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I'm new to the S-Class sub forum but not new to this site. I picked up a 2010 C63 AMG about a year or so ago and drove it for a short while before deciding I wanted more room. At that time, I picked up an 09 ML63 AMG which I currently still have.
Just a week ago I decided to sell my other car, a built and boosted C6 Z06 Corvette. The main reason is that I let my girlfriend drive the ML (she used to rock a Tiburon) and I wanted a car that still had some power but was super comfortable for daily driving.
That being said, I've seen some really good prices on used 2011's all over the net. Ones with under 40k miles, clean titles seem to be priced around low 40's. However, after further research, I see the 2012 has the newer motor/twins which equates to more factory hp/tq and that's before a tune.
Price wise, those are easily another 10k+ depending on options and mileage. I did see one for $47k with low miles but a reported (1) accident. For myself, an accident isn't a deal breaker if I'm able to thoroughly check out the car myself before purchase. I've driven the NA 2011 S550 and felt it's power was adequate for daily driving but the hp/tq junkie in me is considering maybe splurging for the 2012.
I suppose what I'm wondering is, is it really worth another 10k+ (before taxes) just to have the twins when it appears all else is the same?
Not a $10k value IMO. I think that the price differential will narrow down to something negligible in the next few years. The real value is in the pre-facelift (2010) S63's. I just drove an 09 S63 CPO with an ask of $45k. Facelift or not it's a stunning car.
Given that you have Z06 in your blood, you might want to check out a 12. The TT sold me. I love the car especially the power and for me it's what I need on the hwy.
I'm starting to lean a little more towards the 2012+. I've found a solid 2011 with 35k miles for low 40's that's not 4matic (I think I'd prefer this so I could run a staggered wheel size and not have to worry about anything, although I've read many run it with no issues). But, after looking at other dealerships I think I may have found a 2012 with everything I want (still under 40k miles @38k). Dealer is asking 49-50k with AMG Sport package(?) so but for me there's one small issue; it's black. I've always had black cars and can appreciate them when they are polished up and clean. And, as much as I love cleaning cars (one hobby I do on the weekends), I'm not sure if I'm up to owning another black one, especially one this size. Although, I'm thinking a clean S-class with a nice set of 20's would look simply amazing.
I think the 2012 is definitely worth the extra $$. I drove a 2011 S550 and it just did not feel like the car had the appropriate hp/tq for the size and it felt sluggish. The TT motor will be like night and day over the NA 5.5 engine. Coming from a Z06, you will appreciate the TTs. Try to find one with the AMG Sport Package because they look better.
I'm starting to lean a little more towards the 2012+. I've found a solid 2011 with 35k miles for low 40's that's not 4matic (I think I'd prefer this so I could run a staggered wheel size and not have to worry about anything, although I've read many run it with no issues). But, after looking at other dealerships I think I may have found a 2012 with everything I want (still under 40k miles @38k). Dealer is asking 49-50k with AMG Sport package(?) so but for me there's one small issue; it's black. I've always had black cars and can appreciate them when they are polished up and clean. And, as much as I love cleaning cars (one hobby I do on the weekends), I'm not sure if I'm up to owning another black one, especially one this size. Although, I'm thinking a clean S-class with a nice set of 20's would look simply amazing.
Decisions, decisions..
The other problem with Black is that you lose all the contrasting details. The cool AMG lower grilles up front disappear
(pic), and the rear diffuser blends in as well. Plus you lose the effect of the blacked out Pano roof. Having a Pano roof on a black S Class is like peeing your pants in a dark suit...it feels nice and warm but nobody's going to notice.
On the other hand, they do look pretty all polished up on 20's
2013 S550 4matic (AMG sport package), 2016 Corvette Stingray.
Originally Posted by Mike5215
The other problem with Black is that you lose all the contrasting details. The cool AMG lower grilles up front disappear
(pic), and the rear diffuser blends in as well. Plus you lose the effect of the blacked out Pano roof. Having a Pano roof on a black S Class is like peeing your pants in a dark suit...it feels nice and warm but nobody's going to notice.
On the other hand, they do look pretty all polished up on 20's
Nice pic Mike, that black is looking good!
Last edited by wilassasin; 09-29-2014 at 11:19 PM.
2012 S550, so how much under 40k miles is it? I was hoping that you would find a car under 25k miles, and be able to enjoy more of the warranty miles. If you get a chance just test drive the S350, it is quite interesting, and since the dealers seem to keep them on the lots longer, you may get an outstanding deal. Once you Oil burner, you won't go back!
Is it bad that I intentionally give myself a two or three year warranty window so I have an excuse to dump it and get something new when the warranty expires?
The other problem with Black is that you lose all the contrasting details. The cool AMG lower grilles up front disappear
(pic), and the rear diffuser blends in as well. Plus you lose the effect of the blacked out Pano roof. Having a Pano roof on a black S Class is like peeing your pants in a dark suit...it feels nice and warm but nobody's going to notice.
On the other hand, they do look pretty all polished up on 20's
I have had:
a C230 hatchback coupe Black
a C230 sedan Pewter
a C300 Black
a E350 Palladium Silver
a E350 White
and now a S350 Black
Out of all of these the Black colored cars looked the best when they were clean. The hardest to keep clean was the White colored car. The Pewter and Palladium cars were the easiest.
