scriber

I've been waiting somewhat impatiently for the right deal to come along on loaded 07 S550 4matic but after 6 months of scouring the web; only 1 or 2 cars came close to the configuration I wanted and none was perfect. As a result, I came to the conclusion that I would probably have to look for a new 08. I've spoke to 2 dealers and it looks like I would have to custom order the s550 4matic as p3/rear seat/distronic plus/pano/amg(113k msrp) seems to be an somewhat rare car. They mentioned something like 14 weeks and maybe an 09. This obviously does not bode well for me as it gives me less leverage on price if they have to order the car and it's not in stock and also the wait time.
Enter my friend who suggested that I look at 07 s600's; I had no idea they depreciated so much. There's one on ebay right now that has ~2k miles for 110k. That would solve my issue of getting one right now and it has all the options I want standard. Is there anything I should be aware of with s600's as I know very little about them.
Things of concern:
How reliable is the engine in a s600?
Does a 5 speed vs 6 speed handicap the S600? Is it any less smooth with less gears? Any issues with the reliability of the 5 speed?
Is there a big difference in fuel economy? What is the real world cruising range?
Also, another concern is that I initially had my heart set on 4matic...but it seems that alot of people here say it's over rated an unnecessary.
Sorry for the long post; any thoughts would be appreciated. i would like to learn more about the s600, if any other cars share the same engine/transmission etc.

whoover

Since S600s can't come with either 4MATIC or AMG, you could also relax your requirements on the S550 and probably have a wider range of choices. Just a thought.

Anyway, the 5 speed vs. (actually) 7 speed is not a huge issue. While I think most of the kinks have been sorted out by now, many people reported noticable shifts with the 7-speed, while the 5-speed is pretty undetectable. The torque of the twin-turbo V12 just means you don't need so many gears, either to accelerate briskly or (as with the real reason behind the 7-speed) to keep the cruising RPMs down for fuel economy. The 5-speed is geared so you're barely above idle at highway speed in fifth, but there's so much torque pickup is fast and smooth. The 7-speed can't handle the V12's torque, but it's not missed.

The engine is pretty reliable by now (early ones had problems), but make sure you have a warranty or extended warranty for as long as you want to own the car. They are very expensive to fix if they break. There is nothing like the MB twin-turbo V12.

scriber

I definately would be purchasing an extended warranty on either car. How does purchasing a used car from a non mercedes dealer factor into purchasing an extended warranty? All I know is you should purchase a dealer backed extended warranty but am unclear on when you can buy it and whether there are any requirements like where you buy the car. I also read somewhere that extended warranty companies won't sell coverage for high end cars like amg; I'm guessing this doesn't apply if you purchase a dealer backed extended warranty.

carsnob

Take the plunge. Definately go for the S 600!
I was in the same boat as you (almost). I've been spoiled by all the nice options like ventilated/power seats in rear, power trunk etc. To order all the options on a 550 you still don't get the alacantra/suede liner and you're paying the big bucks anyway. I was a little worried that a V12 would be too powerful and that you'd get whiplash taking off.
Wrong. Incredible smooth power when needed, but when in a parking garage for example it pulls away slow an smooth. The torque is incredible.
Go for it.
Warning... I don't think you can put on an extended warranty and that the original owner has to do it. Then it would be transferable to you as the next owner. Good luck and let us know...

cjf_moraga

As others have said you do not need (or miss) the 7-speed for the V12 S600.. It is simply not needed... Most time you are in the 1500 - 2000 RPM power band.. the engine has so much reserve torque and such a smooth power delivery that you have to really put your foot down to get the needle higher... And when you do, the sound insulation is such that you do not really feel it... but watch the scenery blur!

The 5-speed is tried and tested and bullet proof.. and strong enough to drive the screw shaft of an oil tanker... On one tank of gas on the freeway my range is around 300 to 350 miles... In day to day usage fuel economy for my S600 is usually in the 13 mpg to 18 mpg range depending on road type. (Combined 13/14 mpg) The worst I ever got was (an I admit dire) 9 mpg in stop/start traffic going uphill - that is not the V12's forte!

Chris

trumpet1

Get the S600. You'll love it. I may eventually put an AMG package on mine along with some new wheels to keep my interest in it when it hits 40K miles. To me, the AMG appearance package is the only thing missing.
What are we talking???? $4-7K for all of that??

whoover

The only ways to get a factory extended warranty are, as mentioned, have the original owner buy a (transferrable) MB extended warranty, or buy a Starmark (MB Certified Preowned) car from a dealer.

///MB

I vote 600 as well.

I believe it's the same engine and 5sp tranny from 2003, so it should be pretty bullet proof by now.

As far as fuel economy is concerned, it really depends on how you drive it. If I drive only city, I would get about 200 miles per tank. Add some freeway in and it's 250-300. I have a pretty heavy foot though and love accelerating from every stop.

trumpet1

I get 450+ miles on a tank on the interstate. My onboard computer tells me I'm getting 21 mpg on my freeway trips. I get around 14 around town. All in all, this is very good considering it is a V12 and the car is 5000 lbs.

theboogers

FYI i bid on that s600 with 2500 miles on it at dfw manheim auction. somehow the guy on site got the high bid from me at 97,500 plus auction fees. i would hit on him for a lower deal.

