Speaking as an owner of both the S5 is slightly heavier and a bit more robust than the S8. Miele have counter acted this with a slight increase of the rubberised bumper on the S8 bodies, minimising body scratches compared to the S5.
The S8 also has no rotary dial control for suction speed and I rather love that there's a push button memory that the Miele will save on the S8 rather than having to press the speed after use, each time. Its a little thing, but I dont mind the change up from dial to press buttons. Im not all that bothered on how a suction speed looks; as long as a cylinder vac has one I'm happy.
Miele always wants to make money but since the recession I think they are just selling off the last of the bodies and machines; the S4 "Young Style" is proof of this; it appeared shortly after the blue S4212 was phased out and was a Curry's exclusive for a short time. Alongside that was the S700 cylinder vacs and after September 2014, few were also sold with the low rated motors.
Its all about making money, Chris; that's why Miele have introduced all these "older" vacuums on the market; not just to counteract a recession and thus giving buyers a wider choice, but also to finish off older production bodies.
SEBO are also doing the same; they're happy with sales of the K series and are selling the E series alongside the K series and in time will phase out the K, just as the D series did for the C series.
The Germans are not into wasting many a good design, particularly if it still sells well and if there is life left to give.
