Purposefully posting here because everyone has a W211 AMG. Considering a W221 S550 as a daily option. I was considering a W211 E550 but my concerns are a few. One, they are rare and hard to find in my area. I think they are also somewhat sought after. Two, I don't just want a lower performance copy of my E55, I want something that's enjoyable in a different way. After doing my research on the M273 and W221 in general I feel like I can roll the dice on one because the V12 ABC car that I really want is just a complete non-starter for a boatload of reasons that are obvious. The S550s seem pretty common and, again, an Airmatic M273 car seems like something I am more than capable of maintaining. I am aware of the M273 timing gear issue and know how to check for that.

I am considering the S550 because I do actually like big cars so for those of you who do not find that appealing, I understand.

I finally drove my first S-class ever yesterday. It was an 07 S550 4Matic with like 79k. Drove like a new car. Buyer is asking too much and honestly I don't want a 4Matic car. Makes service more of a pain, adds weight, reduces gas mileage and is more likely (in general) to have more corrosion issues by virtue of where it was operated.

Here is my brief take:
- Very quiet.
- Good, commanding seating position. Did not have "OMG these are amazing" seats perhaps because my E55 already has good seats...
- Brake feel was actually superior to my E55. I blame SBC. I know braking performance is probably not great but the feel was superior for sure.
- The steering was pretty good. Really nice on-center. No play. I'd have to say it was better steering than my E55 overall. But the E55 isn't known for good steering.
- Honestly it drove like a brand new car. I was amazed. Suspension felt brand new to me.
- The ride/handling balance was actually shockingly good. The car had actual road feel, and comfort. I was able to barrel down some side roads with no issues at all. I did not find it too big for its own good and the turning radius was outstanding, especially for a long wheelbase car. The body control was actually quite good.
- I didn't get to test the audio but I find the H/K in my E55 to be barely passable and I was hoping the much fancier H/K in the W221 would be way better.
- Did not have as many toys as I wanted but that's down to the individual car. My inability to own an adaptive cruise car continues. Sigh.
- I was let down by the acceleration. Doesn't help that I daily drive my E55 (that will end soon). But even considering expectations it was slower than I expected (should run something like a 13.7 @ 101). Now, it had 3 people in it. I don't know how much 4Matic slows these down. And for all I know the current owner was running it on 87. More variables. The one thing that shocked me was the way it launched from a dig. Very impressive snap but then it was basically a let down after 12 mph or whatever. The ratios feel long even though it has the 7G. I am kind of hoping that a RWD one with just me in it on a tank of 93 will add enough extra oomph to be acceptable. Just a guess though.
- The interior was basically in like-new condition. This comes down to the individual car but just mentioning it. It was babied by its previous owner (who died) and owned it for almost 11 years. I even talked to the family mechanic.
- Exterior was not as mint but was still pretty nice.
- Everything I tested worked.
- Slight whiff of coolant near the radiator but engine bay was clean otherwise. Underneath was also clean (what I could see - I did bring ramps for inspection).
- No DTC for like 14k in the OBD-2 readiness. Take that, BMW.
- Lots of low voltage codes (it sits a lot) and a few others that could be concerning but nothing seemed wrong with the car, at all.

All that said - looking for folks who have daily driven a W221 and if that's a good match for your W211 AMG. For what it's worth, the previous owner of my E55 had a W221 S550 4Matic (which he wasn't selling) so maybe that means something. Also, I do expect to drive it in the snow occasionally. I still don't want a 4Matic car, as I explained above.

 

I don't have a 550 but plan to replace my 00 S500 with one. It has 260k miles, is on it's last leg but every time I drive it I think " wow, this is comfy" and can still cruise all day at hwy speeds. Airmatic has been replaced of course, rears 2x. Other than that no major problems. Mobile 1 0-40 every 10k and I didn't buy into the lifetime tranny fluid so serviced that once, maybe 2x. Michelin's seem to last plenty and I can't remember the last time it needed brakes, and I'm not gentle with either pedal. I've been told to avoid the 07 as it was 1st yr but not sure it really matters or not.
What is the issue you're referring to and how do you check for it?

 

First year cars are most always more difficult. Lots of experimenting before possibly figuring it out.

 

Have you thought of the facelift W221 S550 ? The facelift looks way nicer and is still modern design-wise. Plus, you would be having all the updated HW including latest module SW version.

 

I was looking to stay closer to the $10k range, not $20k range.

 

Some people have the most random issues, electronic and mechanical in their W221's. I had an 07 4matic years ago that I daily drove and didn't have any issues. I enjoyed it and then bought an S600 and drove both for a while. I eventually got rid of the W221 because the S600 was a night and day difference, especially the interior. I ended up buying a 2nd S600 after the first one and I would buy a 3rd. Several mods available, although more expensive than mods for an E55, but it's worth it to me. I definitely like the V12s. I've purchased all of them no less than 1000 miles away and fly down and drive them back and have never had an issue. I drive from MD to FL and back often and never think twice about reliability.

