2022 Order Guides
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Just this past week, we took a 1,250 mile road trip up to Napa, Carmel, Santa Barbara. While in Napa, our daughter asked us to stop and pick up something for her at a specialty furniture store in Berkley. We did. I had not set foot in that town for over 20 years and I must say that it was like driving into a third world country. It was bad enough driving my fairly low key, silver S560 in there, but if we had been in a new Bentley, it would have been like pouring gasoline on a fire. I cannot begin to relate here how unbelievably uncomfortable it was just driving through that area. I made a vow a few years ago to never set foot in San Francisco again. I have now added the entire “Bay Area” to that resolve and should probably be thinking of adding a huge chunk of L.A. to the list as well.
These days, unless you are a celebrity, with a personal security force, if you want to venture out of certain “bubble” communities and into the wilderness of what our big cities have become, low key is the way to go, at least for us.
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 138
2009 Bentley Azure and 2020 BMW M760i
Agreed. Where we live, in Newport Beach, the most expensive cars are no big deal either.
Just this past week, we took a 1,250 mile road trip up to Napa, Carmel, Santa Barbara. While in Napa, our daughter asked us to stop and pick up something for her at a specialty furniture store in Berkley. We did. I had not set foot in that town for over 20 years and I must say that it was like driving into a third world country. It was bad enough driving my fairly low key, silver S560 in there, but if we had been in a new Bentley, it would have been like pouring gasoline on a fire. I cannot begin to relate here how unbelievably uncomfortable it was just driving through that area. I made a vow a few years ago to never set foot in San Francisco again. I have now added the entire “Bay Area” to that resolve and should probably be thinking of adding a huge chunk of L.A. to the list as well.
These days, unless you are a celebrity, with a personal security force, if you want to venture out of certain “bubble” communities and into the wilderness of what our big cities have become, low key is the way to go, at least for us.
Just this past week, we took a 1,250 mile road trip up to Napa, Carmel, Santa Barbara. While in Napa, our daughter asked us to stop and pick up something for her at a specialty furniture store in Berkley. We did. I had not set foot in that town for over 20 years and I must say that it was like driving into a third world country. It was bad enough driving my fairly low key, silver S560 in there, but if we had been in a new Bentley, it would have been like pouring gasoline on a fire. I cannot begin to relate here how unbelievably uncomfortable it was just driving through that area. I made a vow a few years ago to never set foot in San Francisco again. I have now added the entire “Bay Area” to that resolve and should probably be thinking of adding a huge chunk of L.A. to the list as well.
These days, unless you are a celebrity, with a personal security force, if you want to venture out of certain “bubble” communities and into the wilderness of what our big cities have become, low key is the way to go, at least for us.
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 138
2009 Bentley Azure and 2020 BMW M760i
You are absolutely right. AND, Bentley has a new, optional suspension that looks very interesting. That said, and after much thought, I have decided that I just don’t want a Bentley or a Rolls and the attention that those cars draw. My wife and I are getting on in years and flashing wealth is not something we wish to do, especially while driving out of town. One positive thing about MB diluting their image with all of the A, B, & C Class vehicles, is that the S Class isn’t that recognizable to the masses these days, which is just fine with me.
Trying not to go political here, but in the beautiful, truly insane state of California that I live in, things have gone from bad to MUCH worse over the past year. Driving a fairly stealthy S Class is about as far as I can go, while still feeling comfortable driving out of the bubble of South Coastal Orange County that I live in. Driving something like a brand new Bentley, even just going to dinner in L.A. is like putting a target on your back these days. With the word out that “property” crime is OK—even CONDONED—in so many cities and not even policed these days, with even violent criminals getting off with a hand slap and California rushing to grant early release to thousands of convicted felons, we prefer to be noticed as little as possible. What a sad state of affairs.
Trying not to go political here, but in the beautiful, truly insane state of California that I live in, things have gone from bad to MUCH worse over the past year. Driving a fairly stealthy S Class is about as far as I can go, while still feeling comfortable driving out of the bubble of South Coastal Orange County that I live in. Driving something like a brand new Bentley, even just going to dinner in L.A. is like putting a target on your back these days. With the word out that “property” crime is OK—even CONDONED—in so many cities and not even policed these days, with even violent criminals getting off with a hand slap and California rushing to grant early release to thousands of convicted felons, we prefer to be noticed as little as possible. What a sad state of affairs.
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...otq-story.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
When you say condoned, and violent criminals getting off with a hand slap - how's this out of NY for you in 2020. A rapist was let out of jail within 24 hours with no bail. They need to bribe him with sports tickets to just show up to court. If he does not show up to court, try finding the guy. Makes you wonder what the politicians are thinking. Would they want their own families to be the victims of these guys? What is their end goal?
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...otq-story.html
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...otq-story.html
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 138
2009 Bentley Azure and 2020 BMW M760i
My first thought after reading this, was “unbelievable!” But of course, that is totally incorrect, as this story is completely and easily believable these days. My wife and I used to travel to NYC, to experience the great restaurants & shopping, catch a show or two and just live the NY life for a week or so. We used to drop quite a bit of money there, but as Mick Jagger sang “It’s all over now.” I wonder what Frank Sinatra would say about “New York, New York” today. Oh well.
