Sorry Tigger, I have a problem with all of this but hey, this is a free country.

 

Well put!

 

Your turn to call me foolish, and with all due respect, the paper "nice try" stunt, seems a bit childish at best.

Character? Well, look whom is judging who based on badges on vehicles.

I dont believe people put the bagdes on their vehicles to make them feel better, but because it looks better. It looks nice to have a "V12" between the fins, it looks nice to have "AMG" on the back of the SL, and it looks damn nice to see SL65 rims on too! Be it one or not, it looks nice. Some people do it for looks, take a look at my SL600-- the black one.

....


I put quad exhaust pipes on it, and a front apron skirt, which dittos, not perfectly mind you, the SL65 apron. Why? Am I trying to look like a SL65? Not one bit-- but I do like the way it looks. Its just a coincedence he has the same front apron as me. Am I to be labeled as a poser? Or is that at this point irrelevant, because I too have a V12 under the hood? I think you people dont hate it because they put the badges on the vehicle, I think you hate it because they put the V12 and dont really have one under the hood-- and therefor misrepresenting the REAL power of the SL600. Which makes you look bad-- and it really boils down to being selfish. You dont want to look bad, and whaddya know, there is someone with a "replica" SL600 attempting weak burnouts, which means the next person to see YOU in the REAL SL600 will think less of it, than what it really is. A little complicated? Stay with me. I believe it has lot to do with being selfish, which most rich people are, well, not me. I believe if someone wants to have something they really dont have, and the best they can do is a "replica", more power to them.

Best Regards,
John

 

Not sure I followed all of that but let me clarify some points.

When I talk about badges I am specifically talking about a label that is representative of what the car is, SL...something. Certainly, what you say about me judging based upon badges on my vehicle is not appropriate as I have never nor would I ever change the lettering on my car.

I have absolutely no issue with anyone upgrading their cars or taking parts of other cars and putting them on their car. Heaven help me if I don't believe that, just look at my tail lights.

What I am talking about is a deliberate attempt to try to fool people about which car you have. To just change the badge on the car to show you have a V12 when in fact you don't is something I will never find acceptable. If you want to put on the SL65 nose, go right ahead, that I have no problem with, just don't put on the SL65 lettering.

If you want to upgrade your car with modifications as you have done, I have no problems with that. In fact, I favor that as it makes the car unique and I certainly have tried to do that with my car.

But...to buy an SL500 and change the SL500 to SL600 or SL55 is something I think comes from a lack of "something" and my guess would be that this "something" probably is showing up in their lives on many different fronts.

As a final point, I certainly don't understand the concept of being rich and being selfish. I know of no research that connects the two.

Take care.

 

Ok, let me further clarify my point of view-- if you please.

Rich and selfish, the point was brought up in a manner as such:
"I have an SL600, and how dare HE who has a SL500 try to have anything that looks remotely like mine! This is should be for me, and me only."
Because again, the SL500 would be missrepresenting the REAL SL600s style and perfromance, it would be as an insult-- if you will. The SL500 would not be capable of doing what the SL600 can accomplish with ease. And thats it!! Its all about, you looking like a fool buying an SL600, because of what a "replica" SL600 showed as respresentation of the real SL600. It makes you mad, because people think less of the car you bought.

Its confusing, I know Im not the best when it comes to explaining but try to see my point, in a nutshell, you hate being missrespresented.

However, Im not completly blind in seeing your reasoning here, and somewhat agree. It is rather stupid to see a SL500 with SL55 badgings, but than again, it doesn't effect me, which is why I dont care much when seeing it.


Best Regards,
John

 

You know the accounts payable lady in my building has the SS Super Sport badge on her plain Monte Carlo. It is very common in my area to see any car re-badge. I just hope and pray that they purchased the badges and hood ornaments instead of stealing them.

Like some of you I think it is very funny, but like they say "to each his own." Only a true enthusiasts of that brand will know the difference.

 

Probably not, to each his own here. I can however tell you why I bought my '65.

- I like AMG products, having had several over the years.
- I like the wheels and the front facia on the SL 65.
- I generally leave my cars bone stock and like the higher HP & torque on the SL65.
- I like the exhaust note and the feel of the turbos spooling up.
- I like the AMG suspension tuning

Not a specific comment on the SL65, but times in the past when I have purchased a new car that was not the top line model, or left out some options because I thought they were too pricey, I found that in a few months (after the initial purchase price sting has been forgotten) I was wishing I had not made the those choices. In short, I have never regretted not buying a less expensive model, but have on occasion regretted not going the other way.

For me, If I had chosen the SL600 (a fine ride!) on the front end I would wonder if I should have purchased the SL65. Having chosen the SL65 I do not dwell on my decision.

