W126 vs w221 - yes, I'm making the comparison...
06-13-2009, 11:01 PM
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
W126 vs w221 - yes, I'm making the comparison...
So I sat in a 2010 S63 today at the dealer. Absolutely beautiful car, one I aspire to own one day (maybe 10 year old used version 
) . I'm 26 and have been driving a 126 since 16 (first an 84 SD, now a 91 420SEL), I guess you could say I'm pretty accustomed to the design.
My comparison is pretty simple, but I think says a lot about the overall quality. As a young child, the most impressive feature of a 126 was its intuitive power seat design that has since become standard (anyone remember how power seats used to be operated with a series of toggle switches on American cars... were they serious?) My current car has 145K on the clock... my old one had 245K before being wrecked by a family member. The seats have functioned flawlessly for 18-25 years between the two. I press the buttons, the seat moves silently.
Today, as I set in the 517HP beast that is the S63, I decided to check the seat controls. While they were familiar, the resulting actions simply didn't scream quality. I know it's minor, but I heard the electric motor whine for the first time moving a MB seat ever. It almost felt as though the motors were just strong enough to last through the warranty..but I doubt the original will still be perfect in 20 years. The doors had a thunk when you closed them, but it wasn't tank-like as I'm accustomed to (I couldn't find a car on the lot that was). In fact, even my mother's CLK430 seemed to have a heavier vault-like feel than the newest cars.
Please don't get me wrong, I would love to own/drive ANY new S as a daily driver, and would even give up my current 420SEL for the privilege, but it simply felt like something was missing... anyone feel the same? Is there any car offering modern amenities like the 221 that still seems to feel as well made as a 126?
) . I'm 26 and have been driving a 126 since 16 (first an 84 SD, now a 91 420SEL), I guess you could say I'm pretty accustomed to the design. My comparison is pretty simple, but I think says a lot about the overall quality. As a young child, the most impressive feature of a 126 was its intuitive power seat design that has since become standard (anyone remember how power seats used to be operated with a series of toggle switches on American cars... were they serious?) My current car has 145K on the clock... my old one had 245K before being wrecked by a family member. The seats have functioned flawlessly for 18-25 years between the two. I press the buttons, the seat moves silently.
Today, as I set in the 517HP beast that is the S63, I decided to check the seat controls. While they were familiar, the resulting actions simply didn't scream quality. I know it's minor, but I heard the electric motor whine for the first time moving a MB seat ever. It almost felt as though the motors were just strong enough to last through the warranty..but I doubt the original will still be perfect in 20 years. The doors had a thunk when you closed them, but it wasn't tank-like as I'm accustomed to (I couldn't find a car on the lot that was). In fact, even my mother's CLK430 seemed to have a heavier vault-like feel than the newest cars.
Please don't get me wrong, I would love to own/drive ANY new S as a daily driver, and would even give up my current 420SEL for the privilege, but it simply felt like something was missing... anyone feel the same? Is there any car offering modern amenities like the 221 that still seems to feel as well made as a 126?
06-14-2009, 01:18 AM
#2
Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1991 420SEL & 300E, 2003 BMW X5, 2001 740iL all on DUBS
i agree... one thing you have to understand is that back in the day W126 was the standard for excellence nothing could really compare. The other day i was cleaning out my compartment behind the back seat and found the original for sale tag from the dealer my w126 went for $68,000 in 91!! you could have bought a house maybe two with cash like that. The problem with newer models is the price continues to raise but the quality of the original German made vehicles from back in the day isnt the same.
06-15-2009, 11:05 PM
#3
Member
Actually, luxury cars have come down in prices considerably.
Those 57 000$... today that would be over 100 000$. That's twice the price a car like that would cost today.
Not sure if that whine says anything about how long it will last.
Maybe it was just so quiet in that S63 you could hear it, while, sitting in your 126, you'd have street noises cover it up.
Those 57 000$... today that would be over 100 000$. That's twice the price a car like that would cost today.
Not sure if that whine says anything about how long it will last.
Maybe it was just so quiet in that S63 you could hear it, while, sitting in your 126, you'd have street noises cover it up.
06-16-2009, 09:36 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
The car was off.. I was actually just curious if it still worked like my old one, where the seat would move when the door was open even without a key in it (and it did).
06-17-2009, 08:35 PM
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
It was hard.. however having no car payments, a safer, more comfortable and better performing car than most on the road made it a bit easier 
