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Comments
M
He ain't that heavy, just needs bigger shoes...
M
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Kinda hard to say based on spy pictures. What I'm sure I don't like is that character line down the side. It is the same line on the new SLK which is such a widely used technique today, something a Mercedes isn't supposed to use, imo. The new S is much larger though, about the size of the 1992-1999 W140 model. There is also a new interior shot floating around that looks nothing like the one first seen last year, you know the one that made it look like a 7-Series clone. In recent years I haven't responded well to MB bodystyle changes at first, like the 1996 E-Class or the 2001 C-Class or the new CLS, but after I seem them in person and on the road I ended up liking them quite a bit. So I'll just wait until Sept 11-13 (Media days for the Frankfurt Auto Show) to see the real thing, that is if MB doesn't release an official picture before then.
M
M
They're going for cheap monies right now .. 04 Phaeton V8's with only 5/7k are only doing the $43/$44 range at the auctions, I would think a dealer would probably cut one from the herd for the $46/$47 range, thats quite a whoopin' for a vehicle that had a $70,000+ sticker - Ouch.! ... that said, they did have a killer lease going on for awhile - $699 X 36, with $999 out of pocket ...
Terry.
Styling is pretty bland across the whole segment..I nearly bought an S430, but it wasn't for looks either..I don't find the Phaeton or A8 anything special lookswise..The only car I that I thought was a head turner was the previous generation XJ8..The new one lacks the flair of the previous car..That said, the new XJ is alot more practical in regard to headroom. I'll be the first to admit my new LS430 is bland, but then again there really isn't anything out there that's especially good..
I think the best looking cars where the mid 80's MB S Class and SL..The Early Lexus LS,SC, and ES are a close second. There is a dealer in MA (Hatch & Sons) that sells very low mileage late model Mercedes cars..Next time, instead of buying new, I might picked up a late 80's SL..It still looks good today.What a classy design!
SV
Thats pretty sad .........
Terry.
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ljflx,
Yeah I think its best to wait for that ever important first official photo from MB. The only think I want them to take from the Maybach is its stunning interior quality and features. I wouldn't want any of the Maybach's design, interior or exterior present on the S-Class. It does look like they are going for a variation of the Maybach's rear end on the S. We'll see.
In other news I got an email from Maserati today, I'm going to be their guest again at the Chicago Auto Show next week. I'll get to experience the Masers up close and if I'm lucky maybe they'll open one of the Ferraris this year. Isn't life grand!
M
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/06/automobiles/06AUTO.html?oref=lo- - - - gin
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/06/automobiles/06GREMLINS.html
What most surprises me is that BMW really expects people to go to school to learn about I-drive. Do they really think anyone has the time or patience to deal with something as inconsequential, needless to say useless, as I-drive. The MB dealerships comments to the MB owner come in second place. I would think that since Lexus passed on anything like I-drive for the new GS that they at least have common sense. Let's hope they keep it with the new LS. I see MB has fallen into the trap with the S-class. Don't they have enough electronic problems as it is? Seems the German mfrs. need to learn things the hard way these days.
Moving on.
Yes, Acura and Infiniti have installed similar systems in their newest car, but they didn't go with a fancy name or tout it that much, hence they don't get knocked by the press as much. That and the fact they are easier to use is big, big plus. The RL in particular in my own brief experience really is easy to use, and it is a "controller" just like idrive. BMW really goofed by forcing you to use Idrive for nearly everything. Still can't stand it.
M
Its a trend in the software retail business today. Outsourcing to an ISV (independent software vendor) to do the sale, marketing, and support as a third-party channel. IBM is very successful at this and is doing its best to promote such as a viable avenue to organic growth, especially for companies with significant M&A activities.
For autos, I'd find it a very difficult task indeed. Can't see the likes of Lexus and MB going for it, since it waters down their brand image. But who knows ? It may work ....
M
M
You read correctly. I bought my new 05 LS430 only after nearly closing on a new S430. I had a hell of a time in the winter with my 2002 LS so I thought the 4Matic was a good option to consider. Besides the design of my '02 LS had aged badly, I got tired of it unusually quickly..(I normally keep cars for 6 years at a minimum..Despite only having 25K on the clock, I decided to trade it in..Needless to say the wife wasn't pleased..(Bought her off with a new Dishwasher!!)
I was set on a Desert Silver S430..They wanted around $73-74K for it.The list is 78K apparently. The car was quite solid and there was a noteable difference in handling ability. (Though I say this without ever driving my LS430 on it's normal 18" wheels, it's on snows right now..
A few things bothered me: The Navigation System was not very user friendly and the screen was too low..I found the Starmark warranty extension too short for my liking as well..The JD Power Reliability rankings were also troubling, but I'd read the S Class has improved significantly after it's refresh in '02.The S430 has a nice presence to it..I was impressed by the rigid sheetmetal and general construction of the car..No doubt this car would fare very well in an accident.
I was willing to let that all go, and pay the premium for the MB marque, but the dealer really put me off..They played "Used Car lot" number games with me. Basically they were significantly undervaluing my trade at 34K and not giving me much off the car itself.
