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Replacing S600, advice on which new S to replace it with needed!

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Old Apr 12, 2009 | 02:23 PM
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Replacing S600, advice on which new S to replace it with needed!

Hello all,

As you can see from my signature, I own a 2007 S600, and let me say the car has been fantastic. I just ticked 30K miles and with the facelifted S-classes on the horizon I am recognizing this as an appropriate time to replace the 600. I know I want another S-class, however I continue to contemplate the new S65 and the new S600. So this leads me to inquire about the benefits and negatives about the S65 compared to my 600. I mean I know the fundamental differences between the two cars but I'm really looking for real world differences, such as acceleration differences, braking differences, handling, etc. I would really appreciate any input on the matter. Also if anyone really recommends the S63 over the two I would be interested in hearing about that particular car because I must say I do love the growl of the 6.3 V8.

Thank you all very much,

AMG1
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Old Apr 12, 2009 | 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by AMG1
Hello all,

As you can see from my signature, I own a 2007 S600, and let me say the car has been fantastic. I just ticked 30K miles and with the facelifted S-classes on the horizon I am recognizing this as an appropriate time to replace the 600. I know I want another S-class, however I continue to contemplate the new S65 and the new S600. So this leads me to inquire about the benefits and negatives about the S65 compared to my 600. I mean I know the fundamental differences between the two cars but I'm really looking for real world differences, such as acceleration differences, braking differences, handling, etc. I would really appreciate any input on the matter. Also if anyone really recommends the S63 over the two I would be interested in hearing about that particular car because I must say I do love the growl of the 6.3 V8.

Thank you all very much,

AMG1
The S65 will accelerate faster, brake better and handle better. The S63 will feel anemic, but have the same braking and more neutral handling than the S65.
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Old Apr 12, 2009 | 02:44 PM
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Had '07 CL600, '08 CL63 030; have '09 CL65; will get '10 CL65 upon US release

No brainer choice to get '10 S65, not 600....far superior brakes (pedal feel, stopping dists); more precise/stable chassis (esp at >70MPH); sport seats and sport steering wheel; more tq

Biggest criticism of 600 (aside from codgerly looks only a >75yo could like) is lack of chassis, brakes, seats and steering wheel appropriate for a high hp/tq car

63's major weakness is no tq for 70-100+MPH bursts, e.g., while one is on BT while in routine fwy traffic and finds a hole to blast through; lots of poseur noise (quite embarrassing noise when one knows how anemic is its real-world tq) but no mid-range accel (for anyone accustomed to 65); and an awful plastic interior that belongs in a $35K C300, not a $150K car
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Old Apr 12, 2009 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by WSH
Had '07 CL600, '08 CL63 030; have '09 CL65; will get '10 CL65 upon US release

No brainer choice to get '10 S65, not 600....far superior brakes (pedal feel, stopping dists); more precise/stable chassis (esp at >70MPH); sport seats and sport steering wheel; more tq

Biggest criticism of 600 (aside from codgerly looks only a >75yo could like) is lack of chassis, brakes, seats and steering wheel appropriate for a high hp/tq car

63's major weakness is no tq for 70-100+MPH bursts, e.g., while one is on BT while in routine fwy traffic and finds a hole to blast through; lots of poseur noise (quite embarrassing noise when one knows how anemic is its real-world tq) but no mid-range accel (for anyone accustomed to 65); and an awful plastic interior that belongs in a $35K C300, not a $150K car
IMO, you're not giving the 600 or 63 enough credit.
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Old Apr 12, 2009 | 04:28 PM
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Thanks for the input all, really appreciate it. It seems like everyone tends to lean towards the 65 so I will probably pick up one when they become available. Thanks again.
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Old Apr 12, 2009 | 07:01 PM
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Keep your S600. I have one and it's the best Limo in the world.
These cars are not meant to chuck around, the roadholding and brakes on
my 600 are good, switch on the ABC for twisty stuff, and the acceleration,
well why would you want more, it's a limo, not a sports car.
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Old Apr 12, 2009 | 11:42 PM
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Out of interest when does the Acura come out with a garage like that?
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Old Apr 13, 2009 | 01:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Fraser
Out of interest when does the Acura come out with a garage like that?
I have the Acura to drive when I need to have a lower profile, basically the only reason I have the car other than the fact that it has been a fantastic car, no problems what so ever. I'm thinking about getting rid of it soon though, its just time for a change.

Hope this explains why.

