S550 Irritating/nagging issues
#26
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I just went to my garage to check the seat settings and get the manuel out. I can not adjust the seat firmness, nor is it available on the Comand system. The manual reads; " Depending on production date, your vehicle may be equipped with this function." Well big deal, it is not. At the time of ordering the vehicle I was under the impression it was a feature. Being rather heavy, a soft setting for a "robust derriere" would have been desired.
Same remarks for the tow-away alarm.
As for the door rear view mirrors, larger mirrors would facilitate passing. Looking over my shoulder does not help because the door pillars are massive. ( I do not mind the massive pillars. More strength in case of a roll over, or side impact.)
Same remarks for the tow-away alarm.
As for the door rear view mirrors, larger mirrors would facilitate passing. Looking over my shoulder does not help because the door pillars are massive. ( I do not mind the massive pillars. More strength in case of a roll over, or side impact.)
#28
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2008 Mazda Tribute , 2007 S550.
As far as the dealers; unless a fault shows on the screen of their diagnostic tool, there is nothing wrong with your car.
Last edited by 04S430; 07-11-2008 at 07:37 AM.
#29
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.
-I am still finding myself in 1 st gear at times after inadvertently and unintentionally touching the steering wheel shift buttons, which in my opinion are ergonomically mislocated.
-Compared to my previous S430-4Matic, I find the ride of the S550 equipped with ABC harder. Furthermore, the S430 (2004) had a handy document compartment in the glove box lid; a small but handy "lip" that would pop out after opening the trunk; and an engine oil check screen on the instrument cluster. None of these on my S550.
-As a point of great irritation to me, and bordering on dishonesty on the part of MB, I special ordered my S550 with the drive dynamic multicontour seats because I wanted to be able to adjust the seating between soft, normal and hard. No such adjustments; just greyed out on the Comand screen, and a remark in the operator manual " is so equipped." The same is true for the tow away alarm feature. Just not there!
- Night vision, Distronic-Plus, very distracting to say the least. And as far as the navigation system is concerned, I would be dead by now if I had followed the gentle voice's instructions to the letter!
-I am still finding myself in 1 st gear at times after inadvertently and unintentionally touching the steering wheel shift buttons, which in my opinion are ergonomically mislocated.
-Compared to my previous S430-4Matic, I find the ride of the S550 equipped with ABC harder. Furthermore, the S430 (2004) had a handy document compartment in the glove box lid; a small but handy "lip" that would pop out after opening the trunk; and an engine oil check screen on the instrument cluster. None of these on my S550.
-As a point of great irritation to me, and bordering on dishonesty on the part of MB, I special ordered my S550 with the drive dynamic multicontour seats because I wanted to be able to adjust the seating between soft, normal and hard. No such adjustments; just greyed out on the Comand screen, and a remark in the operator manual " is so equipped." The same is true for the tow away alarm feature. Just not there!
- Night vision, Distronic-Plus, very distracting to say the least. And as far as the navigation system is concerned, I would be dead by now if I had followed the gentle voice's instructions to the letter!
Drive the thing in comfort instead of sport then...suspension settings are altered by switching between the two.
Push the button of the seat by the command and adjust the settings...there are several for drive dynamic..you can adjust EVERY part of the seat through the menu. Also, tow away alarm is under car settings in the COMMAND display.
How is Night Vision distracting? It's no more distracting than having a fourth mirror, that's the way it's supposed to be used, as a SUPPLEMENTAL aid..I could see it being distracting if you solely relied upon it but no one could possibly be that smart, right??
Those are my beefs with your shortcomings...sounds like you don't even know how to use your own car..
#30
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#31
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I thought they were talking about the chime when you stop the car and the car reminds about the KG key in the car (to avoid forgetting the key in the car). Several owners consider this chime not needed.
#32
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Where do you suggest that they put the gear shift levers then? On the floor?
Drive the thing in comfort instead of sport then...suspension settings are altered by switching between the two.
Push the button of the seat by the command and adjust the settings...there are several for drive dynamic..you can adjust EVERY part of the seat through the menu. Also, tow away alarm is under car settings in the COMMAND display.
How is Night Vision distracting? It's no more distracting than having a fourth mirror, that's the way it's supposed to be used, as a SUPPLEMENTAL aid..I could see it being distracting if you solely relied upon it but no one could possibly be that smart, right??