Here is just one video of this which I experienced. The video is not mine - but it is from this year 2021.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2192724330862234
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 138
2009 Bentley Azure and 2020 BMW M760i
Guess everyone's a tough guy behind a computer screen. The years change, the behavior continues.
Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 137
Likes: 54
From: NYC
G63s and a few others
Note for all to see - you can't even opine bout the destruction of major cultural cities before our eyes without someone yapping about Trump. It's true what they say - TDS is incurable. Didn't even think what we said was political till you defined it as such.
Guess everyone's a tough guy behind a computer screen. The years change, the behavior continues.
Guess everyone's a tough guy behind a computer screen. The years change, the behavior continues.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 138
2009 Bentley Azure and 2020 BMW M760i
Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 137
Likes: 54
From: NYC
G63s and a few others
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I don’t believe Chucky or myself mentioned any politician or political party, we were merely expanding on the idea of places one might NOT like to drive a very expensive vehicle these days. In addition, I believe we were both talking about how we might want to spend LESS time (zero time in my case) in Manhattan, an area where the former president’s family has substantial business and real estate holdings. How that makes us “Trumpies” is beyond me.
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 138
2009 Bentley Azure and 2020 BMW M760i
I don’t believe Chucky or myself mentioned any politician or political party, we were merely expanding on the idea of places one might NOT like to drive a very expensive vehicle these days. In addition, I believe we were both talking about how we might want to spend LESS time (zero time in my case) in Manhattan, an area where the former president’s family has substantial business and real estate holdings. How that makes us “Trumpies” is beyond me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 508
From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
Okay, let’s settle down children. We don’t need to speculate on each other’s political standings or make fun of others for supporting trump, no matter how easy it is to.
i will say this, though. In my opinion, it’s not the best look to be complaining about your wealth and privilege. It sounds a little like “I’m so filthy rich and just found out that it’s inappropriate to flash hundreds of thousands of dollars to poor people in an area that isn’t filled with people like me.” It really doesn’t sound too good. We get it, you’re super rich. We all wish we could be in your position. Don’t complain about how hard life is because of it. If you’re really worried about stopping at that high end shop in Berkeley, get something a little more under the radar. Or better yet, instead of dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new flashy piece of metal, maybe donate that money to a charity that helps out those that are less fortunate then you and helps people who have no choice but to sleep in a large bank lobby get back on their feet. You guys have the power to help the poor. You’ve obviously never been in that position, and neither have I, but I can imagine it’s not their choice to sleep in the lobby of a bank. They have literally no other choice. Their intent isn’t to “ruin the city and culture”. It’s to not freeze to death. They don’t have the privilege of a roof over their heads and heating and a nice bed to sleep in, let alone a 14 bedroom mansion in Studio City.
i will say this, though. In my opinion, it’s not the best look to be complaining about your wealth and privilege. It sounds a little like “I’m so filthy rich and just found out that it’s inappropriate to flash hundreds of thousands of dollars to poor people in an area that isn’t filled with people like me.” It really doesn’t sound too good. We get it, you’re super rich. We all wish we could be in your position. Don’t complain about how hard life is because of it. If you’re really worried about stopping at that high end shop in Berkeley, get something a little more under the radar. Or better yet, instead of dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new flashy piece of metal, maybe donate that money to a charity that helps out those that are less fortunate then you and helps people who have no choice but to sleep in a large bank lobby get back on their feet. You guys have the power to help the poor. You’ve obviously never been in that position, and neither have I, but I can imagine it’s not their choice to sleep in the lobby of a bank. They have literally no other choice. Their intent isn’t to “ruin the city and culture”. It’s to not freeze to death. They don’t have the privilege of a roof over their heads and heating and a nice bed to sleep in, let alone a 14 bedroom mansion in Studio City.
Last edited by BenjaminKohl; Jun 2, 2021 at 11:08 AM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 138
2009 Bentley Azure and 2020 BMW M760i
Okay, let’s settle down children. We don’t need to speculate on each other’s political standings or make fun of others for supporting trump, no matter how easy it is to.
i will say this, though. In my opinion, it’s not the best look to be complaining about your wealth and privilege. It sounds a little like “I’m so filthy rich and just found out that it’s inappropriate to flash hundreds of thousands of dollars to poor people in an area that isn’t filled with people like me.” It really doesn’t sound too good. We get it, you’re super rich. We all wish we could be in your position. Don’t complain about how hard life is because of it. If you’re really worried about stopping at that high end shop in Berkeley, get something a little more under the radar. Or better yet, instead of dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new flashy piece of metal, maybe donate that money to a charity that helps out those that are less fortunate then you and helps people who have no choice but to sleep in a large bank lobby get back on their feet. You guys have the power to help the poor. You’ve obviously never been in that position, and neither have I, but I can imagine it’s not their choice to sleep in the lobby of a bank. They have literally no other choice. Their intent isn’t to “ruin the city and culture”. It’s to not freeze to death. They don’t have the privilege of a roof over their heads and heating and a nice bed to sleep in, let alone a 14 bedroom mention in Studio City.