WSH

May want to see what prices are on new, '08 600s in dealer inventory....suspect deep discts exist, esp at dealers in less affluent regions, esp in today's recessionary economy....

Agree....one quick drive in a 600 will spoil you for any 550 (an excellent car, w/ABC, until one drives its "bigger" siblings)....600 tq deliv is simply one of world's best; superior brakes vs 550; and perhaps most elegant/ergonomic interior in world...

Would argue in NYC winter driving a 600 w/proper winter tires/wheels is safer, more stable than any 550 4Matic on std all-season tires....600's brakes, ABC in conjunc w/winter tires will likely translate to better emergent handling/braking vs 4Matic w/its weak brakes and lame AirMatic....

WSH

Interestingly, IIRC, my '07 SL65 and '07 CL600 each delivered about ?8-9MPG in my <5mi intra-SF commute....vs some ?6MPG in my CL63 030 in same commute.....

If I indeed trade-in my underpowered CL63 for an '09 CL65, I can legitimately argue my motivation was better MPG.....these $4/gall fuel prices are outrageous....need to cut back on my annual fuel bill...

vonbeeler

I sold my 03 S500 sport. I was going to get an 07 S550 sport but by the time I added all the options I wanted it was $107. The S63 was coming at $125 so I ordered one. But I really wanted the V12 but you cant get the AMG sport PKG. I found an 07 S600 on ebay about 6 months ago with AMG body and wheels. After speaking to the dealer I clicked the $105 buy it now. WOW the s600 is incredible with 600lbs torque and every surface covered in leather and suede/alcantra roof. I really beleive its the best deal out there after first year depreciation. Its a supercar with the utmost luxury. Now when I see s550 interiors they look cheap campared. By the way I did verify on Netstar the car came from facory with sport PKG. The previous owner was mercedes Exec so he must have been able to ordered how he wanted.

vonbeeler

In other words. I HIGHLY recommend the S600.
I cancelled my S63 order.

aschb

S600, what else?!

scriber

Thanks for all the responses, is there anything besides the blind spot assist that I'd be missing on an 07 S600 vs an 08S550?
Doers anyone know of a good 3rd party inspector in the DFW texas area?
Any tips on how I should purchase this car sight unseen?
Has anyone bought a 3rd party warranty for their s600?

///MB

On the 2008, I believe the Distronic will actually apply the brakes automatically, when not engaged, to reduce the severity of a collision. I'm not sure if we can upgrade the software or something on our 07s to have this feature.

cjf_moraga

There are minor updates to the interior upholstery on MY08's. Mainly some "ridges" in the Alacantara headliner and "bumps" on the upper part of the interior door. The seats are of a different design/look also. There are some pictures of the interior of my MY08 S600 at this old thread...

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...04#post2424204

You will also want to check that the COMMAND system has received the telematics upgrade that includes traffic info, bird eye view, DVD, etc... (though this can be done at your convenience)

As a MY07 S600 is somewhat cheaper I would not worry too much about these differences though... It is the same car where it counts! (Engine, solidity, performance etc)

Chris

cjf_moraga

Oops - just noticed you were talking about differences for a MY08 S550 rather than a MY08 S600.... Well its all good info!

Chris

carsnob

Tough decisions indeed. I noticed you're driving a Honda. No offense but if you are comparing an 08 S550 to an 07 S 600, then either will blow you away by comparison.
As for buying sight unseen, I would recommend taking a brief trip to have a look. Like why not? This is a huge purchase and so you may as well see the actual car to feel better about it.\
I would think the '07 s 600 would be a better buy since it has a depreciation factor.
If you compare the two and buy the 550, you may regret missing all of those things you were previously considering in the 600.
go for the 600, and so see it first, (imo).

RAZ_BENZ

I will go for the newer car!

ahmadkshuja

Go for S600. I was having the same dilemma when I was purchasing the S-Class. I bought S600 and I love it. I did put the AMG kit afterwards and it looks just great.

trumpet1

How much did the AMG package cost? I have to agree, the S600 is the best choice.

WSH

Would advise anyone to choose best new car one can afford, as opposed to any used car....these are discretionary pleasures, after all....

If only 550 fits budget...would get a new, '09 S550 w/ABC, DistPlus, and all options except PanoRoof (a safety weakness of 600)....doubt I'd want AMG-look package on any 550 (or 600 even if avail from factory), as non-AMG brakes, etc advertise the mockable poseur aspects of body kits on non-AMGs....

New....have financial (capital and sales tx) advantages of $0-down leases; protection of lease gap insurance in any total collision loss/theft; protection of lemon laws; aesthetics of a pristine, new car; ability to choose colors/options; full knowledge of history of car; etc etc....

600 body kits (in US) are likely non-factory paint and clearcoat applics....thus, the equivalent of a post-collision repair car....besides, AMG wheels on a 550/600 only reveal those puny brakes and ugly brake calipers....get a 65 if want perf look w/a proper leather interior (not the plastic interior of 63)....

AsianML

Fortunately the S550 sport package looks nothing like the AMG models, so it's harder to be a poser now. Go MB!

Good point with the nano clearcoat! Chucky still hasn't told us if they used the right paint for the bumper and hood.