macmk

Hello,

As in title, I wonder how different are those 2 models. I'm looking for W221, and prices for both are very similar (which is strange for me, but maybe I doesn't know about something). I'd prefer S500 (more power, better engine sound), and this would be my hobby car, so I'm not that concerned about fuel consumption. However, I'm concerned about reliability and service costs. I'm guessing (basing on similar sell prices), that S500 may be less reliable, or significantly more expensive to maintain, so S350 is more desirable. Am I correct? Can you give me any insights that may be helpful in choosing right version?

Edit: I didn't specify S350 version in post. Both (petrol and diesel) would do. I'd like better performance, but if difference in maintenance is significant I can go with S350 CDI (I will drive this car, not race it. And even S600 would be to heavy to be serious on track, so it doesn't matter).

DaveW68

Those old CDI's have problems with the ports getting clogged with soot. I've also heard that the glow plugs are problematic. I probably wouldn't be considering that car if I were you. And the 350 6 cylinder is much to small for a car the size of the S class, but I don't know about the reliability of that motor since there aren't folks on this board that I've seen that have that motor in their S. So I guess that leaves you with only one decent option. The things that going wrong with the S500/550 usually are not engine related as those engines are very stout. Airmatic, 7 speed transmissions, motor mounts, worn bushings, active seats, and electrical gremlins are the items that most plague the older W221's. And those issues would apply to all models of the W221, from the 350's to the 500. The 5 speed auto in the S600 and S65 were the best trannies that the W221 had.

macmk

Thanks! It is tempting to go for S500 I've already heard to avoid Airmatic, it must be very bad in terms of service costs. Would love to have S600 or better, but it's way above my "fun car" budget.
How easy is to diagnose other elements you mentioned? I'd go for check in my local dealership, but some things are not easy to spot and can easily surprise you even after detailed check (from my experience with Boxster).

Bobitza

The "float" that you get from have an adjustable airmatic suspension is half the fun in driving these cars. And it's not like you can "avoid airmatic"; there aren't many cars with the suspension modified to use coils. Just enjoy the ride and put some money aside for when the suspension struts leak or the pump has issues

macmk

DaveW68

An older W221 S350 or S500/550 is a very poor choice for an "older, fun car". It is an average performing behemoth sedan that will likely crush you with repair costs. There isn't much fun in that.

macmk

DaveW68

What else is on your "list"?

Bobitza

Good point Dave ... my list got very short after I got my S550. And whatever is left there will hurt my wallet worse or at least the same than future repairs costs on this one

Of course, I could always win the lottery, become a hitman or just lower the expectations.

macmk

DaveW68

All of those cars are A LOT more fun than an S350 or 500. I had an E60 M5 before I purchased my S600 and loved that car. But the SMG tranny is very annoying to operate in slow traffic. Your best choices for reliability and fun are the Mazda and the Porsche.

macmk

Yeah, M5 is one of the cars I'd love to have and probably keep for long time, but I think I'm not ready to buy and properly maintain it Naturally aspirated V10 though
I know W221 is a strange car to consider "fun", but I love how it look, and I like very comfortable cars when on long trip. It just has different use cases than most of other ones I want. On the other hand, I'd love to go once to my local race track on rainy / snowy conditions to drift that monster. I'm sure I'd have many interesting conversations that day BMW E60 with diesel engine was pretty manageable, I'm curious how would it go with MB.
Only car I want to try that makes less sense than S class is Quattroporte. But I still would try one day (I test drove it once, and it was both; horrible and fascinating).