No judgement. To each their own. Thanks for the answer.

Anyone reading this Thread, please participate in Jason’s poll on this 2018 S Class noise intrusion issue. Thank you.

I’ve hired the No. 1 acoustical engineering firm in SF to do CAPA Root Cause analysis of my 560 and also comp readings in my former 550.
Thought that would be more useful than anecdotal free hand measurements taken by me, a non acoustical engineering professional. Just a frustrated owner.

Exactly. You have defined the problem. The consultant will use a static, non moving Airborne testing procedure where a constant 90dB sound source will be directed at the car. Microphones will be arrayed in the interior at predetermined locations. This same procedure will be performed with my prior 550 since I still have access to it. Goal is to tightly define sound intrusion points vs. the quiet 550.

step one in this process is driving multiple 560s. If I determine that they all have the same noise intrusion problems as my 560, that will indicate a manufacturing/ design deficiency and dictate going down a very different path. If the others are ok vs. my 560, we will set up the sound generator equipment and take recordings on the quiet 560 as well. My old 550 is my gold standard for exterior noise isolation. I want those recordings as baseline.

Just curious. Did the OP test drive the car before he bought it?

My new one is currently going through VPC and will hopefully arrive at the dealer tomorrow. Before any deal is signed, I am going to test drive the car on the freeway for several miles.

Hello. If by OP you mean HSCLA, the guy that’s miserable about the unexpected increase in cabin noise, no.
This was an ordered car. There were no 2018 S Class vehicles to test drive when the order was placed.
I had the reasonable expectation that the new S Class would be no different than my prior 2015 S550 with respect to exterior noise isolation.

Very good move. I can’t wait to learn your impressions! The sensation I have is that either the window is not fully closed or the drivers door is not completely closed. It’s especially noticeable when cars pass by you on the left...Please let me know ASAP!
thanks

“OP” refers to the “Original Poster” or thread starter.

Do you think that you would have noticed this noise in a 15 minute test drive, or is it something that you didn’t really notice until later?

i noticed it immediately. Just make certain you experience cars passing by you on your left. That’s when it’s most noticeable.

You sir, have inspired me. I’m going, right now, down to my local dealer and I’m going to test drive one off the lot. I’ll get it up on the freeway. I’ll report back in a few hours.

Excellent! I’ll be looking for your report.
If the car is quiet, would really appreciate the last 8 of the VIN.

thank you!

Are you referring to this “20182” on the build sheet?

I just looked at my build sheet and it is 2018-2.

I’m fairly certain my car may have this issue based on the few days I drove it in Europe. Its on a boat now and will be stateside next week.

OK, just for you, my friend, I ventured into the Lion’s Den: Fletcher Jones Motor Cars and violated my pledge to never set foot on their lot again. However, this is WAR and someone has to go into enemy territory, right?

I drove a new 2018 S560, non-AMG Line. I took it on the freeway and drove it up to 75mph. I drove with a large truck to my immediate left and purposely drove along side other traffic at speed. I did not ascertain any discerable noise coming into the interior that was beyond what I hear in my current 2015 S550, with the exception that there was more tire noise, but I am running conventional tires on my car. I will say that the car was very smooth with the new 9-speed trans and felt reasonably quicker than my car.

Here are photos showing the VIN. I hope this helps. I know it has put my mind to rest. And, the salesman was so nice, I’ll give him a shot at my business.