Advice please: 550 v 600
06-12-2008, 10:42 PM
#26
This comparison could not be more pointless.
There are many aspects of the 550 that can make it a more attractive option than the 600.
Assuming the 550 has every available option, it will have the same interior appointments as the 600. The exclusive leather option on the 550 uprades the leather, and the designo option on either will give you identical interiors and materials. Plus, the 550 can be equipped with the AMG sport package, which is not available on the 600.
The facts are that the 550 engine and transmission (7-speed) are an entire generation ahead of the old SOHC 600 with the 5-speed, and will deliver far better fuel economy and should also be quieter on the highway due to the higher final drive ratios.
This is not to imply I have anything against the 600, I have a very strong V12 addiction myself, but I also remove the governors from my cars (the extra money spent for more power would be entirely wasted otherwise, even an S350 can hit 155, and use a lot less fuel).
My analysis is based on the fact that 99% of drivers in the US will not even be able to exploit the potential of a 550, so wasting extra money on the 600 plus the increased fuel consumption and ownership cost is of questionable merit.
This is not to say
There are many aspects of the 550 that can make it a more attractive option than the 600.
Assuming the 550 has every available option, it will have the same interior appointments as the 600. The exclusive leather option on the 550 uprades the leather, and the designo option on either will give you identical interiors and materials. Plus, the 550 can be equipped with the AMG sport package, which is not available on the 600.
The facts are that the 550 engine and transmission (7-speed) are an entire generation ahead of the old SOHC 600 with the 5-speed, and will deliver far better fuel economy and should also be quieter on the highway due to the higher final drive ratios.
This is not to imply I have anything against the 600, I have a very strong V12 addiction myself, but I also remove the governors from my cars (the extra money spent for more power would be entirely wasted otherwise, even an S350 can hit 155, and use a lot less fuel).
My analysis is based on the fact that 99% of drivers in the US will not even be able to exploit the potential of a 550, so wasting extra money on the 600 plus the increased fuel consumption and ownership cost is of questionable merit.
This is not to say
06-12-2008, 11:04 PM
#27
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2007 S 600 / '06 911 Porsche C4S cab
Reading these posts makes me feel better about my S600. Good positive reinforcement to help justify the purchase. Trumpet, like you said, having all the nice options makes things easier and it's great to have them all.
btw, the option selection process for a Porsche 911 takes the cake -- consider they have about 100 pages of stuff and numbers and combinations where x can't be combined with y , etc. Absolutely crazy. Yet their options still don't match that of the S 600
Bottom line with this thread, if you can go into a new S 600 it is worth it.
For some however a 550 is "good enough" just as an E class is for some, all they need.
btw, the option selection process for a Porsche 911 takes the cake -- consider they have about 100 pages of stuff and numbers and combinations where x can't be combined with y , etc. Absolutely crazy. Yet their options still don't match that of the S 600
Bottom line with this thread, if you can go into a new S 600 it is worth it.
For some however a 550 is "good enough" just as an E class is for some, all they need.
06-12-2008, 11:54 PM
#28
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2005 Range Rover HSE, 2008 BMW M3 Cab d/c, 2010 GL550 (wifes), 1993 Porsche 928GTS 32kmi garage quee
I considered the S550 sport and after the test drive decided I wanted to step up the acceleration and thrill for my daily driver. For the previous 3 years I had the 03 S500 sport and the car was great and made me happy. However whenever I saw a 600 or 55 I had a little envy. So I made the plunge and ordered the 08 S63. When it arrived it was beautifull but again the test was great but it wasn't giving me the wow factor. Unfortunately a salesman at another dealer let me drive a new customers S65. THAT WAS IT. The car was unbelievable. However $200 was out of my league for my family car. The 600 was what I found to be the perfect compromise. The acceleration is dramatic. I also wouldn't have to explain what was special about a twin turbo V-12 as apposed to 'whats that 6.3?" Bottom line and its been said before- If you can budget a used/new 600 you will always be able to give yourself the wow factor. The 550 will be satisfying but you will never get the thrill. Ive had mine for about 8 mos now and still I am amazed every time when I go for a little torque. I believe the depreciation between the two will be close to the same over the next few years. Not to mention leather everywhere/ alcantra headliner/supreme luxury. People keep saying you can't use all the power. As just one example- its shocking when you want to pass--50mph to 80mph feels like 1 sec. Its so worth it.
Last edited by vonbeeler; 06-12-2008 at 11:56 PM.
06-13-2008, 06:49 AM
#30
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This comparison could not be more pointless.
There are many aspects of the 550 that can make it a more attractive option than the 600.
Assuming the 550 has every available option, it will have the same interior appointments as the 600. The exclusive leather option on the 550 uprades the leather, and the designo option on either will give you identical interiors and materials. Plus, the 550 can be equipped with the AMG sport package, which is not available on the 600.