 

I'm with both Lovin and Lexani here.

Personnaly, I would never re-badge my 500 out of respect for everyone who got the higher-end models. Perhaps, if I thought re-badging made the car look better, I would be torn because then it would be a question of "am I holding back changing my car to make everyone happy?". However, that is not the case. If I were to change the badges as I feel know, it would be an integrity issue and I would be ashamed. Therefore, I would never do it. I believe if someone really thinks it looks better and wants to do it, so be it. Just because I would never never re-badge for my reasons, doesn't mean that someone else can feel otherwise. If I ever ended up knowing a person that re-badged and found out that he/she changed the badge to trick people into thinking that he/she had a better car; I would think negatively of that person (which is my right). Would I hate that person? No, but it would be a mark against my picture of that person's character. In most cases, we will not end up knowing the people who re-badge. In that case, I say "if it makes them happy, so be it".

 

If you guys want to see some re-badging, go to a BMW forum (Roadfly.org). It's unbelievable how many guys spend thousands of $$$ to make a plain jane six cylinder five series car look like an M5. I think the M3 copying is even more prevalent. It's a very lame and insecure thing to do. I would have more respect for someone if they de-badged their car. I'm not saying that people should not trick out their cars, but do something original.

 

I think we start a big issue here with my comments, but that's why this forum is about, and feel very happy that a lot of fellow members express his position and sustain it across all the thread.

 

It is that last sentence in your quote above that is the killer.

 

Believe me, they DO steal them. I've purchased more than 10 repalcement stars for the hood of my cars over my lifetime. It sucks.

 

So it would seem... I await the day one pulls alongside me on the freeway or at a light.

 

Maybe I should place a Ferrari badge on my 55? Ridiculous at best. But then again woman get implants to enhance their looks and confidence (god bless their hearts). An argument can be made on either side. However, rebadging a car IMO, is far different in the level of a "poser" would be. What a pity.

 

Well put.. its just like how women buy replica designer purses.. I don't see the difference but i bet other women who are obsessive with designer purses would know its a fake. So us with the SL500 and want to make a SL600 replica of it, but men who are benz enthusiast, will know its a fake, but the women wont who cares what the men think

 

Funny how people's thoughts about things follow through on all facets of life.

No one in this family buys fake "anythings."

If I couldn't afford the real thing or didn't think it was worth the money, I just wouldn't buy it. The last thing I would do is pretend to be someone or have something, I don't.

 

I am with LovinSL600 on this one. It took me two years to get my wife to stop buying fake crap. May 10 will be our 3-year anniversary. She now understands quality.

But I still do not understand why pimpitcharlie is so ashamed of his SL500. It is a great car in its own class. I know several people that can afford many SL65s, but prefer to get the SL500 because it meets their driving needs.

I wonder if pimpitcharlie got disappointed, because his parents got him a SL500 instead of a SL600.

 

who said parents got it for me?

 

Bottom Line:

Just because someone pretends to have something they dont, does NOT make them any less of a person than you or I.

They are doing what they can with their budget, and should not be looked upon as a "poser" for doing so, or relate their badges on their vehicles with their insecurities. Its no different than laughing at a homeless person for living in a cardboard box because he/she cannot afford a "real" home. I prefer to remain humble, and let them enjoy what they have. Apparantly our views differ on this.

Best Regards,
John

 

With all due respect, I believe you are completely missing my point.

First, with respect to the person that pretends to have something others don't, I never said they were any less of a person than you or I or anyone for that matter. I just said they were different. Different in that they were pretending to have something they really don't have. That makes them different in a way I prefer not to be but I certainly never said they were less of a person.

I don't judge people this way. I only make choices for myself as to whether or not I want to act in a certain way and portray myself in that matter. I choose not to portray myself in a way that pretends to be or have something I really don't have.

I believe people don't buy "knockoffs" because they just like them. They buy them because they look like the real thing that is more expensive. If you want to portray yourself that way, be my guest. I just don't believe it is the truly real person that buys that "knockoff." That doesn't make that person better or worse than you are I, just different.

By the way, there is a reason why you can't order a "knockoff" in the department stores. There is a reason why they are illegal.

If you like the look of the SL600 and can't afford or do not want to spend that much for a car but want something like that, then go buy the SL500 and be proud you own that SL500. I remember when I was much younger and got my first car. It was a used Pontiac Grand Prix. It wasn't as nice or as fancy as some guy that owned a SL600 but I can guarantee you that I was just as proud of my Grand Prix as anyone that owned any SL600 or whatever the equivalent was in those ancient years.

