CoogiMan

Any news on the 2009 S-Class model updates? What date will dealers start recieving?

Coogi

LETO

i think 08's were available late aug 07, so i would expect the same. As far as updates, it is too early to speculate. There will likely be upgrades to nav/command. Different color and wheel options. No major facelift, so i would buy now if I were you. The longer you wait the closer you get to the mid model facelift (usually after 4 model years)

CoogiMan

Thank you!

Coogi

trumpet1

Ahh, I forgot about that mid-model refresh.

Great thread to speculate the improvements that may occur.

I would speculate that they will put chrome at the door sills to replace the dull aluminum look we have now. Taillights will probably have more clear lenses and they may even extend the lens across the back a couple of inches kind of like BMW did in their refresh.
New wheel options are a given.
Window switches might get a change. I have a hard time figuring out which one does what they are so close together.
Maybe a diesel engine will be offered (V8, V10 or even maybe a V12 diesel??)

LETO

what I would wish for : (s550)

1. Full leather interior option (other than in designo)
2. drive dynamic rear seats (only available on 63, 600 & 65now)
3. making rear seat entertainment available in the US.
4. SMS thru command
5. Refrigerator behind rear armrest (available in europe)

Chucky300

Regarding #4 - it would be pretty darn amazing if the SMS feature could have a TALK OPTION... like "Hi ***** - meet me at this place in 10 minutes" and the car would take your voice, and type it on the screen and you click OK - and it is text over to the phone # you intended.

mbnj

I would like to see dynamic seats with 4matic. I think there will be more than trim stuff, they need to upgrade some of the sub systems that have caused maintenance problems. Any chance they will tweak any engines, improve mileage or HP?

cmcjo

I would also like the ability to use the command to scroll ipod artists and titles like BMW does.

LETO

Unless you mean rear dynamic seats, premium III gives you drive dynamic seats with 4matic

mbnj

Sorry. you are correct. I lost my mind. I meant the 4-matic with ABC suspension.

LETO

is there a technical issue that prevents ABC working with 4matic?

BenzBoy12

might be the way the half shafts have to be routed? just a wild guess. For 09, the new 4 valve v12 might be here. I can't wait

cjf_moraga

Seems Mercedes prior behavior is not to introduce new engines until the mid-life makeover. I don't think that is the 2009 MY... 2010 seems more likely?

Actually is there any hard evidence (not just speculation) that Mercedes will in the near term introduce a new V12 to replace the M275 unit? Public statements that can be pointed to etc...

Chris

whoover

What would be the point? If the idea is to increase output, MB needs a new transmission first. As it is the current engine in AMG tune produces more torque than any MB automatic can handle.

If the goal is to go normally aspirated and save weight, that might be interesting but the characteristics of a better-breathing, higher-reving four-valve engine don't match the characteristics of the current V-12s: mountains of torque from idle to redline. A Lamborghini V-12 is a joy, but it's not what I'd want in an S-Class.

CoogiMan

Still trying to decide on a late model 08' S-class or a newer model 2009. The ordering process is a bit confusing since the dealer I've been talking to does not know much about the cars nonetheless the ordering process.

Looking at S600, S63 or S65.....

Coogi

cjf_moraga

Good points whoever that I fully agree with... It's not as if the V12 in my S600 is short of power, the low down torque at 1500 rpm is very much in tune with the needs/character of the vehicle and the 7 speed would not cut it.

I posed the question as developing a new V12 is hardly cheap, the competitive pressures to change quickly and often are less at this end of the market, and it is not that old. (The M275/Maybach M285 bi-turbo V12's are what? 5-7 years old?) I see speculation but nothing substantiated... This specualtion does not seem in the same category as the rumored AMG bi-turbo V8 where AMG spokespersons have implied as much and there appears a looming commercial/competitive requirement. (Such as the new 580 hp RS6 Audi)

I see some criticism/disdain that the M275 V12 is "still" 3 not 4 valves per cyclinder. All I feel is an almost silent unit at idle, that pulls like a freight train at low revs, and makes a reasonable growl at higher revs. I am not seeing what real commercial or competitive pressures Mercedes is under to change this engine in the immediate future unless there is some massive increase in efficiency and performance. Surely it can not be just to go from 3 valves to 4...

Chris

trumpet1

Fantastic post and I fully agree with you on this.