S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

Ride Difference for AMG Package?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 6, 2006 | 09:24 PM
  #1  
DBGator's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
EQS Sedan, W222, W221, W220
Question Ride Difference for AMG Package?

What is the difference in the feel of the ride for an AMG model? Has anyone driven an AMG of the S550?

Due to a change in the ordering slots, I have now been given a production slot for an AMG model. I don't mind the looks (for the few pics I have seen). But on the new MBUSA site, on the AMG package details, it says:
"High-Speed Rated tires provide substantially increased tread wear and reduced ride comfort compared to H rated tires."

Would you really expect a rougher ride? I'm buying this more for the comfort than for a sporty ride. I realize the engine is the same at this point, and that's not a problem for me.

Thoughts appreciated...
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2006 | 10:51 PM
  #2  
shaw01's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Piedmont, CA
2005 S55
Originally Posted by DBGator
What is the difference in the feel of the ride for an AMG model? Has anyone driven an AMG of the S550?

Due to a change in the ordering slots, I have now been given a production slot for an AMG model. I don't mind the looks (for the few pics I have seen). But on the new MBUSA site, on the AMG package details, it says:
"High-Speed Rated tires provide substantially increased tread wear and reduced ride comfort compared to H rated tires."

Would you really expect a rougher ride? I'm buying this more for the comfort than for a sporty ride. I realize the engine is the same at this point, and that's not a problem for me.

Thoughts appreciated...
Are you asking about AMG or the sports package? AMG does in fact have diff. suspension and ride characteristics (more sporty) but the "sports package" is really just the AMG body kit, no engine mods or suspension .. just the rims and body changes ..

The wheels shouldn't make that much difference at all. If it's AMG and you don't want it I'm sure there are plenty who do!
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 07:54 AM
  #3  
DBGator's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
EQS Sedan, W222, W221, W220
Only sports package

My belief is that what is currently shipping is the sports package only - no suspension work.

What surprised me is the statement by MB that the tires themselves would make that much difference. And this statement was associated with the sports package option, not with a full AMG model...
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 08:06 AM
  #4  
srknutson's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Midwest USA
2004 S500 & 2011 Mini JCW
Yes the ride will be firmer and the tires will have more noise. If you want the luxury ride don't get the larger wheel/tire part of the package.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 08:36 AM
  #5  
Nevada Jack's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Originally Posted by DBGator
What is the difference in the feel of the ride for an AMG model? Has anyone driven an AMG of the S550?

Due to a change in the ordering slots, I have now been given a production slot for an AMG model. I don't mind the looks (for the few pics I have seen). But on the new MBUSA site, on the AMG package details, it says:
"High-Speed Rated tires provide substantially increased tread wear and reduced ride comfort compared to H rated tires."

Would you really expect a rougher ride? I'm buying this more for the comfort than for a sporty ride. I realize the engine is the same at this point, and that's not a problem for me.

Thoughts appreciated...
That same warning was on the W220 with the AMG package. Having never owned an S before, I am certainly not phased by the statement. The car runs quiet and is certainly a "luxury" ride. As far as wear on the treads, I do not have enough miles to evaluate the wear.

I note on the MB site the AMG package is $0...is this a continuation of the free offer on the W220 or a printing mistake?
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 01:33 PM
  #6  
srknutson's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Midwest USA
2004 S500 & 2011 Mini JCW
I think it is an error, but someone should ask there dealer about a price.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 07:56 PM
  #7  
DBGator's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
EQS Sedan, W222, W221, W220
Price for AMG

On my production order, the AMG sport package was priced at $7777.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 08:16 PM
  #8  
sprink49's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 790
Likes: 17
From: West Palm Beach
2004 S500
My wife and I had this choice to make on the W220. Since this vehicle is primarily hers to drive, I left it up to her. The AMG wheels and tires are attractive but in the W220 we noticed a difference in the ride quality between the H rated 17" wheel/tire combo and the AMG wheel/tire combo.

