. . expensive parts, expensive repairs.

Of course, a Bemer is nothing like a Merc in that respect. My favorite Merc story was published in the L.A. Times about 2 years ago. Owner took it in with a headlight out. Came back to face an $850 tab for replacement - and only a few dollars was for labor. Asking why so high, he was told, "It's a Mercedes - it doesn't have ordinary headlights".

My client - "I like my new BMW, but it has a little shimmy in the steering. The dealer says they'll get that fixed".

Mechanic - "No they won't. They all have front end shimmy, and it won't get fixed because they can't fix it".