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Defective door hinge: Is s550 like Bentley or Truck?
Hi, loving my 2015 s550 but recently had dealer switch out a creaky lower door hinge (front passener). Doesn't creak now but also lost fab "continuous opening" feature which lifts the s550 to Bentley territory of refinement. Now the door clunks open to two pre-set angles like a cheap truck. Dealer doesn't know why but the part def has been changed. Anyone know how I can get an original designed hinge (MB also doesn't know it seems.) Very disappointing!
Hi Mitch - dealer said no adjustment is possible. The old hinge seems sealed so not possible to lubricate it (correct me if wrong). Actually I'd love to know how the original hinge works, anyone know? Almost like a clutch releases when the door is pushed but then engages to hold the door in place at any position, even on a slope or when windy. They still have the old hinge so I may have to go back to the creaky noise...
Hi, loving my 2015 s550 but recently had dealer switch out a creaky lower door hinge (front passener). Doesn't creak now but also lost fab "continuous opening" feature which lifts the s550 to Bentley territory of refinement. Now the door clunks open to two pre-set angles like a cheap truck. Dealer doesn't know why but the part def has been changed. Anyone know how I can get an original designed hinge (MB also doesn't know it seems.) Very disappointing!
MB changed this feature. My ‘14 S 550 4matic had the continuous opening feature while my ‘16 S550 4matic has the two pre-set angles as you described.
Yes, with the continuous opening ones they tended not to hold very well so MB got away from them and I don't think they make those anymore. Mine still has the original ones but on the drivers door on a hill or wind it shuts on me, the other doors seems ok, it's just the drivers door.
Oh thanks for that insight! But so sorry to hear. The older doors are marvelous and I always show them off to the curious like a doddering old fool, but they're usually more impressed by the less-special motorized door closers. Wonder if the old hinges weren't holding up and MB decided to go back to basics. Really too bad, the new hinge doesn't fit with the Bentley/Rolls aspiration. Enjoy your '16 in good health!
Thanks 2012 Merc AMG! (previous reply was to MTrauman). Interesting to hear about your hinge issue also 2015. Seems to be a known problem. Makes sense now the MB service mgr agreed to warranty replacement so quickly - with the paintwork couldn't have been cheap. Well, guess I'll just get used to my "upgrade."
Even worse, the newer cars don't even have strong detents. The 213, the doors just close right back on you. Customers complain, but if we replace the hinges, nothing changes.
FWIW, the creaking/popping is often the locking pin coming loose on your hinge, and not a defect in itself. Worth a shot having them tighten it and put it back, you may cure the noise and get your smooth operation back.
Many thanks ItalianJoe, will have them check the locking pin, although they initially said nothing could be done except replacement. Glad they kept the old part. And you're correct, the noise was sorta a quick pop and creak combo.
Many thanks ItalianJoe, will have them check the locking pin, although they initially said nothing could be done except replacement. Glad they kept the old part. And you're correct, the noise was sorta a quick pop and creak combo.
I replaced a hinge before due to that noise because I didn't know. With the door open, you can see a cap that looks like a nut, it will pop off and there's a tiny E-torx screw there that locks the pin into the hinge. If you remove them both you can separate the hinges and lift the door off the car. If they aren't VERY tight, seems like too much for a small screw but that's what it takes, then the pin inside rotates rather than the part of the hinge that's supposed to, causing the popping when opening the door.
It's possible it's defective, don't want to say that this is the only issue, but it's by far the most common one I've seen on 222 doors, many older/higher mileage ones have that noise and it's usually fixable without hinge replacement.
I replaced a hinge before due to that noise because I didn't know. With the door open, you can see a cap that looks like a nut, it will pop off and there's a tiny E-torx screw there that locks the pin into the hinge. If you remove them both you can separate the hinges and lift the door off the car. If they aren't VERY tight, seems like too much for a small screw but that's what it takes, then the pin inside rotates rather than the part of the hinge that's supposed to, causing the popping when opening the door.
It's possible it's defective, don't want to say that this is the only issue, but it's by far the most common one I've seen on 222 doors, many older/higher mileage ones have that noise and it's usually fixable without hinge replacement.
Excellent, thanks! Otherwise the door was operating fine so maybe that's the fix.
Hi, loving my 2015 s550 but recently had dealer switch out a creaky lower door hinge (front passener). Doesn't creak now but also lost fab "continuous opening" feature which lifts the s550 to Bentley territory of refinement. Now the door clunks open to two pre-set angles like a cheap truck. Dealer doesn't know why but the part def has been changed. Anyone know how I can get an original designed hinge (MB also doesn't know it seems.) Very disappointing!
The door hinge design changed in 2016 and that appears to be the hinge that they installed in your car.
Try to go back to the dealer and have them order the 2015 hinge.
Edit. Had the post sitting there without posting it. Plenty good responses already
The door hinge design changed in 2016 and that appears to be the hinge that they installed in your car.
Try to go back to the dealer and have them order the 2015 hinge.
