KSO86

Hi, I currently own a e65 7-Series BMW but im looking into purchasing a used w221. Don't get me wrong, I love my car (when its working properly, lol) but I'm out of warranty and e65-e66's are EXTREMELY problematic... especially the Transmission, which is a very costly repair. I came here to seek some information from current/previous owners of the w221's about some of the problems you guys have run into during your ownership of your vehicles... and would you recommend buying a CPO used one?

Thanks!

AustinGuy

I've been on this board for over 2 yrs. and have not seen a single/major transmission problem!

I think you're in good hands with an S63/65. Go for it!

KSO86

,

Thats good to hear, but I think the S63 and S65 is a tad bit and when I say "tad" I mean "ton" out of my price range...lol. Ill probably get a CPO S550...

Wantmy1stbenz

Well I was thinking about getting a BMW 2006-2007 750li sports package if I can't find the right w221 for the right price. What are ya feelings on that year and model?!?!

KSO86

Honestly, I wouldn't buy another 7-series unless its the current F01-F02 model because they're equipped with BMW's latest innovations and the New body style makes the old one look truly outdated

TDwayne69

I sold my 2007 750Li last year and purchased my current 2007 S550. I didn't have any major issues with my 750, but I initially I wanted the S550 so once I got back to the US I found one that had low miles, it was CPO, and at a great price. I haven't had any issues with my S550 to date, one of the biggest benefits is that it's very easy to make software upgrades to the Command Unit and a lot of other plus like watching videos on the Nav. My biggest regret is how under powered the S550 is in comparison to the 750. This will definitely be something you will have to get used to. If I had to make a decision to purchase all over again, I would have went with the S63 or S600. Overall you wont be disappointed, I love the car and my wife loves it even more than I do.

Good Luck,
Tony

skrontz

I don't see how the S550 is underpowered compared to a 750Li. Based on my experience, I would actually say it's the other way around. By the way, the new 7 series design is butt ugly in my opinion; the front grill is terrible and the gauges are straight from the 70s.

TDwayne69

Everyone is going to have their own opinion, I advise you to go and test drive one for yourself to get a true idea of the cars performance. I've driven my previous 750 in many situations and I've taken it all the way to the electronically governed speed and definitely off the mark the 750 is faster than the S550. Test drive one and come to your own conclusion.

Wantmy1stbenz

Tdawyne you are also great!!! You also have helped mr alot in trying to make a decision. Idk if ya remember me but I'm still looking for that right s550 or settle for an 06-07' 750. If I buy a Benz I don't want to spend mote than 45k idc about miles but I know I want the sport body and no ugly colors. Well emilner told me to wait and be patient so that's what I'm going to do.

One more question about the 750, did you find that there were alot of problems? How's the Benz ? Have you had alot of issues ? As far as the 750 vs s550 power I really don't care because i have been driving v4's all my life lol either v8 is gonna blow my mind

TDwayne69

The S550 is great, personally I think that when it comes to elegance Mercedes has the BMW beat hands down. I never really had any major issues with my 750Li, the only problem I had with it was the Logic 7 amp. I had to replace it 5 times, the first time was within a week of picking it up from the factory. Since I was stationed in Germany, my issues were handled directly between my sales rep and BMW Europe HQ. One big plus that I miss about the 750Li, was the fact that all the services were free. Be prepared to pay for your services if you purchase the S550. Regardless of which one you go with I think you will be happy, but I would go with the S550. I honestly think that the S550 is a far superior car overall, very solid.

Good Luck,
Tony

QuadBenz

Comparing the E65/E66 with the W221, I think that the S550 would certainly be a step up. I felt that the 750Li was slower than the S but did handle better if equipped with the sport package. If yours has the sport package and you don't want to give up handling, I'd search for an S with Active Body Control. I also feel that the W221 has a nicer/more luxurious interior than the E65/E66. Our old S550 had no major issues whatsoever. In the three years we had it, it was maybe at the dealers only 3 maybe 4 times, each time for routine service.

Wantmy1stbenz

Hey thanks alot Tony!! I agree the s550 is fancier on the inside. Like I said before I can't tell as far as the handling which one is better because I'm coming from a 2008 Toyota camry and they both feel GREAT. It's just a matter of finding the right s550 white sport with pano or titanium with sport for about $45,000 (idc about miles). I think the non-sport s550 are just not as sexy as the sport ones. If I can't get one for that price I will buy it or settle for a 06-07' BMW 750li (has to be sport) for about 33k. So what do ya think Tony? Wait ? Settle? How long do ya think I will have to wait? Also I was told that you would have to get the top warranty which is about 4500 for 2 years for the BMW to get the warranty that covers brake pads and oil changes. Is that about how much it costs

emilner

I can't understand how the S would seem slower than the 750, the S is always quoted faster 0-60 and in the 1/4. I find the car quite fast actually, not as quick as my E550, but this car really moves...

TDwayne69

After some thought in comparing the performance I've experienced between the two vehicles, I think the level of performance maybe directly associated with the fact that I was the original owner of the my 750Li. Since both cars have adaptive transmission controls the 750 learned my driving style and thus was programed to me. Where as the S550 was a CPO and the adaptive transmission control (ECU) were never reset and maybe the reason for difference in the performance I've experienced between the two vehicles.

emilner

Do you normally drive in C or S? That will make a big difference. From what I have heard the 7 will certainly handle better- possibly another reason it feels faster...

skrontz

Not against the ABC it doesn't! The difference is amazing!

TDwayne69

Yeah, I normally do drive in C, but time to time I drive in S. I don't notice a significant change between the two options though. In comparison when I would switch between comfort and sport on the 750, there was a instantaneous change in how the car responded. I'm going to do the ECU reset procedures that someone posted and see what type of response I get from the car.