S5504maticowner

I did a search on this form for the differences between this models but didn't see anything detailed.

I wanted to know what I would be missing out on if I bought an 07 S550 vs and 08 S550 besides the video function and having a year older car. Can anyone provide a list?

NJS430

One big difference is in Distronic Plus. In 2007 the package was just the auto cruise control. In 2008, it came with blind spot assist and parking guidance - two really useful features.

Diesel Benz

But you lost the dynamic lines from the rear view monitor, didn't you?

Did the Distronic Plus also come with a Pre-safe feature where the car brakes itself if approaching an object (first a warning tone, followed by brakes applied while 07 only gives the audible alert).

Jan AMG

I think that another difference are bumper "bullet holes" for parking sensors (2008 doesn't have them)

i_am_amused

is this correctable by fitting an 08 bumper with sensors onto the 07 body, or do they not bolt right on? Seems like it would be an easy face lift type of fix?

Jan AMG

I'm sorry I don't know the correct answer to that.

HiTach

My S550V4 2008 w/AMG sport package has the Parktronic sensors on the bumper - see picture.

I remember reading that if you have Distronic which is radar based, proximity sensors are not needed on the bumper.

emilner

Correct, my '07 does not have the bumper sensors as I have Distronic.

Another difference is the NAV system. There are a few important changes that were made in '08. It can be updated through a software fix, but some dealers have a real hard time with it.

NJS430

The Parking Guidance system eliminates the need for dynamic lines in the rear monitor. You still have static lines which aid in judging the distance you are from the curb or the car behind you. The parking guidance system does everything but turn the wheel and press on the gas pedal. I'm still amazed at just how good a job it does guiding you into a parallel parking space. The feature wasn't even in the manual that came with my car. I'm sure there are a few people who have it and don't realize it.

Yes - you also get pre-safe with auditable alerts - also works very well although I haven't had the nerve to test if it would actually stop the car before running into something.

Diesel Benz

I agree that there is not that much need for the dynamic lines but it would not harm (the only reason they are not there is that the expensive module does not exist).

I would not test this pre-safe feature, it is not even intended to always prevent a collision. If it had been like that, driving at normal traffic would be a pain. If the accident cannot be avoided completely, at least it would be significantly less severe when Pre-Safe reduces speed when the driver does not react properly.

transferred

One could easily test pre-safe using empty cardboard boxes...

S5504maticowner

Thanks for the input. It seems like an 08 with a P2 package is the way to go. Judging from the posts, it seems like some updates can be done to the 07 but ultimately I will still lack some features of the 08.

carlosfernandez

Put some pics!!!