Hi,

Tomorrow I'll be trading in my MY '03 ML55 for an S430 fully loaded (incl. AMG body kit). I realise already that I'll be missing it. Anyways, I can reccomend one to anyone wanting to drive a spiced up SUV. Especially since it's the real trend-setter in luxury (and performance) SUV.

NOOOOOOOO, another owner leaving us... You are correct though, WE are the first of an entire market... As ML55 owners we set the mark for luxo SUVs that have a neeeeed for speeeeed

just curious, why the change, those arent even similar vehicles

Yea same question here, id never go for an S class over an Ml55.. id have to be out of my mind.. Considering its a 5.4 litre suv, it actually gets pretty good mileage 14 L /100 which isnt too shabby =D

Good question. I've driven an ML for almost 3 years (1st year ML320) and I guess I've had my SUV moment. I wanted something new, and a bit more comfort. Well, I have comfort now! And I also have an SL55 in the garage for those 'need for speed' moments.

I peeked at a G55, but that was just too much of a good thing. Besides, my girlfriend talked my out of it. And I agree with her after some carefull thought.

It broke my heart leaving the trusty ML55 at the dealer though. I'll surely miss it.

well militant, I didnt say I wouldnt do the change, I meant they arent really the same market... anyways... sprins it was good to have had you in the family, hopefully her replacement owner is just as loving... post some pics of your S

I hope so too Fanatic.

Check it out:

Very nice S class sprins, when I imagine an S430 I imagine a poorly equipped S class, with iffy rims. But my my that is a very nice 430.

Thanks man. I picked it out carefully. It was this one or none.

we have ourselves a member from the other side of the pond, lol... Very nice S... nice car indeed. I was driven home in one from the dealership a WHILE back and I didnt like it... got another ride a few weeks ago and thought it was the hawtness!!!

what were your thoughts about the G?

To expensive (only 6K miles and half a year old)
To impractical (for here, some parking garages are to low)
To much fuel consumption
My girlfriend hates it

But what a presence! That thing beats anything and everything in the *bling* dept.

considering fuel costs likely will continue to rise faster rather than slower, and that Gs tend to depreciate somewhat quickly, what do you think would be a reasonable price entry for a used 2005 500 and 55?

i'm stuck on MY2005 because i believe that previous MY Gs weren't equipped with head curtains.

my GF would learn to love the G-bling of crossing medians and hopping curbs in pinches, and wading through high waters during hurricane season. but when the weather's good, back to the coupe and convertible.

looking forward to your reply.

Hah I know what you mean with parking garages, my land rover has the same problem, its so high It cant fit into some garages, or when it does there is like 3-4 inches clearance... scary.

I have no idea. Prices in this part of the world are absurd anyway. But I reckon for a MY2005 with low milage the MB dealership will almost ask MSRP (they do around here). Which will also buy you a good SL500/55, S500/55, CL500/55, etc. I dunno what is wisdom...

I was stuck on the 2005 because of the kompressor, and the suspension suposedly is much better than the previous (non-supercharged) G55.

what part of the world are you in?

Europe. Specifically Amsterdam. (luxury) Tax on cars and gas is killing us.

we're just now beginning to feel your pain over here.

Funny story about the first time I test drove a "G". The dealer (Laguna Niguel) stores cars in a parking garage a mile or so away from the dealership. We drove a G500 over there to look at different colors.

It was a multi level garage with lots of sharp turns (amazing how well a G handles at speed, BTW) anyway the ceiling looked a little tight with signs prominently saying .. Clearance 6' 8". We were literally blowing through that garage from one level to the other (fast) holding on tight, I asked the rep "how tall is the g anyway ? He answered - I don't know, but it must be less than 6' 8" .