On the homeless person front I can't for the life of me understand why this is relavent. This is life situation in which someone has not been as fortunate as your or I. That is hardly something you would criticize. Only a cruel person would laugh at some others misfortune. How does this relate to anything we are talking about?

Lastly, I don't understand where humility comes into play in any of this either?

Best Regards.

 

Ok, first off, I would like to state, Im saying this with the utmost respect for everyone's opinion, and I do not mean to insult anyone-- Lovin', I hope I have not insulted you, and hope you realize, I dont intend to. I see this as a friendly arguement, and hope you see it the same way.

Now, on too the topic...

You never said they were any less of a person? Are you sure? So, with all due respect, can you clarify this:

One of character? You said so yourself:

Its just stupid. If someone needs to see a psychologist, as you stated, its because 'they' have problems (they being the evil re-badgers), and that means, 'they' are dumb, or stupid-- and yes, thats what (IMO) makes one person better than another, intelligence; granted its not the only thing, pherhaps I see things differently, but from what Im concuting in my head, I believe you look down apon such people. Correct me if Im wrong.

Anyhow, maybe I just see it differently...

Because we all know they're "different", and heaven forbid if people start being different.

I do not want to portray myself that way, Im just saying different, does not mean bad/wrong. Im just seeing things differently, I agree with you, its dumb, but I for the life of me cant see myself doing this:

To people who buy "knockoffs" or "replicas".

Do you want to explain that reason? Maybe its because people think:
"Gee, I can buy this 'gucci' purse for 50 bucks less than THIS Guccie purse, what am I crazy to pay the extra 50 just incase one person knows the difference?"

Point taken. I fully agree. I cannot answer for those people, however, they most likely do it to boost their ego, again, I see nothing wrong with someone trying to impress someone with something they dont ENTIRELY have.

It is the same situation, thats how. Someone doing what they can with what they have. Try to see, in your own words: "...not...as fortunate as you or I." Because that, my friend, is the exact point Im trying to get across.

Ditto-- did I mention humility?

Best Regards,
John

 

I wonder if this is a prelude of us being in an old folk home. :p

 

It is so funny you said that because I am about to answer John and tell him I don't have the strength or patience to go through everything he did.

 

Hey John,

First I wanted to say thank you for what you said in the beginning about a friendly discussion.

I just wanted you to know that from the very beginning I knew you were a great guy and we were only having a conversation about possibly differening opinions. I am not sure in the end, we are that far apart.

In any event, I have never felt insulted or any attempt on your part to be that way.

Now, getting back to your extremely well presented point of view.

I think the quickest way to summerize what I think you are not getting about me is that I believe all people have the right to act or behave anyway they want so long as they are not hurting another person.

That doesn't mean I believe that all these behaviors are appropriate or ways in which I want to express myself but I do have the belief that who am I to judge people. I may look at what they do and make a particular judgement about that but I would never judge them as a person for that nor do I feel it is my position to do that.

I live my life the way I want to and don't judge people and therefore don't expect to be judged, nevertheless, if they do, I really don't care.

I believe most people try to be good and honest human beings and don't deliberately try to hurt others.

All that being said, if someone wants to put a SL600 badge on their SL500, I would consider that, based upon my standards, ridiculous and an attempt to portray something that isn't the case.

That does not mean this person is a bad person. It doesn't mean that all the things they do are ridiculous and it doesn't mean that generally they are phoney. It just means in this particular case they are being so yet given all of that, even though I don't agree it is their right and who am I to judge.

Doesn't mean I can't have an opinion about the situation, but I am not judging them.

Personally, given the amount of psychologists I have seen in my life over the years of ex-wives or the desire to become a better person, I have learnt that this behavior will most likely show up in other parts of this person's life but then again, that is not my issue but theirs and if they don't care...good for them so long as they are not hurting the next person.

Being truley happy in life is no easy task. If putting your SL600 badge on your SL500 is something somebody wants to do and it gives them joy, go for it.

I just don't have to nor will I ever agree with it. But that is my opinion and that is all, an opinion.

Like you, I can chose to spend my time with whomever I want and I doubt it is going to be with the guy that has a SL600 badge on his SL500. That does not make him a bad person, just different and one I would probably not have enough in common to hang out with.

By the way, I know you did some incredible upgrades on your car and that I think is very cool. Are we having this discussion because you also changed your badge or are you just sticking up for all the "badge changers"

Take care and again, thanks for the great conversations and they way you handle yourself. You are a person I could respect even if you changed your badge.

Regards.

 

I guess I am not nearly so tolerant or politically correct. My opinion is that those that re-badge their vehicles in an attempt to deceive others or misrepresent their true rides are insecure posers. Give me a break! Does it truly matter so much what other's think of your material wealth (or lack thereof)?