I bought my first Mercedes two weeks ago. 1998 E320W. It drives better than the two and three year old cars I've driven. My plastic box called a Subaru was tight and zippy and nobody could kill it, but it was buggy and a jigsaw puzzle under the hood. This, however, is a vehicle, not just a box that goes forward.

I'm enjoying my new ride, and the new looks of appreciation and envy that come with MB ownership. There are a different set of norms, maintenance routines, and care that come with the car, and I've come to find these and a community among those who have moved beyond American tanks and Japanese toys, especially in this area.

So hello.