whalebird

I'm sure Charlie 2.0 will be welcome on the leather.

Ed Hughes

I was referring to SL's, not the 500's, basically reinforcing the decision on the E Class before any suggestions on a 2 seater surface here.

We're used to what dogs can do to whatever. Actually, my Ridgeline's backseat and the backseat of my G35 a few years ago were the only vehicles that showed claw marks from dear old Charlie. He got a ride in Deb's old Jag almost every day, and that leather held up well. Maybe it is Japanese cows?

Ed Hughes

Indeed. There may end up being a 2.1 and 2.2!

rusnak

Charlie II should get the SEL with little flags on the front fenders, complete with pawprint logos.

whalebird

And a "Pope bubble". awesome.
FWIW, Benz offers seat covers just for our little friends. Ed, you may be able to put together from the above posts, but a V8 benz has a special lineage. They are a different company these days by far, but a big-motor benz still packs a punch. We have been considering another car, quite possibly another benz, since our little one will be here in Jan. I've looked at a lot of different things, but I'm still holding out for a big motor with a star on it. I've considered a ML430/500, but I'm not crazy about the "Alabama Slammers". A wagon bodied E-class could be a nice car (for us).

Ed Hughes

I've got a couple of dogs in cars pics to post that are pretty cool.....I'm in Sacramento, but head home this afternoon. I'll try to get them up tonight. I've got many of Charlie, and snapped one of a big shepherd with his head sticking out the sunrroof of a Benz the other day.

The big motor will be lost on the wife...

whalebird

I know. This is for the wifeey. I have to curb my wishes and try to see things the way she does. You do too, I'm sure. I focus on safety for the wife-mobile. ABS and airbags are my main factors and benz makes the best of those. After that, it's all her's to pick: color, heated seats, radio...fun stuff for her, not me.

Ed Hughes

LOL, color and heated seats are 1 and 2 on her list.

rusnak

The E class is my favorite. Electronics and catalytic converters seem to be their weak points. The wagon is surprisingly noisy compared to the sedan. Course, V-8s use a ton o gas compared to 6s.

whalebird

I recommend taking the roof racks off on any wagon if they aren't being used. This is a huge source of wind noise. The Benz wagons(up thru the 210 body)were superbly built. The main guy over the wagon design was an old timer and took a great deal of pride in the Benz wagons. Fit and finish, as well as build quality was outstanding compared to the sedan, this was especially true in the 210 body. I think he's retired now.

Ed Hughes

Charlie always loved the view with his head sticking out the sunroof. I thought I had a picture of him with his cheeks ballooned out from the wind hitting his open mouth.

He wasn't a fan of slow traffic, however.

He was also Mama's boy too.

The last one is a pic I snapped Saturday of a big shepherd who kept popping his head out of the Benz's roof.

Adams

What a superb friend. I love the thought of that view you mentoined, but how cool it must've looked to other drivers! Wonderful memories you have.

Ed Hughes

Tons of great memories, not a day goes by that I don't think of him. Guess that's what happens when you have a dog instead of kids.

rusnak

Of course a wagon will transport a brood of 4-legged kids.
Or a single grown Shepherd.

whalebird

Rearward facing seats are great for dogs. They got those cage-screen things that pin them into the back. Wagons are great haulers.