Made a booboo today
Discussion
Not what you might think...
So having been doing some heavy thinking with regards to hooning it round the Evo Triangle and similar I have come to the conclusion that it simply isn't worth the risk. Even when I go out at 2pm when everyone else (should be) is working there are still random cyclists and slow moving cars, let alone weekends. And any car I buy won't have big ceramics so stopping on a dime is just impossible unlike what it would be in say...a 650s or better.
So having said this I decided for my next car to look for an ultra comfortable saloon.
Pretty much an A8 3.0tdi or 4.2tdi.
Went to look at one today...but the booboo was they also had a W221 S320 cdi for sale. Which I sat in first. Mistake.
This car...well I am 6ft 8 and it was like Mercedes said to its design team "I want you to build a car around a 6ft 8" tall, wide, man". There I was sitting in this car marvelling at how I have leg room and height room etc then realising I hadn't even lowered the seat base. I know this sounds silly to most but tall people will get me.
Then I went to sit in this A8 and...it felt dated, from the buttons to the gearshift to the MMI to the agricultural cold start engine noise...and previous owner must have been a smoker as it reeked of cigar smoke.
Doing this makes you understand how thoughtfull Mercedes is vs Audi. Seat controls on the side of the door instead of the side of the seat where it is awkward to adjust whilst seated. An MMI system that makes sense. Incredible bass from stock speakers!
I am pretty much in love as far as cars go but I am sure I read the 320cdi is to be avoided? I would like an S500 or even S350 petrol but none for sale really, lots of 320's. Are they that bad or is this more to do with W220 model?
And seen as this was so awesome, what must the W222 be like? Or A rolls royce?
I might go back and test drive it tomorrow but honestly I wouldn't buy it as I don't like the colour. It is black or nothing for me really.
Are these a good buy for sub £10k? 70k FSH etc, had bluetooth...
What specs were optional vs standard? Is the facelift, which has DRLS etc worth £10k or double the price at £20k?
Is there a 7 series equivalent I should look at? I really dislike the Bangle 7 series.
Anyway I much prefer the idea of wafting around in a silent armchair. Especially one with massage but I couldn't find that function. I didn't even start it up as honestly the steering columm gearshift confused me a little and I had no space to not bang into the car infront. When I got in it felt like the handbrake was off too.
As for the garage, some things worry me. They were super polite and helpful but they claimed to know the owner of the A8 and claim he isn't a smoker, but the A8 stunk of cigar smoke. Secondly There was a bose badge missing on the A8 in the drivers door, just holes. Thirdly the Merc said one of its bulbs was duff...surely you would fix all this before putting cars on forecourts?
So having been doing some heavy thinking with regards to hooning it round the Evo Triangle and similar I have come to the conclusion that it simply isn't worth the risk. Even when I go out at 2pm when everyone else (should be) is working there are still random cyclists and slow moving cars, let alone weekends. And any car I buy won't have big ceramics so stopping on a dime is just impossible unlike what it would be in say...a 650s or better.
So having said this I decided for my next car to look for an ultra comfortable saloon.
Pretty much an A8 3.0tdi or 4.2tdi.
Went to look at one today...but the booboo was they also had a W221 S320 cdi for sale. Which I sat in first. Mistake.
This car...well I am 6ft 8 and it was like Mercedes said to its design team "I want you to build a car around a 6ft 8" tall, wide, man". There I was sitting in this car marvelling at how I have leg room and height room etc then realising I hadn't even lowered the seat base. I know this sounds silly to most but tall people will get me.
Then I went to sit in this A8 and...it felt dated, from the buttons to the gearshift to the MMI to the agricultural cold start engine noise...and previous owner must have been a smoker as it reeked of cigar smoke.
Doing this makes you understand how thoughtfull Mercedes is vs Audi. Seat controls on the side of the door instead of the side of the seat where it is awkward to adjust whilst seated. An MMI system that makes sense. Incredible bass from stock speakers!