The facts are that the 550 engine and transmission (7-speed) are an entire generation ahead of the old SOHC 600 with the 5-speed, and will deliver far better fuel economy and should also be quieter on the highway due to the higher final drive ratios.
This is not to imply I have anything against the 600, I have a very strong V12 addiction myself, but I also remove the governors from my cars (the extra money spent for more power would be entirely wasted otherwise, even an S350 can hit 155, and use a lot less fuel).
My analysis is based on the fact that 99% of drivers in the US will not even be able to exploit the potential of a 550, so wasting extra money on the 600 plus the increased fuel consumption and ownership cost is of questionable merit.
This is not to say
There are many aspects of the 550 that can make it a more attractive option than the 600.
Assuming the 550 has every available option, it will have the same interior appointments as the 600. The exclusive leather option on the 550 uprades the leather, and the designo option on either will give you identical interiors and materials. Plus, the 550 can be equipped with the AMG sport package, which is not available on the 600.
The facts are that the 550 engine and transmission (7-speed) are an entire generation ahead of the old SOHC 600 with the 5-speed, and will deliver far better fuel economy and should also be quieter on the highway due to the higher final drive ratios.
This is not to imply I have anything against the 600, I have a very strong V12 addiction myself, but I also remove the governors from my cars (the extra money spent for more power would be entirely wasted otherwise, even an S350 can hit 155, and use a lot less fuel).
My analysis is based on the fact that 99% of drivers in the US will not even be able to exploit the potential of a 550, so wasting extra money on the 600 plus the increased fuel consumption and ownership cost is of questionable merit.
This is not to say
06-13-2008, 09:36 AM
#31
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12 CLS550, 09 CLS550, 04Cooper,10 Cooper S
This is a retarded analogy. you are comparing two different models. If you want to make a rude statement (intended to undermine all our 550's) say some thing sensible like : Comparing a base carrera to a turbo!!!
Getting back to the 550 v. 600
If you loaded up a 550 with all options including designo you get the same car as the 600 minus the engine, brakes and rear seat air bladders.
Keep in mind that the AMG sport pkg is not available on the 600 & neither is 4-matic (just stating this as a fact and dont want to start a whole new thread as to why 4-matic is useless and not necessary)
Price difference around $22K.
This topic pops up quite often on this forum. Do a search. You will definitely find some tangents about the usefulness/lack there of 4-matic and how the pano roof will kill you.
p.s> I have driven a 600, the engine is awesome (especially in the torque dept). Not a huge fan of it's conservative exterior stying and the standard rims are just too broad in the spokes and funky for my taste. Nothing that cant be fixed with some HRE's and a body kit
Last edited by LETO; 06-13-2008 at 09:40 AM.
06-13-2008, 10:16 AM
#32
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If you loaded up a 550 with all options including designo you get the same car as the 600 minus the engine, brakes and rear seat air bladders.
Keep in mind that the AMG sport pkg is not available on the 600 & neither is 4-matic (just stating this as a fact and dont want to start a whole new thread as to why 4-matic is useless and not necessary)
Keep in mind that the AMG sport pkg is not available on the 600 & neither is 4-matic (just stating this as a fact and dont want to start a whole new thread as to why 4-matic is useless and not necessary)
Also, even with designo, there are interior trim differences between V8 and V12 models. I also think that some S600 features are not available as options on the S550, but I'm not sure. For instance, the S600 right rear passenger seat controls can also control the front seat. I use this all the time when I want to carry a large object and it's convenient not to have to open the front door to move the seat up. I'm not aware what S550 option adds this control, but there may be one.
06-13-2008, 10:31 AM
#33
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As far as I'm concerned, the most important option for the S550 that you'd add (and is standard on the S600) is ABC. It improves handling and reduces body roll so dramatically, it's a significant part of the full-on S-class driving experience. It's ABC that is incompatible with 4MATIC. The debate isn't really whether 4MATIC is important to a buyer; but if it is, this discussion is irrelevant.
Also, even with designo, there are interior trim differences between V8 and V12 models. I also think that some S600 features are not available as options on the S550, but I'm not sure. For instance, the S600 right rear passenger seat controls can also control the front seat. I use this all the time when I want to carry a large object and it's convenient not to have to open the front door to move the seat up. I'm not aware what S550 option adds this control, but there may be one.
Also, even with designo, there are interior trim differences between V8 and V12 models. I also think that some S600 features are not available as options on the S550, but I'm not sure. For instance, the S600 right rear passenger seat controls can also control the front seat. I use this all the time when I want to carry a large object and it's convenient not to have to open the front door to move the seat up. I'm not aware what S550 option adds this control, but there may be one.
