S600 vs S65 opinions
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S-65 AMG
S600 vs S65 opinions
My 2007 S65 got rear ended by a Yukon yesterday in Virginia about 350 miles from my house. Everyone is ok and that is the important thing. I am a little sore (both physically and mentally) but other than that no injuries in either car. It was still drivable after the wreck (the Yukon wasn't) and I drove it with the tailpipe dragging to get home while there was a christmas tree worth of alerts and lights on the dash. Had to stop and put air in a tire every 100 miles because the wheel is cracked but it got me home.
I am pretty sure the insurance company is going to total it out. I love this car, it is the first mercedes I have owned and I am going to be in the market for another V12 W221. I am considering an S600 instead of an S65, both because they are easier to find and a bit less expensive as well.
I loved the power and the brutal torque in the S65. There were some things I was not crazy about though. I was not a fan of the 20 inch wheels and the ride was good but not great. I would be willing to trade some handling for a better ride ... not sure if I am willing to trade power though.
I have 6 other cars so I can afford to wait for the right one. When I get it though it will be my primary DD car. I drive about 10,000 miles a year total between all my cars and I typically put about half of that on my S65.
If you have owned both or just one let me know what you think in terms of tradeoffs.
I am pretty sure the insurance company is going to total it out. I love this car, it is the first mercedes I have owned and I am going to be in the market for another V12 W221. I am considering an S600 instead of an S65, both because they are easier to find and a bit less expensive as well.
I loved the power and the brutal torque in the S65. There were some things I was not crazy about though. I was not a fan of the 20 inch wheels and the ride was good but not great. I would be willing to trade some handling for a better ride ... not sure if I am willing to trade power though.
I have 6 other cars so I can afford to wait for the right one. When I get it though it will be my primary DD car. I drive about 10,000 miles a year total between all my cars and I typically put about half of that on my S65.
If you have owned both or just one let me know what you think in terms of tradeoffs.
Last edited by auburn2; Aug 8, 2020 at 09:24 PM.
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
I have an S600. I'd love the extra torque of an S65, but I would definitely not want the 20" wheels here in Pothole City.
Torque like these cars have is addictive, isn't it? "Brutal" is one way to describe it... but what I love is the ability to pull like a freight train with no drama. No screaming exhaust, no shredding tires, just a look of befuddlement on the face of the driver of whatever supposedly fast car is now staring at your tail lights, wondering how that "old man" sedan just handed him his ***.
Anyway. Just remember, you can always ship your ECU & TCU off for a tune that will get you back up into the 600-plus HP range. Or buy another S65 and swap someone for some nice looking 18 or 19 inch wheels.
Torque like these cars have is addictive, isn't it? "Brutal" is one way to describe it... but what I love is the ability to pull like a freight train with no drama. No screaming exhaust, no shredding tires, just a look of befuddlement on the face of the driver of whatever supposedly fast car is now staring at your tail lights, wondering how that "old man" sedan just handed him his ***.
Anyway. Just remember, you can always ship your ECU & TCU off for a tune that will get you back up into the 600-plus HP range. Or buy another S65 and swap someone for some nice looking 18 or 19 inch wheels.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: South Padre Is, Texas
2007 S600, 911 & XJ8
I have a 2007 S600 with 20" AMG wheels and ABC. Funny, I haven't notice poor ride quality on the 20's. In fact, I like the cornering capability of the low profile (35) tires and, the flat cornering of the ABC. I did crack a wheel, however, in a grocery store parking lot, no less. So, I understand the downside.
I can light the traction control "triangle" at 50 mph on dry pavement so, not sure what I'd do with an extra 100 hp.... There's an S65 that lives a block from me but I've never had the opportunity to drive one or talk to an owner. Just guessing here, but I'm thinking the 20" wheels are most of the difference between the 600 and 65. Or, maybe, the wheel swap (AMG's on the 600) is just the right fit?
I've owned mostly 2-seaters so, the full size MB probably feels "cushy" to me. I'll add, my XJ8 is "cushy-er" and handles as good, but only at low speeds and, it's only about 3" off the ground. I kinda like the Teutonic engineering but the Brit's did well also...
So, I can't add much to 600 vs 65 other than they're both V-12's and, having owned three V-12's, different makes, they're pretty cool...
Also, amen on how the "old man" sedan embarrasses RX-8's and Challengers... Ask me how I know....
Regards.... Mark
I can light the traction control "triangle" at 50 mph on dry pavement so, not sure what I'd do with an extra 100 hp.... There's an S65 that lives a block from me but I've never had the opportunity to drive one or talk to an owner. Just guessing here, but I'm thinking the 20" wheels are most of the difference between the 600 and 65. Or, maybe, the wheel swap (AMG's on the 600) is just the right fit?
