination of a engineered component due to cost savings measures is referred to as LEAN manufacturing. There is a whole following, methodology regarding LEAN. It's a great methodology when applied properly. The difficulty of implementing LEAN is striking the right balance between necessary components and unecessary waste. The problem lies where LEAN manufacturing principles take a process or product and reduce it beyond it's functioning means. That is, when elimination of a bracket to save weight and money occurs, that decision might significantly impact the integrity of the process or the product. While a Cadmium Wiring bracket might seem a little over the top in a world where plastics have been advanced to meet or exceed the material properties of such a previously designed bracket, it may be necessary in a world of corrosion, compound forces, and fatigue. What some people, mechanics, engineers, consumers, might not understand is why the change? However, when the bracket itself is eliminated and these wires find themselves chewed up in the Fan Clutch, well, that's poor engineering and quality is sacrificed to the bottom line.

There was without a doubt a problem with Mercedes Quality during the early 00's. The "merger" with Chrysler was a time period where owners were reporting their Mercedes catching fire. in their garage. while it was not on. Certainly a quality issue there. However, the Mercedes-Benz of today, I believe, has moved past this low point and is well on it's way to becoming the pinnacle of luxury and performance automobiles again. For a reference to this statement, take a look at the new Mazda Crossover SUV and the new GLK class. Mazda, what's with the faux-crocodile pinstripe running down the driver's seat? Tacky, and a bad attempt at mimicking the top dog. Hyundais? Give me a break.

 

[Firewater]

I wonder if this same discussion was had 20 - 30 years ago when the w126s first arrived on the market

 

[Firewater]

I will give $5 to anyone who can guess what car the owner of the local MB dealer drives.

A Chevy.


pm me for paypal address.

 

[Firewater]

To OliverK:

In regards to your above post, I have one counter argument as to why a W126 may be > a W221. The cost of repairs annually in ratio to it's "value."

I am recently in the progress of spending over $2k in repairs on my W126, in both upgrades, regular maintenance, and repairs from the accident I suffered. The difference from the newer cars is the fact that it IS "overengineered." I'll put this $2k in this year and be ready for another few years of relatively maintenance free driving. When a 221 gets this age, ~140k miles, it will be needing new fasteners, electronics replacements (silicon is only good for so long), and many more costly repairs more frequently When you bolt down wiring harnesses and connectors with "cadmium plated" brackets and fasteners, you have less vibrational damage, and your pieces will hold up longer without need for replacement.

Plastics age from UV rays, salt (regardless of "washing", whereas a plated bracket will last forever if the paint is kept up and washed), and more susceptible to vibrational damage. Fasteners' cost can add up very very quickly. Especially when it's holding back that $1000 wiring harness, or that $5000 electronic component.

 

[Firewater]

I drive my 83 SEC everyday and do 250-300kms minimum per week with no more mantinence than a newer car and I often use it for longer drives and take it for good floggings on country back roads.
IMO its just as practical as a DD as it was 26 yrs ago the only down side is the fuel consumption ,but hey ,if you factor in the depresiation on even the cheapest new car it more than makes up for it.

This definitely gives me a renewed sense of worth driving my car. I felt that being it was a "gas guzzler" (really gets "truck" mileage if you want to justify it) I would be better off buying a hyundai or some other cheap import that gets a higher MPG, but this about sums it up.