My choice would be to run the AMG 18" rims on front and rear with a touring tire of the proper size. This gives you the option of rotation.

Here in South Florida there are sources for "new take off rims/tires" that make this possible. Many guys buy the AMG package and pull the factory rims and tires and go for aftermarket. This creates the availability of the take offs.

Just my thoughts....
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

 
story-3

7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 08:42 PM
  #9  
DBGator's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
EQS Sedan, W222, W221, W220
I'm doubtful that I will be able to take the AMG wheels off the car at the factory now. So if I decide to go to H-rated tires and 18" wheels later as you suggest, what sort of cost are we talking about?
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 08:49 PM
  #10  
sprink49's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 790
Likes: 17
From: West Palm Beach
2004 S500
I can't speak to W221 costs but I have been quoted $2700 for a set of 4: "new OEM AMG take offs" in Miami for my '04 S500.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 09:03 PM
  #11  
Nevada Jack's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Originally Posted by DBGator
I'm doubtful that I will be able to take the AMG wheels off the car at the factory now. So if I decide to go to H-rated tires and 18" wheels later as you suggest, what sort of cost are we talking about?
Why pay $7K+ for the AMG package if you are going to replace the wheels and tires which would make up most of the package price? If you would not be satisfied with the Z Rated tires then I would try and change the order...just my opinion...ymmv.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2006 | 11:19 PM
  #12  
F_Porsche's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Rostock,Germany
i like to ride my bike
I guess MBZ is just securing themselves with the warning from some of their
picky customers.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2006 | 10:41 PM
  #13  
MBZFAN55's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 972
Likes: 28
From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
Originally Posted by Nevada Jack
Why pay $7K+ for the AMG package if you are going to replace the wheels and tires which would make up most of the package price? If you would not be satisfied with the Z Rated tires then I would try and change the order...just my opinion...ymmv.
The 2006 S-Class had the "AMG Sport Package" as a no charge option to keep sales up during the final year of production for the W220. The $0 pricing for the same package on the 2007 W221 is more likely due to the unavailability of the option as opposed to its actual price. If you notice on the MBUSA site, numerous options are still unavailable at this relatively early date.

The $7777 is also not the price of the package. MBUSA uses the 7777 figure as a fill in the blank number when for whatever reason, they do not or cannot show a price on an option.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2006 | 09:42 AM
  #14  
srknutson's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Midwest USA
2004 S500 & 2011 Mini JCW
Hey all the AMG Sports Package is now on the MB website. There is a 5,600.00 price.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2006 | 01:53 PM
  #15  
ClayJ's Avatar
ON PROBATION
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,024
Likes: 0
Thanks, srknutson.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2006 | 06:46 PM
  #16  
georgl's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
The best ride in real s-class-style you get with the standard-tires 235/55 17" - everything else is only for people who prefer look and not comfort.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2006 | 10:01 PM
  #17  
srknutson's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Midwest USA
2004 S500 & 2011 Mini JCW
Looks, Cornering and Grip. I've driven both and I prefer the sport tires/rims option. You can alway use your peumatic supension for fine tuning.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2006 | 01:24 AM
  #18  
MBZFAN55's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 972
Likes: 28
From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
Originally Posted by georgl
The best ride in real s-class-style you get with the standard-tires 235/55 17" - everything else is only for people who prefer look and not comfort.
Sorry to disappoint you, but the new real S550 comes standard with 18'".
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2006 | 01:41 AM
  #19  
Germancar1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
The new wheel options are on MBUSA.com also.

M
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2006 | 01:11 PM
  #20  
georgl's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Not in it's home :-)
To prevent misunderstanding:
The ride comfort is BEST with small wheels, but it can still be quite good enough with 18" or even 19". But when you want more comfort (ride, noise) and you have already 18" or 19", you have to make a decision between optics and comfort.
For safety reasons (braking...) even the smallest tires (235/55) are sufficient (even for the Autobahn).
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:55 PM.

story-0
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-1
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-4
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE