Considering a W221 S65
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 39
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Yugo
Considering a W221 S65
Hello, all. I am considering this as my next purchase and need some clarity as I look for potential candidates.
To start, aside from the obvious of later years being newer and potentially less miles, is there any reason to look for a later model year specifically? Aside from the cosmetic changes like the LCI tail lights, were there any technical/mechanical/electronic updates throughout that make it worthwhile to look for a later year?
Are certain years know to be more reliable than others?
Do all of them come with ABC, or was that an option and it could be either ABC or AirMatic?
Is the B&O sound system noticeably better than the HK?
Thanks.
To start, aside from the obvious of later years being newer and potentially less miles, is there any reason to look for a later model year specifically? Aside from the cosmetic changes like the LCI tail lights, were there any technical/mechanical/electronic updates throughout that make it worthwhile to look for a later year?
Are certain years know to be more reliable than others?
Do all of them come with ABC, or was that an option and it could be either ABC or AirMatic?
Is the B&O sound system noticeably better than the HK?
Thanks.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 4,574
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Hello, all. I am considering this as my next purchase and need some clarity as I look for potential candidates.
To start, aside from the obvious of later years being newer and potentially less miles, is there any reason to look for a later model year specifically? Aside from the cosmetic changes like the LCI tail lights, were there any technical/mechanical/electronic updates throughout that make it worthwhile to look for a later year?
Are certain years know to be more reliable than others?
Do all of them come with ABC, or was that an option and it could be either ABC or AirMatic?
Is the B&O sound system noticeably better than the HK?
Thanks.
To start, aside from the obvious of later years being newer and potentially less miles, is there any reason to look for a later model year specifically? Aside from the cosmetic changes like the LCI tail lights, were there any technical/mechanical/electronic updates throughout that make it worthwhile to look for a later year?
Are certain years know to be more reliable than others?
Do all of them come with ABC, or was that an option and it could be either ABC or AirMatic?
Is the B&O sound system noticeably better than the HK?
Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 18
Likes: 5
From: So Cal
CL600, Transit Connect
W221 S65
All came with ABC, Airmatic was not an option.
Drivetrain stayed the same throughout the W221 run. Very early cars had Comfort and Sport transmission settings. Starting with 2008 it became Comfort, Sport, and Manual.
B and O is better, smoother response, much less of a pushed nasal tone in the midrange, better bass definition.
Post facelift offered Lane assist, Water temp readout in AMG window along with Oil temp and Voltage. Also added a Sport mode for the ABC suspension.
The ignition coil pack system stayed the same throughout W221, in the W22 M279 it was changed to individual coil per plug.
Early S65 had greater oil consumption, it isn't a problem, just be aware. They also had a unique passenger side idler that is nla.
The repair is to replace the front opper timing cover on that side. Later cars used the same as the standard V12's.
Good luck in your search.
Drivetrain stayed the same throughout the W221 run. Very early cars had Comfort and Sport transmission settings. Starting with 2008 it became Comfort, Sport, and Manual.
B and O is better, smoother response, much less of a pushed nasal tone in the midrange, better bass definition.
Post facelift offered Lane assist, Water temp readout in AMG window along with Oil temp and Voltage. Also added a Sport mode for the ABC suspension.
The ignition coil pack system stayed the same throughout W221, in the W22 M279 it was changed to individual coil per plug.
Early S65 had greater oil consumption, it isn't a problem, just be aware. They also had a unique passenger side idler that is nla.
The repair is to replace the front opper timing cover on that side. Later cars used the same as the standard V12's.
Good luck in your search.
