It's very Black!!!

[WGB]

I ordered my new CLS500 5 months ago and yesterday I still had no firm date for production let alone delivery and on going into Diesel Motors yesterday I was told I could have a car in December so long as I accepted one of their pre-ordered colours and specs.

Robinson last week in Wheels Magazine did a fairly scathing Road Test on the CLS 500 which further made me lose interest.

They said "What other model do you like" to which I replied W222 S500 but it is at least $100,000 too expensive for me.

"We do have a S350 Bluetech on the floor"

So next week after I return from my Mother's Funeral in NZ, assuming the finance is approved, I am looking forward to picking up the next "WGB".

The ML should be arriving in the next two weeks as well.

 

[motec 6.9]

Very nice Bill enjoy. Pity about the issues with dealer not very good service.

 

[Michel]

The S-Class is in a realm of its own.

You'll love it

 

[WGB]

Thanks Motec and Michel.

It represents a major step into a financial abyss for this old fella so I hope i will enjoy it.

Cheers
Bill

 

[BenzBoy]

S-Klasse. Nice, very nice. Real Godfather material!
I hope you enjoy every minute of it.
Regards,
Brian

 

[motec 6.9]

Hi Bill let us know if you ever get near 5.2 litres per 100km on the highway.

 

[abl567]

Congratulations Bill, I know I'd enjoy it
On fuel economy I just took my 6.3 for a run up to Port Macquarie as a shake down for the Melbourne meet, 20 mpg average and that included a blast up the mountain to Dorrigo, well pleased

 

[motec 6.9]

Hi Ant that is impressive . Factory is 17 to 18 mpg on highway from memory.

 

[abl567]

I measure in imperial gallons, not US, 4.56 litres per gallon imperial, 3.97 US.
So US figure will be lower, I'm not sure what the factory used

 

[motec 6.9]

Ok still not bad though.

 

[abl567]

Yes, I'm very pleased with the fuel tune, just have to perfect the spark

 

[260ebenz]

Hi Ant I saw a blue 6.3 today out a Redhead the car was fitted by Historical plates nice looking car.

WGB well done on the purchase of the S-Class nice looking car!

Surprised to see the new S-Class fitted with Goodyear tyres.

 

[motec 6.9]

They fit multiple brands now Tim seen Bridgestone , Continental , Goodyear , Dunlop & Michelin to new Mercedes .

 

[260ebenz]

Yeah okay Motec but paying X amount for the S-Class personally I would not want Bridgestone, Goodyear or Dunlop tyres fitted to the car.

Personal experience of the above tyres they were very poor quality!

The two new C250 I looked at today had 255 17" Continental tyres fitted.

If you were to ask Mercedes to fit another brand of tyres would they do that for you?

 

[motec 6.9]

They are all good tyres Tim . They have high end as well as low end tyres. Bridgestone are Porsche main tyre for a reason and where supply tyre in F1 a few years ago.

 

[Oversize]

It's generally a case of you get what you pay for.... And a new S Class would be VERY nice regardless of what's under the hood!

 

[motec 6.9]

Yes I tend to agree I think bill will be very happy with the purchase.

 

[WGB]

Anyway - I picked up the car last night and when some administrative issues have been sorted with the WA Dept of Licencing (who are stuffing around with my WGB plates) I will post some pictures.

It is one seriously impressive car to drive and I am pleased I have a couple of degrees and a few diplomas to aid me in understanding how it all works.

I am sure I will miss the twin turbo V8 the next time I am passing a roadtrain on the highway but around town you wouldn't know what engine was under the bonnet as it has more than adequate performance away from the lights and climbing hills.

I won't miss the $100,000 that the S500 costs over an S350 and is made up by less tax due to it's average official consumption being less than 7 Litres/100km.

Bill

 

[motec 6.9]

I am sure you will find it impressive even over taking Bill.
S350 BlueTec Power 190kW @ 3600rpm Torque 620Nm @ 1600-2400rpm
Power to Weight Ratio 97.2 (W/kg) Acceleration 0-100km/h 6.8 (s)
S500 Power 335kW @ 5500rpm Torque 700Nm @ 1800-3500rpm
Power to Weight Ratio 167.9 (W/kg) Acceleration 0-100km/h 4.8 (s)
Your old 500E Power 285kW @ 6000rpm Torque 530Nm @ 2800-4800rpm
Power to Weight Ratio 155.7 (W/kg) Acceleration 0-100km/h 5.2 (s)

 

[WGB]

Honour restored and WGB plates fitted today.

Car is actually using less diesel than my Honda Jazz was using petrol in the same driving environment.

Roadtrip of 600km tomorrow with most on motorway so see how low consumption will go.

Bill