i will say this, though. In my opinion, it’s not the best look to be complaining about your wealth and privilege. It sounds a little like “I’m so filthy rich and just found out that it’s inappropriate to flash hundreds of thousands of dollars to poor people in an area that isn’t filled with people like me.” It really doesn’t sound too good. We get it, you’re super rich. We all wish we could be in your position. Don’t complain about how hard life is because of it. If you’re really worried about stopping at that high end shop in Berkeley, get something a little more under the radar. Or better yet, instead of dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new flashy piece of metal, maybe donate that money to a charity that helps out those that are less fortunate then you and helps people who have no choice but to sleep in a large bank lobby get back on their feet. You guys have the power to help the poor. You’ve obviously never been in that position, and neither have I, but I can imagine it’s not their choice to sleep in the lobby of a bank. They have literally no other choice. Their intent isn’t to “ruin the city and culture”. It’s to not freeze to death. They don’t have the privilege of a roof over their heads and heating and a nice bed to sleep in, let alone a 14 bedroom mention in Studio City.
I'm done here.
Last edited by Chucky3000; Jun 2, 2021 at 11:09 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Okay, let’s settle down children. We don’t need to speculate on each other’s political standings or make fun of others for supporting trump, no matter how easy it is to.
i will say this, though. In my opinion, it’s not the best look to be complaining about your wealth and privilege. It sounds a little like “I’m so filthy rich and just found out that it’s inappropriate to flash hundreds of thousands of dollars to poor people in an area that isn’t filled with people like me.” It really doesn’t sound too good. We get it, you’re super rich. We all wish we could be in your position. Don’t complain about how hard life is because of it. If you’re really worried about stopping at that high end shop in Berkeley, get something a little more under the radar. Or better yet, instead of dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new flashy piece of metal, maybe donate that money to a charity that helps out those that are less fortunate then you and helps people who have no choice but to sleep in a large bank lobby get back on their feet. You guys have the power to help the poor. You’ve obviously never been in that position, and neither have I, but I can imagine it’s not their choice to sleep in the lobby of a bank. They have literally no other choice. Their intent isn’t to “ruin the city and culture”. It’s to not freeze to death. They don’t have the privilege of a roof over their heads and heating and a nice bed to sleep in, let alone a 14 bedroom mansion in Studio City.
i will say this, though. In my opinion, it’s not the best look to be complaining about your wealth and privilege. It sounds a little like “I’m so filthy rich and just found out that it’s inappropriate to flash hundreds of thousands of dollars to poor people in an area that isn’t filled with people like me.” It really doesn’t sound too good. We get it, you’re super rich. We all wish we could be in your position. Don’t complain about how hard life is because of it. If you’re really worried about stopping at that high end shop in Berkeley, get something a little more under the radar. Or better yet, instead of dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new flashy piece of metal, maybe donate that money to a charity that helps out those that are less fortunate then you and helps people who have no choice but to sleep in a large bank lobby get back on their feet. You guys have the power to help the poor. You’ve obviously never been in that position, and neither have I, but I can imagine it’s not their choice to sleep in the lobby of a bank. They have literally no other choice. Their intent isn’t to “ruin the city and culture”. It’s to not freeze to death. They don’t have the privilege of a roof over their heads and heating and a nice bed to sleep in, let alone a 14 bedroom mansion in Studio City.
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 138
2009 Bentley Azure and 2020 BMW M760i
Like so many forum sites, I'm afraid that many here make assumptions based on their feelings, rather than facts. You know virtually NOTHING about me or my background. It may surprise you to know that I was brought up in a lower middle class family. I started out with pretty much of nothing in the way of money. My first job was delivering newspapers on my bicycle. I flipped burgers at McDonalds. I pumped gas at a Shell station. I worked in a department store. I was a delivery boy. My first car was an old, smashed up, sedan, running on seven cylinders. I fixed it up by rummaging through junk yards and doing all the work myself. Whatever success I have had, is the result of years of 18 hour/7 day work weeks. It was based on doing without many things I wanted and plowing the fruits of my labor back into my business. As for charitable giving, I have supported many organizations for decades. A couple of those organizations have even "honored" me. "Super rich?" Hardly. Complaining? Definitely not. Thoughtful? You bet. You don't know anything about me, other than how I feel about cars.
Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 137
Likes: 54
From: NYC
G63s and a few others
Get over yourself.
Last edited by jamesszzz; Jun 6, 2021 at 02:02 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 123
Likes: 34
From: Long Island, NY
2015 S550
Irrelevant.
Irrelevant.
Irrelevant...
Because in the end The S will sell regardless, everyone and their dog wants, all over the globe.
It's the best.
Period.
Irrelevant.
Irrelevant...
Because in the end The S will sell regardless, everyone and their dog wants, all over the globe.
It's the best.
Period.
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 159
Likes: 38
From: Atlanta, GA
2015 S-550, 2017 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport, 2007 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 2013 S550 (traded)
