4Matic vs RWD
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I think you'll be fine with the RWD. If it was a real big snow area like Maine or VT or something like that I'd say go with the AWD. As you know its very hard to find a car like the one you've found with those options. I found a car with similar options a couple years ago used and jumped on it, no regrets.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I had a RWD 190E, an A4 Quattro and 2 4matics. What I can tell you is this. With the 190E I couldn't climb any grades with snow until I put bags of sand in the trunk. Now that was with Michelin MXV tires and actually after I added the weight I got around pretty well. Obviously I would have been better served to have purchased winter tires like blizzaks.. With the Quattro I once was able to go up a hill that I couldn't stop on going down it. The 4matics are more stable than the Quattro was on the snow.
On my W212 I have had to replace both the transfer case and front differential. Good luck reselling a RWD around here even though our winters aren't that bad (maybe a couple fo snow days a winter).
So while I would prefer the simplicity, reliability, improved fuel mileage and better drivability of the RWD, for my use case I would only buy a RWD if I didn't have to drive it in snowy weather and I had no intention of reselling the car. Which is a possibility.
On my W212 I have had to replace both the transfer case and front differential. Good luck reselling a RWD around here even though our winters aren't that bad (maybe a couple fo snow days a winter).
So while I would prefer the simplicity, reliability, improved fuel mileage and better drivability of the RWD, for my use case I would only buy a RWD if I didn't have to drive it in snowy weather and I had no intention of reselling the car. Which is a possibility.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Feb 5, 2023 at 11:36 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
I am mainly in south east Idaho and then sometimes in Salt lake city too. Color is Designo Cashmere White Magno Matte. It checks all the options I'd want (3D Burmester, HUD, AMG exterior, Porcelain & Black Exclusive Nappa Leather; designo Black Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines, and some other interior goodies...). I have been hunting for a loaded S-class like this for 6 months now.
Last edited by S_W222; Feb 6, 2023 at 01:06 AM.
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From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
I am mainly in south east Idaho and then sometimes in Salt lake city too. Color is Designo Cashmere White Magno Matte. Mileage is around 17K miles model year 2020. It checks all the options I'd want (3D Burmester, HUD, AMG exterior, Porcelain & Black Exclusive Nappa Leather; designo Black Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines, and some other interior goodies...). I have been hunting for a loaded S-class like this for 6 months now.
If that's the car, at Legend Auto Sales, let me know if you want me to check it out for you. If it's not, then if you miss that other for some reason, you have another to choose from here in the Seattle area.
Last edited by carlosinseattle; Feb 6, 2023 at 11:07 AM. Reason: spelling while sleepy
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 29
From: Southern California
Mercedes S550
Didn't notice it anywhere in the responses, but you can ONLY get "Magic Carpet Ride" in a RWD S-Class. It's the hydraulic suspension system, which has been offered since 2014 with camera control for the suspension. We've had the ABC (hydraulic suspension) in our last 3 S Classes, with the latest (2015) having the Magic Carpet Ride camera control. We live in Southern California, and very seldom go to snow or ice areas. So, no winter climes, and RWD is ideal. But, the option is absolutely fantastic. We love it!
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 1,508
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Didn't notice it anywhere in the responses, but you can ONLY get "Magic Carpet Ride" in a RWD S-Class. It's the hydraulic suspension system, which has been offered since 2014 with camera control for the suspension. We've had the ABC (hydraulic suspension) in our last 3 S Classes, with the latest (2015) having the Magic Carpet Ride camera control. We live in Southern California, and very seldom go to snow or ice areas. So, no winter climes, and RWD is ideal. But, the option is absolutely fantastic. We love it!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,627
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
4-Matic gets Airmatic for suspension. 4-Matic has two more fluids to change at regular intervals. No biggie. I have got to replace a transfer case and a couple of front differentials over the years.
Rear drive can have MBC or Airmatic.
I choose MBC every time.
Rear drive can have MBC or Airmatic.
I choose MBC every time.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 1,508
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
The car I was considering also had MBC, so I was okay with RWD because that is the only way to option MBD. I refer RWD-BMC over 4-Matic too. The problem is that the dealer was shooting for the moon in his prices and I found a few maintenance items that need to be done, so I asked them to cover it or I will pass. No decision been made yet, but likely it is a no-go. On to the next search/hunt.
