meegle

I am in the process of purchasing a new 07 S550 sport but can't help thinking about possibly buying a 06 S65 instead.
I am currently bidding on 2 of the black/black 06 S65 never titled units on eBay. One has 11 miles while the other has 103 miles. I have bid as high as 115k so far but haven't hit the reserve while being high bidder.

I had priced out a 07 S550 sport with my preferred color combo(Obsidian/premium cashmere) and options and can get one at roughly 100k which is about 5k off MSRP.
I am not that crazy about the old body style(W220) but am thrilled about the engine/brake pkg which is why I am even considering the 06 S65 with the full warranty intact.

I did see a 06 silver/black S65 w-11k miles sell for 92k but I am willing to pay a bit more for a "fresh" black S65 with full warranty.

What do you guys think would be a "steal" on these 06 never titled cars? The 07 S550 is absolutely gorgeous in my opinion with plenty of power for my needs while the 06 S65 is just downright brutal and at the "right" price would seem justifiable.


Thanks in advance for your input!

Doctodd33

im in your boat.....but opted away from the 2006 S65 due to the great improvements in the new engine with 382HP....who knows how many more you will be able to squeeze out of it when people start tuning it. The extra 200HP and torque in the S65 just isnt attractive enough or necessary for me for the similar price.....if it was a 2007 S65, then that is a different story. If i want "brutal" ill buy a Cobra replica or a Ford GT and then mod it.....THAT is a brutal car.

So, sorry i didnt answer your question, but the 06 is depreciating by the day, not just the 1st year.

T

Heisenberg

To me, the interior and exterior of the 2007 is so much better I would not even consider the 2006 despite the awesome engine.

The new 550 engine is a big upgrade over the previous 500 engine. I'm very interested to see what Kleemann, Renntech, etc can do with it. It may have a lot of untapped potential, particularly if it is amenable to F/I. You may be able to add 100-150HP for $15k or so if you want.

In the past I always thought AMG was worth the extra coin over the MB counterpart, particularly given the cost of aftermarket mods. In 2007 I'm not so sure of this anymore.

Now if you can swing a 2007 S65... that is the ultimate!

meegle

Thanks for the response. While I do admire both the Ford GT and Cobra's, I already have a few "brutal" cars but unfortunately they only hold 2-passengers and have limited drivebility

I enjoy taking road trips and our Range Rover is getting a little stale hence the reason for one of the S-class.

meegle

I totally agree with you. We have the SL550 and the engine is much nicer than the one in my Cl500.

I too adore the 07 S65 but can't stomach the depreciation

sithlordabe

I think most would feel that $115k for a new '06 S65 would be fair, honestly. Anything more than that and you're definitely not going to get a "steal" on it. I'd be willing to pay $120k for it, but not more. I'm seeing 2007's going for a few K under msrp, so dealers are going to have a hard time getting rid of the extra W220's they have sitting around.

I love the new body style, and the engineering improvements in the W221, so it's a toss up between a newer car that produces less hp/torque, but could still be beefed up with some Kleemann mods, or an older body car that already produces that high hp/torque (and, obviously could produce even more with an ECU flash).

OffshoreRacr

Meagle,

Tough choice. I've been there. Even though I had no real desire to go "back" to a body I've previouslly owned...the engine pkg was what interested me. So here's the game I played with myself.

depreciation. if I buy the 06 65 "right" 100 to 110k I'll take a 30-40k depreciation in 2.5 years and still have a cool car to sell. I'm driving a 175k car that is still a current model under warr ...one that any enthusiest will or would respect. Like any M car or Gbmh. The car has taken its first big hit and should depreciate at normal flagship rates.

as for the 221. same loss in 2.5 years.

However, the 221 is brand new...prepare to spend time at your local MB dealer. BIG factor for me.

Cool factor. Let's see..any of you MB fans reading this will have to admit you'd be more interested telling your buddy that the car next to you had 600+ hp and could crush most anything on the road, than than how beautiful the lines of the new 221 are.

Don't get me wrong it's (221)a beauty, it's fast and has all the new goodies. but it's awfuly nice when a Twin Turbo 911 pulls up next to you and gives you the "nod" and mouths "nice car" ...cause they know about the beast within.

Valet, the 65 always get's put right up front....cause they know.

friends. Mine are car nut's all have the latest and greatest...you name it they got it. They give the 65 the utmost respect. They know.

