danpE320

a friend of mine just got the W221 and I was just so impressed with the handling and drive I don't know if I should wait to get one or go with the w220

ruykava

my personal advice: wait.

if you can afford it, why settle for (what is now) second best?

Lender1

There are several points to consider and I will start with cost. The W221 now sells for at or very close to MSRP. A 2006 S 430 or S 500 has $10,000 trunk money plus the additional dealer discount. To estimate invoice, take the MSRP deduct the freight and gas guzzler tax (S 500), multiply by .93 and add the two deductions back. Since invoice is not dealer cost (the holdback has to be deducted for dealer costs) plus there may be non published incentives. You should be able to purchase a 2006 with around an $85,000 MSRP for $15-17,000 off. I got my well equipped 2006 S 430 (MSRP of $83,669) six months ago and got $17,000 off.

Next is "bugs. The 2006 has all the bugs out of it and is "tweaked" to be the best of the W220 run. I can feel the difference and advances (DVD nav for one) between my car and the 2003 I traded in. The W221 may have problems that will not show up until many have been on the street for several months to a year. It is for these reasons I elected to get the 2006 and plan to get a 2008 S 450. It is supposed to be out in June or July.

Last point to consider is if your going to lease the vehicle. Compare the residual values vs purchase price (capitalized cost) and see what the payment difference is. They could be considerably closer vs an outright purchase. This information and how to calculate payments is available in the Automotive Lease and Finance section of our forum.

I hope this helps.

02S430

Is the s450 coming this june/july?

TA-9FF

It amazes me how many people jump to get the newest thing that's out without really thinking about the fact that there are "bugs" in it. Waiting 2 or even 3 years after a new model is released just makes plain sense, and will save lots and LOTS of headaches. Plus, waiting also means that you often get free "upgrades". (ie: small refreshin' details, better software, etc....)

fusion2007

i get the semi new classic w220 2006 s500 or s600. just because its not gonna have any problems in it and its pretty much a trouble free ride. im thinkin about trading in my 2000 s500 for an 06 s500