Why did MB do this?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Why did MB do this?
From my experience with the 221 and 216, MB did a nice job selecting decent materials and generally has nicely useable technology.
Two things, however, really annoy me.
1. To close the door, you grab onto that bar (for lack of a better word) in the middle of the door panel. It seems they selected some very cheap plastic for that spot you grab. I can't imagine there was a reason for this besides cost cutting, but it would have been really nice to put some higher quality materials here as you interact with it each time you get in the car. Not the best way to be introduced to the car.
2. Perhaps this is due to my unfamiliarity with the car (I didn't read the manual).
Changing radio presets. Can this really only be done by use the multi-wheel, going to audio, going down to presets, and then scrolling through to whichever one you want?
Coming from a 220 where no matter where you were in comand, hitting the number buttons changed your station, this seems like a step backwards and utterly overcomplicated.
So, is there a way around this? I tried the number pad under the center console cover and it didn't work, but maybe I'm missing something.
Any thoughts?
Two things, however, really annoy me.
1. To close the door, you grab onto that bar (for lack of a better word) in the middle of the door panel. It seems they selected some very cheap plastic for that spot you grab. I can't imagine there was a reason for this besides cost cutting, but it would have been really nice to put some higher quality materials here as you interact with it each time you get in the car. Not the best way to be introduced to the car.
2. Perhaps this is due to my unfamiliarity with the car (I didn't read the manual).
Changing radio presets. Can this really only be done by use the multi-wheel, going to audio, going down to presets, and then scrolling through to whichever one you want?
Coming from a 220 where no matter where you were in comand, hitting the number buttons changed your station, this seems like a step backwards and utterly overcomplicated.
So, is there a way around this? I tried the number pad under the center console cover and it didn't work, but maybe I'm missing something.
Any thoughts?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 51
From: Southern California
2007 CL550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
From my experience with the 221 and 216, MB did a nice job selecting decent materials and generally has nicely useable technology.
Two things, however, really annoy me.
1. To close the door, you grab onto that bar (for lack of a better word) in the middle of the door panel. It seems they selected some very cheap plastic for that spot you grab. I can't imagine there was a reason for this besides cost cutting, but it would have been really nice to put some higher quality materials here as you interact with it each time you get in the car. Not the best way to be introduced to the car.
2. Perhaps this is due to my unfamiliarity with the car (I didn't read the manual).
Changing radio presets. Can this really only be done by use the multi-wheel, going to audio, going down to presets, and then scrolling through to whichever one you want?
Coming from a 220 where no matter where you were in comand, hitting the number buttons changed your station, this seems like a step backwards and utterly overcomplicated.
So, is there a way around this? I tried the number pad under the center console cover and it didn't work, but maybe I'm missing something.
Any thoughts?
Two things, however, really annoy me.
1. To close the door, you grab onto that bar (for lack of a better word) in the middle of the door panel. It seems they selected some very cheap plastic for that spot you grab. I can't imagine there was a reason for this besides cost cutting, but it would have been really nice to put some higher quality materials here as you interact with it each time you get in the car. Not the best way to be introduced to the car.
2. Perhaps this is due to my unfamiliarity with the car (I didn't read the manual).
Changing radio presets. Can this really only be done by use the multi-wheel, going to audio, going down to presets, and then scrolling through to whichever one you want?
Coming from a 220 where no matter where you were in comand, hitting the number buttons changed your station, this seems like a step backwards and utterly overcomplicated.
So, is there a way around this? I tried the number pad under the center console cover and it didn't work, but maybe I'm missing something.
Any thoughts?
I still miss my 220, although the 221 is growing on me. I don't think I'll ever get to the point that I prefer the gear selector on the column versus a nice solid gear shift lever in the center console.
Last edited by Mike5215; Oct 2, 2014 at 10:21 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
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From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
They may have cheaped out on the door pulls, or it may have been a design choice dictated by newer side crash requirements. I know the wood trim in a 220 looks much more natural and authentic for example, but updated crash standards that dictate how it fractures or splinters forced manufacturers to change how they processed trim.
I still miss my 220, although the 221 is growing on me. I don't think I'll ever get to the point that I prefer the gear selector on the column versus a nice solid gear shift lever in the center console.
I still miss my 220, although the 221 is growing on me. I don't think I'll ever get to the point that I prefer the gear selector on the column versus a nice solid gear shift lever in the center console.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
thanks
I have figured out that if you hold down the tilt-a-whirl (wheel spinning thing), it goes straight to presets, which is a step in the right direction.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
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From: Southern California
2007 CL550
There a few dealers that know how to upgrade the telematics system andhave experience doing it. Most dealers will say it can't be done. Call your local dealers and talk to the service manager. A fair price would be for one hour of labor.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 659
Likes: 7
From: New Jersey
2013 S550 4matic (AMG sport package), 2016 Corvette Stingray.
I really don't have an issue with the door pulls as they are solid and well placed. Compare it to the new F01/F02 7 series and their door pulls feel of high quality materials but doesn't feel solid and is awkwardly placed. I've owned several 7's prior to this purchase and the main interior quality issue I have with the W221 is the soft leather on the center console and armrests of the doors. The moisture from ones hands and skin causes it to ripple much too easily.
Last edited by wilassasin; Oct 6, 2014 at 09:33 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
That is interesting on the center armrest. I can't tell you how many I've seen that have more ripples than a wave pool on that center armrest. I assumes it was caused from a 300lb linebacker with huge heavy arms.
