When I was at the dealer buying my new beast/ball and chain today, someone bought/took delivery of a lovely loaded white C63 coupe, and someone else was about to buy a red C sedan. The latter was a guy my age coming out of an E46 M3 - different world.
Nothing too odd at the dealer, saw a SLS hanging out in a back room, salesman told me eventually the 4cyl diesel E250 is coming to the US.
Thanks. Bluetec, of course. I weighed the pros and cons, and thought I might not have this cheap an opportunity again. Amazing lease deal, they gave me a fair price for my car and I know it will go to a good home. I am still kind of on a high from it.