I've owned mostly 2-seaters so, the full size MB probably feels "cushy" to me. I'll add, my XJ8 is "cushy-er" and handles as good, but only at low speeds and, it's only about 3" off the ground. I kinda like the Teutonic engineering but the Brit's did well also...
So, I can't add much to 600 vs 65 other than they're both V-12's and, having owned three V-12's, different makes, they're pretty cool...
Also, amen on how the "old man" sedan embarrasses RX-8's and Challengers... Ask me how I know....
Regards.... Mark
Last edited by mcypert; Aug 9, 2020 at 02:40 AM.
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
I have a 2007 S600 with 20" AMG wheels and ABC. Funny, I haven't notice poor ride quality on the 20's. In fact, I like the cornering capability of the low profile (35) tires and, the flat cornering of the ABC. I did crack a wheel, however, in a grocery store parking lot, no less. So, I understand the downside.
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From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
So sorry to hear of the damage the S65 sustained and happy that no one was hurt. I have a 2007 S600 with Designo Cognac Brown interior. Love it. Have also been looking for a low miles S65 with no luck. Plenty of higher milers but the maintenance costs of bringing it all back is simply too high.
Decided on a 2016 or newer S600 and if I have to will send it out for a tune. $55-60K cash for a nice one. Look on carguru. You may need to travel which is crazy during Covid-19.
Decided on a 2016 or newer S600 and if I have to will send it out for a tune. $55-60K cash for a nice one. Look on carguru. You may need to travel which is crazy during Covid-19.
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From: Snowville, ID
W212 E350; W166 GLC300; W164 ML550; W164 ML63; W221 S65; W220 S430; Escalade ESV
So sad to hear about the accident. I know it's hard to find a replacement so I have been on defensive mode on my S65. I owned a W220 S600. The differences between S65 and S600 isn't just the engines. Take a look at S65 brake pads...
I eurocharged the S600 with ECU and TCU but it isn't the same as S65. S65 is in a very small exclusive club.
I eurocharged the S600 with ECU and TCU but it isn't the same as S65. S65 is in a very small exclusive club.
Last edited by DrDoe; Aug 9, 2020 at 01:46 PM.
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From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
Not to do a commercial for Hagarty's; but I (double) insure both of my older cars (2000 C5 Corvette and 2007 S600 Mercedes) for $25K each stated value. It costs about a grand a year. But if those cars are totaled by my regular carrier (Travelers); they won't give me $5K each for them because they have no blue book value to speak of. You can call them.
I will interested in hearing what they give you. I am betting $7500. I'd be tempted to buy it back and fix it if the car is basically still good. Salvage title. But who cares if you keep it. My wife front end totaled her 2000 500 SL, they gave us $7500, I had it fixed and repainted same color, she loves it. I pocketed about a grand on that one.
I will interested in hearing what they give you. I am betting $7500. I'd be tempted to buy it back and fix it if the car is basically still good. Salvage title. But who cares if you keep it. My wife front end totaled her 2000 500 SL, they gave us $7500, I had it fixed and repainted same color, she loves it. I pocketed about a grand on that one.
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From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
I agree if I was a buyer. $25K is a good price for a well maintained 2007 S65. I wish I could find one with low miles.
But insurance will look at all sales in the US, reduce that by 30%, and then hit you for your deductible. Remember insurance is the second oldest business (scam) in history.
Good luck.
But insurance will look at all sales in the US, reduce that by 30%, and then hit you for your deductible. Remember insurance is the second oldest business (scam) in history.
Good luck.
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S-65 AMG
I have 84k miles but the car is in great shape. The interior is perfect and it has every option except heated steering wheel. My guess is they will give me $15-20k. For a similarly equipped S-65 in that shape I think I would pay $25-30k.
I doubt it is going to be cost effective to buy it back and rebuild it. That car would bring a lot on a salvage auction because the parts are so expensive, and some are unique to the S-65. So I expect the buyback will be a lot. On the other hand to be fixed it will need a new bumper cover, new trunk, new partial quarters on both sides, the AMG exhaust and one wheel. I am guessing that is $8k in parts right there before any painting or body work. The unibody frame is also bent and may need to be straitened. I have multuiple airbag and seatbelt malfunction alerts on the dash too, maybe that is just a software reset maybe it is something more.
I think this the car is destined for the scrap yard. Hopefully I am wrong and the insurance company pays to repair it.
