[jschiller]

I am considering moving into an S-Class w222, specifically the S 550 pre-facelift, after I move my BMW 740il and M5 off my driveway. Any ownership experiences among the members out there? Things to look for before buying? Horror stories, things to avoid? I'm not particularly interested in 4Matic and don't really want the active body control unless it was not an option. Just something to comfort my ageing lard ass as I motor to the grocery and buy expensive gasoline :(

[fast_freddy]

I've got a W216 CL. ABC is terrific. don't worry about it. Most repairs are just O-rings and such. the compressors/valve blocks/accumulators are bulletproof unless they're running all the time due to a leak. The bleed of the system is a super easy DIY too.

Sometimes some of the control systems (center console/Voice control module/Fuses) are wonky. Most parts are easily findable on Ebay and easily DIY-able. My center console "shorted" due to a sticky button. Replaced the module (easy on a CL/S class coupe, tougher on a Sedan) in 20~ minutes and pulled the fuse/reinstalled. All problems solved for $180~ and perhaps an hour of my time. Get a Mercedes "star tool" or similar and it's all pretty easy to figure out/repair.

A few weeks ago I did a down and back to Manhattan (600 miles in one day) in the CL and wasn't wiped out from the drive. I've done it in my 745Li quite a few times and while good, it's not nearly as good as the CL "smoothness-wise" largely due to ABC. Our roads are awful up here. Was just where you are and the roads are exponentially better/smoother there.

[fast_freddy]

I am considering moving into an S-Class w222, specifically the S 550 pre-facelift, after I move my BMW 740il and M5 off my driveway. Any ownership experiences among the members out there? Things to look for before buying? Horror stories, things to avoid? I'm not particularly interested in 4Matic and don't really want the active body control unless it was not an option. Just something to comfort my ageing lard ass as I motor to the grocery and buy expensive gasoline :(

Looks like you've acquired a 2015 S550? enjoying it?

I'm in the process of getting a 221/222 S600/S63/S65. The CL63 is certainly my car of choice for long drives. However, space is seriously lacking for more than two people and I'm looking for an excuse to get another AMG.

[jschiller]

Absolutely I am enjoying it! Silky smooth, quiet, plush and will carry a Little League baseball team if I ever have to. Still trying to figure out all the gadgets though (the owners and the infotainment manuals are for sh*t).

The 4 door S65 sounds just right for you but awfully scarce I think. Certainly none available around here in SW Florida.

[fast_freddy]

Absolutely I am enjoying it! Silky smooth, quiet, plush and will carry a Little League baseball team if I ever have to. Still trying to figure out all the gadgets though (the owners and the infotainment manuals are for sh*t).

The 4 door S65 sounds just right for you but awfully scarce I think. Certainly none available around here in SW Florida.

I found an S65 AMG in Ohio. They don't have quite the demand you'd think considering the supply is low. People are freaked out by the V12. The one I've found has complete crap wheels on it. "He's spinnin' on twenty twos!" That gives me pause as anyone whos aching to pimp their car that much is a damn fool who doesn't grasp what the car was designed for. The maintenance records are a little suspect too. It does look nice from the pics but that doesn't ever reveal the whole picture though. There's a S63 in Bethlehem PA too. That one was repossessed at some point and has suspect titling. Also the owner who had the car yanked from him drove it 12k miles in 8~ months. It leads me to believe he was overusing it while he could. Also, part of the maintenance records indicate "piston" replaced but not much more detail than that. Engine piston? Brake caliper piston? Who the hell knows???

My instincts on this nonsense has served me well thus far and I'm not going to ignore it, just approach it with caution. I'll be 50~ miles away from the one in PA Saturday and might find the time to check it out. We'll see.