Been quiet here, thought I'd put a question: I feel like the W221 has more wind noise from the front side windows, or from that area, compared to a W211. How would you describe your W221?
I'm after European owners' comments from cars that have "normal" windows (I understand "596", heat and noise reflective glasses being standard on all US cars (they are standard from S450, yes 450, upwards in Europe).
It is not bad at all, could be that it is just that the car is so quiet otherwise but at some 100 km/h speed it is clear even if the weather is not windy.
I wonder if the door/window seals are different for the thicker heat/noise insulating cars. Perhaps they've installed wrong seals as the car has this heat insulating front windscreen (because of Nightview assist) but not the full set of windows.
Perhaps somebody has driven both types of cars (S350 or below versus S450 or above) and could comment the difference. Better if you can compare a W221 against a W211.
The window seals seem to be in perfect condition (the car is new).
I had a chat with the manager of a local dealer prior to buying my W221. He confirmed that there is actually a problem and the wind noise is higher than W220 models. They went far a head and sealed almost anything that can leak wind with special tapes. This demo was attended by a Mercedes representative from Germany. With all the sealings the car leaked wind. This was present in both normal glass S350 and special tinted glass S500. They finally came up to a conclusion that it is related to believe it or not aerodynamics! All findings were officially reported to Mercedes Germany. The models tested were all 2006 and unfortunately the problem still remains on the current 2007 models. That didn't stop me from getting my 2007 car though, who is perfect these days!
Thanks a lot for this info. I was a bit afraid I made a mistake not ordering those heat and noise insulating glasses, or that they had installed incorrect window seals. From EPC it actually looks like the seals are the same even for the thicker glasses. Perhaps they are not thicker at the point where they touch the seals.
I also feel this is a minor issue but still a bit odd considering how they, for an example, obviously comprimised mirrors for better aerodynamics and noise.
I was also surprised at the first time I heard the wind noise coming from top of the front side windows. It is higher than the old W220 and also current ML W164. But I think it really could be about the aerodynamics, it is not a silly excuse.
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