Hi All
I have been watching posts for a while now and have read many of your very well done posts, however I am in need of some advise. I am considering either a 2003 or newer S 55 or S600. Can anyone help me understand the real world differences? I know the basic differences,(V12 Turbo vs V8 Supercharged) but how do they differ in driving? How about maint issues? One more than the other? Does one have different equipment options compared to the other?
Thanks in advance for your advise
Baldy

 

I have the same question. So far I have looked up the maintenance parts prices and I see that the brakes on the S600 a much less expensive. The AMG parts are not on the S600 and the S600 has a higher level of standard equipment. Then I go back to the brakes and I look at the power rating on the cars the S600 has more torque everywhere then the S55 so why the hell does it have smaller brakes? Are the S55 brakes just for show?

I am going to look at a 05 S600 this week end to replace my E55 so I can give you more input then after a solid test drive.

 

Hi EraserX
Take a look at my similar post on the AMG thread on this site. There is some brake discussion there. I will be very interested in your test drive results. I also will be testing a 04 S600 this weekend, but I have yet to test a S 55.
Baldy

 

And you thought that you would have different results here for what reason

https://mbworld.org/forums/s55-amg-s...2003-s600.html

Its a car, NOT a life time commitment, deal with it

 

Because sometimes different people with different perspectives might be tracking the standard S Class thread than the AMG crowd. I am interested in both perspectives...

 

Good luck

 

Baldy,

Stock for Stock (I assume you wont be modifying) they are as fast as each other on paper. The S55 will "feel" faster due to exhaust note. The S55 has more contoured seats and larger brakes, as well as thicker all leather steering wheel and paddle shifters. I personally opted for the 600 because the brake were enough for me in real world driving (FYI I have 670HP on stock brakes ) as well the paddle shift really is a gimmick. The seats have plenty of support for me, heck its not like im tossing around a 4500lb car in the twisties. I wanted comfort and exclusivity coupled with the ability to walk the average car in a highway roll on if the wifeys at home.

 

Hi JayCL600
What mods did you do to get to that HP? Any down-side to the mods aside from the obvious gas mileage ???
Also, great looking car!
Baldy

 

I had the same decision and after driving both the final was the s600 for me. Interior was selling point. I got a 600 with the amg body kit and amg wheels which also was a selling point. Basically this is how I justified everything the 55 had and the 600 did not have stock. Also I took into consideration what you would have once you did a ecu flash with both cars.

1. Interior: 600 wins hands down, nappa leather, wood steering wheel, reclining rear seats, and suede headliner.

2. Styling: Now the S55 has 2 chrome badges on the fenders which is a classy look. I plan to get rid of the single V12 and replace it with a chrome V12 bi-turbo badge. In stock form s55 wins but with a few dollars spent afterward s600 can be a showstopper.

3: Exhaust note: S55 has a sporty exhaust sound and the 600 is scary quiet for the power it has. Stock form the 55 wins but most people buy and aftermarket or make there own exhaust system. Even between both is how I see it. Quiet can always turn into louder for short money. Loud turning into quiet can cost you. This one is personal preference.

4. Modding: 600 wins this test hands down as well with a ecu flash. 55 will cost 8x more to get the same power. Plus these sedans are not nimble 2 doors so get that out of your head. They are good for straight line digs/highway runs.

5. Repairs: 55 wins this as per my indy. As per my indy he hates v12's because he cannot get his hands and tools in to repair them as easy as the v8.

6. Gas mileage: 55 wins this over the 600

7. Rare autos: 600 seems to be a little scarce in my area where I seem to see several 55's. Secondly the chance to own a v12 twin over a v8 supercharged was a easy choice for me. A supercharged v8 is not that rare these days, but a v12 twin puts this car in some exclusive company.

Drive both and make your choice. I see little reason to buy the 65 in the sedan. I would however get it in the CL or SL over the 55/600 all day long in those platforms.

 

whatever one you pick, get one with under 80k miles so you can get a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty.

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ml#post3458456

if you find one with under 60k miles you save a couple hundred bucks on the warranty. COsts about $3000 but you will save much much more than that