interested in a comparison of 4matic and traction control
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
s 500
interested in a comparison of 4matic and traction control
because I would prefer a S 600 but do drive in snow in winter - and 4Matic is not available with 12 cyl. Thanks in advance to anyone who might have an opinion. Currently have a '06 S500.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 1
From: CA
2010 CL65
I can't offer first-hand expces, given my CA location, but would observe that know a couple of colleagues in NYC who are reasonably adept drivers who use their S-Class for daily commuting; one commutes intra-Greenwich...other does Greenwich-Manhattan.....each got S550 4Matics (w/std all-season tires) and within wks reverted to '08 S600 w/winter tires....and each seems quite pleased w/600 for winter duty.....
Need to assess dynamic value of ABC vs 4Matic's far more primitive chassis (and the issues w/digital vs analog interlinks btwn an archaic chassis set-up vs ESP, BrakeAssistPlus, etc etc); value of proper winter tires/wheels vs all-season (or "no-season") tires; value of 600's superior brakes vs 550.....even in NYC/Chic, much of winter is relatively dry and cold...and most snowfall on urban rds is not very deep at all....suspect a 600 w/proper winter tires is far more capable in emergent braking/handling than any 550 4Matic....
If one is often driving to deep-snow winter ski resorts, perhaps a 550 4Matic (w/proper winter tires) may be a better bet, but I suspect most S-Class buyers drive their cars in reasonably flat, well-plowed/traveled urban/suburban settings 360+d/yr.....
Need to assess dynamic value of ABC vs 4Matic's far more primitive chassis (and the issues w/digital vs analog interlinks btwn an archaic chassis set-up vs ESP, BrakeAssistPlus, etc etc); value of proper winter tires/wheels vs all-season (or "no-season") tires; value of 600's superior brakes vs 550.....even in NYC/Chic, much of winter is relatively dry and cold...and most snowfall on urban rds is not very deep at all....suspect a 600 w/proper winter tires is far more capable in emergent braking/handling than any 550 4Matic....
If one is often driving to deep-snow winter ski resorts, perhaps a 550 4Matic (w/proper winter tires) may be a better bet, but I suspect most S-Class buyers drive their cars in reasonably flat, well-plowed/traveled urban/suburban settings 360+d/yr.....
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
Dont settle for a 550, get the 600 with proper snows for the winter...It still amazes me how people can compare the two cars. the 600 is a TRUE sports sedan. The 550 is very ordinary.
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
'08 S550 4MATIC SPORT,DODGE VIPER GTS,ML350 BLK/BLK
wow,you should have lived in Iowa last winter.............that would change your outlook most s-class drivers operate on well plowed,flat,suburban areas.Just doesnt quite happen here like you assume.Yes,the state and county road workers do a reasonably good job of keeping the roads as good as possible,but without doubt ans550 4matic with good winter tires will still be better than an s600 or a regular s550 for that matter on snow covered roads.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 2
2007 S600
I'm just as spoiled as you . I really would have a hard time settling for a V8 again. The smooth and balanced V12 is just incredible. I always dreamed of getting a V12 but never thought it was worth the difference in price.....now I finally see what it's all about. Big performance and smooth luxury.
If anyone is looking for a W221, and you're ability to buy a V12 is limited, I'd rather see someone get a slightly used S600 for under $100K than get a new S550. The used 2007 S600 market allows for killer deals right now. Keep in mind, the S600s are wholeselling for numbers near $80K or less, so don't let a dealership push you over $85K. The 2008s are at or near $110K and some with less than 7500 miles (just broke in).
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 6
From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
s 500
is my assumption that the interior of the 600 contains superior material and workmanship than the 550 correct? color choice seems limited now - at least of inventory shown on autotrader - i assume the '09 will be not be very different from '08's
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 624
Likes: 2
From: Westchester County, NY
2013 E 350, 2012 GLK 350, 2012 C300 4matic
Derby - I can't speak for the road conditions of upstate NY, but I can say without a doubt winter wheels with snows in the NYC area are absolutely no problem (if it's even gonna snow anymore). I did it in a CLK 430, E55 and my current S63 - all were (are) my daily drives and I commuted into the city from westchester with NO problems at all.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
s 500
afraid as this will be weekend car with majority of driving 3 hrs upstate, 4Matic necessary - unrelated question, I notice new "S" class no longer has auto/manual shifter on floor but on stalk - is effect good or bad?