Driver..if you like to drive...the performance is tremendous....I just don't think I'd enjoy my sunday morning "boys" cruise with 380hp car. I'm sure it would be pleasant...I have 911's,M's and AMG's to keep up with!

in two years when the kinks are worked out I'll be looking at a 221 65. In the mean time.....I'm in car heaven.

regards

M

meegle

Sithlordabe,

Thank you for your response. I have received similar suggestions concerning the Kleemann upgrades so I definitely will keep that in mind.
Right now I am back to square one as Princeton MB informed me this morning that they have taken a deposit locally while the other black S65 over at Autohaus MB in IL wants $160k for me to end their auction

BiTurboAmg

I would say go with the 06 65amg. I know its not the new body but in time when it comes down to selling it there are alot less 65 amgs then 550's. The engine is well worth the money and in a year or two just trade it in for the 07 65amg. If you feel and we all know that the 07 amg will take a big hit from new so will the 550. Go amg and enjoy. I would say you could find a nice s65 amg for 125k at most. Check autotrader.com or if you have a friend at mb ask him to pull a list for you of all the mb dealers in th country with any 05 or 06 s65's on the floor. You also should contact Vadim, he could find you one.
Good luck I know life is tough!!!

whoover

The silver new '06 S65 (twin of the one I just picked up) is still available in Southern California. The price is very good.

meegle

OffshoreRacr,

My sentiments exactly! Glad to hear that you are enjoying yours even with your "live band" nestled in the back seat.

I've been shot down in the current (2) black prospects that I was after.
I know there are numerous used models available in the mid $90k range but I am willing to pay more for a "fresh" never titled unit and not a demo having thousands of miles that was driven by the "boss".

I do realize the status given to the 65's but that is the least of my concerns. I just want one because of what it offers in performance but like yourself not willing to take the brunt of the depreciation.

I know that I would be fairly content with the S550 sport but if I can get an 06 S65 for just a little more....that would be icing on the cake.

Off topic, are you guys going to be ready for the finals in Dustin?

meegle

BiTurboAmg,

I agree with you. I just don't want to spend upwards of $125k when others have sold for much less.
I will take your advice and contact Vadim.

BiTurboAmg

I owuld say a fresh car with 2k miles could be had for 112k. I know there was a cl65 with 10k miles selling for 111k in AZ. So the S65 shoud be the same or even less. Good luck and you will love the v12 tt even more if kleemann gets to tune it!!!!

whoover

Fresh car (less than 100 miles). Cheaper than that. PM me.

meegle

Whoover,

The price is indeed very attractive but unfortunately I am pretty much stuck on black.
I trust you and your wife are enjoying "Dr. Z"

whoover

Meegle,

I know. I was speaking to the community at large, not badgering you.

Yes, Dr. Z is a blast. I can only compare the passing maneuver to engaging warp drive. I can't wait for break-in to end, although it hasn't been possible to avoid exceeeding 85 as specified. Thankfully, the speedometer reads the same needle position as my S55 did, below 100. The extra MPH on this one (220 vs. 160) is done through a compressed scale above 100. Very clever -- I'd never seen that. So a glance at the speedo results in reflexive attitude adjustment.

Only negative: a powerful thirst for fuel. No surprise there. Maybe the thrill of closing every gap five times faster than I need to will wear off and my mileage will improve a bit over time. Sure it will.

sithlordabe

Keep dreaming!

MercedesFTW

Motorwerks in Barrington has a pewter(i think...dark grey?) 06 65 for 130k.

It looks really sharp. Not sure if you only wanted black though.

Also this was from maybe a couple weeks ago, so not sure if it is still there...but I don't think it's moving too fast out of the dealership.

meegle

MercedesFTW,

Yes, black is my only color choice. At $130k, I agree it won't be leaving the dealer anytime soon.

Thank you for your input.

whoover

Check your PM.

NVR_L8

S550, its new and attractive and comfortable! I wish I had your dilemma!

absent

Autohaus on Edens has a Black one ,they want $125k.
Naperville will accept $117k, also Black.

gregwang

Here is the link to Autohaus on Edens Black Beauty with only 103 miles on it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/06-S6...QQcmdZViewItem

And I think this is the one from Naperville with only 50 miles on it:

http://www.automart.com/vehicledetai.../naperville/il

mjr24

It may or may not matter, but I absolutely do not do business with the Autohaus. I had alot of problems with them. Take it for what it's worth.

absent

I'm curious what a 24 month ,no $$ down,lease would be on such heavily discounted car?
I'm sure the new '07 lease factors do not apply here.