I posted earlier about sporting up a W140 car. The consensus was that it was too big and heavy. Well today I went and drove a new S430 and a 750iL back to back. The dealer didn't have a 500 but the 430 seemed more than up to the challenge. The new air suspension is remarkable, far less body roll than the BMW, and a better ride. The stock tires wallow but didn't start to howl badly. With the S5 option package this thing would be a missile. S5 includes some body cladding and most importantly 18in wheels with huge tires, 275s in back and 245s in front. The 750 does have immense torque off the line and seemless power but the 430 feels faster than my 740. The must have is the S500 with the sport package, too bad they are so scarce still. I was having so much fun I forgot to try out all the new gadgets, but thats not why we're here is it. I've bought BMWs for thier handling but this new S class strikes a cord with the driver in me. Now I just have to figure out how to afford one.

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90 300GE 5sp
95 740iL

And for something REALLY over the top, an S55 AMG is coming...

Great to hear they put such great driving dynamics in the new S...beautiful car, especially with the big wheels Just saw one today!



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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

Firstly, I am undecided about my feelings for the external aesthetics of the new S. Notwithstanding, I saw an S500 (black/black)with the new 18" AMG rims and the car, in my mind, was entirely transformed-absolutely gorgeous. Perhaps a wee bit irrational, but then we are talking about a subjective topic. I feel that the wheels make an enormous difference to this car-really bring accentuate its underlying sporting character.
Secondly, I recall reading recently a magazine report (usual BMW bias) a comparison between the 740iSport, the S430 and a few others. The 740i was equipped with some monster tyres and stiffer springs/ dampers. Needless to say, the BMW won, displaying all of the usual driving characteristics these magazines seem to love. Nevertheless, I have seen the 740i sport and they too are stunning. I wonder which would fare better? The 740iSport or the S430Sport???

If sporty look is what you are after, definitely go for BMW....They looks more aggressive, handling is sharper (that is, compare it with W220, stock-to-stock).

But if you want state-of-art equipments, fancy small buttons to play with, and pure comfort, then nothing beats S-Class...

Andy Kuo

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• 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
  
• Moonstone Grey/Black Leather
  
• Blue/Red Headlights
  
• Xenon-Look Foglights
  

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