I just got off the phone with my contact, whom I believe is an honest guy. He claims that the 300 is the finest car they have ever built in terms of quality. He readily admits to the problems of the past, but he claims they have come a long way the last 4 years at DC.
He also said Mercedes is NOT putting out top of the line stuff, but that they used tried and true Mercedes components, such as E class rear suspension, in the 300. He's driving one himself and it just received Motor Trend's Car of the Year.
My deal would be 4-5K off the sticker, which he says is 5% below cost. I assume he means dealer cost.
He is hooking me up with a test vehicle from their MD HQ's for a few days...
Anyhow, I hope American cars can reclaim the reliability ground and style from oversees competitors.