The S550 is comfortable, quiet, and spacious. If you're not looking for power and just a daily driver, it's a good car, as long as you find one with out all of the gremlins that some people seem to encounter, which can rack up $$$ and/or just become an annoyance. If I got in and saw the interior and also drive the S600 before I got the S550, I would have never got the S550.

I like the W221 body better than the W222 for personal reasons. I find that when looking at the W222 I sometimes have to look twice to see if it's a c, e, or s class because they have such similar features...the W221, you know it's a W221.

Some people think the W221 is an "old man" car, especially because it's big but I enjoy the v12 w221 myself..and it's a sleeper.

 

Thanks, that's great feedback. I think ABC scares me more than the V12 in some ways. But again pulling the engine to replace a $1200 water cooled alternator does not appeal unless there is another way to do it.

For my price range and the fact that this is going to be the winter/daily type car when I am not driving my E55, I think the S550 is a better option even though I give up a little more performance than I wanted to. But your comments on the S600 are very interesting. I assume you are talking about the W221 S600, not W220 right?

 

Correct, the W221 is mine in the video above. I'm on my 3rd W221. One S550 and two S600's.

I daily mine for the most part when it's warm out but I don't really drive it when it's cold/rain/snowing. The S550 is definitely better for a winter/daily, especially considering the price of replacing some things that can't be DIY. If the E55 is your main car that you want to keep clean and well cared for and invest the most in, get the S550 for a daily.

 

Yes the E55 is in the garage and this car will be outside, until I get my act together and build another garage.

If it turns out I really need something with a little more juice I can always sell it so I think I'll be alright. And it does sound like the S550 is a very reasonable car to own. FWIW, the previous owner of my E55 still has his 09 S550 4Matic. I actually called him and asked about the car. He said it's a great car and would buy another one. Bought with 85k in 2014 and has like 138k now. This is like a little secret I think. Most people are scared of them. I also realize that not everyone likes big-*** long wheelbase cars but I sure do. Always have.

 

We’ve had our 2010 S550 for about 3 months. Had an 09 SL550 which was a great car but not big enough to take trips in. Wife loves daily driving the S550 even though I might not mind the V12. With 383 hp the S550 seems to have plenty of power, especially between 65 and 90 mph, smooth even acceleration. I can’t imagine a more comfortable, safer freeway car, though I did see an S65 being auctioned on MBmarket that caught my eye. Every time I mention to my wife that I wouldn’t mind having the S65 she rolls her eyes and says the S550 has plenty of power. For what it’s worth.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Ended up going with the local S550 4Matic. First in-state car I've ever bought so this was the easiest transaction I've ever made (went from offer to plates in the same day). Made a cash offer and the seller accepted. It was an estate car. About 79k. Silver, black interior. Fairly basic options which all seem common on these such as Keyless Go, Parktronic, nav, etc. It doesn't have any of the cool stuff that I wanted but the mechanical condition seemed above average, and the interior is basically in new condition. It has the 18s which means I can rotate the tires and they have a little more cushion for terrible New England roads. Actually upon further inspection it seems the tires are 10-12 years old. Michelin MXM4s. That will be among the first things to address.

It has the updated M273 and according to the service history it seems to have had a several common things addressed, notably the conductor plate, shift module, and possibly the updated cam phaser harnesses. Maybe more things, too. Previous owner bought it in 09 as a CPO car with 58k. Only concern is it obviously sat a lot.

It is such a nice driving car. It's like a plane. After bonding with it a little I think the power is totally fine. I actually like the engine and trans. The trans behavior is way better than the 5G, but that's expected.

Oh, one issue so far. The "check oil at next fuel stop" came up. It miraculously has a dipstick but it looked to be in the middle of the range. About 4k on this oil. Seller said she thought the oil was overfilled and the warning was actually coming on for that but being in the middle of the range seems like it should not complain about oil level. Maybe a bad sensor? I'll have to investigate. Can't even figure out how much oil this thing holds. I think 9 qts but the previous owner liked labels and wrote 8.5 qts in multiple places. He was an Air Force pilot. Died in a motorcycle accident. At 81. What a badass.

I have a lot more thoughts but that's enough for now. I'll put up a few pics in a bit.

 

Congrats, looking forward to seeing the pics.

 

I don't have really any good pics yet. And it's already gotten filthy since buying but this will give you an idea.

I feel like the silver with the base 18s is the old man spec. I'm fine with this because I don't have to compete with the guys who would pay thousands more for a black AMG package car or whatever. Silver is a great daily driver color anyway. And as I already said the 18s are the best for my situation. Most sidewall, same size front/rear, cheapest tire prices.


There's my E55....

Front pass door had a pretty poorly matched respray (or maybe just a re-clear) that is very obvious from certain angles. I'm fine with this.

It has a few scuffs and scratches here and there but I'm not sure there is a single dent.

The headlights look extra good because the car had a front end collision in 2015.

Interior is really like new, or damn close.

Bonus pic for service position after I finally discovered how to do it on this. No hood struts. Has some kind of torsion spring.

 

I’ve been considering one of these as a daily family ride as many SUVs aren’t as roomy as people assume, including the cargo area in the boot.