AMG1
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Old Apr 24, 2009 | 05:05 AM
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Originally Posted by AMG1
Hello all,

As you can see from my signature, I own a 2007 S600, and let me say the car has been fantastic. I just ticked 30K miles and with the facelifted S-classes on the horizon I am recognizing this as an appropriate time to replace the 600. I know I want another S-class, however I continue to contemplate the new S65 and the new S600. So this leads me to inquire about the benefits and negatives about the S65 compared to my 600. I mean I know the fundamental differences between the two cars but I'm really looking for real world differences, such as acceleration differences, braking differences, handling, etc. I would really appreciate any input on the matter. Also if anyone really recommends the S63 over the two I would be interested in hearing about that particular car because I must say I do love the growl of the 6.3 V8.

Thank you all very much,

AMG1
well as I have read the S65 AMG is ultimate choice, because of power and handling, downside to the S600 is comfort and for S63 it is not good enough to be compared, because they all say that V12 is better engine.


*and just for info is see that you have Porsche Carrera GT and lots of other good car can you say what do you do for living (casino?)
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Old Apr 28, 2009 | 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Il fenomeno
well as I have read the S65 AMG is ultimate choice, because of power and handling, downside to the S600 is comfort and for S63 it is not good enough to be compared, because they all say that V12 is better engine.


*and just for info is see that you have Porsche Carrera GT and lots of other good car can you say what do you do for living (casino?)
I do architecture and development, no casinos for me lol
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Old Apr 28, 2009 | 07:55 PM
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AMG1,

Nice to talk again! ,

...I have driven many S600's 07's & 08's and I have to tell you, the S65 IMHO is the way to go. The looks of the S65 (with the AMG Body styling, Wheels, Gigantic Brake Calipers, Sharper looking Instrument Cluster, Rear Quad Exhaust) make it so much more desirable for me. The power is awesome and there are even tuning companies out there (renntech, kleemann, etc.) that could make it twice as powerful! Plus, you get the same luxurious ride that you get from an S600. IMO, you get the best of both worlds! (The V12 power and the power and look of AMG) All in one beast of a car! Nothing on the road beats the S65...What other car can you fit 5 people in and blow away almost anything on the road!?! I absolutely love my S65 and I have decided that I am surely trading up for the new facelifted model! ..Good luck with your decision and happy driving!
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Old Apr 29, 2009 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by AMG1
I do architecture and development, no casinos for me lol
Nice job, I played Sim City and made my city, now I am in firm which makes buildings, we pay architecture much here, it's a creative and interesting job, do you have some big works (with pics)?
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Old Apr 29, 2009 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by iluvmys65amg
The looks of the S65 (with the AMG Body styling, Wheels, Gigantic Brake Calipers, Sharper looking Instrument Cluster, Rear Quad Exhaust) make it so much more desirable for me. The power is awesome and there are even tuning companies out there (renntech, kleemann, etc.) that could make it twice as powerful! Plus, you get the same luxurious ride that you get from an S600. IMO, you get the best of both worlds! (The V12 power and the power and look of AMG) All in one beast of a car! Nothing on the road beats the S65...What other car can you fit 5 people in and blow away almost anything on the road!?! I absolutely love my S65 and I have decided that I am surely trading up for the new facelifted model! ..Good luck with your decision and happy driving!
Well you can't get double power , but you can get 100hp or so but no more than 1050NM because that is to much force,

I drove 535d with 560NM and that was so strong pulling power, I wonder how do you handle 1000NM.

You are so lucky to have that car.
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Old May 5, 2009 | 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by iluvmys65amg
AMG1,

Nice to talk again! ,

...I have driven many S600's 07's & 08's and I have to tell you, the S65 IMHO is the way to go. The looks of the S65 (with the AMG Body styling, Wheels, Gigantic Brake Calipers, Sharper looking Instrument Cluster, Rear Quad Exhaust) make it so much more desirable for me. The power is awesome and there are even tuning companies out there (renntech, kleemann, etc.) that could make it twice as powerful! Plus, you get the same luxurious ride that you get from an S600. IMO, you get the best of both worlds! (The V12 power and the power and look of AMG) All in one beast of a car! Nothing on the road beats the S65...What other car can you fit 5 people in and blow away almost anything on the road!?! I absolutely love my S65 and I have decided that I am surely trading up for the new facelifted model! ..Good luck with your decision and happy driving!
Many thanks to you for your opinion, I'm thinking the S65 will for sure be the way to go!
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Old May 13, 2009 | 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by sound 8
Keep your S600. I have one and it's the best Limo in the world.
These cars are not meant to chuck around, the roadholding and brakes on
my 600 are good, switch on the ABC for twisty stuff, and the acceleration,
well why would you want more, it's a limo, not a sports car.
Well there's no need for him to use the s600 as a limo when he has the maybach 62 in the garage. Why not combined the beauty of the S class limo style and monster amg engine to create the ultimate super car the S65. Trust me the thing is a beast. Sounds like a monster but still maintains the beauty of the s class.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by PAYRENT23
Well there's no need for him to use the s600 as a limo when he has the maybach 62 in the garage. Why not combined the beauty of the S class limo style and monster amg engine to create the ultimate super car the S65. Trust me the thing is a beast. Sounds like a monster but still maintains the beauty of the s class.
I agree, the 65 would be the ultimate combination between performance and luxury.
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Old May 16, 2009 | 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted by WSH
Had '07 CL600, '08 CL63 030; have '09 CL65; will get '10 CL65 upon US release