I am pretty much in love as far as cars go but I am sure I read the 320cdi is to be avoided? I would like an S500 or even S350 petrol but none for sale really, lots of 320's. Are they that bad or is this more to do with W220 model?
And seen as this was so awesome, what must the W222 be like? Or A rolls royce?
I might go back and test drive it tomorrow but honestly I wouldn't buy it as I don't like the colour. It is black or nothing for me really.
Are these a good buy for sub £10k? 70k FSH etc, had bluetooth...
What specs were optional vs standard? Is the facelift, which has DRLS etc worth £10k or double the price at £20k?
Is there a 7 series equivalent I should look at? I really dislike the Bangle 7 series.
Anyway I much prefer the idea of wafting around in a silent armchair. Especially one with massage but I couldn't find that function. I didn't even start it up as honestly the steering columm gearshift confused me a little and I had no space to not bang into the car infront. When I got in it felt like the handbrake was off too.
As for the garage, some things worry me. They were super polite and helpful but they claimed to know the owner of the A8 and claim he isn't a smoker, but the A8 stunk of cigar smoke. Secondly There was a bose badge missing on the A8 in the drivers door, just holes. Thirdly the Merc said one of its bulbs was duff...surely you would fix all this before putting cars on forecourts?
I had an S350 W221, and loved it.
It's not a very 'Pistonheads' car, but they are supremely comfortable (mine had the air suspension), and ooze quality.
The need for a dog-wagon and the ability to tow/launch a boat means I'm running a Range Rover, these days, but it's not a patch on the Merc for perceived build quality.
It's not a very 'Pistonheads' car, but they are supremely comfortable (mine had the air suspension), and ooze quality.
The need for a dog-wagon and the ability to tow/launch a boat means I'm running a Range Rover, these days, but it's not a patch on the Merc for perceived build quality.
twoblacklines said:
As for the garage, some things worry me. They were super polite and helpful but they claimed to know the owner of the A8 and claim he isn't a smoker, but the A8 stunk of cigar smoke. Secondly There was a bose badge missing on the A8 in the drivers door, just holes. Thirdly the Merc said one of its bulbs was duff...surely you would fix all this before putting cars on forecourts?
Few garages bother, they will fix these things if/when someone buys it.interesting to read your post OP.
I drive a W211 E320 CDI as my day to day and family car. I absolutely love it! I'm only 6'1 so not tall compared to you but it's the first car I've owned that's got more than enough room for me. But in the pursuit of more luxury and comfort I'd looked at the S320 W221 models. They seem like an absolute bargain at the £10-12k mark without ridiculous mileage.
In fact there was a lovely example with sub-50k on the clock, in silver which looked great! I actually think it's a good looking car, subtle but classy. I just love the idea of wafting in absolute comfort. If I'm impressed with my old E Class and my CLS, the S would blow my easily pleased little mind hahaha
I drive a W211 E320 CDI as my day to day and family car. I absolutely love it! I'm only 6'1 so not tall compared to you but it's the first car I've owned that's got more than enough room for me. But in the pursuit of more luxury and comfort I'd looked at the S320 W221 models. They seem like an absolute bargain at the £10-12k mark without ridiculous mileage.
In fact there was a lovely example with sub-50k on the clock, in silver which looked great! I actually think it's a good looking car, subtle but classy. I just love the idea of wafting in absolute comfort. If I'm impressed with my old E Class and my CLS, the S would blow my easily pleased little mind hahaha
Don't know much about W221s, or any S-Class really, but as for 7-Series equivalents, consider a Lexus LS
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Very very wafty
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Very very wafty
Are W221's really this bad?
another forum said:
known faults (outside the "normal" just about everything designed to fail Mercedes std.)
