Psycho

I have an 07 CL550 coming off lease, and am looking at the 09 S550 and 09 S63. Those of you who have owned (or driven) both, are there any disadvantages with the S63 (ride comfort, tire noise) that I should be concerned about?

hubitubi

the s63 (on stock rims and ride height) has an unbelievable air suspension that is extremely comfortable just like a s550. i do not think u will be able to tell the difference in comfort between the 2 cars. and you can not hear any tire noise at all when driving it.

so you should have no worries if u go with a s63 over a s550

sprins

Actually it is hydraulic suspension.

FloridaE55

S63 all the way.
If you would consider a S600, that might be something different (S63 has some advantages over S600 and vice versa) but the S63 AND S600 are in a different league than the S550.

Stig

That's interesting what are the actual differences between both (except engines cause that's obvious)? Are the all three settings of ABC (comfort, sport, manual) exactly the same in S63 and S600 or maybe S63 is stiffer? Any other differences?

C280 Sport

Depends on your driving. Where do you live? Do you need 4Matic? If so then you will have to get the S550 over the S63. Do you want to have it as a daily driver with lots of power or settle for something softer? All depends on what are you are looking for in a S CLass. I know one thing both are fantastic choices.

Stig

I was talking about S63 vs. S600. Neither of them has available all-wheel drive. And it's not about what I'm looking for but about differences between these cars. So what are they?

Stig

Anyone?

xlr8tin

Do a search

One is AMG and the other isn't...that right there should tell you a lot. Stiffer suspension, bigger brakes of the S63. V8 vs V12. The S600 might come with many more options. Either way you are better off using the search, you can get all your questions answered and more

Stig

I did and I haven't find any answer if comparing these two cars all three settings of ABC are different.

Thank you, Captain Obvious.

Bigger brakes - ok. Engines - I said differences EXCEPT engines. Read carefully, man. Options - all the possible equipment is the same. Only difference is that S600 have more gizmos as standard.

RobertM

I have the same questions, you can get a CPO 2010 s550 for the same price as a CPO 2009 s63. I currently have a 2007 s550 that wife drives and I have a panamera. Looking to get out of the panamera and into a more comforatable ride for the daily driver. I have had tons of benz's and if it is not warranty related I take it to a shop that only works on mercedes. I called the owner and pasted his text to me.

2009 s63
The engines are junk
That is why they are so cheap
Lots of Problems
Camshaft
Cylinder Heads
Fuel
Bad Gas Mileage
Junk junk junk

i would hate to get a car and show up at his shop for repairs that for him to say, did I not tell you to stay away from the s63 unless it was a bi-turbo (which are fantastic cars).

thoughts

tonykharper

If this is what he told you about the 2009S63 I would stay far away from his shop.

To answer the first question about S63 vs S550. You just have to drive them both. No amount of data or stats will convince you which is right for you.

In short the S550 feels like a big heavy comfortable boat, and the S63 feels more sports like and it does not have that heavy feeling about it, but is still very comfortable. Which ever you buy/rent make sure it has Distronic plus.

If you want the real deal get the S-65 and be done with it!

rominl

i think it's pretty insane to say s65 has less stuff to worry about than s63

tonykharper

The S-65 has a lot to worry about, but it is a wonderful thing to worry about.

If you don't want to worry get a Honda.

malahhaor

If you like the drive of panamera you probably want to look for s63. You already know how 550 drives assuming your wife lets you drive her car the 63 will be a little stiffer than 550 but softer than panamera and much more comfy. With amg tuned abc and 500 hps I think you'll have the best of both worlds between s class and panamera. Just make sure to look for one with options you want and get decent warranty and enjoy.

rominl

my post was towards RobertM whose technician said s63 is problem and should go with bi-turbo (which means s65 or at least s600). that doesn't make sense. if you get a car like this, you are ready for all the work associated with it

tonykharper

romini,

I think we are in perfect agreement. It is his techy that is out there.

Tony

puranm

Hi there, I am also looking to buy a S63, the price on a used 2010 S63 is same as a new 2012 S550. But the engines on S550 and S63 have changed from 2011 onwards.

2010 S63 = 518HP & 465 lb-ft
2012 S550 = 429HP & 516 lb-ft
2012 S63 = 536HP & 590 lb-ft

The torque on 2012 S550 is higher than 2010 S63. I look forward to your opinion about which car would be a better choice. I don't care about mpg.

Also, the S550 is sold as twin-turbo while the S63 is sold as Biturbo - any inputs on this would be helpful as well. Thanks.

malahhaor

Oy Vey folks.
Theres more to it than just power differences. AMG handles better but rides stiffer. Engine and transmission is much quicker to respond and AMG brakes a ton better.

S550 is somewhat fast and comfy. S600 is comfy and faster. S63 is much sportier, you get sportier driving but lose comfort. then you need to see what options you want. 600 will have many standard where as on 550 and 63 they are addons.
550 will be cheapest to maintain.
No one can explain it to you more than that. you need to drive it and see what you like.

Ikozlik

Hi. I'm looking at buying a 2007 s65 with 90k miles. Since the car is so technologically and mechanically complex, I'd love to hear from current/recent owners how expensive I should expect the maintenance on this to be. Also since its out of warranty, is there a reasonable and RELIABLE warranty option. Any feedback is GREATLY appreciated!!

kalortpor

When I looked into the S65, I ended up going with the S550 for that reason. I wanted it to be a daily driver and putting on 100 miles a day, I already cringe at that even with the S550. The depreciation on a S65 driven 25,000 miles/year would make most people want to run and hide! It wouldn't be as much of an issue if you're climbing aboard at 90,000 miles.

What did it for me was the cost of tires and brakes. The car has humongous rotors, $800 each even on discount sites like rockauto.com, and the smallest wheels large enough to fit them are 20". Some of you already put 20" or larger on your cars, but in this case you have no choice. I got 70,000 miles out of my last set of 18" Continentals. For 20" I would be lucky to get 1/4 that amount, and people have gone through sets in under 10,000 miles. They're more expensive than 18" and 19" tires too, in my case that could be $2500 per year or more in tires. Brake pads are a lot more expensive too, and a full brake job would average around 50,000 miles, though that's dependent on driving habits. In a car like that though, you'd expect to drive it in a manner that gives the brakes a workout.

And that engine uses 24 spark plugs! You won't be getting a tune-up so often sure, but it's just indicative of the sheer badassery of the car (how many quarts of oil does the engine take....12?). So $3000 a year in consumables is not out of the question. In my case, it would be a lot higher than that.

Most S65 drivers will tell you it's worth it, but it all depends on how much sense it makes given your own situation. Also, if you're able to find a reasonable warranty, that might tilt the cards in your favor. But the aftermarket warranties I've been quoted all only went to 100k miles, so I'm not sure how much longer you'd be able to get coverage for if you can find it, and it's pricey for AMGs....Perhaps some more members can chime in with the warranties they've used.

kompressede

Interesting reading the variouse comments. I'm thinking about the same thing so I'll probably just go for a few test drives? I think the best all around option will be the S550 because living in the North East its nice to know if you get cought in some crappy weather you'll still going to make it home.
I saw (heard) an S63 last night and I'm like, man that sounds good.

stever500

The rear badging on the S63 will set you off from the rest of the crowd. The rear badging rocks on the S63.

Nice wheels and exterior in my opinion. Will still handle decently in the bad weather with good tires. I plan on driving mine in the Northeast all winter, since I don't have a choice anyway.