W221 vs W222 better buy long term

[V6Matty]

I’ve been thinking about replacing the bus and keep contemplating and S-class as a replacement (or a Bentley or maybe a Panamera, mid life crisis must be calling I think).
The 221 is at a price point where it would be the last of the model with likely 4.7 V8 or maybe a slightly earlier facelift 600, but the 222 is also starting to creep in at not much more but would be an early model which I’ve always been weary of (though my S212 is a marketing car from when it was launched, so you can’t get more early model than that really).
I’ll likely go and try both just to see how they feel, but would appreciate others views on which might be a nicer long term runner and how much more comfortable are they than a 212?

 

[DSK]

I wouldn’t touch an MB W222 and I’d be careful about a W221.

When they work they are great and the S-class is a proper leap forwards from an E. I was trying to justify a petrol AMG w221 but, the facts are facts, they are not built upto scratch. Commons reports of electrical nightmares were not dreamt up. Faults are one thing but, when specialists can’t even fix them…

The Bentleys, I trade and tbh it’s an overpriced Audi A8 (let’s not forget the S8 also exists!). Electrically it will better MB but, believe you me, that engine bay is a nightmare. Whilst the units are generally reliable, I have come across a low miler GT in the past with a head gasket issue which a specialist said I’d not get much change out of £18k! Everyone one I’ve had, I have fitted a new radiator to, as they rust shockingly so leaks and evaporation will be inevitable.

The Porsche panamera is something i am half heartedly looking at but, it would be the Cayenne I opt for should I go down the Porsche route. I recall viewing a Cayenne Turbo years ago and turning it down based on stupid service intervals so the best thing to do is try an find an example that’s been used for around 5/6k p/yr and seen an annual oil change.


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[tode]

When we were looking at cars we tried an E class, an A8 and the 221 all on the same day and the 221 won hands-down closely followed by the A8.

The comfort seats are what made the difference with the A8.

 

[V6Matty]

When we were looking at cars we tried an E class, an A8 and the 221 all on the same day and the 221 won hands-down closely followed by the A8.

The comfort seats are what made the difference with the A8.

Have to say I really don’t get the appeal with the Audi, they might look nice but I find Audi’s awful to drive, don’t know why and maybe with an S8 that might not be the case, but just not sure I really “want one” if that makes sense

 

[tode]

To tell the truth, I only tried the A8 to have something to discuss with MB . . .

 

[DSK]

I tried the 2011 A8 4.2 tdi a few years back and it was nice but, didn’t feel special, didn’t excel through the bends to blow a 7 series or s-class backwards and despite the 4.2 diesel it wasn’t enough to convince me over my surprisingly speedy s350. It’s certainly worth a drive and I like the traditional nicely fashioned gear lever and cluster.

I’ve avoided the s8 due to the common turbo filter issues plaguing these cars.

The w221 oddly makes you feel at ease and peace under any situation, be it kids in the car, doing 15mph or 150mph, 1pm or 1am. I can’t put my finger on it but, it’s a decent place to be in any situation.

I did have a quick look at a w222 s63 locally at £43k. It looks like someone melted an s-class, it looks crap and won’t age well. The interior is nice to the touch but, if you look hard you see it’s just enough to make most folks say that’s lovely but isn’t as robust as it looks. It’s busy inside and for me the illusion of a fancy cocktail bar is not pleasing to the eye. The seats are comfy as they should be. The screen with all the info is fugly and it’s not like that won’t ever go wrong! I read that these leak oil into the wiring via some a cam sensor and causes a world of hurt and neither are they strangers to water ingress.

I’m sure you will like a nice W221. Go for the S350, S600, carefully with a S63. The S65s are over priced at present. The s500 will be nice but, for the same running costs the S600/S63 makes more sense.

Enjoy the hunt!


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[markben]

From Wot I've gathered from others with a similar dilemma & my opinion's worth (W221 Vs. W222)?

W221: (+ Points?): feels solid & very comfortable due to the ABC suspension. (- Points?): the 'Assertive, sharper, more chunky' (flared / squared-off wheel arches especially) exterior styling is controversial. Like Marmite, you either like it hate it? The ABC also seems to be nightmarishly expensive if not maintained well / it fails. Glacial depreciation too - but that applies to any 'S' Class?

W222: (+ Points?): Supposedly also very comfortable & relaxed to drive + sleeker / more 'modern' external styling than the W221, more Driver Assistive 'Tech'. (- Points?): the homogeneous MB corporate 'Jelly Mold' external styling is barely distinguishable from similar generation 'E' & even 'C' Class models unless studied close-up. And.. from what I've learned, the later OM642 V6 engines are said to be more complex, less robust & reliable than the earlier OM648 Inline-6 engines. You tell me?

