superflysocal

Is there a place i can look up the difference between the model years of this W221 chassis, ie 2007 vs. 2008 vs. 2009 vs. 2010?

I think this would help people decide between used vs. new, etc. If there isn't a place, perhaps we should start a thread and sticky it. I'm surprise we don't have a sticky like this for every current chassis subforum.

For example, I almost bought a 2008 GL, until I found out about the new navigation system and all that comes with it, on the 2009, yet the 2010 didn't have enough new features for me to warrant considering those (considering the factory incentives they had on the 2009.

aeggroup

Good idea ...

13pauls

The navi. on my 08 GL is horrible, everything else is fantastic. Had I known of the upgrade for the 09 GL, I would definitely have purchased that instead. Sounds like a good idea to start a subforum for these types of issues.

trumpet1

That is going to be difficult to assimilate into a concise format, don't you think? I believe each year could have as much as 30+ detailed differences if you nit pick it all.
For example, I've noticed that 07, 08, 09 models with distronic do not have bulletholes in the bumper, but now they do on the '10s probably due to lane departure features (not sure about that).
Many of the variations include:
Tailpipe extensions, steering wheel differences, wheel styles, paint choices, folds in leather and headliner, woodgrain extensions, exterior mirror differences, grill changes, fog light changes, taillight changes, software differences from month to month in some cases, Ipod and radio upgrades, Nav upgrades, window control button improvements, blind spot assist, high beam adaptation, traffic info on the nav, sunroof switch changes for auto close, headrest improvements, audio controls for rear passenger......
and then you have differences between the various trim levels within each year (550 vs. 63, vs. 600, vs. 65). Lots of variations to talk about.

WSH

Agree w/trumpet

In an era when cars are so software-intensive, many debugs or advances are subtle (but often important) and mfrs hate to publicize debugs/refinements (which are often intra-MY) to avoid angering early buyers of new-tech cars...much like dynamics of latest Blackberries or iPhones

Choosing when to lease a new car in its ~3yr lifecycle btwn intro and mid-cycle refresh is a balance of wanting latest, most innovative tech vs getting a more debugged iteration vs an end of model cycle version that may be almost fully debugged but archaic in its various technologies/systems/networks....safety, drivetrain, chassis precision/stability, infotainment, etc

Diesel Benz

That was interesting, I don't think this is about lane departure because the feature existed on older models (not on the first ones, so this is an example of model year changes at some point).

But I did notice that they changed to only two front bumper radars with the W212 and obviously with the W221 also at some point (likely face lift). In my opinion the traditional acoustic bumper sensors are better for parktronic while radars have better range. The combination of the main Distronic radar plus two short range radars plus acoustic sensors must be an improvement in performance and possibly still cost reduction too. The negative point is the holes in the bumpers, aesthetically. Actually the acoustic sensor fail over time too, perhaps from chip hits, sometimes for other reasons but I still find the new approach an improvement.

trumpet1

You're probably right. I looked at bumpers of both a 212 and 221 last week and salesman didn't even have a clue what I was pointing out.
The bulletholes are an unwelcome change , , but if it means better results, I guess I will get adapted to the change quickly.

newyorktoLA

There are a few differences between the 2007, 2008, and 2009 model years.
Firstly, here are the new highlights in the 2008 S Class from the 2007:
1) SIRIUS Satellite Radio is now standard
2) Addition of 2 Wheel options:
23R 18” 7-spoke
R85/R94 (4MATIC) 19” 9-twin-spoke
3) Deletion of 2 Wheel options:
R31 18” 5-spoke R47/R84 (4MATIC) 19” Multispoke
4) Addition of 1 Paint: 112 Majestic Black (Slightly darker version of 189 Black Opal)
5) Deletion of 2 Paints: 189 Black Opal and 197 Obsidian Black.

Here are the new highlights in the 2009 S Class from the 2008 models:
In the S550:
1) Premium I Package is now standard: This includes Heated and Active Ventilated Front Seats, and Electronic Trunk Closer.
2) Wood/leather steering wheel is now standard.
3) 23R 18" split 7-spoke wheel is now standard for S550 and S550 4MATIC.

In All The S Class Models:
1) Gear shift paddles replace gear shift buttons.
2) New push/pull window switches.
3) HOLD convenience braking function.
4) 19” all-season tires - S550 and S600 models ordered with 19” wheels will now include all-season tires

What's new in the 2010 model is pretty self explanatory but reply to this post if you want to know all the differences.

geneatlts

I don't think there's any good way to balance the "older" vs "new" model year debate. You can find yourself in either a constant holding pattern to be sure you get the most advanced car possible with wanting one that has had the bugs worked out.

Personally, I prefer the discounted price for the "old" model year. Its a great value when you're talking about buying the finest car in the world. There will always be news ones with advanced technologies to ponder. Buy them when they're perfected.