Also, they made up a lot of nonsense about the used S430 ('03 with 7K miles) I was looking at not being certified, when it actually was advertised as such in three different places..(This is a Herb Chambers dealer which also has a Lexus Dealer)..Had they not done that, I likely would have bought it.
So finally after getting tired of the games, on Christmas Eve, I went down to Lexus of Norwood (The Herb Chambers one) and completed my deal in 25 minutes. I got 12% off MSRP and 1K less than Kelley Trade in Value for my old car. I couldn't complain with the deal..(I didn't even drive the car before I bought it!) So far my new LS has been perfect.
I would however consider another Mercedes. The SLK looks pretty interesting to me, and seems well put together.
SV
The SLK is a winner nothing but praise everywhere. The SLK and now the CLS are built better than any other current Mercedes. Anyone not believing go check them out. Mercedes has seemingly learned their lesson about trying to save a few bucks here and there on interior fittings. The SLK's doors even thunk close like a Mercedes should. I got a chance to throw the SLK350 and SL500 around a track back in Oct. The new SLK pulled a major transformation compared to the previous car. Gorgeous little car, pricey, but gorgeous.
M
Actually my new car has been fine with snow tires..I took it out during the nasty Boston weather two weeks ago. It was fine..My '92 LS is quite good with 4 Blizzak snow tires. AWD of course has its benefits, but I'll probably stick with RWD regardless of what nameplate I buy.
I was a big fan of Mercedes back in the 80's..The only problem was that with the kids going through college I wasn't in a position to spend that much money..If Mercedes built and styled their cars today like the old SL and W126's I'd buy it in ten seconds. I sure wouldn't mind buying an old 500 SL that was nicely kept.
Maybe it's just me, but I'm not too fond of the new MB look..(Then again, I'm not impressed with anything out there)..For some reason MB sent me a brochure on the new SLK..It's definitely a car that stirs up excitement. I'll watch the reliability on the SLK closely, and if it's as good as I think it is, I'll strongly consider getting one.
SV
M
Merc, don’t tell me you haven’t read the latest Road & Track. Dead last out of nine sports cars. However, this is my favorite segment so I take that comparo with a grain of salt because they are all very different cars. I like all nine with the exception of the Z4. The SLK although it has a great engine and is a lux favorite comes up short on performance.
Athough the Vette barely nipped the Boxster S for top spot, the Boxster S was clearly the editor’s favorite, voted number one by 5 out of 9 editors. Folly on Porsche’s part for sending a loaded Boxster at $67K . price weighed on the final tally.
All said, I like the new SLK. What a shame you can’t get the AMG version with manual. But for all around performance and every day driveability you can’t beat the Porsches. Can’t wait for the Z06 Vette to hit the streets and see what kind of havoc it will wreak at 63K. Even some 911 hardcores are drooling.
I really don't think the SLK had a chance in a test with 911s, Vipers and Corvettes. Not a chance. The cars I'm surprised it didn't beat was the Z4 and 350Z. The SLK350 doesn't come up that short in performace because it outperformed the 350Z in a lot of categories. Must have been "feel" because the numbers should have at least put the SLK over the 350Z.
For its market segment and all around versatility I don't think the SLK can be beat. The Boxster is sportier yes, but then again it should be considering its a Porsche. Even in the C&D comparo the Boxster couldn't manage more than 1 mph faster around the track over the SLK.
Neither mags could really say anything bad about the new SLK, especially compared to the old one. The SLK55 AMG should have been included in both tests, especially the R&T one.
M
SLK and 350Z were at the bottom of the performance categories. SLK nudged it by less than a point here. Even so, they were kind with their comments. Speed doesn't handicap it, it's just soft in comparison to the others... more of a touring sports car. Hey, comfort counts for something IMO. Ain't too many people driving an Elise to work everyday.
"The SLK55 AMG should have been included in both tests, especially the R&T one."
Indeed. But it's not available yet.
Please send your daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com by Friday, February 11, 2005.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/11/business/worldbusiness/11auto.html?
What a scenario you paint here for MB's future ? Can it be that dire for them that as you stated ?
"I'll bet you in 3 years MB is 3rd to BMW and Lexus in status"
3 years for MB's fall from grace ? That is going to be a tough prediction to meet since 3 years is only around the corner from today. And Chrysler propping MB is really a bad sign for DCX; a case of the dog wagging the tail....
Besides, I think MB is finally getting serious about quality, and while imho they won't catch Lexus in quality, they should be able to make some improvements in the next few years.
Do you suppose MB is sitting pat and doing nothing to challenge Lexus and others ? How 'bout a new S-class in MY2006, a new R-class, A-class, Smart, new ML, new CLS, a new slick SLK, etc... etc... Geez ! Can Lexus or BMW match the breadth of the MB offerings ???
So what does Lexus have to counter these barrage of new offerings from MB ? Hybrids, new LS, new GS, new IS, new sports car, and a new tuning arm.... May not be enough to counter MBs offerings.
Did I not speculate that we can see a sort of a Barron's Bank episode with MB ? Maybe not quite the grand scale, but a fall by any name you call it. When a worldwide 118+-yr-old marque company makes $20M in earnings, then its time to head for the door....Lets see how these all shakes out.
Merc1 always felt they should have stayed a boutique shop - and he's right.