Those are my beefs with your shortcomings...sounds like you don't even know how to use your own car..
Drive the thing in comfort instead of sport then...suspension settings are altered by switching between the two.
Push the button of the seat by the command and adjust the settings...there are several for drive dynamic..you can adjust EVERY part of the seat through the menu. Also, tow away alarm is under car settings in the COMMAND display.
How is Night Vision distracting? It's no more distracting than having a fourth mirror, that's the way it's supposed to be used, as a SUPPLEMENTAL aid..I could see it being distracting if you solely relied upon it but no one could possibly be that smart, right??
Those are my beefs with your shortcomings...sounds like you don't even know how to use your own car..
-Though the car is equipped with "Sport" and Comfort" settings, I always drive in "C". Still have to try the "S" setting! My observation was comparing an S430 air suspension with the ABC of my S550. I would have hoped that the ride comfort of the expensive ABC option would have been superior to the airmatic. On the other hand the ABC ( in "S" mode,) corners better than the airmatic, which is not important to me, I don't race my car.
-As for the seat firmness issue.... Well prior to trading in, I researched the S550 pretty well by reading at least three times an S550 manual I downloaded from a web site. ( Could even have been this one?) I choose the optional dynamic contour front seats ( or whatever they call them,) because of the seat firmness settings available with this option. I can assure you, it does not exist on my car. I have read the manual that came with my car on the usage of the seats. Yes, I am disatisfied with respect to this issue.
-As for the tow away alarm... not there, at least not on my vehicle. The Comand does not show that line, and the manual of my car states that the feature " ..may not be available" Remember, I researched the available options of my car from an "S" manual.
Night vision is an SUPPLEMENTAL aid as you point out. I would prefer to see a " Heads Ups screen, as Cadillac had,) rather having to look at the instrument cluster. A lot can happen in the few seconds you take your eyes of the road.
And to conclude, I was responding to a thread originally posted by AustinGuy, which read:
"....... U.S. highways, but... when you've shelled out over $100k for a luxury performance automobile, expecting a little mor than being happy with "how far" MB has come is your right. And as someone said earlier, MB needs to visit forums like these to get a glimpse of what it's customers really want."
I agree with the contents of the thread. It is constructive to vent at times. NOT
Have a good day.
#33
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Where do you suggest that they put the gear shift levers then? On the floor?
Drive the thing in comfort instead of sport then...suspension settings are altered by switching between the two.
Push the button of the seat by the command and adjust the settings...there are several for drive dynamic..you can adjust EVERY part of the seat through the menu. Also, tow away alarm is under car settings in the COMMAND display.
How is Night Vision distracting? It's no more distracting than having a fourth mirror, that's the way it's supposed to be used, as a SUPPLEMENTAL aid..I could see it being distracting if you solely relied upon it but no one could possibly be that smart, right??
Those are my beefs with your shortcomings...sounds like you don't even know how to use your own car..
Drive the thing in comfort instead of sport then...suspension settings are altered by switching between the two.
Push the button of the seat by the command and adjust the settings...there are several for drive dynamic..you can adjust EVERY part of the seat through the menu. Also, tow away alarm is under car settings in the COMMAND display.
How is Night Vision distracting? It's no more distracting than having a fourth mirror, that's the way it's supposed to be used, as a SUPPLEMENTAL aid..I could see it being distracting if you solely relied upon it but no one could possibly be that smart, right??
Those are my beefs with your shortcomings...sounds like you don't even know how to use your own car..
-Though the car is equipped with "Sport" and Comfort" settings, I always drive in "C". Still have to try the "S" setting! My observation was comparing an S430 air suspension with the ABC of my S550. I would have hoped that the ride comfort of the expensive ABC option would have been superior to the airmatic. On the other hand the ABC ( in "S" mode,) corners better than the airmatic, which is not important to me, I don't race my car.
-As for the seat firmness issue.... Well prior to trading in, I researched the S550 pretty well by reading at least three times an S550 manual I downloaded from a web site. ( Could even have been this one?) I choose the optional dynamic contour front seats ( or whatever they call them,) because of the seat firmness settings available with this option. I can assure you, it does not exist on my car. I have read the manual that came with my car on the usage of the seats. Yes, I am disatisfied with respect to this issue.
