For their proximate equality and performance-pushing rivalry, it's hard to believe that BMW was once, in 1959, almost gobbled up by Mercedes-Benz. Luckily, no merger ever occurred and auto enthusiasts are the better for it, with a more plentiful German automotive cosmos to choose from.Despite sharply divergent financial situations, BMW and Mercedes are more similar than they are different. Both brands command astonishing customer loyalty, have produced performance models that define automotive essence for gearheads around the world, and are bastions of luxury. Indeed, studies show that, despite the advance of Lexus, Jaguar, Infiniti, and others, the ultrarich still see Mercedes and BMW as the most prestigious brands on earth.