1) most uncomfortable seats of any vehicle I've sat in/owned lumbar is totally wrong and something even more odd about upper back support in shoulder area, gives cramps that last weeks after 20 min drive, (I've got multi contour, massage, with heat, vent, memory, and posh headrest)
2) just like 3 series u can't see the top of the speedo when the wheel is where you want it
3) air suspension is soft and wallows, car rolls too much and sport just does the same but with added thump over poor roads
4) aluminium roof amplifies noise of rain till its less refined than a trabant (most unpleasant car to drive in the rain I've ever experienced, drumming noise can make you want to get out and walk) also get tremendous heat soak
This sounds like what you would expect get on a VW UP! Minus the air suspension obviously.1) most uncomfortable seats of any vehicle I've sat in/owned lumbar is totally wrong and something even more odd about upper back support in shoulder area, gives cramps that last weeks after 20 min drive, (I've got multi contour, massage, with heat, vent, memory, and posh headrest)
2) just like 3 series u can't see the top of the speedo when the wheel is where you want it
3) air suspension is soft and wallows, car rolls too much and sport just does the same but with added thump over poor roads
4) aluminium roof amplifies noise of rain till its less refined than a trabant (most unpleasant car to drive in the rain I've ever experienced, drumming noise can make you want to get out and walk) also get tremendous heat soak
So I drove it today.
First things first my reason for looking at an A8 and now an S class is I wanted a nice wafty experience.
The a-pillar buzzing more than the tradeplate on the dashboard completely ruined that for me.
On to the other negative, the throttle. It felt like pushing a brick. No power unless you absolutely mash the throttle, hard. And even then uphill it was gutless. This was the S320cdi.
Should I try S500 or is it a throttle thing? My 330ci steptronic was the same. Went like clappers with kickdown activated but I don't drive like that. I like torquey motors. This felt like there was no turbo.
Also the car is huge but I got used to that, you can aim it with the badge at the front
Ride quality, with Airmatic set to C, very good. Lots of road noise and tyre noise, I kinda expected it to be silent? Said it had done 77k but seemed like more.
Multimedia hard to use, couldn't for life of me get it into vehicle setup, any ideas?
I don't think a small engine diesel suits it. I thought it would but it doesn't seem grunt enough. Having said that, god knows what a 63/65 must feel like. If I had unlimited MPG budget I would probably buy an S600.
First things first my reason for looking at an A8 and now an S class is I wanted a nice wafty experience.
The a-pillar buzzing more than the tradeplate on the dashboard completely ruined that for me.
On to the other negative, the throttle. It felt like pushing a brick. No power unless you absolutely mash the throttle, hard. And even then uphill it was gutless. This was the S320cdi.
Should I try S500 or is it a throttle thing? My 330ci steptronic was the same. Went like clappers with kickdown activated but I don't drive like that. I like torquey motors. This felt like there was no turbo.
Also the car is huge but I got used to that, you can aim it with the badge at the front
Ride quality, with Airmatic set to C, very good. Lots of road noise and tyre noise, I kinda expected it to be silent? Said it had done 77k but seemed like more.
Multimedia hard to use, couldn't for life of me get it into vehicle setup, any ideas?
I don't think a small engine diesel suits it. I thought it would but it doesn't seem grunt enough. Having said that, god knows what a 63/65 must feel like. If I had unlimited MPG budget I would probably buy an S600.
twoblacklines said:
On to the other negative, the throttle. It felt like pushing a brick. No power unless you absolutely mash the throttle, hard. And even then uphill it was gutless. This was the S320cdi.
Should I try S500 or is it a throttle thing? My 330ci steptronic was the same. Went like clappers with kickdown activated but I don't drive like that. I like torquey motors. This felt like there was no turbo.
Did you notice or try different auto gearbox modes? I don't know on that model but it probabaly defaults to eco.Should I try S500 or is it a throttle thing? My 330ci steptronic was the same. Went like clappers with kickdown activated but I don't drive like that. I like torquey motors. This felt like there was no turbo.
