Mercedes S-Class vs Audi A8 vs BMW 7 Series review - which is the best? | carwow
#26
MBWorld Fanatic!
Out of curiosity, does this steering wheel not being centered not drive some of you insane?
https://tdrvehicles.azureedge.net/ph...pg?w=800&h=600
https://tdrvehicles.azureedge.net/ph...pg?w=800&h=600
#29
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Thread Starter
For a German car company its like they forgot to use a ruler.
#31
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#33
Out of curiosity, does this steering wheel not being centered not drive some of you insane?
https://tdrvehicles.azureedge.net/photos/import/201810/1403/0049/0fb394ae-7992-4344-b959-263dd2301213.jpg?w=800&h=600
https://tdrvehicles.azureedge.net/photos/import/201810/1403/0049/0fb394ae-7992-4344-b959-263dd2301213.jpg?w=800&h=600
#34
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Thread Starter
This picture is extremely skewed. I never noticed anything either when driving, so I had to check for myself. I sat in the back seat behind the driver's seat, measured the center point between the two headrest posts, looked straight ahead, and guess what was perfectly or nearly perfectly centered? You guessed it, the Mercedes emblem on the steering wheel. See for yourself, sit in the back seat and do the same.
Ill see if I can find some time later.
#35
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Turns out it was still on my desktop.
#36
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Looking at the two interiors back to back I like the Audi's even less. The window switches and air vents (other than being automated) look like they are straight out of the VW parts bin. I like VWs, at VW pricing.
#37
MBWorld Fanatic!
I'm confused by the problem with the w222 uncentered steering wheel. It's like off a few millimeters or less than 1". Who has ever noticed this or mentioned this since 2014 when this car came out? I don't think it's bothering anybody?
#38
So I took these from the back seat of my car in the garage....it's tough to get the perfect picture but you get the point. Again, I don't notice anything while sitting in the driver's seat.
#39
MBWorld Fanatic!
The point is? THere's no issue you mean?
Last edited by Jason B; 10-24-2018 at 12:40 PM.
#40
MBWorld Fanatic!
WARNING! I don't want to spoil your Mercedes for you if you have not noticed it by now. DO NOT READ THIS if you don't want to know.
Why do most Mercedes models suffer from an offset steering? w221, w222, etc!
Why do most Mercedes models suffer from an offset steering? w221, w222, etc!
Last edited by Jason B; 10-24-2018 at 12:48 PM.
#41
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Thread Starter
Yes I have a really messed up back. Most of you probably don't care.
#42
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Thread Starter
Your center blue line is not in the middle of your seat and you are at a slight angle. You can take a look at the seat cushion. One side is longer than the other in your photo, thus representing this photo being taken at an angle.
Last edited by superangrypenguin; 10-24-2018 at 01:23 PM.
#43
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Thread Starter
For those of you not convinced, this is the best way to test it out yourself. (yes, diff. car. same principle)
Follow his arm movements. Start at 2:15.
Follow his arm movements. Start at 2:15.
#44
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yes, the offset exists. And if it hurts your back, you should absolutely look at a different vehicle. If a car caused me back pain, or had the potential to, it would not be considered. You've shown very particular selection criteria across many threads in differing subsections. Personally, I'm happy to hear your opinion of both once driven. Until then, convincing others that a condition that bothers you exists doesn't do much.
#45
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Yes, the offset exists. And if it hurts your back, you should absolutely look at a different vehicle. If a car caused me back pain, or had the potential to, it would not be considered. You've shown very particular selection criteria across many threads in differing subsections. Personally, I'm happy to hear your opinion of both once driven. Until then, convincing others that a condition that bothers you exists doesn't do much.
There are plenty of things going for both cars, but that said, i'm not here to convince anyone of anything. I'm just here to share my opinion and to perhaps discuss things such as the one we're discussing. There are no winners/losers here (car or posts/posters). Just a discussion.
I mean, there is someone here trying to convince me/us that the offset doesn't exist. Great - all I'm saying is that it does, and it bugs me. That's not to throw a wrench in anyone's day or a counter opinion. It's just a fact, nothing more, nothing less.
