SPORTS PKG IS A HUGE RIP OFF!

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Nov 19, 2014 | 01:25 AM
  #1  
I know I'm going to take heat for this, but every time I see an MB with the so called "Sports Package," I just have to laugh. On the S550, it cost $5,900.00 and you get some "special" wheels and some swoopy body panels. Why in the world should body panels that bend one way, cost any more than panels that bend the opposite way? MB has found THE Goose That Laid The Golden Egg with these Sports Packages. They make so many folks think that adding these ridiculous packages will somehow make their two ton luxo saloon into a 300SLR, when the fact of the matter is that the sports body panels probably have zero effect on the aerodynamics of the car at anything under 120mph--and who has been there lately? And the wheels: I know that the wheels are expensive, but SO ARE the standard wheels. So, just WHAT is the $5,900.00 for? I venture to guess that MB makes more on the Sports Package than on any other option, simply because you really get NOTHING additional for the money. You get different body panels & wheels, that probably cost MB no more to produce than the standard body panels & wheels. And, should anyone wonder what the folks in Stuttgart think about the Sports Packages, just ask them WHY they don't offer the goofy looking things on their mega horsepower S600. The answer is simple: the packages look "boy racer" stupid, they offer nothing in the way of performance enhancements and MB execs want at least ONE S Class model to remain pure, elegant and unadulterated.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 02:15 AM
  #2  
Yes it all profit, but there is nothing boy racer about the look.

M
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 07:26 AM
  #3  
it was an expensive option..............key word here is OPTION
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 07:42 AM
  #4  
I don't understand why you are so upset over $5,900.00. If it is not within your budget perhaps a brand new S-Class is not for you. Maybe you could get a used 2007 model or something closer to your reachable price range like a ML.

It is more than likely that you were naive to believe the "sport" package had anything to do with upgraded performance but I'm sure anyone here who has the sport package clearly understood it was just a styling upgrade. It is quite apparent that you liked the look of the S-Class with sport package until you saw the price for the upgrade.




Also the difference for just for the wheels alone.

18" wheels and tires = $ 1100+ $796.00 = $1,896
vs
20" sport wheels and tires $3700+$1,800=$5,500

No need to be so pretentious in this subforum. Keep that attitude in the C-class forum or bimmerfest.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 07:56 AM
  #5  
Isdreem!!!! how did you make that awesome Mickey car??? LOL!!
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Nov 19, 2014 | 08:26 AM
  #6  
please, there are far worse things.

for instance...the performance package option for an increased speed limiter. I recall it was about $3,000 to raise the limiter from 155mph to 186mph. This can be done with one click of a computer mouse. It costs zero extra...pure profit.

As for the sports package, i find it almost necessary to keep the S from looking a bit too sedate.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 10:04 AM
  #7  
Quote: I don't understand why you are so upset over $5,900.00. If it is not within your budget perhaps a brand new S-Class is not for you. Maybe you could get a used 2007 model or something closer to your reachable price range like a ML.

It is more than likely that you were naive to believe the "sport" package had anything to do with upgraded performance but I'm sure anyone here who has the sport package clearly understood it was just a styling upgrade. It is quite apparent that you liked the look of the S-Class with sport package until you saw the price for the upgrade.


Also the difference for just for the wheels alone.

18" wheels and tires = $ 1100+ $796.00 = $1,896
vs
20" sport wheels and tires $3700+$1,800=$5,500

No need to be so pretentious in this subforum. Keep that attitude in the C-class forum or bimmerfest.
I told you I would catch a load of crap for this, but I just love getting all you "sporty" guys all riled up and most of you, as usual, have missed the point. The point is it's a rip off! It can't cost MB anything more to build a car with the SP or without it, but they know they have all these guys out there who cannot live without it, so they crank the price way up--sort of like a drug dealer. As for how it looks, that's obviously personal preference. As you have probably surmised, I think it looks ridiculous, but hey, that's just me. As for what I can afford, you would be amazed, I assure you. I have a build date of Nov. 24th and my new S, in its beautiful, elegant, non-SP form will tip the scales at just over $117K. Anyway, I'm happy for all you sporty guys out there, I really am. As for me, I like my sedans sedate, but plush, and I'll spend my $5,900.00 on a Full Leather Interior option on my new Targa 4S. Toodaloo!
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 10:16 AM
  #8  
are you angry about something? you sound angry........
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Nov 19, 2014 | 11:17 AM
  #9  
Quote: are you angry about something? you sound angry........
Not angry, laughing, remember?
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 11:33 AM
  #10  
Can we please close this ridiculous thread? The sport pack is no different from any other other option that any other car maker has, options are pure profit at every car maker on the planet.

