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I've had ALOT of cars in my life, sports cars mostly, but the seemingly best hidden gem I can't help but reflect on is my 80 y/o 1-owner (before me) impeccably serviced w221 s550. I wasn't looking for a car when I saw this one, but the car definitely won my heart when I saw it and bought it for a song. The sexy lines and fat hips on the W221 is the best looking model IMO. As you all know the depreciation on these cars is absurd so buying one hoping to flip it will likely disappoint, but the driving experience is INCREDIBLE!!! I love the look, feel, appeal, and driving experience as well as the power that this S-class tugboat has. These beasts can be intimidating to service and daunting to say the least, not to mention the "Mercedes" price tag on everything you purchase for this bus. but I can't help but walk out to the garage, look at it, shut the door and feel a little satisfied that the driving experience is always going to be second to none.
My question to you is............Why do you love or hate yours????
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, and 2017 Mustang GT, and just got a 2023 300C
I am 73 years old but still feel 17. I love my S600 and she is just like a good mistress: expensive to maintain, performs brilliantly, purrs when pushed a little, and never says thank you.
I am 73 years old but still feel 17. I love my S600 and she is just like a good mistress: expensive to maintain, performs brilliantly, purrs when pushed a little, and never says thank you.
I am in my "Sunset years"....when I was young I loved to whip Vettes and Mustangs on the streets (in a VR4)...now, I love to whip Vettes, Mustangs and yes....Hellcats on the streets in my station wagon (fact is, those are are only 'fast' with a pro driver, at a race track, on a good day and prepped tires). As with my former 911 Turbo S...just push your foot to the floor and swear at it...AWD and automatic trans has your back....
Kinda like having a pomeranian, very nice looking but constantly yapping "CHECK ENGINE!, NO GAS!, NEED TIRES! YOUR POOR!" (I could go on but I won't sorry)
Now that these cars have some age, they are not for the fainthearted. But to be honest, if you find one that has been maintained VERY WELL for its whole life, in my experience it has not been too bad! About every month or so I have to fix or do something to it, but it's so worth it!
I remember seeing one of the first when I was very young, sometime around 2007. We were riding in my uncle's brand new CLS and the S-class was coming from the opposite way, it literally looked like a tank to me. It was very intimidating, I knew instantly that it is something special. I absolutely love mine, everything from the power of the M278 engine to the quality of materials.
This car appeals to everyone, from young to old, gangsters to presidents. Did you guys see Kim Jong Un and Putin riding in one a few days ago? What a machine!
I remember seeing and sitting in the new W221 at the SEMA Show in Vegas. I was smitten then.
I agree, nine years ago we bought ours as a two year old 2013 with 15,000 miles for half the new price. I’m not tired of it yet, neither is my wife.
My neighbor has a standing offer to buy our S550 whenever or if we ever decide to sell. I like his description. He said the S Class is the ultimate luxury machine, and one wicked BAD BOY when you put your foot into it. Nothing else compares.
I’ll never forget the first time I floored it from about 25mph. Whoa Nelly! What a surge. I also have a C8 Stingray and the S550’s acceleration is more entertaining if not actually superior.
I really admire the overall competence and capability. One gets the idea Mercedes was serious when they decided to engineer and build the best luxury sedan in the world.
I’m counting on our old car being built to stand the test of time because after all it is a Mercedes Benz. That said, Airmatic strut failures will likely become more prominent as our cars age. I’m dealing with that now. W221 owners could consider air struts as a consumable that will eventually have to be replaced, but only every decade or so.
Just an Epic vehicle
For all the right reasons! I love my S550 4MATIC...
Just an epic vehicle.
Just had my front struts and all that goes with it done, big investment but the originals lasted until 128k miles.
I know some folks may not be keen on the yellow fogs but they are very effective in night time inclimate weather.
Great thread!