anyone here switched S to E??
#27
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#29
Not sure why the distinction between an '09 221 and an '08 or '07 221 (they're all the same car but for some relatively minor differences in the electronics), but I do see where you are coming from. I've driven one and was very impressed. The only negative things I could say about the car (other than that I may not be 110% sold on its styling) are that it seemed to have a noticeable amount more wind and road noise than my S (but the car salesman said the particular strip of freeway we were on is particularly noisy, even in an S-class) and that the 6 lacks the grunt of an 8, though it does have plenty of power. The '12 E350 was FAR more fun to drive than my S (and I'm going to go out on a limb to guess that it would be far more fun to drive than any 220, S55 and S600 included). It was just so much more responsive, lively, and nimble than my S, and, to me, that makes all the difference that can't be overcome by power alone. Congrats on the car.
#31
the s is not mmeant to be a fun car, its there to get you from point a to b in the most comfortable relaxed possible way
Not sure why the distinction between an '09 221 and an '08 or '07 221 (they're all the same car but for some relatively minor differences in the electronics), but I do see where you are coming from. I've driven one and was very impressed. The only negative things I could say about the car (other than that I may not be 110% sold on its styling) are that it seemed to have a noticeable amount more wind and road noise than my S (but the car salesman said the particular strip of freeway we were on is particularly noisy, even in an S-class) and that the 6 lacks the grunt of an 8, though it does have plenty of power. The '12 E350 was FAR more fun to drive than my S (and I'm going to go out on a limb to guess that it would be far more fun to drive than any 220, S55 and S600 included). It was just so much more responsive, lively, and nimble than my S, and, to me, that makes all the difference that can't be overcome by power alone. Congrats on the car.
#32
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I have to say, I drove an 01 S500 my friend owns the other day, it has 77k on the clock, and it has a little more low end and the same exact mid/top as the S430.. so if I had to buy my S over again, S430 or S500 wouldn't make a difference, miles, condition and history would be my factors.. And I agree, the W220 is far from a top tier car. Even the 06 is outdated. In 2003 I thought they looked great, brand new, expensive, now just like my BMW and any other 4-5 year old car, now that the new models are out, these are instantly old. Everyone likes to get on all the message boards for their particular car and claim timeless design, but it's just not true. Now I get compliments on my car all the time, and it's in great shape and shines like a brand new one, and it is an S class, and people still think it's pretty darn new, but anyone who knows anything about cars knows exactly how old it is and how inexpensive they are.. Again, I love my car, and I love to drive it, but the interior is a cheap rattle trap, and there are alot of things on the car that are built great, but an equal amount of things that are built with total cost cutting in mind, and to be completely honest, as much as I love this car more than the 30-35 other cars I have owned it scares me. Am I spending money on a losing battle? I don't know, I hope not. But a Bentley, etc. is a huge jump up from a W220. An 08 C-class would be a step up from a W220 430/500 pre-04.
#33
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I can't wait to get an outdated CL then!
#34
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In 2003 I thought they looked great, brand new, expensive, now just like my BMW and any other 4-5 year old car, now that the new models are out, these are instantly old. Everyone likes to get on all the message boards for their particular car and claim timeless design, but it's just not true. Now I get compliments on my car all the time, and it's in great shape and shines like a brand new one, and it is an S class, and people still think it's pretty darn new, but anyone who knows anything about cars knows exactly how old it is and how inexpensive they are.. Again, I love my car, and I love to drive it, but the interior is a cheap rattle trap, and there are alot of things on the car that are built great, but an equal amount of things that are built with total cost cutting in mind, and to be completely honest, as much as I love this car more than the 30-35 other cars I have owned it scares me. Am I spending money on a losing battle? I don't know, I hope not. But a Bentley, etc. is a huge jump up from a W220. An 08 C-class would be a step up from a W220 430/500 pre-04.
As for an '08 C Class being a step up from a W220, IMO there's an enormous gulf! I got a new C350 as a loaner a few months ago and whilst it felt quite nippy and responsive to drive it was still a million miles from the interior fit of my 600, let alone performance. I couldn't wait to get back to my cosseting leather seats
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#35
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96 and 08 911 turbos
And I agree, the W220 is far from a top tier car. Even the 06 is outdated. In 2003 I thought they looked great, brand new, expensive, now just like my BMW and any other 4-5 year old car, now that the new models are out, these are instantly old. Again, I love my car, and I love to drive it, but the interior is a cheap rattle trap, and there are alot of things on the car that are built great, but an equal amount of things that are built with total cost cutting in mind, and to be completely honest, as much as I love this car more than the 30-35 other cars I have owned it scares me. Am I spending money on a losing battle? I don't know, I hope not. But a Bentley, etc. is a huge jump up from a W220. An 08 C-class would be a step up from a W220 430/500 pre-04.
You drive a 12 year old car, that was designed nearly 15 years ago. The technology package in your vehicle was pretty revolutionary in 1999. Standard navigation, optional distronic, massaging seats, ventilated seats, voice control, parktronic, etc.