I have had:
a C230 hatchback coupe Black
a C230 sedan Pewter
a C300 Black
a E350 Palladium Silver
a E350 White
and now a S350 Black
Out of all of these the Black colored cars looked the best when they we clean. The hardest to keep clean was the White colored car. The Pewter and Palladium cars were the easiest.
Yeah, my prior 220 was Pewter. Very classy color and a dream to maintain. Then again, the interior was Stone which was the lightest tan you could get.
I felt my W221 "classic" was peppy for its size even at 382hp....But had I the chance then, and definitely in your case, go for a 2012 turbo and after just a few thousand more at RENNTech, you're sitting at 530hp....in a S550!
I think the S65 is also an awesome value, as you get the upgraded interior (although the W222 in its top configuration can't really be beat now interiorwise), and gobs of power with room to tune and the V12 goodness. Pricier to maintain sure, but if that ABC goes on either car you're in for $$$ anyway.....I think back to 2008 when you were seeing under 1 year old $200,000 S65s going for ~$80,000......what a steal!! Great time to buy W221s now tho, especially with the W222 looking not so radically different as the W221 was over the W220 (I seriously had someone ask me once if my 2007 was the "new" 2014!! Oh, laymen!).
I felt my W221 "classic" was peppy for its size even at 382hp....But had I the chance then, and definitely in your case, go for a 2012 turbo and after just a few thousand more at RENNTech, you're sitting at 530hp....in a S550!
I think the S65 is also an awesome value, as you get the upgraded interior (although the W222 in its top configuration can't really be beat now interiorwise), and gobs of power with room to tune and the V12 goodness. Pricier to maintain sure, but if that ABC goes on either car you're in for $$$ anyway.....I think back to 2008 when you were seeing under 1 year old $200,000 S65s going for ~$80,000......what a steal!! Great time to buy W221s now tho, especially with the W222 looking not so radically different as the W221 was over the W220 (I seriously had someone ask me once if my 2007 was the "new" 2014!! Oh, laymen!).
whomever that was has not taken a serious look at the kisser on the W222 yet.
I really try to avoid the lighter colors in the interior, they definitely can be a huge deal to keep clean - for the eventual/potential trade-in
That was a 2004 and the car was 9 years old when the pic was taken.
Full interior detail weekly, food and drink prohibited, new floor mats every six months, and replaced both front door pockets for discoloration and wear. Seats redyed up front. On the other hand I could haul gravel in my black 221 and you'd never know. Porcelain in the W221 with the white upper bits and the black on the bottom seems to be a good compromise.
That was a 2004 and the car was 9 years old when the pic was taken.
Full interior detail weekly, food and drink prohibited, new floor mats every six months, and replaced both front door pockets for discoloration and wear. Seats redyed up front. On the other hand I could haul gravel in my black 221 and you'd never know. Porcelain in the W221 with the white upper bits and the black on the bottom seems to be a good compromise.
I have went with liner matts in the car and in the trunk and so I am hoping they protect my carpets from even the normal wear and tear. But I guess I need to take out the old mats at some point. Right now I have the liner mats over the stock mats.
That was a 2004 and the car was 9 years old when the pic was taken.
Full interior detail weekly, food and drink prohibited, new floor mats every six months, and replaced both front door pockets for discoloration and wear. Seats redyed up front. On the other hand I could haul gravel in my black 221 and you'd never know. Porcelain in the W221 with the white upper bits and the black on the bottom seems to be a good compromise.
I only get cars with light interiors for the reason you gave. Basically you can end up driving around in a filthy pit and never know it because everything just disappears. I also like the roomier/airy feeling you get with a light interior and a pano roof during the day time because it reflects light and the ambient lighting also reflects better inside at night with a lighter interior.
I've had my tan interior for a while and I don't even have a no food or drink policy and it is pretty much pristine. As someone had mentioned earlier about how everything disappears with a black exterior the same happens inside the car. I feel you can see and appreciate more detail in the interior design with a light interior.
I can't imagine getting a black interior but I do agree that it requires virtually no maintenance to keep "clean"
I only get cars with light interiors for the reason you gave. Basically you can end up driving around in a filthy pit and never know it because everything just disappears. I also like the roomier/airy feeling you get with a light interior and a pano roof during the day time because it reflects light and the ambient lighting also reflects better inside at night with a lighter interior.
I've had my tan interior for a while and I don't even have a no food or drink policy and it is pretty much pristine. As someone had mentioned earlier about how everything disappears with a black exterior the same happens inside the car. I feel you can see and appreciate more detail in the interior design with a light interior.
I can't imagine getting a black interior but I do agree that it requires virtually no maintenance to keep "clean"
Well, I routinely clean the car or have it cleaned no matter whatever the color of interior I have had. I have had cocoa brown (now), gray, black, Rottweiler (Black/Tan), and it was easy to see the dirt and know when the time to clean was near. Clean the seats, panels, DB, the floor, and the trunk. No bug breeding ground for me in my cars LOL!. As far as dirt disappearing on the color of black, I dunno about that, seems you should see the discoloration pretty quickly.
There's a long story so I'll cut to the chase. I started with an 2011 which was very basic but priced right. Found out that the 2012's had the newer motor and I miss having push to start (or keyless go) so I took it back, looked around and found a CPO 2012 Black S550 with AMG Sport +(?) and Premium 2 package for about 6k more before taxes and financing.
Post is coming up next with first round of pics with some new wheels =).
Last edited by RalphSmithIII; 10-04-2014 at 02:55 PM.
09-26-2014, 08:34 AM