Sheepshanks said:
Did you notice or try different auto gearbox modes? I don't know on that model but it probabaly defaults to eco.
Nope, I couldn't find a button for that anywhere, salesman no help either.What did happen when I drove off is I seemed to be limited to 30mph, pressing the cruise control button inwards to turn it off(?) fixed that. How do you change gearbox modes?
There was a button for C S M I presume this was suspension related? I put it in comfort.
twoblacklines said:
Nope, I couldn't find a button for that anywhere, salesman no help either.
What did happen when I drove off is I seemed to be limited to 30mph, pressing the cruise control button inwards to turn it off(?) fixed that. How do you change gearbox modes?
There was a button for C S M I presume this was suspension related? I put it in comfort.
I'm guessing a bit but I think they're gearbox settings, Mine's an older C Class and only has C & S - Comfort and Standard. I imagine M must be Manual. In mine C is hopeless - I'd only use it if I were driving the Queen around.What did happen when I drove off is I seemed to be limited to 30mph, pressing the cruise control button inwards to turn it off(?) fixed that. How do you change gearbox modes?
There was a button for C S M I presume this was suspension related? I put it in comfort.
Try an A8L 4.2 TDI Quattro. Very brisk, and the significant added bonus of AWD so they put the power down very well in all conditions. They have air suspension, and don't rust like the Benz's due to the aluminum construction. MMI system is simple to use and whilst not quite as modern as the equivalent of that gen S-class, they are both very dated by today's standards.
A8's are also pretty solid reliability wise, and if maintained, not especially bork prone. They are also cheaper to maintain if you don't mind DIYing bits and pieces as quality diagnostic software (VCDS) and strong forum support is readily available which is not the case for Mercs.
As a fellow 6'8" big bloke, I find my A8L supremely comfortable, and it still has loads of room in the rear seat behind me so it does fine service as my family hauler.
A8's are also pretty solid reliability wise, and if maintained, not especially bork prone. They are also cheaper to maintain if you don't mind DIYing bits and pieces as quality diagnostic software (VCDS) and strong forum support is readily available which is not the case for Mercs.
As a fellow 6'8" big bloke, I find my A8L supremely comfortable, and it still has loads of room in the rear seat behind me so it does fine service as my family hauler.
Edited by dvs_dave on Thursday 16th February 15:23
I went there in the first place to see an A8 SE. I didn't like the inside at all it felt very old, my 8P2 A3 felt newer / more refined looking. Having said that it has birch(?) inlays so is very "in your face" and the cigar smell was very off putting. Really didn't like it if I am honest, I like these W221's.
I am looking out for an S600 or S500, none are for sale near me, nearest is 35 miles which is a 2 hour round trip (Chester to Wigan) because of all the 50mph limits on the M6 and Manchester ring roads.
I am looking out for an S600 or S500, none are for sale near me, nearest is 35 miles which is a 2 hour round trip (Chester to Wigan) because of all the 50mph limits on the M6 and Manchester ring roads.
To be fair though, the D3 A8 should be compared to its contemporary the W220 S-class. There is no contest there.
The W221 is a newer generation vehicle so really you should be comparing it to D4 A8's which are their contemporaries.
Either way both are good vehicles, and Audi offers power plants every bit as bombastic as the benz equivalents. But the benz will be quite a lot more expensive to diagnose/fix, they don't have AWD, and they are still rather prone to tin worm vs the all aluminium A8. Notice how you still see a lot of old A8's trundling around still looking smart? Not something that can be said of older Mercs.
The W221 is a newer generation vehicle so really you should be comparing it to D4 A8's which are their contemporaries.
Either way both are good vehicles, and Audi offers power plants every bit as bombastic as the benz equivalents. But the benz will be quite a lot more expensive to diagnose/fix, they don't have AWD, and they are still rather prone to tin worm vs the all aluminium A8. Notice how you still see a lot of old A8's trundling around still looking smart? Not something that can be said of older Mercs.
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