A little help for a potential W221 buyer. 2011-2013 years.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 2
From: Iowa
2022 GLC 300
I've had 2 cars with ABC and would avoid it unless you can replace your own struts at only $600 each vs $1500+ from dealer.
Pump/valves, etc whole 'nother story...
Bottom line, simple is better
Pump/valves, etc whole 'nother story...
Bottom line, simple is better
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
S550
I was in the same position as you recently and opted for the S600. The S600 has every option as standard, with the exception of Designo interior. They have the reclining/massaging/heated/cooled rear seats, "premium leather" which looks very nice and seems to hold up very well. Almost every inch in the S600 is covered in leather with nice stitching.
With that said, you could probably find an S550 that was made with the P3 package and get most of the options the S600 has.
From what you mentioned in your post, I think I would recommend an S550 to you as they are certainly not a slouch and are wonderful vehicles. The S600 maintenance would likely be expensive long term as it has 24 spark plugs, etc.
As far as Mercedes' naming nomenclature, it has been changed in recent years. Previous years the three digit number notated the displacement in liters with a "0" tacked on the end. For whatever reason they have steered away from that and now the number represents how the vehicle "fits in" with the product line and cost.
The S600 is actually a 5.5L V12 biturbo and the S65 is a 6.0L biturbo.
I would continue your search and get the options that you want. I am sure you can find the right car for you. I would have been rather frustrated if I purchased one of the first S550s that I test drove overnight as it did not have the dynamic drive seats, and was missing several other things.
FWIW I get about 22-23mpg on the highway driving very conservatively with the V12 S600.
With that said, you could probably find an S550 that was made with the P3 package and get most of the options the S600 has.
From what you mentioned in your post, I think I would recommend an S550 to you as they are certainly not a slouch and are wonderful vehicles. The S600 maintenance would likely be expensive long term as it has 24 spark plugs, etc.
As far as Mercedes' naming nomenclature, it has been changed in recent years. Previous years the three digit number notated the displacement in liters with a "0" tacked on the end. For whatever reason they have steered away from that and now the number represents how the vehicle "fits in" with the product line and cost.
The S600 is actually a 5.5L V12 biturbo and the S65 is a 6.0L biturbo.
I would continue your search and get the options that you want. I am sure you can find the right car for you. I would have been rather frustrated if I purchased one of the first S550s that I test drove overnight as it did not have the dynamic drive seats, and was missing several other things.
FWIW I get about 22-23mpg on the highway driving very conservatively with the V12 S600.
Last edited by killawatt; Feb 5, 2019 at 12:13 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
A great thread and (after owning 2007 S600 for a few years) exactly the same question I've asked myself. The answer depends on the type of person you are. If you want luxury, reliability, good value and relatively low maintenance cost, buy 2010 or 2011 S550 with all possible options you can find/you like EXCEPT ABC suspension and without 4 matic (unless you drive in snow, so get 4 matic). This gives you the basic and reliable V8, simple and cheap to fix Airmatic suspension and no turbos to worry about (Turbos are on all V12 and on V8 starting 2012). I've been switching between driving S600 with ABC and S550 with Airmatic for the last several days, and I prefer S550 for a daily driver. The torque/acceleration is sufficient (not the fun of V12TT of course), the car leans in turns and is less smooth in suspension, but it also feels more controlled and more predictable/more connected. ABC makes the car feel smoother/lighter, but it's kind of like sitting on a living room sofa which is always leveled :-).
!!!!!!!!!!!! But the ABC can be a costly nightmare to maintain !!!!!!!!!!! It can also get you stranded. I don't know about the V8 turbos reliability yet as the cars are relatively new, but the V12 turbos come with problems like coolant seals leak (over $6k engine out labor cost at the dealer etc).
If you are very green and want to show it off, buy S400 (or just go straight to Tesla, as most people will know nothing about S400 being a mild hybrid :-)
If you want the best, and don't mind spending several thousands dollars on repairs once in a while (or you have the Star system and don't feel like changing a suspension strut by yourself is a big deal) get a car with ABC!
!!!!!!!!!!!! But the ABC can be a costly nightmare to maintain !!!!!!!!!!! It can also get you stranded. I don't know about the V8 turbos reliability yet as the cars are relatively new, but the V12 turbos come with problems like coolant seals leak (over $6k engine out labor cost at the dealer etc).
If you are very green and want to show it off, buy S400 (or just go straight to Tesla, as most people will know nothing about S400 being a mild hybrid :-)
If you want the best, and don't mind spending several thousands dollars on repairs once in a while (or you have the Star system and don't feel like changing a suspension strut by yourself is a big deal) get a car with ABC!
Last edited by George993; Feb 11, 2019 at 10:47 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
Also if you have never owned a V12 and you don't mind owning an exotic car, a "wolf in a ship's clothing", go for it. It's similar to having a beautiful, fun and expensive mistress, but without a direct risk of a divorce :-)
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
I've noticed you already have an Audi W12 so Mercedes V12 could be similar in the "exotic" factor and you may already know if you want a similar experience or not
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
Is it a headache or additional service revenue stream since the cars are most likely to break down AFTER the warranty expires?
