snovvman

Greetings y'all,

I am in progress to closing a deal on an 13 W221 4Matic. I have been a BMW driver for many years, owning several, including two 750 V12 variants. I'm currently driving a Euro (gary market) 750iL individual and I love it, but it's time for a change.

I have never owned a Benz, but seeing Mike5215's signature, I guess Benz owners don't think much of BMW drivers.... "Q: What is the difference between a porcupine and a BMW driver? A: With the BMW driver, the ***** is on the inside..."

One reason that I've stuck with BMWs was because I liked the styling and "sports sedan" road manners. These days, I do not like the way the new 7s look and I think the W221 is beautiful. I like it better than the 222. I also hear that the W221 handles fairly well (realizing that I'm giving up ABC for 4Matic).

So now then, will I be disappointed by making the switch?

What, if anything, should I be concerned about (especially mechanical) with a 2013 W221? Even though it is CPO'ed, I just want to know some of the known issues and quirks.

Thanks!

alx

the mb will not be as sensitive as the bmw to driver's input.

throttle, brakes, steering, road feel- all those are muted compared to the bavarian machines.

however, mb does have better ride, noise reduction and feels more stately.

you drive the 7 series bmw. you get a ride in an s-class mb.

search the forum for problems.

i would skip the abc option if intended to drive the car past warranty.

snovvman

That is a great way of describing the difference between the two.

I thought ABC was less problematic than Airmatic?

alx

no. airmatic is the bouncy airbag - based drive. simple compressor, valve block and air bags. easily repairable and reliable.

abc... is a whole different animal- when working it is vastly superior to airmatic (vehicle is rock solid at any speed, no body lean yet compliant over bumps)... but is somewhat complex, requires mb-specific scanner (star/das) to be worked on and requires maintenance and $$$$

check the cl/s/sl amg forums for more info on abc issues.

snovvman

Thank you....

DaveW68

I went from an E60 M5 to the S600. This was mostly due to pressure from my wife because she hated the SMG with a passion. I chose the S600 over the 550 because I didn't want to take a cut in power over the M5.


I've also owned 5 Lexus' (4 LS and 1 GS). The car rides much closer to the LS460 than a BMW. Although the 7 series isn't that far off from the S-class as it's very quiet and more driver detached than the 3 or 5 series cars (unless you opt for the Alpina). Quality wise, the S-class is more solid than the BMW. The W221 interior wins hands down over BMW. Performance wise, the V8 TT in the '13 is going to easily beat the F02 740Li and run neck and neck with the 750Li.


Both cars are expensive to maintain, so you likely won't find much difference from your 7 series. Read through the forum and you'll gain some knowledge about the issues many of these cars are known for. But it won't be any worse than your BMW and will likely be more reliable.


This is a nice upgrade over your current car and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

snovvman

Thank you. I never enjoyed the BMW dealer experience. Comparatively, Lexus and Land Rover have much better dealer service. BMW drivers may be @$$holes, so are the dealers I've experienced....

I never wanted to own/drive a Lexus because I'm a, ahem, "Type A" driver. I've owned four 7-series. While they are large, they feel nimble and responsive. At the same time, I am soured by the build quality of BMWs. There are so many "know issues" on every car I've owned. Things break constantly. For the E38 7s, for example, one can expect to replace the radiator every 40-50K miles.

I am hoping that the Benz is more reliable long term and the build quality is better.

snovvman

FWIW, I think the W221 is a great looking car. It has an unmistakable look about it.

Mike5215

No actual BMW hatred over here. Both brands are treated with reverence as somewhat finicky German luxury cars. It's really just choosing which flavor of ridiculously expensive finicky German luxury hardware you prefer.

My first entry was an S Class and while I admire the styling of most BMWs and I always give them a go at trade in time (a running joke with my oldest kid who likes going with me on car shopping expeditions) they drive very "ordinary" compared to an S Class. I've never been able to make the switch. (Also true of Audis and Jags).

From behind the wheel the S seems more substantial, and it coddles you and yours in a way that makes the car very endearing very quickly. Once that sets in, you're done for as far as switching back out.

DaveW68

There is absolutely no question that the W221's build quality is superior to the 7 series. Your first drive in the W221 will immediately prove that. Not that the 7 series is a bad car....but the W221 is just much more solid. If you can find one with the full leather wrapped interior, even better.


Reliability wise, I hope you find a much more positive experience in your S550.

snovvman

Aside from what you already shared, what else makes the BMW's drive "ordinary"?

I'm curious because driving anything other than a BMW feels ordinary to me. Mind you, I have not driven a Benz.

Thanks....

Mike5215

Makes sense. So currently with your frame of reference being other cars and a BMW, the BMW distinguishes itself in terms of ride and driving experience. Post S Class, the BMW will seem to have more in common with other cars and the S will distinguish itself. Or at least it should. If it doesn't, stay with the Bimmers. Coming from an S, when I drive a 7 or 5 series, my first thought is "where did all the money go?"

DaveW68

^^ This

snovvman

I can see that. I would describe the interior of the S as opulent. Whereas the BMW's interior is more business-like, the Benz feels like a luxury suite.

On the Benz, all the surfaces, switches, and textures appear well refined. They are smooth and well finished. The BMW, black plastic.

Garticus

I do prefer the more taught, sporting feel of the BMW over the MB.

Benz styling trumps the BMW though. (Looks more regal)

The 7 Series doesn't hold it value as well as a S-Class.

DaveW68

Honestly, regarding resale values, both are equally pathetic. That's why folks like me can afford a very nice used example.

anton28

Being both an AMG w216 and non AMG w221 owner I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know that the suspension was diffrient on AMG and non AMG cars. I always though it was just "tuned" diffriently. So what I'm hearing here is that AMG cars have a totally diffrient set up then none AMG and 4matic cars being totally diffrient as well? If some one could clarify the deference between the three that would be great.

DaveW68

The S600, S63, & S65 come with ABC as standard equipment, while it is an option on the S550. They are the same system, except the AMG cars are tuned differently for a sportier feel.

alx

that would be true for any expensive "generic" vehicle. it is widely accepted among the dealers that those vehicles lose 50% of their msrp after 2- 2.5 years.

audi, mb, bmw, bentley, masers, etc. they are all black holes of depreciation.

MBZSW221

Mike, your new signature made my day.

Mike5215

Thanks. The best jokes have a hint of truth to them.

Jason B

Haha! Classic sig. You have a very creative mind.