06-13-2008, 10:40 AM
#34
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This is a retarded analogy. you are comparing two different models. If you want to make a rude statement (intended to undermine all our 550's) say some thing sensible like : Comparing a base carrera to a turbo!!!
Getting back to the 550 v. 600
If you loaded up a 550 with all options including designo you get the same car as the 600 minus the engine, brakes and rear seat air bladders.
Keep in mind that the AMG sport pkg is not available on the 600 & neither is 4-matic (just stating this as a fact and dont want to start a whole new thread as to why 4-matic is useless and not necessary)
Price difference around $22K.
This topic pops up quite often on this forum. Do a search. You will definitely find some tangents about the usefulness/lack there of 4-matic and how the pano roof will kill you.
p.s> I have driven a 600, the engine is awesome (especially in the torque dept). Not a huge fan of it's conservative exterior stying and the standard rims are just too broad in the spokes and funky for my taste. Nothing that cant be fixed with some HRE's and a body kit
Getting back to the 550 v. 600
If you loaded up a 550 with all options including designo you get the same car as the 600 minus the engine, brakes and rear seat air bladders.
Keep in mind that the AMG sport pkg is not available on the 600 & neither is 4-matic (just stating this as a fact and dont want to start a whole new thread as to why 4-matic is useless and not necessary)
Price difference around $22K.
This topic pops up quite often on this forum. Do a search. You will definitely find some tangents about the usefulness/lack there of 4-matic and how the pano roof will kill you.
p.s> I have driven a 600, the engine is awesome (especially in the torque dept). Not a huge fan of it's conservative exterior stying and the standard rims are just too broad in the spokes and funky for my taste. Nothing that cant be fixed with some HRE's and a body kit
06-13-2008, 10:43 AM
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This is a retarded analogy. you are comparing two different models. If you want to make a rude statement (intended to undermine all our 550's) say some thing sensible like : Comparing a base carrera to a turbo!!!
Getting back to the 550 v. 600
If you loaded up a 550 with all options including designo you get the same car as the 600 minus the engine, brakes and rear seat air bladders.
Keep in mind that the AMG sport pkg is not available on the 600 & neither is 4-matic (just stating this as a fact and dont want to start a whole new thread as to why 4-matic is useless and not necessary)
Price difference around $22K.
This topic pops up quite often on this forum. Do a search. You will definitely find some tangents about the usefulness/lack there of 4-matic and how the pano roof will kill you.
p.s> I have driven a 600, the engine is awesome (especially in the torque dept). Not a huge fan of it's conservative exterior stying and the standard rims are just too broad in the spokes and funky for my taste. Nothing that cant be fixed with some HRE's and a body kit
Getting back to the 550 v. 600
If you loaded up a 550 with all options including designo you get the same car as the 600 minus the engine, brakes and rear seat air bladders.
Keep in mind that the AMG sport pkg is not available on the 600 & neither is 4-matic (just stating this as a fact and dont want to start a whole new thread as to why 4-matic is useless and not necessary)
Price difference around $22K.
This topic pops up quite often on this forum. Do a search. You will definitely find some tangents about the usefulness/lack there of 4-matic and how the pano roof will kill you.
p.s> I have driven a 600, the engine is awesome (especially in the torque dept). Not a huge fan of it's conservative exterior stying and the standard rims are just too broad in the spokes and funky for my taste. Nothing that cant be fixed with some HRE's and a body kit
06-13-2008, 10:46 AM
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12 CLS550, 09 CLS550, 04Cooper,10 Cooper S
gellie,
you hit the nail on the head buddy. It's ***** envy.
Keep up the good work degrading this forum (class act that you are)
Cheers
you hit the nail on the head buddy. It's ***** envy.
Keep up the good work degrading this forum (class act that you are)
Cheers
06-13-2008, 10:50 AM
#39
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12 CLS550, 09 CLS550, 04Cooper,10 Cooper S
As far as I'm concerned, the most important option for the S550 that you'd add (and is standard on the S600) is ABC. It improves handling and reduces body roll so dramatically, it's a significant part of the full-on S-class driving experience. It's ABC that is incompatible with 4MATIC. The debate isn't really whether 4MATIC is important to a buyer; but if it is, this discussion is irrelevant.
Also, even with designo, there are interior trim differences between V8 and V12 models. I also think that some S600 features are not available as options on the S550, but I'm not sure. For instance, the S600 right rear passenger seat controls can also control the front seat. I use this all the time when I want to carry a large object and it's convenient not to have to open the front door to move the seat up. I'm not aware what S550 option adds this control, but there may be one.
Also, even with designo, there are interior trim differences between V8 and V12 models. I also think that some S600 features are not available as options on the S550, but I'm not sure. For instance, the S600 right rear passenger seat controls can also control the front seat. I use this all the time when I want to carry a large object and it's convenient not to have to open the front door to move the seat up. I'm not aware what S550 option adds this control, but there may be one.