-As for the tow away alarm... not there, at least not on my vehicle. The Comand does not show that line, and the manual of my car states that the feature " ..may not be available" Remember, I researched the available options of my car from an "S" manual.
Night vision is an SUPPLEMENTAL aid as you point out. I would prefer to see a " Heads Ups screen, as Cadillac had,) rather having to look at the instrument cluster. A lot can happen in the few seconds you take your eyes of the road.
And to conclude, I was responding to a thread originally posted by AustinGuy, which read:
"....... U.S. highways, but... when you've shelled out over $100k for a luxury performance automobile, expecting a little mor than being happy with "how far" MB has come is your right. And as someone said earlier, MB needs to visit forums like these to get a glimpse of what it's customers really want."
I agree with the contents of the thread. It is constructive to vent at times. NOT
Enjoy your day.
#34
Awesome thread. The only things I find worth griping about is the location of the gear shifter and start/stop button and also the fact that the sunroof(s) don't have a one touch close as it does one touch opening. I wish the car still had the gear shifter at the center console area with a button on top of it for start/stop.
I find myself forgetting to either shut the car off or put the car into Park because both actions require moving your hand up to areas to close in proximity to each other. My overall problem is that when I put the car into park I subconsciously forget whether or not I killed the engine too (or vice versa). Of course within seconds of opening the door, I realize I forgot to do one or the other. I sure hope the next S class changes this back like BMW did for their next generation 7 series.
I find myself forgetting to either shut the car off or put the car into Park because both actions require moving your hand up to areas to close in proximity to each other. My overall problem is that when I put the car into park I subconsciously forget whether or not I killed the engine too (or vice versa). Of course within seconds of opening the door, I realize I forgot to do one or the other. I sure hope the next S class changes this back like BMW did for their next generation 7 series.
#35
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Without going into a long monologue I will simply state that to "look how far these cars have come" is strictly due to improvements that could not have been made without the end users offering their observations of what works, what doesn't work and what can be improved. If engineers, designers or end users accepted the status quo we would not have the improvements in safety, performance and design we currently have. This holds true for any product from tooth paste to the Space Shuttle. I did not take any of the previous comments as complaints nor did I perceive that anyone was "losing happiness" over these issues. I do not see anything that requires anyone to "get over it". These are the "best damn cars out there" because owners take an active interest in them.
Would argue that, in a Net era, only efficient, relevant sources of feedback for MBUSA are warranty repair costs and forums like mbworld......
But know many guys who buy several new $150+K MB/yr (at same, predictable dealer in their region), but don't ever visit forums/fill out surveys....but they are clever enough to have chosen a competent go-to MB dealer/salesman....and seem to be treated well.....
#36
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2008 Mazda Tribute , 2007 S550.
Just noticed I duplicated my last thread. Must have happened while editing!
Waiting to be told I do not know how to use my computer. ( Which is probably true! )
Waiting to be told I do not know how to use my computer. ( Which is probably true! )
#37
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#39
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2008 Mazda Tribute , 2007 S550.
#40
Awesome thread. The only things I find worth griping about is the location of the gear shifter and start/stop button and also the fact that the sunroof(s) don't have a one touch close as it does one touch opening. I wish the car still had the gear shifter at the center console area with a button on top of it for start/stop.
I find myself forgetting to either shut the car off or put the car into Park because both actions require moving your hand up to areas to close in proximity to each other. My overall problem is that when I put the car into park I subconsciously forget whether or not I killed the engine too (or vice versa). Of course within seconds of opening the door, I realize I forgot to do one or the other. I sure hope the next S class changes this back like BMW did for their next generation 7 series.
I find myself forgetting to either shut the car off or put the car into Park because both actions require moving your hand up to areas to close in proximity to each other. My overall problem is that when I put the car into park I subconsciously forget whether or not I killed the engine too (or vice versa). Of course within seconds of opening the door, I realize I forgot to do one or the other. I sure hope the next S class changes this back like BMW did for their next generation 7 series.
+1. I feel the same way about the gear shifter and start button.
#41
#42
Member
Question: I have an annoying rattle when going over rough roads in what sounds like the right rear roof area. Is there an easy way to lower the roof panels to see what is there?
#43
Do you have rear passenger window sunscreens???? I do and I had a rattle that turned out to be a trim piece that can easily come detached at the base of the window area. Make sure it's not loose.
