f-xo

Hi everybody,

Not sure in which section I should post this question (S or CL, or both maybe ?)…

I joined the forum in 2015 when I considered buying an S-Class W221. Car of choice for me mainly because I need a very silent cabin for my damaged ears. That would be a gasoline S450 or S500. I postponed that plan until now, but my current smooth 740i with double glazing is getting more and more tired and it sounds that it’s more than time for a change. Before doing so, and as this car would also replace another coupe that I seldom use (a lovely XK), I would appreciate if some members had some first hand experience to share in comparing the same generation W216 CL500 noise insulation to the one of the S. I would quite like the CL as I no longer need the four doors that much, but only if it was really as silent as the S. My first experience as a passenger with the CL some years ago was very impressive but only at low speeds in Paris. I’ve driven one only once since, but with big 20’ wheels which made some disappointing road noise even at the moderate speeds we’ve done. I would of course choose the smaller rims and more compliant tires whatever my choice of an S or a CL.

I know that both cars share the same chassis and many other features. But it seems that the same comparison between the previous W220 vs W215 gave a clear advantage in this regards to the W220, even if the W215 also had laminated glasses and so on.

Thanks for your thoughts !

Jaap

Pillar-less coupes are much harder to noise-insulate so i bet the W221 will be quieter (all else being equal).
My C216 is very quiet except for a very high hissing noise at highway speeds.
Very annoying. Like i left the window open a fraction.
Go for a W221, put small, silent tires on it (65dB or less).
Make sure the car has the laminated/insulated glass.

f-xo

Thanks Jaap. I read that the front window adjustment was quite critical in this regard on your car. Maybe something to check ?

Any other members inputs ?

Finer6527

There seems to be an issue with the S550 that has an engine noise at idle, stopped and in gear. My car has this now and I am trying to locate or fix the source. Its a low rumbling noise, vibration or droning noise. If you put the car in neutral at a stop light it goes away.
I just replaced the motor mounts including transmission and it only changed the frequency to a deeper droning noise. This seems to be an issue on these cars. Not sure if its isolated to a few model years?

M-a-x-G

Forget 20" wheels as a matter of principle.
They were the first ones to come off when I bought my S350... and replaced them with 18"; would have loved 17".
My concern is also noise levels.
The change in rim size made a 6dB difference.
Once I get the tires replaced with low noise tires, I should see another drop of 4-6 dB.
I commute 200-300km (125-190mi) per day; the last thing I want is a noise box.
In fact it is a pointless exercise buying an S-Class for optimum low noise and comfort and putting 20" wheels on it.
The wheels will be your number one priority if noise is your concern.
I wish I could have sourced 17" rimes. Hard to get in AU, as nobody buys the car in this config
Good luck

Jaap

The 17" 7-spokes which are original to the W221 were also used on the Vito and the Viano, and they are very cheap over here (saw a set for 180 USD), maybe they have them in AU too.

f-xo

I totally agree with you MaxG. As a matter of fact, my current 7 series is fitted with the smallest rim diameter that was proposed by BM as regular equipment. Besides that, the 5 spoke 17' of the S class is the easiest of the range to keep clean

Can I ask you what (silent) tires have you fitted to your car ?

M-a-x-G

I have the Potenza whch came with the rims. My intention is to replace them with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric 255/45R18. These are the quietest tires possible for this car (speed and load specifications = 300km/h and 750kg), based on European standard noise ratings.
The Potenza is rated at 72dB; the Eagle at 69dB. 3dB equals half/double the noise!

Have a look for options here (it is in German, but I am sure the three parameters needing translation will be a breeze):
Tire Check (in German)