Maisach4c

Dear forum members,

I have just joined the site. As all of you I am a long time Mercedes enthusiast. I have recently purchased a new S65(2016). I have to say that I have been a fan of the 65 since 2006. I have owned two CL65's and one S65 before. However I am quite disappointed with the current vehicle. Firstly, the transmission has been extremely rough since the first day. Especially downshifting from 4th to 3rd and 3rd to 2nd gear. The car has been serviced twice for that and apart from a slight improvement there is no difference. I have been told that it is a software issue and a new software had been loaded. The other disappointment that I have is regarding the suspension. It is extremely stiff. I understand that this is a high performance car but we shouldn't forget that this is a S class after all but the suspension feels like a real sports car. The sounds you hear when you drive on a rough road or cobble stones is ridiculous. My question is this: Did mercedes intentionally change the character of this car or is it just a very unsuccessful product? In my opinion the previous two generations were so much more successful. Any comments from readers or owners are much appreciated.

Quadrobenz

Something is not right. I owned a 2006 S65 for 9 years, I now have a 2015 S65. It rides smoother, quieter and more controlled than the 2006. The MBC is engaged up to 81mph in C, it is off in S. For tire pressures I use 43 front, 38 rear. This car rides as good as one could want. In C mode There is only a slight difference between it and the S550's I ride in that the Limo service uses. The S65 corners flatter and has a bit less of a floating feel.
The transmission shifting is almost undetectable. In S under hard throttle it will chirp the tires on upshifts.

Maisach4c

I also owned a 2007 S65 for 9 years. However I have to say the opposite. The old one was much smoother (almost to smooth). However I agree that something must be wrong with the new one.

Quadrobenz

That is possibly because you had a W221 rather than the 2006 W220. The W221 had major improvements in NVH and driving dynamics over the old W220.

Maisach4c

Ahh yes. I thought you had the W221 too. I had a 2006 CL65 which is basically a W220 which I loved.