W221: Going from a S550 to a S63 worth it?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: DFW
S550
W221: Going from a S550 to a S63 worth it?
I was just wondering what peoples experiences are with going from a s550 to a s63 AMG? Was it worth it? I know speed wise its a beast but how about everything else? Came across a Black on Black S63 that would have everything i would want and i'm considering trading my S550 in for the S63. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Thanks in advance,
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: DFW
S550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
You may also want to consider an S600 instead of the S63. It comes with more standard equipment, premium leather wrapped everything, A LOT more torque, and is much easier to add lots of power for cheap. You can put it in S65 performance territory for just $1300 with a Eurocharged tune. Not to mention it is around the same price as the S63 or often cheaper.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
The only problem with a 600 for me is the sedate exterior styling without the AMG body kit and wheel package. The S63 is a different animal. I just drove an 09 S63 a few months back and it's a cool car. Definitely much more serious about performance than the 550. Everywhere you look you see monstrous AMG hardware on it, and it has that great exhaust note, and the ABC suspension. I was also looking at a $10k spread against my 2010. The S63 did not blow me away versus my face-lifted 2010. Liked it, but didn't walk away thinking I had to have it either. I decided to do an aftermarket exhaust and S63 rear bumper diffuser and that gave me the sportier sound and feel.
If your driving style is spirited and you like to push your current S hard, the S63 makes sense. Otherwise, probably not worth the swap, and I'm not even getting into the expense of maintaining an AMG car out of warranty.
If your driving style is spirited and you like to push your current S hard, the S63 makes sense. Otherwise, probably not worth the swap, and I'm not even getting into the expense of maintaining an AMG car out of warranty.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 10
From: Midway, GA
2011 S63 AMG Designo Performance P3
I was just wondering what peoples experiences are with going from a s550 to a s63 AMG? Was it worth it? I know speed wise its a beast but how about everything else? Came across a Black on Black S63 that would have everything i would want and i'm considering trading my S550 in for the S63. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Thanks in advance,
Last edited by Larry1979; Jan 4, 2015 at 12:30 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
I made the switch from a S550 to a S63 and I could not be happier. In my opinion, the NA 5.5L V8 was not adequate enough for the size of the car. I think the S550's power was adequate once underway but sluggish from a stop. I agree with other members and I think that how you intend to use the car matters. If you like to step on it, the S63 in Controlled Efficiency or Sport mode is like night and day over the Economy and Sport mode of the NA S550. Styling is much better in the S63. I agree that you want a fully optioned S63 if you want the nice interior with the performance or you may as well get a newer S550 with the TT engine. The Bi Turbo V8 is awesome and I will never go back. An S63 is in S65 territory with a Renntech tune as well. It is above S65 territory with the more expensive tune. If money isn't an option, I recommend S63 but as I stated earlier, the TT S550 will give you more power and torque and you will be happy.
One of the vendors on this board offers the 2nd gen W221 S63 AMG full body kit for just $1400. Figure another $1500 or so to paint & install it, plus around $1600 for AMG knock-off rims & new tires....and you can make your S550 or S600 look just like a 2010+ AMG car for under $5k. And for another $1300, you can make the S600 just as fast as the S65.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 10
From: Midway, GA
2011 S63 AMG Designo Performance P3
You are correct in the fact of not being able to gain much more power in a 2009 NA S63 AMG. He also mentioned the face lifted version S550 and the fact that it could be an option, thus the reason for my response which is based on the facelifted 2011+ S63 with Biturbo engine. Everything I mentioned regarding the Biturbo engine is accurate and the Renntech or a tune from any of the reputable tuners puts the Biturbo S63 beyond stock S65 territory. Styling is much better on S63. A S600 does not look very good unless equipped with the AMG Sport Package. To add a tune to that vehicle gives you a fast luxury car without the suspension, exhaust, brakes, and most importantly, the AMG engine to go along with it. As I stated, the OP has to determine what works for him but I would go with a 2011+ S63 if I were him and he will not be disappointed.
Last edited by Larry1979; Jan 4, 2015 at 01:32 AM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: DFW
S550
The only problem with a 600 for me is the sedate exterior styling without the AMG body kit and wheel package. The S63 is a different animal. I just drove an 09 S63 a few months back and it's a cool car. Definitely much more serious about performance than the 550. Everywhere you look you see monstrous AMG hardware on it, and it has that great exhaust note, and the ABC suspension. I was also looking at a $10k spread against my 2010. The S63 did not blow me away versus my face-lifted 2010. Liked it, but didn't walk away thinking I had to have it either. I decided to do an aftermarket exhaust and S63 rear bumper diffuser and that gave me the sportier sound and feel.
If your driving style is spirited and you like to push your current S hard, the S63 makes sense. Otherwise, probably not worth the swap, and I'm not even getting into the expense of maintaining an AMG car out of warranty.
If your driving style is spirited and you like to push your current S hard, the S63 makes sense. Otherwise, probably not worth the swap, and I'm not even getting into the expense of maintaining an AMG car out of warranty.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: DFW
S550
I made the switch from a S550 to a S63 and I could not be happier. In my opinion, the NA 5.5L V8 was not adequate enough for the size of the car. I think the S550's power was adequate once underway but sluggish from a stop. I agree with other members and I think that how you intend to use the car matters. If you like to step on it, the S63 in Controlled Efficiency or Sport mode is like night and day over the Economy and Sport mode of the NA S550. Styling is much better in the S63. I agree that you want a fully optioned S63 if you want the nice interior with the performance or you may as well get a newer S550 with the TT engine. The Bi Turbo V8 is awesome and I will never go back. An S63 is in S65 territory with a Renntech tune as well. It is above S65 territory with the more expensive tune. If money isn't an option, I recommend S63 but as I stated earlier, the TT S550 will give you more power and torque and you will be happy.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 428
Likes: 11
2023 Rover
He's looking at an '09 S63, so there's no way that he can get anywhere near S65 power without spending huge money on that NA engine. The '07 - '10 S63 is more closely related to the S550 than it is the S65....as far as engine type and levels of equipment & option packages. You can't even get the leather wrapped dash in the '09 S63, no matter how much money you spend. The S600 is closely related to the S65 and both of those cars come fully equipped with every items that MB offers on an S-class....standard.
One of the vendors on this board offers the 2nd gen W221 S63 AMG full body kit for just $1400. Figure another $1500 or so to paint & install it, plus around $1600 for AMG knock-off rims & new tires....and you can make your S550 or S600 look just like a 2010+ AMG car for under $5k. And for another $1300, you can make the S600 just as fast as the S65.
One of the vendors on this board offers the 2nd gen W221 S63 AMG full body kit for just $1400. Figure another $1500 or so to paint & install it, plus around $1600 for AMG knock-off rims & new tires....and you can make your S550 or S600 look just like a 2010+ AMG car for under $5k. And for another $1300, you can make the S600 just as fast as the S65.
