Ride differences between AMG and non-AMG S

Subscribe
Sep 24, 2005 | 11:30 AM
  #1  
Dear forum,

I was wondering if anyone here has some hands-on experience with the ride-style of an S55 and S500. I'm looking with a slanted eye at a 2nd hand S55 and I'm really wondering how/if the smootheness of the ride is different from my S430 with ABC (which is pretty darn smooth).

Of course I could test-drive it, but it's pretty far away from where I am, and I'm not quite sure if I need a 55 (well, I'm quite sure I don't need it, but you know what I mean).

I also have an SL55, and I find its suspension very sporty (if not stiff). Which is just fine for that car, but it's a world apart from the S430. I genuinly wouldn't want such a suspension in an S.

Can anyone share some info on this subject? I'd really apreciate it.

Here's a nice review: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/con...8074166584161/
Reply 0
Sep 25, 2005 | 10:39 AM
  #2  
Quote: Dear forum,

I was wondering if anyone here has some hands-on experience with the ride-style of an S55 and S500. I'm looking with a slanted eye at a 2nd hand S55 and I'm really wondering how/if the smootheness of the ride is different from my S430 with ABC (which is pretty darn smooth).

Of course I could test-drive it, but it's pretty far away from where I am, and I'm not quite sure if I need a 55 (well, I'm quite sure I don't need it, but you know what I mean).

I also have an SL55, and I find its suspension very sporty (if not stiff). Which is just fine for that car, but it's a world apart from the S430. I genuinly wouldn't want such a suspension in an S.

Can anyone share some info on this subject? I'd really apreciate it.

Here's a nice review: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/con...8074166584161/
I would like to doubt that the S55 suspension would be as stiff as the SL55's,but I'm sure it will be a little sportier than a regular S.You may even like it better than the S430's suspension but you'll never know for yourself whether you'd like it unless you test drive one in comparrison. just my .02.



After reading that article I say go for a test drive.Keep us posted.You'll probably take it.
Reply 0
Sep 25, 2005 | 12:46 PM
  #3  
Quote: I would like to doubt that the S55 suspension would be as stiff as the SL55's,but I'm sure it will be a little sportier than a regular S.You may even like it better than the S430's suspension but you'll never know for yourself whether you'd like it unless you test drive one in comparrison. just my .02.
I know, I just found out that the one I was looking at has been sold :-/

I'm pretty picky about the options and colors on the car, and I'd want to buy from an M-B dealer only. But in the whole of Germany (and therefore Europe) there isn't one available now that I fancy...

Quote: After reading that article I say go for a test drive.Keep us posted.You'll probably take it.
I know, that's usually the case with AMG badged Mercedes'...

However, still wondering if anyone has some hands-on experience...

Perhaps S500 with ABC-sport engaged = S55 w/o ABC-sport engaged? That would be nice.
Reply 0
Sep 26, 2005 | 01:36 PM
  #4  
I took a spin in the one and only S55(K) for sale in the Netherlands. Not exactly my color, but it was a nice indication of the differences in my S430 and the S55. The S55 feels heavier (and heftier), but nimble nonetheless (prob. due to the difference in wheels, suspension and engine, and maybe other software settings). The option list was exactly the same on both vehicles (loaded) so I didn't notice any increase in luxury in the cabin. The acceleration was nice, but strangely not as brutal as in my SL55.

I'm not sure if I'm enthousiastic about such an upgrade...

My S:



Reply 0
Sep 27, 2005 | 02:20 PM
  #5  
No I would keep this present S you have.If you want a 5.5L I'd get something totally different. I totally agree with you. If I was gonna get another S after owning one it would have to be the new S/C AMG S55.
Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE