W222 vs W221: Cost Cutting
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
W222 vs W221: Cost Cutting
Has anyone found these things somewhat a downgrade from the W221?
1) I find the weight balance of the doors in the W222 somewhat odd as opposed to the doors in the W221 - perhaps the location of the handle on the doors?
2) The hard plastic surrounding the window switches on the W222 - it's exactly the same was the ones I had in my B class loaner.
3) Less stitching - on the W221 with exclusive nappa, there was stitching all the way to the lower door storage pockets as well, not the case with the exclusive nappa on the W222?
4) COMAND wheel. Out goes the aluminum wheel and in comes the glossy black one - looks like something pulled out from the Equus.
5) Exterior door handles: The entire handle pulls on the W222, making it more difficult to open the door unlike the W221, where only 3/4 of the handle pulls.
What are other cost cutting aspects visible in the W222 compared to the W221 that you guys have noticed?
However with all things aside, in your opinion, is the new technology worth over the 'issues'?
1) I find the weight balance of the doors in the W222 somewhat odd as opposed to the doors in the W221 - perhaps the location of the handle on the doors?
2) The hard plastic surrounding the window switches on the W222 - it's exactly the same was the ones I had in my B class loaner.
3) Less stitching - on the W221 with exclusive nappa, there was stitching all the way to the lower door storage pockets as well, not the case with the exclusive nappa on the W222?
4) COMAND wheel. Out goes the aluminum wheel and in comes the glossy black one - looks like something pulled out from the Equus.
5) Exterior door handles: The entire handle pulls on the W222, making it more difficult to open the door unlike the W221, where only 3/4 of the handle pulls.
What are other cost cutting aspects visible in the W222 compared to the W221 that you guys have noticed?
However with all things aside, in your opinion, is the new technology worth over the 'issues'?
Last edited by 5634MG; Jul 15, 2014 at 12:10 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,498
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I had not noticed any of the differences above.
One could add the missing liner from the top of the trunk (inside).
Another one perhaps the discontinuation of IR receivers at door handles (was it only the driver's door on the 221). The functionality should remain the same though, one cannot close/open windows from distance (where doors locks still work).
One could add the missing liner from the top of the trunk (inside).
Another one perhaps the discontinuation of IR receivers at door handles (was it only the driver's door on the 221). The functionality should remain the same though, one cannot close/open windows from distance (where doors locks still work).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
I had not noticed any of the differences above.
One could add the missing liner from the top of the trunk (inside).
Another one perhaps the discontinuation of IR receivers at door handles (was it only the driver's door on the 221). The functionality should remain the same though, one cannot close/open windows from distance (where doors locks still work).
One could add the missing liner from the top of the trunk (inside).
Another one perhaps the discontinuation of IR receivers at door handles (was it only the driver's door on the 221). The functionality should remain the same though, one cannot close/open windows from distance (where doors locks still work).
Also, the trunk liner is standard? I always thought it was a dealer accessory. Guess I shouldn't be so excited about receiving 'freebies' from my dealer lol.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
So on the 222 you can't put all the windows up and close sunroof from the driver door with remote?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
I'm not sure about the IR receiver on the W221 cause I have keyless go so I just touch and hold the button but there is an IR receiver on my W164.
Also, the trunk liner is standard? I always thought it was a dealer accessory. Guess I shouldn't be so excited about receiving 'freebies' from my dealer lol.
Also, the trunk liner is standard? I always thought it was a dealer accessory. Guess I shouldn't be so excited about receiving 'freebies' from my dealer lol.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,498
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
The new design seems to be working from KG sensors or a sensor (KG too only works close to the car), even on cars that do not have the full KG feature. I guess this is linked to the fact that the W222 has the push-button to start the car, just like KG cars (but door locks are traditional).
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
Yes, this is what I tried to say.
You can still open and close windows and the sunroof from the key. Previously this was working via IR to prevent the feature working from distance, behind corners etc. This basically guarantees that the driver can see the car when operating windows/sunroof.
The new design seems to be working from KG sensors or a sensor (KG too only works close to the car), even on cars that do not have the full KG feature. I guess this is linked to the fact that the W222 has the push-button to start the car, just like KG cars (but door locks are traditional).
You can still open and close windows and the sunroof from the key. Previously this was working via IR to prevent the feature working from distance, behind corners etc. This basically guarantees that the driver can see the car when operating windows/sunroof.
The new design seems to be working from KG sensors or a sensor (KG too only works close to the car), even on cars that do not have the full KG feature. I guess this is linked to the fact that the W222 has the push-button to start the car, just like KG cars (but door locks are traditional).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
I have no idea about the old, single camera system since this is my first MB. I can tell you this much it recognizes the lane markers very well. Even when they are rather faint, it does a great job.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
Have you ever had experience with the steering assist feature? Also, when there aren't any lane markings, does the car manage to follow the car in front of you?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
To be honest with you, I have not had the experience yet to test the auto pilot in the city traffic without any lane markers. But I imagine it will work as advertised as long as the speed is 37 mph or less. It should just follow the car in front of you even without lane markers.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,498
Likes: 335
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
You have to aim at the door IR receiver and and it only works from a reasonable distance over "line of sight", about 10 metres maximum while door locks operate from much further away via RF (no need to see the car).
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
2015 S550 4Matic
Yes the steering assist works great. It will stay in its lane even on gentle curves on the road. On sharp curves, the driver needs to take control of the steering wheel.
To be honest with you, I have not had the experience yet to test the auto pilot in the city traffic without any lane markers. But I imagine it will work as advertised as long as the speed is 37 mph or less. It should just follow the car in front of you even without lane markers.
To be honest with you, I have not had the experience yet to test the auto pilot in the city traffic without any lane markers. But I imagine it will work as advertised as long as the speed is 37 mph or less. It should just follow the car in front of you even without lane markers.
As well, for the active lane keep assist. Does it only vibrate the wheel, or will it steer you back into your lane even without the distronic cruise control on?
Thank you in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
I still don't understand this. Why can you only point it at the drivers door only? I don't get it. I've had other cars where as long as you could reach the car to lock/unlockl, you could control the windows, etc. I would love a mod that would fix this.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
I was just wondering in order for the steering assist to work, would I need to turn on the distronic cruise control, or even without it it can steer itself.
As well, for the active lane keep assist. Does it only vibrate the wheel, or will it steer you back into your lane even without the distronic cruise control on?
Thank you in advance!
As well, for the active lane keep assist. Does it only vibrate the wheel, or will it steer you back into your lane even without the distronic cruise control on?
Thank you in advance!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
I was just wondering in order for the steering assist to work, would I need to turn on the distronic cruise control, or even without it it can steer itself.
As well, for the active lane keep assist. Does it only vibrate the wheel, or will it steer you back into your lane even without the distronic cruise control on?
Thank you in advance!
As well, for the active lane keep assist. Does it only vibrate the wheel, or will it steer you back into your lane even without the distronic cruise control on?
Thank you in advance!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 22
From: BC
G11 750i Individual, X166 GL550 Designo, W222 S550e, W221 S63
With distronic on and when you're on a bend, if there's a tree directly in front of you, does the car start braking? Cause there's been so many times when I've been in that situation and the distance lamp comes on and starts beeping.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
I'm not sure if I have driven in such sharp bends but I'm pretty certain, the bends in my neighborhood are sharp enough so that there are trees a couple hundred (or less) feet in front and the car does not brake.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 377
From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Somebody already answered this. For safety, you have to be close enough to observe the car. That way you can't close the windows while a small child has his head sticking out. That's why they had the extra IR sensor and transmitter for years.
