Polar Bear

Hi all,

I am entertaining the idea of getting a W221 S600. Since these vehicles are full equipped are the many differences between them? I see some have some different wheel offerings and the 2007 does not have the Video option on the COMAND but it seems that is just a software update. I have not seen an iPod integration kit on a 2007 but I have 2008+.

Are there any other differences to speak of? Any quirks the earlier cars had that was ironed out?

I would like to get CPO if I can find the right one so that eliminates some of the early ones but if it is the right car I would be interested without CPO.

thank you

malahhaor

my 07 s550 has ipod, s600 should as well. i would go for 08 and up, leather on seats and doors is upgraded (different style), looks much nicer in my opinion. other than that except for software its the same.

edit: forgot to mention, sometime in 08 model year they started upgrading transmission software to similar version of the 7g (non tunable at this time). so if you are looking to get that tuned, you might have to go with 07 or extremely early 08 model.

canes85

2007 - 2009 are essential the car the engine, transmission, brakes, interior I could go on & on are the same. Look to get the best serviced car u can find then immediately go buy an extended warranty. It is a must !!! I luv the V12!

Polar Bear

Does your S600 need work often besides the standard service?

I see many S600s, although W220s, with 150+ miles so they do last, but I don't know at what cost.

I hope to find a CPO.

canes85

I haven't had may issues with either my 65 or 600, the biggest cost has been spark plugs & brakes. I have USAA extended warranty on both so I haven't had any real repair cost out of pocket. I have two more years on the 65 & three more on the 600. What's your budget? Remember the cheapest S Class can be the most expensive in the long run. Service records & Warranty are a must when dealing with the V12's.

cjf_moraga

Minor differences between the MY 2007 and 2008 S600's:

(1) MY2007 and early MY2008 S600's (like mine!) did not have the park assist feature or blind spot warning triangles in the mirrors. I think my car must have been amongst the very last MY2008's S600's to not have this, and MB very nicely gave me a 7-year extended warranty as compensation.

(2) I believe that the MY2007 S600 had a manual switch for the headlamp cleaners. That feature was made automatic from MY2008 onwards, hence the blank area to the side of the headlamp dial.

(3) The MY2007 S600 had a plainer interior looking much like the S550. From MY2008 onwards the leather treatment was much upgraded with the padded/flutted look on the doors and the seats look much more distinctive with V12 logos plastered everywhere. On the dash, on the back of every seat, even the floormats. (Just in case you forget)

My early MY2008 S600 is about to hit 60,000 miles. There have been a couple of glitches all fixed under warranty, but I have never once regretted buying it new. The engine has so much torque it usually idles away quite happily around 2000 RPM, even on the freeway. Given its stress free life, baring the occasional mad acceleration up the on-ramp, I would not be surprised if it could go on for 150,000 miles.

Chris

Quadcammer

was the sports appearance package ever offered on the 221 S600? they seem to be extremely rare, if even available.

cjf_moraga

Going off my memory I think the sports package was briefly available for a few very early/launch MY2007 w221 S600's but not for the MY2008 onwards. They are very rare.

Chris

Polar Bear

Thank you - that was the kinds of things I was wondering about. So it looks like I should aim for a 2008. I assume the headlamp cleaners function every three windshield cleanings?

Does the Climate Control still have the REST function?

It will be challenging to find a nice example of one in the Western North Carolina area. But it does indeed sound like a vehicle I would be happy with more many years.

I have had and enjoyed a few unique vehicles - a Buick Grand National being one of them. I can see the S600 with twice the cylinders and twice the doors and twice the power I have always like the feeling of turbocharged power.

cjf_moraga

I think MY2008 was when the S600 all came together. It was a classic example of why waiting for the second year in any new model/bodyshape makes sense. I would certainly aim for a MY2008 or later. It just feels more plush.

Other small differences are the alcantara headliner has the padded fluted look like the door insets. It feels very cushy.

Good question on the REST function. That was only in MY2007 I believe. My MY2008 S600 does not have it. (Not that I have ever missed it)

Another minor feature in the MY2007 and MY2008 S600 deleted in later model years, is that the floor of the trunk covering the spare has two hinged covers with two seperate compartments built into it. Its actually really useful for storing bits and pieces and probably the most classy/expensive spare wheel cover out there! Afterwards, MB replaced it with a single simpler cover.

I know the hadlamp cleaners work a certain number of windshield cleanings because I occasionally see mist coming out of the side but am barely aware of this feature. The w221 headlamps are so aerodynamically integrated they don't get dirty very easily. (Especially here in California)

If it is turbocharged power you are after, then the S600 will not disappoint! I bought one rather than the S63 I was originally looking at, because it had the same kick in your pants feel of my previous supercharged V8 E55. However unlike that car, the S600 is very silent inside so the experience of acceleration actually does not "feel" as intense. (Though it is)

Chris

Diesel Benz

Are you sure you have not missed the REST feature? I mean missed in the sense that the feature is there but you may not have paid attention to it.

According to the MBUSA manual for MY 2008 (and 2009 too, did not check others), the REST feature should still exist.

cjf_moraga

Thanks Diesel Benz. I feel kind of ridiculous. The REST button is indeed there right in front of my face on the central consoel and I never used it in 6.5 years of owning my S600. Thats how important it is to me! I was going off memory that it was deleted at some point but must have mixed up my model years. Thanks for the correction!

Chris

Polar Bear

Thanks to everyone for the good information. I pulled the trigger on a 2008 S600 and so far it has been great. It has a little over 30k in the clock but the original warranty expired due to age. What warranty company would you folks recommend? Tries to get one at dealer but their source would not write one for a V12.

xxGenericSNxx

Just wanted to clarify for you guys. The AMG Sport Package came on SOME MY2007 S600 as compensation for NOT having Distronic. The reason being that Benz was short handed of Distronic units for thesee cars so they compensated owners by giving them the sport styling. I don't think there's any OEM US spec S600s with Distronic and Sport Package from the factory.

Also all MY2007 W221 have the ugly antenna on the trunk where all newer ones it's gone.