No brainer choice to get '10 S65, not 600....far superior brakes (pedal feel, stopping dists); more precise/stable chassis (esp at >70MPH); sport seats and sport steering wheel; more tq

Biggest criticism of 600 (aside from codgerly looks only a >75yo could like) is lack of chassis, brakes, seats and steering wheel appropriate for a high hp/tq car

63's major weakness is no tq for 70-100+MPH bursts, e.g., while one is on BT while in routine fwy traffic and finds a hole to blast through; lots of poseur noise (quite embarrassing noise when one knows how anemic is its real-world tq) but no mid-range accel (for anyone accustomed to 65); and an awful plastic interior that belongs in a $35K C300, not a $150K car
+1 on the terrible interior of the S63 AMG. The S550 and 63 AMGs have terrible interiors in the United States. The door panels are single injection moulded vinyl pieces (no pleated leather panels) standard. If you get the S550 or S63 AMG, one should consider upgrading the interior with a Designo package. This will help rectify the lacking interior problems.
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by AMG1
Thanks for the input all, really appreciate it. It seems like everyone tends to lean towards the 65 so I will probably pick up one when they become available. Thanks again.
Why dont you pick up a S600 and get a Renntech ECU/TCU done to it?

It will surpass the S65 in hp and torque. For a total of $10k, you can get the suspension, ECU, and a brake upgrade that will pass the S65 up.
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Old Jun 19, 2009 | 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by AMG1
I agree, the 65 would be the ultimate combination between performance and luxury.
If i were you i would probably go for the S600, spending that extra $$$ isnt really worth it especially with real world scenarios, I mean here in dubai we have speeding cameras every 2Km so the only real big is that 0-100 after that its 3 week confiscation lol... but hey thats my 2 cents
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Old Jun 19, 2009 | 01:31 PM
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Logically, there is little to justify the 25% price increase of an S65 to an S600 Sport (which I am told will come standard in the US). However, the cerebral difference, i.e. your own perception and feeling towards your car, is a completely different proposition. I say if you can spring for the added price, don't deny yourself what you already feel is the best: S65. Given your current garage and financial imperviousness I assume from it, considering advantages of S-es lesser than the 65 seems is simply stalling .
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Old Jun 19, 2009 | 04:32 PM
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Get the S600 sport, tune it+pop some AMG brakes, and with the cash left over get a lotus elise IMO. It's not that much more you get in the S65 to make it worth it.

I do love the S65, but not worth the extra $50k.
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Old Jun 20, 2009 | 11:14 PM
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My vote is for the 2010 S65. I too have a 600 and anything less would disappoint me. I'd have to go up to a 65 to even consider trading. The biggest improvement between the two will be the brakes. That is the only thing I wish I had was S65 brakes
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Old Jul 9, 2009 | 04:48 PM
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I too think you should go with the S65. Right now, there is no sport package for the 600, but even so, the AMG has many benefits:

Faster shifts from a more aggressive TCU

Obviously more power stock, and more power with a tune

Retuned, lower, stiffer suspension that you can't do to the 600

Better wheels (the stock 65 wheels are $9,440 option on the 09s)

Much better brakes, and to upgrade the 600 to a similar level is going to be very $$$

Sounds a bit nicer from the factory.

Sure you can modify the 600 and get more power, and just as good brakes, but the suspension will not be the same, and I think there are a few other chassis upgrades as well? Someone else would know better. But if you do similar mods to the 65, it will be even better. So...

So I say go with the S65.
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Old Jul 9, 2009 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by BenzBoy12
Sure you can modify the 600 and get more power, and just as good brakes, but the suspension will not be the same, and I think there are a few other chassis upgrades as well? Someone else would know better. But if you do similar mods to the 65, it will be even better. So...
A common misconception. A modded 600 is just as fast as a modded 65. I'm too lazy to find all the data for you speed freaks but maybe theRicker can chime in and post his dynos and datas.

Bottom line, nearly the same engine.
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Old Jul 9, 2009 | 09:41 PM
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Well, ok, yeah, they're pretty close. But once more products become available, the headroom with the bigger turbos and the extra half a liter might start to be more of a help. Of course, even a stock 600 has a hard time putting down the power, any more is not gonna help too much, haha.
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