I'm currently facing a dilema. I have purchased a used '06 S500 rear drive but there seems to be a rub while driving coming from the left front wheel. The dealer has tried to get rid of this rub but it's still there. There's 18" performance tires on it. Now, I'm trying the 4-matic version and it seems to ride nice but there's more options on it and they want to charge me more for it. The pickup is a little slower and the wheels aren't as nice. I was wondering what everyones thoughts are on a AWD vs. 2WD. I live in the Chicago area and I know the AWD will come in handy during the winter. Thanks.

 

My experience with 4 wheel drives is that your gas mileage is going to suffer somewhat. To some people that's a consideration and others don't care. And you'll have to check if the government mileage rating distinquishes between the 2 models. From past experience they don't always.

 

If I had the choice I would take the 4matic. My rear wheel drive S500 is terrible in the snow. Maybe you could ask for them to switch the wheels?

 

Hey-I just purchased my first '05 S500 4matic two weeks ago. Prior to this I 've had front wheel drive cars for about 30 years. I must say, the 4matic is something great in the snow. Not as good as front wheel drive, (spinning wheels in back make any carcanmake it hard to control)I live in the Chicago area, so drive in snow and ice is something that I can say I have a lot of experience with, since I drive about 25K miles per year.
If you feel that the rwd is faster of the line thatn the AWD, check and see if the AWD is in "comfort" or "sports" drive. Mine has a switch next the gear lever marked "S" "C". in the "C" positon the trans starts out in 2nd gear, little sluggish off the line. Change the switch to the "S" postion, and the trans should start in 1st gear.

It if wasn't for the hauling capacity of my suburban, I'd get rid of it and use the MB for everything.