M
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 11:36 AM
  #11  
Quote: I told you I would catch a load of crap for this, but I just love getting all you "sporty" guys all riled up and most of you, as usual, have missed the point. The point is it's a rip off! It can't cost MB anything more to build a car with the SP or without it, but they know they have all these guys out there who cannot live without it, so they crank the price way up--sort of like a drug dealer. As for how it looks, that's obviously personal preference. As you have probably surmised, I think it looks ridiculous, but hey, that's just me. As for what I can afford, you would be amazed, I assure you. I have a build date of Nov. 24th and my new S, in its beautiful, elegant, non-SP form will tip the scales at just over $117K. Anyway, I'm happy for all you sporty guys out there, I really am. As for me, I like my sedans sedate, but plush, and I'll spend my $5,900.00 on a Full Leather Interior option on my new Targa 4S. Toodaloo!
WOW talk about a sucker being born every min, you talk about Mercedes but you run to the king of profit maximizing options PORSCHE to buy a $5900 leather interior? Porsche makes more per car than any other brand on the planet because of ridiculously priced options like the one you describe. Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees. Either you're being purposely hypocritical or you're just naive. Porsche is doing the same exact thing to you!

M
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 12:01 PM
  #12  
$1.08 for a soda in McDonalds is a ripp off!!! It only cost them .05 cents.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 12:01 PM
  #13  
^I thought the same thing about Pcars LOL!!! they customize so many things your head spins from confusion haha! ever try to configure a Porsche and not get bored?? and watch the price skyrocket as well?
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 01:28 PM
  #14  
Quote: I told you I would catch a load of crap for this, but I just love getting all you "sporty" guys all riled up and most of you, as usual, have missed the point. The point is it's a rip off! It can't cost MB anything more to build a car with the SP or without it, but they know they have all these guys out there who cannot live without it, so they crank the price way up--sort of like a drug dealer. As for how it looks, that's obviously personal preference. As you have probably surmised, I think it looks ridiculous, but hey, that's just me. As for what I can afford, you would be amazed, I assure you. I have a build date of Nov. 24th and my new S, in its beautiful, elegant, non-SP form will tip the scales at just over $117K. Anyway, I'm happy for all you sporty guys out there, I really am. As for me, I like my sedans sedate, but plush, and I'll spend my $5,900.00 on a Full Leather Interior option on my new Targa 4S. Toodaloo!

I debated even responding to your post but decided to chime in.


One could say the S Class is a ripe off--I would not but one could. You entered a slippery slope in your assertion. Just because it does not cost MB close to $5900 (this is pure speculation since we do not know what it costs MB) to manufacture the Sport Package does not mean it is a rip off (if you think this you may not really understand how business works). MB, as any company, is looking at profit margins and what mix of them will provide the margin(s) management will accept. The fact that many of us buy the Sport Package is a good decision for MB management since it probably is a higher then average profit margin item.


This clearly is a personal choice for you to not purchase the Sport Package but I find it odd that you want to "bash" the decisions of people who buy the Sport Package. I know many people that think we are all idiots for buying a car for $100k plus. So what--we all make personal decisions based on our own preferences. I respect the fact that not everyone likes the Sport Package. I also respect that some people like it. I hope you enjoy your non-sport package S class since I believe sport package or non sport package, an S Class is a great car.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 02:28 PM
  #15  
LOL. This thread makes me chuckle.

