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I'm looking at 2019 S560's and almost every one in SW FL inventory has the AMG Line Exterior.
I don't particularly like the package or the ghetto wheels that they come with in looking at the inventory.
Is it really that requested or is it just a huge profit option for the dealers?
Profit clearly has something to do with it. But in my area of Pittsburgh it also seems like a majority of people want the AMG Line. But profit probably drives even some of that as well.
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
The AMG line is a top seller for a reason. It looks best. I think they make the base model just to sell the AMG package. I know a dealer that won't take a base on trade because he has to send it to the auction because it's such a hard sell used. If your the first owner, your in the driver seat to get exactly what you want for you. Its your car. IF you ever expect to be trading or selling in the future the AMG package holds good value and is an easier sell.
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
We all have preferences. Did you actually have them park a base car next to an AMG car and compare the two in person?? I can understand that to some it's not worth the extra money or they would rather spend that money on other options that matter to them. But looking at the two next to each other I could not imagine someone wanting the base over the AMG?? If leasing it doesn't really matter, but resale or trade value always go to the AMG. At the end of the day you have to look over at your car and love it. You can still search an AMG without the rims.
I'm looking at 2019 S560's and almost every one in SW FL inventory has the AMG Line Exterior.
I don't particularly like the package or the ghetto wheels that they come with in looking at the inventory.
Is it really that requested or is it just a huge profit option for the dealers?
Calling the AMG wheels ghetto makes me wonder what wheels you would consider appropriate for the S-Class.
While I would wish for the sport package to have more exclusive wheels only for the S-Class (rather than the same for many models) I really prefer the design over it’s basic non AMG options.
I do feel that the sport package is a better fit for the cars overall design but all is a question of personal taste.
Seriously, please post of a pic of what wheels you're saying are "ghetto wheels". That phrase inherently is kind of, not cool on a MB board anyway if it has to do with AMG wheels. Are these ghetto wheels to you?
The 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke and 20-inch AMG 10-spoke are wheels that I personally don't care for and those are on almost every vehicle. The AMG exterior and 10 spoke to me is $6,650 that I don't want. Additionally, the Burmester is another $6,400 that gets marginal reviews.
So those two options, which are on the vast majority of current inventory, is $13,050 that again "I prefer not to have". That's almost 11% of the entire cost of the vehicle for a bumper, four rims and a marginally better stereo.
I actually prefer the non-AMG exterior package with the 19" multispoke. Driver Assistance, Premium Package, Exclusive leather is really all I need. I can pocket the net ~$11.5k before depreciation.
When I look at a S-class, I see and think Luxury. It's not a sports car to me, as I have had those.
If the AMG package added performance, some form of functionality or more MPG, then I can see the value. I don't think it actually does anything.
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
I think you can see from your poll, you are in the minority. Every car dealer would agree, they can sell an AMG exterior much easier because it is preferred and sought after. The base bumpers and rocker panels look very old man. I am an older guy and find it bland. I agree with you on the financial point. Options can really get out of control. They can get to a point of really not making sense. If my CPA were consulted in my car purchases, I wouldn't own most of them and they would not have the options they have.......because you are technically correct! There are emotions and passions in some decisions...and that doesn't make sense. From a numbers and value point of view, the base model with 18" rims is the right buy. At the end of the day, you are in an S class, hopefully with a big smile on! In my experience with cars for many years, I sometimes pay up, knowing that I have to have what someone else wants, for when the day come that I sell. I find the AMG is a good value when selling/trading. So yes you are parting with the cash upfront, but the return is better and easier later. I have finally realized I am not keeping anything forever! Houses, cars, stuff....your just holding onto it for the next guy in reality. Personally when I look back at my ride, I love it. You should too. If that 6500 eats at you, then you defeated the purpose of this experience. There are plenty of base S550's out there, but living here in south Florida, I suggest you widen your search further north. They are out there.
The 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke and 20-inch AMG 10-spoke are wheels that I personally don't care for and those are on almost every vehicle. The AMG exterior and 10 spoke to me is $6,650 that I don't want. Additionally, the Burmester is another $6,400 that gets marginal reviews.
So those two options, which are on the vast majority of current inventory, is $13,050 that again "I prefer not to have". That's almost 11% of the entire cost of the vehicle for a bumper, four rims and a marginally better stereo.
I actually prefer the non-AMG exterior package with the 19" multispoke. Driver Assistance, Premium Package, Exclusive leather is really all I need. I can pocket the net ~$11.5k before depreciation.
When I look at a S-class, I see and think Luxury. It's not a sports car to me, as I have had those.
If the AMG package added performance, some form of functionality or more MPG, then I can see the value. I don't think it actually does anything.
Thanks for all the replies!
The first thing I would say is “don’t buy something you do not want no matter what discounts you receive or do not receive”.
Second, from another post you stated “I can negotiate a better deal (% off) with a car on the lot”. IMHO that is because the dealer knows you will accept cars off the lot with a discount. Find a dealer that will give you great discounts on an ordered car. In the distant past I used to think like you do until I started ordering S Class cars. Low and behold the dealer started giving me better discounts on cars I ordered because that is how I wanted to do business.
Lastly, you commented about the High End Stereo system. I don’t care where you read about marginal reviews on the high end system. I owned a ‘14 S550 4matic and a ‘16 S550 4matic without the high end system and now a ‘19 S63 with the high end stereo. If you like music it is worth every penny. Whomever gave it a marginal review has never owned both systems. Yes it is a lot of money but buy what YOU want not what other people tell you to buy. You should experience both systems before you make a judgement call. I again was like you thinking it was not worth it since I ordered my ‘16 S class without the high end system thinking I would “save” $6400 since the base system is awesome. But you really need to experience the high end system. It is worth every penny of $6400 if you love music but again that is me talking and not you but I understand your point since I can be the “cheap” CPA that I am at times and try to squeeze the last dollar out of nothing. BUY WHAT YOU WANT and GET THE DISCOUNT YOU WANT within reason of course.
A disadvantage of the AMG sport package is the larger rims. Some like the bling but not all of us.
When you try to go to a non runflat for a quieter smoother ride you'll find the 18 ins rims don't fit with AMG option.
A disadvantage of the AMG sport package is the larger rims. Some like the bling but not all of us.
When you try to go to a non runflat for a quieter smoother ride you'll find the 18 ins rims don't fit with AMG option.
I probably can't follow the thought that larger rims are bling. I personally find larger rims look balanced on a large car. The W222 is available with rims as small as 17" (S350 Diesel) and the wheels look simply too small. 20" wheel are ideal to my eyes.
Also, the car rides beautifully and smooth on 20" with conventional tires.
AMG in any S Class is much nicer and definitely a deal breaker to me . I'm not fond of big wheels in size but AMG wheels in design wise looks more attractive to me .
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
The problem with the AMG Line on the W222, is that MB charges a ton for it and I can’t imagine it costs them a dime more to produce it. The bumpers, rocker panels, wheels are all just a bit different from the non-AMG Line parts, so why in the world should they cost $5,900.00 more? The AMG Line on the E Class costs only $500.00 AND, on the E, it includes bigger brakes! I like the way the AMG Line looks, but I refuse to play their game, when I like my non-AMG Line S560 just fine.
01-18-2019, 09:36 AM