I doubt it is going to be cost effective to buy it back and rebuild it. That car would bring a lot on a salvage auction because the parts are so expensive, and some are unique to the S-65. So I expect the buyback will be a lot. On the other hand to be fixed it will need a new bumper cover, new trunk, new partial quarters on both sides, the AMG exhaust and one wheel. I am guessing that is $8k in parts right there before any painting or body work. The unibody frame is also bent and may need to be straitened. I have multuiple airbag and seatbelt malfunction alerts on the dash too, maybe that is just a software reset maybe it is something more.
I think this the car is destined for the scrap yard. Hopefully I am wrong and the insurance company pays to repair it.
Last edited by auburn2; Aug 9, 2020 at 04:05 PM.
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From: Snowville, ID
W212 E350; W166 GLC300; W164 ML550; W164 ML63; W221 S65; W220 S430; Escalade ESV
Originally Posted by domr
In my opinion, either will cost about the same to maintain over time. I'd rather throw money at an old car that's a little more valuable so I'd go S65 again.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: South Padre Is, Texas
2007 S600, 911 & XJ8
BTW, those wheels can be TIG welded. Probably especially true if you were able to make it home with just a leak.
Paid $150 in Houston, with tire mounting (Porsche pricing) . $30 down here on the Mexico border but without the tire change (and welder didn't see the MB...).
Regards... Mark
Paid $150 in Houston, with tire mounting (Porsche pricing) . $30 down here on the Mexico border but without the tire change (and welder didn't see the MB...).
Regards... Mark
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From: Snowville, ID
W212 E350; W166 GLC300; W164 ML550; W164 ML63; W221 S65; W220 S430; Escalade ESV
The value of your S65 will drop when CarFax shows up. $13k is 60% of $21667. It's at the borderline. Best is to have it total then keep it. Good lucks!
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S-65 AMG
Financially it would be best, but I am not in it for the money and resale does not concern me. It is going to be a hassle to find a new one as nice as mine, even more so with the Pandemic going on. I would rather have my car fixed right than have to go find another one.
Last edited by auburn2; Aug 12, 2020 at 09:12 PM.
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From: Maryland
Depends on the weather
Usually there is at least a handful of '10-'13, S600's and S65's on CarGuru's. I just checked and there are only three 65's and not one S600....interesting.
I'm on my 3rd S, 2nd S600. You can't go wrong with either if you find the right one. I have had not had issues with any of mine, yet I see some people on here , who have a few issues and others with constant issues. I do have multiple cars but I do drive them on trips of 1000+ miles and have never had an issue. I buy them all 1000+ miles from my house and drive them straight back home and it's always worked out. Just do your due diligence and have patience. The right one will come along.
I'm on my 3rd S, 2nd S600. You can't go wrong with either if you find the right one. I have had not had issues with any of mine, yet I see some people on here , who have a few issues and others with constant issues. I do have multiple cars but I do drive them on trips of 1000+ miles and have never had an issue. I buy them all 1000+ miles from my house and drive them straight back home and it's always worked out. Just do your due diligence and have patience. The right one will come along.
Last edited by WHPH28; Aug 14, 2020 at 05:16 PM.
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W212 E350; W166 GLC300; W164 ML550; W164 ML63; W221 S65; W220 S430; Escalade ESV
I'm thinking about getting another W221 S65. It's 07 with 60k miles. Always service at MB dealer. It got RennTech Stage 3 tunes with Passport jammer and rare Monolites wheels. Asking $35k. What do you guys think?
Last edited by DrDoe; Aug 14, 2020 at 04:31 PM.
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
I speak from experience when I say, "Always serviced at a Mercedes dealer" is absolutely meaningless. So was mine. I'd strongly recommend a thorough pre-buy inspection at a different dealer or an independent shop of known quality. Since it's an '07, I doubt you'll have much success getting an extended warranty (though I could be wrong). Learn from the mistakes of others...
When I was talking to the mechanic about mine, his comment was "Nobody ever sells these cars because they don't like them. People sell them because they're f***ing broken."
When I was talking to the mechanic about mine, his comment was "Nobody ever sells these cars because they don't like them. People sell them because they're f***ing broken."
Super Member
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From: Snowville, ID
W212 E350; W166 GLC300; W164 ML550; W164 ML63; W221 S65; W220 S430; Escalade ESV
I'm not worrying about service contract and I usually buy cars without seeing. Is $35k a good price for $33k RennTech tunes?
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S-65 AMG
I think that is a bit high for a 07. The tune and wheels don't add any value, but if you like it go for it.