#46
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I call this an OCD issue at best.
While I don't know the reason, I know that MB has historically designed their driver area for comfortable driving, including of people place their arms on the arm rests or door panels. Heck, the S-Class used recirculating ball steering for driving comfort rather than use the cheaper and more accurate rack and pinion steering.
In comparison, what bothered me when driving the A8 is the shift lever; when switching in reverse, half the time I ended up in either neutral or park.
While I don't know the reason, I know that MB has historically designed their driver area for comfortable driving, including of people place their arms on the arm rests or door panels. Heck, the S-Class used recirculating ball steering for driving comfort rather than use the cheaper and more accurate rack and pinion steering.
In comparison, what bothered me when driving the A8 is the shift lever; when switching in reverse, half the time I ended up in either neutral or park.
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MTrauman (10-24-2018)
#47
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In any case, if a cars seating position caused me pain, I would not consider it. I get your point on the pros and cons between both. I would suggest an extended test drive of both cars and look forward to your thoughts.
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superangrypenguin (10-24-2018)
#48
MBWorld Fanatic!
Not really sure what drove that last comment. Yes, this particular issue bothers me, but that doesn't stop me from looking past it. Here's another take on this, I feel the A8 won't be as reliable, that bothers me too. The ELW on the Audi isn't as solid, and that bothers me too.
There are plenty of things going for both cars, but that said, i'm not here to convince anyone of anything. I'm just here to share my opinion and to perhaps discuss things such as the one we're discussing. There are no winners/losers here (car or posts/posters). Just a discussion.
I mean, there is someone here trying to convince me/us that the offset doesn't exist. Great - all I'm saying is that it does, and it bugs me. That's not to throw a wrench in anyone's day or a counter opinion. It's just a fact, nothing more, nothing less.
There are plenty of things going for both cars, but that said, i'm not here to convince anyone of anything. I'm just here to share my opinion and to perhaps discuss things such as the one we're discussing. There are no winners/losers here (car or posts/posters). Just a discussion.
I mean, there is someone here trying to convince me/us that the offset doesn't exist. Great - all I'm saying is that it does, and it bugs me. That's not to throw a wrench in anyone's day or a counter opinion. It's just a fact, nothing more, nothing less.
However, there is a reason this exists. Did anyone ever consider the fact that it is due to safety and legal requirements? Because that is the answer according to Paul McNamara, MSci in Automotive Engineering Design. I knew that when I hit a tree at 60mph with my ‘14 S550 4matic and walked away without a scratch that MB has a great designed steering wheel and airbag/knee bag area—I survived and I bet it has to do with that offset steering wheel.
#49
MBWorld Fanatic!
Many years ago, I sold our (family member's car) Nissan Almera because the driving position was SO MUCH Offset you had to twist like a Yogi master.
I don't understand how can even the most basic ergonomy can be overlooked by car developers.
I don't understand how can even the most basic ergonomy can be overlooked by car developers.
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superangrypenguin (10-24-2018)
#50
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I have to laugh at the small details that Superangrypenguin is looking at. I have never noticed the steering wheel issue. I went out to my car just now to look. This little bit of offset does exist. But who cares? If it gives you back problems don’t buy or drive the car—period.
However, there is a reason this exists. Did anyone ever consider the fact that it is due to safety and legal requirements? Because that is the answer according to Paul McNamara, MSci in Automotive Engineering Design. I knew that when I hit a tree at 60mph with my ‘14 S550 4matic and walked away without a scratch that MB has a great designed steering wheel and airbag/knee bag area—I survived and I bet it has to do with that offset steering wheel.
That said, if it is due to safety and legal requirements, perhaps enlighten stupid ol' me why BMW/Audi/Lexus do not do this?
If it doesn't matter to you, great, but the fact that most of you learned something that you did not exist on your car, means, job done?
I've often enjoyed my time in the many years on MBWorld, because unlike other forums, we're not douches towards each other.
Last edited by superangrypenguin; 10-24-2018 at 04:30 PM.