06-13-2008, 11:07 AM
#40
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You have an override. The button that locks out the rear window control locks that feature out as well.
06-13-2008, 12:34 PM
#42
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06-13-2008, 10:21 PM
#44
I considered the S550 sport and after the test drive decided I wanted to step up the acceleration and thrill for my daily driver. For the previous 3 years I had the 03 S500 sport and the car was great and made me happy. However whenever I saw a 600 or 55 I had a little envy. So I made the plunge and ordered the 08 S63. When it arrived it was beautifull but again the test was great but it wasn't giving me the wow factor. Unfortunately a salesman at another dealer let me drive a new customers S65. THAT WAS IT. The car was unbelievable. However $200 was out of my league for my family car. The 600 was what I found to be the perfect compromise. The acceleration is dramatic. I also wouldn't have to explain what was special about a twin turbo V-12 as apposed to 'whats that 6.3?" Bottom line and its been said before- If you can budget a used/new 600 you will always be able to give yourself the wow factor. The 550 will be satisfying but you will never get the thrill. Ive had mine for about 8 mos now and still I am amazed every time when I go for a little torque. I believe the depreciation between the two will be close to the same over the next few years. Not to mention leather everywhere/ alcantra headliner/supreme luxury. People keep saying you can't use all the power. As just one example- its shocking when you want to pass--50mph to 80mph feels like 1 sec. Its so worth it.
ABSOLUTELY~ I know exactly what you mean.
06-15-2008, 04:39 AM
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2001 W210 E430 Elegance
Wow. S600 owners accusing S550 owners ( a fellow Merc owner) of having "***** envy" 
Hide your heads in shame S550 owners, I don't know how you show your faces in public. God knows how embarrassed S350 (or even S300 owners in some markets) owners must be 
Hide your heads in shame S550 owners, I don't know how you show your faces in public. God knows how embarrassed S350 (or even S300 owners in some markets) owners must be
06-15-2008, 05:20 AM
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I am still impressed by people's stupidity. One of the many things you are obviously not aware of is that in other parts of the world an S class with a smaller engine can be ordered with more options than any US-spec 600 or 65, and end up being much more expensive.
You are in no position to make assumptions about me. Sad though that people from your class are even allowed in showrooms.
Write back when you can find your family name in history books.
You are in no position to make assumptions about me. Sad though that people from your class are even allowed in showrooms.
Write back when you can find your family name in history books.
Last edited by Untertürkheim; 06-15-2008 at 05:34 AM.
06-15-2008, 07:49 AM
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I am still impressed by people's stupidity. One of the many things you are obviously not aware of is that in other parts of the world an S class with a smaller engine can be ordered with more options than any US-spec 600 or 65, and end up being much more expensive.
You are in no position to make assumptions about me. Sad though that people from your class are even allowed in showrooms.
Write back when you can find your family name in history books.
You are in no position to make assumptions about me. Sad though that people from your class are even allowed in showrooms.
Write back when you can find your family name in history books.
Good retort! you very cleaver
...btw please show me your configuration where your loaded up your 550 to "end up being much more expensive than a US-spec 600 or 65". Must be some Jazzy options for $56kThats why they let people of YOUR CLASS in the showrooms with open arms...Any interest in buying the Brooklyn Bridge!: rolf:
Last edited by gellie; 06-15-2008 at 08:36 AM.
06-15-2008, 09:13 AM
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12 CLS550, 09 CLS550, 04Cooper,10 Cooper S
shouldn't be hard to do,
In germany, base price of a S320 CDI is about $108,000
S550 is about $144,000 (base price)
Just an option like sport pkg is $8,500
We are the cheapest market on earth for a W221
But from your past posts, I don't think you have the patience to make it thru the 5 sentences above.
In germany, base price of a S320 CDI is about $108,000
S550 is about $144,000 (base price)
Just an option like sport pkg is $8,500
We are the cheapest market on earth for a W221
But from your past posts, I don't think you have the patience to make it thru the 5 sentences above.
06-15-2008, 11:59 AM
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'09 S63 AMG
S600 vs. S550/AMG....
hhhmmmmm.....
IMO, change the (ugly) wheels and tail pipes on the S600 + give it the AMG sport package....
Now you're talking baby.
Looks do matter..... and those wheels + flared tail pipes simply KILL the 600 in the looks dept. IMO.
Fortunately (for 600 owners) those things can be changed (with about another $20k or so
)
hhhmmmmm.....
IMO, change the (ugly) wheels and tail pipes on the S600 + give it the AMG sport package....
Now you're talking baby.
Looks do matter..... and those wheels + flared tail pipes simply KILL the 600 in the looks dept. IMO.
Fortunately (for 600 owners) those things can be changed (with about another $20k or so
)
