too big?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,574
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From: Silicon Valley, CA
1999 C280 Previous / 2008 E350
Driving an S-Class would be my pick just because its superior than the other models and I dont mind the extra space. 
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 562
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From: East Bay Area, CA
2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
The S-Class might appear big... but it sure does not feel it when you get used to driving one for a while... It has this amazing feature that shrinks the car around you with familiarity... It will probably feel like a Kia Rio next year...
It will probably feel like a Kia Rio next year...
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 84
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From: West suburbs of Chicago
2008 S-550 AMG, 2008 GL450, 2005 Ford F-350, 1998 Bentley Turbo R, 1962 Bentley s-3 Saloon,
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 46
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From: Switzerland
'96 S320 , '98 E280 4matic '06 S350L '09 GL450
I guess it depends on where you live. While I'm sure it's not big for the States, it's too big for most parking spaces on the streets in Switzerland.
It's actually wider that the lines limiting the space, and so you're always risking a fine.
I love mine (LWS W220), but then again I usually park in parking garages and so it's not a huge deal.
It's actually wider that the lines limiting the space, and so you're always risking a fine.
I love mine (LWS W220), but then again I usually park in parking garages and so it's not a huge deal.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 650
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From: I'm a Jersey Girl
2011 ML 350, 2009 Smart Passion, 2004 Audi TT Quattro
For me its not big at all..but if we were to get the S-Class in Italy..our town's streets are too small to be able to drive it around..especially when you have to ride up on the sidewalk just to turn onto the street..
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
We have smaller cars for other reasons too, and we have a lot more public transport, we don't have the space for all private cars like in the US (we don't need it, be it good or bad).I'm driving in a small town where traffic isn't bad and the V221 mostly isn't too big really, but for some parking lots etc. it is.
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,271
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From: CA
2010 CL65
Depends upon specific US city and one's own home garage parking/office garage parking, parking in front of usual restaurants/shops, etc....
That said, S550 is a common limo in Manhattan, but often bumpers are scuffed from tight parallel, on-street parking (one's Parktronic means little if guy parking adjacent can't park/drive)....
Length can be an issue if trying to find spots far away from other cars; their doors; and their parking maneuvers in tight urban office garages....all depends upon specific config of one's usual garages...and how much willing to pay for rsvd better pkg spots to reduce risk of dings/damage....
Size of car for driving in Manhattan (or any other US city) is a non-issue....actually prefer extra length of S-Class over CL if in collision, esp if rear-ended at speed....
That said, S550 is a common limo in Manhattan, but often bumpers are scuffed from tight parallel, on-street parking (one's Parktronic means little if guy parking adjacent can't park/drive)....
Length can be an issue if trying to find spots far away from other cars; their doors; and their parking maneuvers in tight urban office garages....all depends upon specific config of one's usual garages...and how much willing to pay for rsvd better pkg spots to reduce risk of dings/damage....
Size of car for driving in Manhattan (or any other US city) is a non-issue....actually prefer extra length of S-Class over CL if in collision, esp if rear-ended at speed....
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 650
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From: I'm a Jersey Girl
2011 ML 350, 2009 Smart Passion, 2004 Audi TT Quattro
The correct answer from US members of the forum is "no" for sure but the above is common in many European cities. The cars are in average smaller and the roads accordingly (small roads came first, we had roads before the US really got populated We have smaller cars for other reasons too, and we have a lot more public transport, we don't have the space for all private cars like in the US (we don't need it, be it good or bad).
I'm driving in a small town where traffic isn't bad and the V221 mostly isn't too big really, but for some parking lots etc. it is.
We have smaller cars for other reasons too, and we have a lot more public transport, we don't have the space for all private cars like in the US (we don't need it, be it good or bad).I'm driving in a small town where traffic isn't bad and the V221 mostly isn't too big really, but for some parking lots etc. it is.
And in the US..most families have more than one car..with a driveway or even space in the streets to park..
we dont have a drive way in our part of the town in Mola and you are lucky..and i mean lucky to find a spot anywhere near your house..even with the smaller cars and the mopeds..
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2007 S600
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From: Chicopee Ma
White S63 AMG W/Designo Interior
the s63 is bigger lol........i find my W220 to be small, it looks little next 2 my friends 7 series, the W221 looks good, i still think they should have made it a inch longer lol
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,574
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From: Silicon Valley, CA
1999 C280 Previous / 2008 E350
W211 205
W220 203.5
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Chicopee Ma
White S63 AMG W/Designo Interior
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 37
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S Class, XC90 and Auris
I think in the US it´s not a big deal, but here in Portugal is. The streets are ok, but if you want to park the car proply it's a disaster.
In general, europpen parks and streets are made for mid sized cars, whilst in the US, the are made for big cars.
It's something you must learns how to live with.
In general, europpen parks and streets are made for mid sized cars, whilst in the US, the are made for big cars.
It's something you must learns how to live with.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 330
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2007 S 600 / '06 911 Porsche C4S cab
Yes it's honkin big, but think about it... the steering is the easiest you'll find as one finger will do it. I park in a tight office parking garage and with a couple of mirrors it's completely effortless. Not to mention the parktronic.
Plus when friends sit in the back, they are comfortable. That's the beauty of the car. Plus the safety etc. My kids have driven m S's since they were l6, and it's no big deal size wise.
Enjoy the space inside and the handling and it won't feel big.
Plus when friends sit in the back, they are comfortable. That's the beauty of the car. Plus the safety etc. My kids have driven m S's since they were l6, and it's no big deal size wise.
Enjoy the space inside and the handling and it won't feel big.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
Do you street-park an S550 in Manhattan? I live in the burbs but am considering the S550 4matic to replace an old Lexus SUV. I park in midtown, on an avenue, on occaision (mostly for monthly weekday night poker games). I'm a little worried about potential minor vandalism (like, jerks key-scratching the length of the car) if I were to streetpark a car as nice as an S550. What do you think?
Last edited by syswei; Dec 10, 2007 at 10:22 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 352
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From: fl
1992 500E, 2006 E500, 2007 GL 450
If you street park in Manhattan you should be reconciled to bumper scuffs, dents, dings and scratches all over the car. The same applies to many of the parking garages. If you are really particular about appearance you should know the parking garage well before using it.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
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From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
If you street park in Manhattan you should be reconciled to bumper scuffs, dents, dings and scratches all over the car. The same applies to many of the parking garages. If you are really particular about appearance you should know the parking garage well before using it.
