Please help me decide

[jpog]

I've owned a S500 designo and a C55 AMG, and looked at both the S55 and 600 during that time. The cars are far more different than you might think. The AMG is a tighter handling car, with visual and suspension bits that make it more athletic. Power is good. The 600 is more of a cruiser in look, suspension, etc. Much like my S500 designo. The power is different, too. I describe the power as feeling like you pushed a piano off of a skyscraper. A strong, steady push. Very much in line with the 600's cruiser status.

So, pick sport or cruise. After that, you really can't lose. Just make sure you get a couple of options that will raise the satisfaction level. Look for the designo package. Upgraded leather, suede headliner, extensive wood trim, wool carpets and mats, etc. Everything, and I mean everything is covered in leather. Dash, key surround, console, etc. Also, get the rear seat package. Rears recline out and are heated. Your passengers will thank you. Finally, rear climate control.

I bought mine off lease. Originally a bit over $100K in 2000. I bought for $46K in 2003. :woot:

Good luck.

[SD987]

Have you familiarized yourself with the cost of maintenance/repair on an S-Class, particularly if you're out of warranty anytime soon? Don't forget to call your insurance company before hand, less you get a rude surprise, especially at your age. There's also alot of nice late model SL500s at or just north of your price range as well.

[jpog]

Originally Posted by SD987

Have you familiarized yourself with the cost of maintenance/repair on an S-Class, particularly if you're out of warranty anytime soon? Don't forget to call your insurance company before hand, less you get a rude surprise, especially at your age. There's also alot of nice late model SL500s at or just north of your price range as well.

No kidding. Spark plug change = $450, 16 of them, platinum, and all the top engine dressing has to come off.

[TriGem2k]

Both cars push 493HP however the V12 Turbo has 590lbs torque while the S55 has 516lbs. I’ve driven both and the S55 is a COMEPLETELY different beast. Also the AMG with have a better resale value at the end although neither cars value will be high at all. As soon as the 2007 body style releases its AMG model the old models will see a big drop. MBZ does a HORIBLE job at retaining value.

We here have a 1997 S500 BB Value $8000(Bought new for 102k), a 2006 S500 AMG BB value $60000 (Bought new for 96K) and a 2007 S550 BB Value 75K (Bought new $121k). THEY DO NOT RETAIN VALUE and that’s why you’re getting a 100k-120k car for 50k. Plus they are a dime a dozen, who wants what everyone else got?

[Perfectlap]

Have you been reading Consumer Reports lately?

Merc got trashed. I believe they were the car make with most models to have so many cars make Consumer Report worst list. All of their convertibles, the SUV(shocker), CLK and even the new CLS. Probably Merc's worst showing in a decade.

An AMG like a RUF Porsche, is EXTREMELY expensive to insure. Although the two aren't really the same because AMG is wholly owned by Merc but that makes no difference to the underwriter, they'll stick you with a nice BIG surcharge.

By the way I have no idea how someone can drive Porsche brakes and give that up for what they put on Mercs. Braking is the most underated aspect of a car and I personally could never live with anything I have seen from Merc.
p.s.
I also feel ridiculous driving a four door sedan, like I should be wearing a chauffer's cap on my head.

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Have you been reading Consumer Reports lately?

Merc got trashed. I believe they were the car make with most models to have so many cars make Consumer Report worst list. All of their convertibles, the SUV(shocker), CLK and even the new CLS. Probably Merc's worst showing in a decade.

Yeah, my brother-in-law currently works for them and has been a huge Mercedes fan his whole life. He advised me against buying one and has said that he would not purchase any of the recent models himself. They are hoping that some of their initiatives improves their quality, but until then...