Edit. Had the post sitting there without posting it. Plenty good responses already
Just so you're aware, when the parts get updated like that, they get replaced in the system and auto-filter to the new one. In a case like this, the old parts will ship until the supply is exhausted, then the new ones will be sent. There's not going to be a way to order the older style in this case. I could look it up in EPC and verify, but unless there's a note saying the old ones are available for some reason, which would be highly unusual, it's not possible.
Just so you're aware, when the parts get updated like that, they get replaced in the system and auto-filter to the new one. In a case like this, the old parts will ship until the supply is exhausted, then the new ones will be sent. There's not going to be a way to order the older style in this case. I could look it up in EPC and verify, but unless there's a note saying the old ones are available for some reason, which would be highly unusual, it's not possible.
Good to know and it makes sense. I know that as a customer I would not except two different door hinges on two front doors.
Good to know and it makes sense. I know that as a customer I would not except two different door hinges on two front doors.
Yep, and what MB would have us do in this case, would be replace the other side also with a matching, new design part. Happens from time to time with things like this. Still works out cheaper for them than manufacturing, inventorying and keeping two different styles of the same exact part where possible. The hinges also come unpainted, which requires a body shop trip for the new part every time, but enables them to only have one hinge part#. Other things come painted/color specific and then have multiple part #'s and EPC listings.
Success after 2 months! I went back to MB armed with insights gained from this forum and they agreed the new hinge with detents was not appropriate for my 2015 car. They were not willing to try adjusting the old hinge so then it would have to be a new part. Eventually they located a 2014-5 hinge (new old stock) with the smooth continuous motion older design. Painted and installed, it works beautifully now! I am most impressed with MB -- had assumed they'd just blow me off. Many thanks to all esp ItalianJoe for sharing your knowledge, could not have done it w/o!
And what a great car! Mine is anthracite blue with porcelain (white) interior, exclusive Nappa leather with the diamonds stitched into the seats and dash/door panels, Sport option bumpers/lower body, and the 20" AMG wheels. I pamper it and it pampers me back!
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I have to say that I thought the “variable” hinges on my 2015 S550 were wonderful and I was worried that my 2018 S560 would not be as nice to use. However, the 2018, IMO, is better. I have never looked back on this issue.
Glad you got it fixed, happy to help. This is why I am a tech, to fix cars, and it upsets me when I hear the stories where dealerships don't want to resolve things for customers. It's not the best job in the world by far, but it's nice to actually keep the customer happy with the car and keep it working as it should.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by ItalianJoe1
Glad you got it fixed, happy to help. This is why I am a tech, to fix cars, and it upsets me when I hear the stories where dealerships don't want to resolve things for customers. It's not the best job in the world by far, but it's nice to actually keep the customer happy with the car and keep it working as it should.
And I can’t tell you how much it is appreciated that you frequent this forum. I have found your insight into these cars to be invaluable on more than one occasion, as I’m sure many others have as well. Thanks for helping out.
And I can’t tell you how much it is appreciated that you frequent this forum. I have found your insight into these cars to be invaluable on more than one occasion, as I’m sure many others have as well. Thanks for helping out.
People look at me stupid when I tell them why I go on the forum all the time lol. When I'm home and not doing much, I will just read through the problems posts in hopes I can find something I can help out with. I do the same thing at work, people are always seeking me out for advice. One of the small things I enjoy is actually solving problems, not just throwing parts at cars. Most techs now give us a bad rep, as they don't care at all about anything except how much they get paid. I've found, I can still outwork and out earn most legitimate techs without scamming customers, and still fix cars.
2015 S550 4MATIC AMG Sport package, 2006 S500 4Matic (Sold)
Originally Posted by ItalianJoe1
Yep, and what MB would have us do in this case, would be replace the other side also with a matching, new design part. Happens from time to time with things like this. Still works out cheaper for them than manufacturing, inventorying and keeping two different styles of the same exact part where possible. The hinges also come unpainted, which requires a body shop trip for the new part every time, but enables them to only have one hinge part#. Other things come painted/color specific and then have multiple part #'s and EPC listings.
. I think I've just fixed the same issue today on my W222. try to remove the "plastic" cover above the pin, and try to turn the black pin (see photo) tight and that might take care of it. It worked for me so far, try it and let me know how it goes. The black pin is painted and it will get scratched if you use simple tools, but that's why there is a plastic cover.
2015 S550 4MATIC AMG Sport package, 2006 S500 4Matic (Sold)
Originally Posted by S_W222
. I think I've just fixed the same issue today on my W222. try to remove the "plastic" cover above the pin, and try to turn the black pin (see photo) tight and that might take care of it. It worked for me so far, try it and let me know how it goes. The black pin is painted and it will get scratched if you use simple tools, but that's why there is a plastic cover.
thank you for the suggestion, it’s worth a try. I appreciate it.
. I think I've just fixed the same issue today on my W222. try to remove the "plastic" cover above the pin, and try to turn the black pin (see photo) tight and that might take care of it. It worked for me so far, try it and let me know how it goes. The black pin is painted and it will get scratched if you use simple tools, but that's why there is a plastic cover.
Thanks S W222! My passenger hinge was replaced under warranty but now the driver door is popping. Warranty expired so will give tthat a try.
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