Quote:
Originally Posted by vwW12
n the 2000's, 2006 is the only year an under-5 liter S was available: M-B USA launched a 3.5 liter "entry level" S which must not have fared well at all, because they got rid of it already in 2007.
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Don't discount the S430 with a 4.3 liter V8... those outsold the S500 in the states actually (although I don't know why - the price difference wasn't that much for a lot more equipment standard.
The S350 was actually more of a "clearinghouse" vehicle. It is the only W220 SWB model to be brought into the US - and was basically used to clear out excess parts and to provide stopgap sales while factories were being retooled for the W221. Most of them were rather well equipped - too.
I looked at one before I bought the smart actually - it would have stretched the budget at the time, but was a nice car. It isn't *slow*, but it lacks the urgency that the S430 and S500s bring to the table. Handling is surprisingly good - lopping off a few inches but maintaining the airmatic suspension makes them nimble. It is the old 3.7 liter 18 Valve V6 though - so it is a bit thirsty and coarse near redline. All of the space lost from the short wheelbase was lost from the rear seats, and it is still a very large car.
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