Hi Guys, I currently have a 2005 C55 AMG. I love the power of my C but I want something bigger, and longer wheel base so I can haul family around in class. I do like the W220's except what do you guys think about these? Do 04's have the 7G-Tronic trans that the world is having valve body issues with or do these have the more reliable 5G-Tronic's. I would go with a 2003-2006 S55 but I dont want ABC and want 4matic. Please share your thoughts, what are some common issues? Does the 04 Command play DVD movies?

 

All 220 4matics come with the reliable, if not sometimes a little jerky 722.6 5-speed. Regular fluid changes and the tranny should be fine.

common issues...airmatic, some suspension bits (control arms, ball joints, the usual for heavy cars) and some electronic glitches here and there.

Command may play DVDs, but all you get is sound at least in the US.

 

You're getting a little mixed up on your terms.

ABC = Active Body Control. MB's fancy, is rather unreliable, suspension system put on AMGs and 600s.

4Matic = 4 wheel drive system

There aren't any W220 AMGs with 4Matic. Airmatic might be what you are thinking of, almost as unreliable as ABC but cheaper to repair.

 

Actually what he said is correct.

As I read it, he would like a s55 amg, but he doesn't like ABC and wants 4matic and therefore can't get the S55.

 

oliverk is correct. There is a 04 S500 4matic with 42000km for sale in my area ive been thinking about.

 

04 is 7 speed. Sold mine at 96k miles and no issues.
It's a nice vehicle but do remember its slower than c55.
04 does not play DVD.

 

yeah, not with 4matic its not.

4matics got 5 speeds until the end of production.

04 should be DVD based and play DVDs, albeit with sound only (in the US)

 

Ok maybe I should have been more specific,
Video DVD will not work

 

I don't believe however that 4matic cars have 7 speed gearbox.

 

nope, they sure don't on the 220

 

If you don't need yacht-class space and have the budget, have you considered a 211 E550 4-matic? It's a better car than a 220 S500 4-matic in just about every way, except for space. It's a much better driver's car. And, the 5.5L is a hell of a motor for a non-AMG. I'd guess it's every bit as fast as a C55, so I don't think it'll leave you wanting for power relative to your C55, but the S500 will. My $.02 worth (look at my past and present MBs for context).

 

yeah, no.

The 211 is a fine car, but better than a 220 its not.

Drivers car? Really? Its a 4000lb family sedan? It ain't a god damn lotus elise.

The 220 is more comfortable, quieter, and more relaxing to drive. The long wheelbase really helps out the ride.

I'm guessing that he knows a 300bhp 4000lb awd car ain't gonna have the ***** of a 3400lb 355bhp C55. Maybe he doesn't care, just like I don't care?

 

Haha, very true. I do also have a CLK55 so its not as if AMG will be totally out of my life. My parents have a 00 E320 4Matic, its no C55 but I really dont mind the power of the E. Where I live its very very rare that I actually get to use the C's full potential. I think im leaning towards the S. I like big luxury cars, S has always stood out to me. Thanks for all the input guys! Realistically owning previous cars in the past ill have S500 for maybe a year then get bored and want something else.

 

Reading comprehension can be your friend. I said a 211 E550 is a much better driver's car [than a 220 S500]. It is. It is also a better all-around car (though opinions will certainly vary on such a broad statement). How many miles have you done in both? I have more than 10,000 in each (well, I actually have a CLS550, but it's the same thing as an E550). Are you basing your opinion on just marketing or specs? My CLS550 is every bit as comfortable as my S500. The seats are every bit as comfortable, while also more supportive with tighter bolsters. If the car is louder, it is negligible. I can't tell a difference. They are both very quiet. The ride is every bit as good as the ride in the S500. The CLS550 rides very smoothly in the comfort setting. If anything, the sport 2 setting in the CLS550 is more comfortable than the sport 2 setting in the S500. Actually, the CLS550 may be more relaxing to drive with its all-around tighter feel and additional power (having power can actually be relaxing by making driving more effortless). I do like the far more airy feel of the S500 better, though. And, of course, there's just no comparing the back seats of the two. I think the OP hit the nail on the head when he said he will get bored with the S500. He probably will. I'd be less bored in an E550. My $.03 worth.

 

My reading comprehension is sparkling actually.

You say the 211 is a better "drivers" car than the 220. My point, which I thought was clear, was that NEITHER is a bloody drivers car. Thats like saying a Hyundai elantra is a better luxury car than a chevy cobalt. Neither fit in the category, so who cares. Further, this is a mercedes forum, not a BMW forum. Mercedes makes very few drivers cars, and the E and the S are definitely not in that category. If we wanted drivers cars, we'd be looking at porsches. Moving on...

I have about 20k miles in my s500 and about 4-5k miles in an E550 which an ex-gf had but never wanted to drive.

The e550 seats are crap compared to the s500. Supportive? I have 50 million bolster modifications I can do if I need support for the oh-so-sporty driving that I do in my luxury car . Not to mention I can use the dynamic seats if I really feel the need to. Noise levels are similar, but the S500 has more steering and suspension isolation, likely due to its size and target market.

Why the hell are we talking about comfort levels in sport 2. I can count the number of times I've used sport 2 on one hand. If you want a bloody sporty car, you shouldn't buy either.

Effortless power? We aren't talking about an S280 here. No, the 302bhp in the s500 is no monster. I admit all day the 550 motor is far more powerful. But for daily driving, 302bhp still gets you up to speed in an effortless fashion. Thats to say nothing of the issues associated with the 5.5L motors.

The OP needs to decide what he wants. If he wants a more comfortable, more relaxed, more sedate, larger luxury car, there is no comparison.

If he wants a sporty sedan, maybe the E550 is the better choice (although hardly the best choice). You seem to be deciding for the OP that a sportier car is better. Guess what buckaroo, big, soft, comfy luxury cars exist for a reason, and perhaps not all buyers want a "drivers car"