Now, lets make a corollary (and a good one considering these are big computers on wheels). Think about your computer in 1999. How do you think that would compare to even one that was half the price in 2012? Same story here with the C-class...although that doesn't have half of the options of even a 2000 S-class.
Things get old and technology gets outdated. If thats why you bought the car, you'll need to upgrade every few years so you don't get left behind.
That said, as an actual car, the S-class is still far superior as a luxury car. Smoother ride, better noise insulation, far more comfortable seats, obviously more space, etc. etc. If you want sporty and nimble, you picked the wrong car.
Also, there is a huge difference between a 2000 S430 and a 2006 S600. Huge, Huge Huge. Power, suspension refinement, interior material quality etc. There is no way you can make statements about all 220s when compared to other cars.
Seems you are unhappy with your car, and thats fine...but I dare you to find a better car for the <$10,000 you paid (or should have paid).
I'll go out on a limb and disagree. I think with the right setup the W220 can look really rather fresh. Although they are only minor changes the '03+ models do make a big difference; the clear headlights and a proper set of wheels instead of the slightly hubcap looking 16" wheels you see on older 430s and 500s do change the look completely, especially with the sports styling. I think the early '00s CL, E, and S will age rather well.
As for an '08 C Class being a step up from a W220, IMO there's an enormous gulf! I got a new C350 as a loaner a few months ago and whilst it felt quite nippy and responsive to drive it was still a million miles from the interior fit of my 600, let alone performance. I couldn't wait to get back to my cosseting leather seats![Stick Out Tongue](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
As for an '08 C Class being a step up from a W220, IMO there's an enormous gulf! I got a new C350 as a loaner a few months ago and whilst it felt quite nippy and responsive to drive it was still a million miles from the interior fit of my 600, let alone performance. I couldn't wait to get back to my cosseting leather seats
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A sports package 220 is still a great looking car. Is it timeless? Who knows and who cares. If I like the way it looks, then why does it matter if it looks dated to someone else? Its a very smooth sleek elegant design. The 221 looks a bit bulbous in comparison.
The non-sport package cars look a little stodgy, but I think the 221 is worse in this regard than the 220. Perhaps its the smaller wheels with that huge fender flare?
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14' CLS550
#37
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Thanx, congrats on owning a 9 year old car! How do you feel my bottom of the line E class is worth more than your car? Ha.. And if ur such a big shot and have soo many pennies saved why dont you buy a new S class? Exactly
Last edited by bigigg; 01-26-2012 at 03:19 PM.
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#41
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how much? bolt on??
did the price stay the same for brand new? 10k.. i can get s600/55 for that price?
Last edited by classyS; 01-26-2012 at 05:03 PM.
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#43
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I am too busy putting my pennies into modding the 55k motor (some of us get a car for something other then to say "Have you seen my NEW Mercedes"), too bad there is not enough money in the world to make your motor anything else other than a glorified turd (with red engine paint), but hey, you drive a Mercedes, well kinda. I guess I should sell this car and my 06 E55 and buy an E350 so I can keep up with you.
#44
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I agree on the headlights, and wheels part. I have put the 03+ Bi-xenon, the 18" AMG wheels, tint, mirrors, and 03+ Comand in my car. It's all made it look alot newer and alot better, but like Oliver said, it's still a 15 year old design. I am sorry but I don't think it is still a superior luxury design. The seats aren't that comfortable, it's quiet yes, but the interior is squeaky in alot of places. The suspension is nice, but not great. I have driven in smoother cars. I love my car, but there are alot better newer choices out there.. I always buy earlier of the model year, I can't justify spending the money on a later year model with almost the same items as an earlier one. Even with everything I have done to my car I am still in it at only $10k, and it's got brand new tires, brakes, headlights, new system, new tint, new Airmatic, suspension, tune up, trans service, etc.
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#46
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I am too busy putting my pennies into modding the 55k motor (some of us get a car for something other then to say "Have you seen my NEW Mercedes"), too bad there is not enough money in the world to make your motor anything else other than a glorified turd (with red engine paint), but hey, you drive a Mercedes, well kinda. I guess I should sell this car and my 06 E55 and buy an E350 so I can keep up with you.
Last edited by bigigg; 01-26-2012 at 08:04 PM.
#47
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60k, for that
? I guess we need people like you so the car can be bought at an auction 2 years later for 20k or less, enjoy the deprieciation........
I ll take my paid for, used, heavy ***, wanna be fast cars.
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I ll take my paid for, used, heavy ***, wanna be fast cars.
Last edited by boost420; 01-27-2012 at 01:51 AM.
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2002 Mercedes S 430(GONE), 2001 E320(GONE), 2007 S550(GONE), 2009 BMW X6(GONE), 2014 S550
So true, i went from e-class to e-class to an s-class, dont think i would do it in an opposite direction
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2000 mercedes benz s430
My personal opinion is that the w220 s430/s500 are great cars for what they cost these day's. I much rather buy a 2003 s430 sport pac over a 2003 e500 any day and I'm not just saying this because i own a 430. What you gotta keep in mind is that s class is mbz's flagship so they made these car's to perfection. As for c class i had a 06 230 and it was a joke i am way happier with my 12 year old 430 for a third of the price of a new c300