Another consideration is purchasing Budget & Financial Risk Tolerance £££ . From experience, used W221s (approx 2007- 2012) can now be bought for as little as £4k (!), whereas used W222s (2013 onwards) seem to start at £15k even for early models. In either case (W221 / W222) these are now regarded as 'older' S-Class cars by many main dealers & Indies - and any owner will inevitably need Deep Pockets to run, maintain & repair them properly, regardless.

But WOT do I know about these things? I am merely the proud owner of an 'ancient' but immaculate & 'timelessly elegant' 19-year-old facelift W220 S320 LWB cdi which was cherished by its previous Doctor owner and has been surprisingly reliable & economical (32- 46 mpg) & relatively cheap to own & maintain (for any S Class of any age?) over 7 years / 45k miles apart from the odd niggle. Its Market / Sale Value is effectively 'Zilch' despite its condition & provenance. But that's not the point. For 'Moi': it still feels like a £56k car (when new in 2004 - equivalent W223 new price £100k+) and is admired wherever it goes . (I wish I could say the same for myself at age 60+ and suffering from a Bunion. But Cosmetic Surgery might take a few years-off me?).

My Conclusion(s).. Seriously..?

1. Owning a Mercedes S-Class of any age & Spec will always be an expensive Luxury ££ ('Best Car in the World' etc) . 2. Newer isn't always 'Better'. 3. As they say: 'Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder'. 4. The perceived 'Value' & Enjoyment of any car (£100k Mercedes S-Class or humble, 'old' £1k Toyota / Ford etc) is ultimately Subjective & in a Personal Context?

It reminds me of the story about the Founder of the globally famous IKEA Store chain (Ingvar Kamprad) who still owned & drove a 25-year-old Volvo 240, lived in modest house in Sweden, flew internationally incognito on Budget Airlines (never 1st Class / Executive) and bought his clothes in Charity Shops. All of this throughout his Life & whilst in his 80's despite his Staggering Financial Wealth - which ran into Billions $$$$.

I Rest my Case. That said: 'Each to their Own'..?

Mark B.

'The Best or Nothing'

 

[mioba]

The way mercs are built now i would go for the W221, the more modern the merc the more like white goods they are (rubbish after a few years).
A merc, bentley or porsche.

Try each one out. Said that if it was me today in your shoes 1) porsche (not a more solid car out there) 2) the merc 3) bentley (silly maintenance costs).

Your cash your choice - rock your boat

 

[Big Cheese]

I went from a ML63 to a W222 S500, and whilst the S500 is a nice car, it's not rocking my boat.
Whilst it's comfortable, it's got too many things I just can't get on with, even after 18mths of ownership.
I have started looking at Porsche Cayenne's, a change is on the cards soon.
The best car I've owned has to be a VW Phaeton, just a shame they stopped making them.

 

[V6Matty]

have to agree on the styling point between the 221 and 222, the latter does look that little more attractive with subtle curves, but as said they are very jelly mould like compared to the 205/213, so the 221 does do it more for me.
Looked around at the 63’s and they’re all black inside which is disappointing, and they are oddly not always well spec’d cars, which makes me think they’ll likely not have been taken care of vs say a 600 which will likely have been a limo or cherished by a private owner.
I remember Craig from the forum here went nuts and bought a Panemera turbo, I wonder after a few years how he’s got on with it?

 

[JBell]

I remember Craig from the forum here went nuts and bought a Panemera turbo, I wonder after a few years how he’s got on with it?

He still has it alongside an Audi Q7, neither are cheap to run

 

[V6Matty]

He still has it alongside an Audi Q7, neither are cheap to run

I don’t think any of the slightly more “premium” manufacturers are these days unfortunately.
Good to know he still has them, must be a few years he’s been running them now, would be good to come back and give us all an update

 

[Wighty]

I don’t think any of the slightly more “premium” manufacturers are these days unfortunately.
Good to know he still has them, must be a few years he’s been running them now, would be good to come back and give us all an update

I think his username has been deleted , I can’t seem to do the @name thingy to summon him ?

 

[DSK]

I believe that he was very happy with it and no regrets.

The early Panamera looks poor value at present against a Cayenne’s 4.2 diesel / 4.8 petrol turbo. Cayenne’s have their own set of issues but avoid Mercs electrical woes. The later turismo has been tugging at me for a few years but I’m managing to resist.

V6matty nailed it, the premium stuff is an illusion now and sadly very few can see through it. Now it’s all about image.


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[Blobcat]

I think his username has been deleted , I can’t seem to do the @name thingy to summon him ?

@Craiglxviii

 

[V6Matty]

@Craiglxviii

Oddly doesn’t show in the search list when you start typing, it’s fine if you know his full username though

 

[Wighty]

@Craiglxviii

thats weird , even when I try and copy it I can’t get it to work .

 

[Blobcat]

thats weird , even when I try and copy it I can’t get it to work .

All part of the “premium subscription” service…

 

[Wighty]

All part of the “premium subscription” service…

I’ve probably been “blocked “

 

[DSK]

All part of the “premium subscription” service…

Brilliant


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