roger23

I currently have a 2001 S500 sport, and ordered my 2003 S55 AMG many months ago. Finally got my allocation from my MB dealer - a December production with a Jan. 2003 delivery. Jumping in to the debate re: S55 vs S600, the S600 will not have the twin spoke alloy wheels of the S55, only the S55 will have them, the S55 will also have AMG specific front seats with AMG badging and more "padding". Also the AMG is the only S Class model to have quad exhausts, vs twin exhausts on the S600. The S55 exhaust system is also tuned to have a more "throaty" sound to the S600. Both are fine cars, but as been said before the S600 is more geared for luxury and top end highway cruising, while the S55 was designed to cater more to the sports oriented driver. Individual tastes differ, so it's difficult to rate one as being better than the other, as each car's characteristics will appeal to different drivers.

Clarence

I also have a Ja 03 delivery (NJ) date on an S55. I can't wait to hear that throaty rumble when those twin exhaust kick out.

Also those Drive-Dynamic front seats actually inflate/deflate instantly to counteract driving forces.

What color and options did you get?

Clarence
2000 740iL

roger23

My S55 - brilliant silver/ charcoal, all standard equipment, plus v60 integrated phone, wood/leather shift knob and steering wheel,rear window sunshade,keyless go,remote trunk closure, parktronic, tire pressure monitoring system,heated rear seats. Here in Canada,(not sure about the USA), two place rear seating is standard equipment. A good photo (available for your pc wallpaper) of the S55, is available on www.germancarfans.com.

Clarence

I did the Obsideon Black w/ charcoal int.
keyless go, wood kit, shades, remote trunk closure.

I have the germancarfan pics on my hard drive already with about 50 others (from scouring the web). Hope to read you when it comes in, I'll post the day mine arrives.
Good luck
Clarence

benznut

Congratulations to both of you for your future cars. I decided to go with the S600, since I believe, and other sources are saying as well, that S55 represents a bigger comprpmise in its class than the S600 which has virtually all the power and more. And I don't mind not having the throaty exhaust or the quad tips in this class of vehicle. That is why I may opt for the SL55, which is much more suitable for these characteristics.

Eventually I will trade in the S600 with the future generation S Class (again 600), around 2007. By that time, Mb will have come up with more space under the hood for the full power from the Type 12, as well as for a four-wheel drive module, not to mention a fresher, up to date design (I hope evolutionary relative to the current, not re-volutionary), and hopefully sleeper seats in the back.