You don't want it, don't get it.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 02:33 PM
  #16  
For 2014 they definitely toned down the sport packages from the previous w221. Is this part if your reasoning for the post Streamliner?
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 06:19 PM
  #17  
It is overpriced - but I wouldn't get a W222 S-class without it. To each their own.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 06:37 PM
  #18  
My issues with the W222 Sport Package are that the car looks almost too nondescript without it, especially when you don't account for its size. The package itself isn't really "POW" or aggressive enough to justify the price increase, but instead looks more-so like how the S probably should've looked in standard form. In a way, it's actually taking a page straight out of Porsche's book in terms of coaxing you to tick the box.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 06:49 PM
  #19  
Revolution!!!
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 07:06 PM
  #20  
Quote: The package itself isn't really "POW" or aggressive enough to justify the price increase, but instead looks more-so like how the S probably should've looked in standard form.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 08:13 PM
  #21  
Quote: I know I'm going to take heat for this, but every time I see an MB with the so called "Sports Package," I just have to laugh. On the S550, it cost $5,900.00 and you get some "special" wheels and some swoopy body panels. Why in the world should body panels that bend one way, cost any more than panels that bend the opposite way? MB has found THE Goose That Laid The Golden Egg with these Sports Packages. They make so many folks think that adding these ridiculous packages will somehow make their two ton luxo saloon into a 300SLR, when the fact of the matter is that the sports body panels probably have zero effect on the aerodynamics of the car at anything under 120mph--and who has been there lately? And the wheels: I know that the wheels are expensive, but SO ARE the standard wheels. So, just WHAT is the $5,900.00 for? I venture to guess that MB makes more on the Sports Package than on any other option, simply because you really get NOTHING additional for the money. You get different body panels & wheels, that probably cost MB no more to produce than the standard body panels & wheels. And, should anyone wonder what the folks in Stuttgart think about the Sports Packages, just ask them WHY they don't offer the goofy looking things on their mega horsepower S600. The answer is simple: the packages look "boy racer" stupid, they offer nothing in the way of performance enhancements and MB execs want at least ONE S Class model to remain pure, elegant and unadulterated.
Haha. Like others said, it was an option. You did not have to get it.
I paid an extra $6,800 for turbo wheels for my 2006 Cayenne S, back in 2006. Then paid an extra $4,300 for an entertainment system. I sold the car for $12,000 after 4 years and 65,000 miles.
You do not want to know what Ferrari charges for the options.
I personally think that sport package is worth every penny.
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 08:49 PM
  #22  
I agree that the sports package is not worth the money for what you get. But for some people having a car that looks a little different is worth the price. You claim to be supremely wealthy based on how a bunch of S class owners would be amazed at what you can afford. What your supreme wealth has not brought you is an understanding of luxury. A Rolex Daytona doesn't cost $20k because of the cost to make it, nor does a $7k Chanel bag have $7k in materials. Luxury costs what it does because people are willing to spend the money TO BE DIFFERENT.

I for one do try and place a personal value on items I look to purchase. My Daytona made the cut because I love the watch (and the fact that even as a trade in it is up 50% in value since purchasing). Did I get the sports package? Yes. Would I order a car with it? No. I actually prefer the 19" non sports wheels better...
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 09:04 PM
  #23  
It's called exclusivity..and if it isn't oppulent, obtrusive and over priced...then it wouldn't be
Reply 0
Nov 19, 2014 | 09:32 PM
  #24  
i myself am not a big fan of Sports package but the reason MB still makes them is because they have a great demand for them, specially when you trade in the car. so like the others said its all about choices. the more the better, because people who drive these cars have unique and expensive taste.
I think An MB is not an investment and but an investment in Enjoyment. The best or Nothing!!!! What do You think!!
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Nov 21, 2014 | 06:22 AM
  #25  
IMO both the W221 and W222 require the sport package to look just right. Actual costs to MB will be below $200 due to some wheel/tire costs. I do agree with others that it's a silly question; I have yet to see any options that are close to their material value. If the value is perceived you order it, if not, you don't.
I remember having the $13k Designo is our old S-Class. Zero value on resale (unlike the sport package I might add) but loved having it every time I sat in the car
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