#44
Member
I do have the sunscreens. I will check that out today. It's hard to pinpoint these noises when you do not have anyone to drive allowing you can sit in the back and pinpoint them. Thanks for the suggestion!
#45
Here is the thread where I mentioned it; https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w221/248943-trim-pieces-coming-loose.html
Last edited by trumpet1; 07-13-2008 at 01:46 PM.
#46
My only big complaint is how aggravating the bluetooth phone is to use when outside of the car. The range (distance away from the car) at which the bluetooth puck stays in connection with the handset is extremely too far. When I get out of my car every evening from work, many times I walk into my den/kitchen area which is the first room I come into after leaving the garage and is 30 feet away from the car. My gosh, after 5 feet it should disconnect from bluetooth.....my Ford even severs the connection at around 5 feet. Anyway, I sit down and watch TV for a while and countless times the phone in my pocket rings but I am not able to use the handset because the phone is still connected to the audio/phone system within the car
I either have to go run out to the car to complete the call , or, I have to hang up on the caller and call them back after going through a 5 step process on the handset of disconnecting the phone from the car.
Even if someone else goes out to the car and opens the door while I'm in the kitchen, it will reinitiate the connection while the phone is in my pocket. Very aggravating.
Please MB, shorten the connectivity range!!!
I either have to go run out to the car to complete the call , or, I have to hang up on the caller and call them back after going through a 5 step process on the handset of disconnecting the phone from the car.
Even if someone else goes out to the car and opens the door while I'm in the kitchen, it will reinitiate the connection while the phone is in my pocket. Very aggravating.
Please MB, shorten the connectivity range!!!
Last edited by trumpet1; 07-15-2008 at 02:44 PM.
#47
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My only big complaint is how aggravating the bluetooth phone is to use when outside of the car. The range (distance away from the car) at which the bluetooth puck stays in connection with the handset is extremely too far. When I get out of my car every evening from work, many times I walk into my den/kitchen area which is the first room I come into after leaving the garage and is 30 feet away from the car. My gosh, after 5 feet it should disconnect from bluetooth.....my Ford even severs the connection at around 5 feet. Anyway, I sit down and watch TV for a while and countless times the phone in my pocket rings but I am not able to use the handset because the phone is still connected to the audio/phone system within the car
I either have to go run out to the car to complete the call , or, I have to hang up on the caller and call them back after going through a 5 step process on the handset of disconnecting the phone from the car.
Even if someone else goes out to the car and opens the door while I'm in the kitchen, it will reinitiate the connection while the phone is in my pocket. Very aggravating.
Please MB, shorten the connectivity range!!!
I either have to go run out to the car to complete the call , or, I have to hang up on the caller and call them back after going through a 5 step process on the handset of disconnecting the phone from the car.
Even if someone else goes out to the car and opens the door while I'm in the kitchen, it will reinitiate the connection while the phone is in my pocket. Very aggravating.
Please MB, shorten the connectivity range!!!
But I do agree with the issue. I would prefer it fixed by forcing the BT connection disconnect either once the engine is switched off or preferably once doors are locked. Another option would be to make the "run-on time " timer to work with BT too.
#48
#49
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If the range was made shorter, you would lose connection in the car if your phone is deep in the pocket. Radio does not work accurately to some distance, you have to have reserve to "cover" the whole car. This again means that the phone keeps the connection far away from the car at normal conditions.
But I do agree with the issue. I would prefer it fixed by forcing the BT connection disconnect either once the engine is switched off or preferably once doors are locked. Another option would be to make the "run-on time " timer to work with BT too.
But I do agree with the issue. I would prefer it fixed by forcing the BT connection disconnect either once the engine is switched off or preferably once doors are locked. Another option would be to make the "run-on time " timer to work with BT too.
#50
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On the 220, you can disconnect by pressing the TEL button. According to the puck documentation, the W221 equivalent is Telephone-->Telephone-->Off via COMAND. That sounds like a bit more work, but not too bad. Also, mine will disconnect in a few minutes anyway when the CAN goes to sleep. Doesn't the 221 do the same?
But doesn't it take anyway some 6 minutes for CAN to go to sleep? If one is getting a lot of calls, some could get lost within that time already.
Considering manual BT connection release, if I had the problem, I would do it from the phone, I would program a short-cut for it to make it quick.