Notices
S-Class (W222) 2014-2020

Some ideas for minor improvements

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 4, 2015 | 06:00 PM
  #1  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
Some ideas for minor improvements

I doubt this will reach anyone of significance at MB, but here are some thoughts after my first 5k miles, anyway:

1. Allow a setting that would automatically close all window and sunroof shades when parked in the daytime, and a separate setting that would automatically open them when the car is started up.

2. Design more of the buttons to be easily located by touch. For instance, when I see someone operating a jackhammer or leaf blower at the side of the road, I’d like to quickly – by touch – find the air recirc button. The undersides of that row of buttons could have varying treatments…some indented, some with one bump, some smooth, etc.

3. Use metal, maybe aluminum, instead of plastic for all the buttons. The existing ones to the left of the steering wheel are especially chintzy.

4. Add back the front underseat storage bins that seem to have been designed out sometime during MY2015.

5. Provide more explanations for alarms. Sometimes I’m driving and hear a beep and there is no indication on the dash as to what the car was sensing. Allow a setting that would if enabled provide voice explanations of various alarms.

6. Create a passthrough for a cord from the front console storage bin…for instance if I want to charge my phone when it is mounted to a vent, or run a cord to the backseat, using a cord run from the usb outlet rather than from a 9v adapter, or the 115v adapter in the back. Yes, I know a cord can currently “fit” with the top door closed…but I think it is tight, likely damaging the cord internals over time.

7. Disk storage is cheap…instead of a measly 10GB Media Register, allow 300GB or more…this would allow the storage of a goodly amount of music in lossless format, or a huge amount at 320kbps

8. Allow the HUD to be adjusted much brighter than it can be now. I find that when wearing (polarized) sunglasses, if it is sunny and the pavement light-colored, the HUD is nearly impossible to read.

9. Include steering wheel buttons that will allow switching to next/previous music tracks, or radio stations.

Last edited by syswei; Sep 4, 2015 at 06:09 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2015 | 07:06 AM
  #2  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
10. I understand that 2016s have "speed limit assist"...but all it does is display the speed limit on the dash. Go a step further by allowing the driver to set distronic plus to a driver-specified increment relative to the current speed limit. So for instance, if I wanted I could set distronic to maintain 9 mph over the speed limit. Or 14. Or anything I wanted.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2015 | 08:57 PM
  #3  
Streamliner's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60


1. Give buyers the option of conventional tires, with a spare & jack concealed under the trunk floor, where they belong.
2. Make the Panorama Roof an option, not standard.
3. Offer one or two additional 18" wheel options.
4. Offer more varied exterior & interior color options.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2015 | 10:59 AM
  #4  
Jason B's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
Originally Posted by Streamliner


1. Give buyers the option of conventional tires, with a spare & jack concealed under the trunk floor, where they belong.
2. Make the Panorama Roof an option, not standard.
3. Offer one or two additional 18" wheel options.
4. Offer more varied exterior & interior color options.
I always wondered that about the wheels. Look at all the choices on the last gen.
Attached Thumbnails Some ideas for minor improvements-image.jpg  
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2015 | 12:36 PM
  #5  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,534
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by Jason B
I always wondered that about the wheels. Look at all the choices on the last gen.
Generational change... 19" wheels are the new 18" wheels.

I remember the 15" wheels of the W126 being replaced by the 16" wheels of the W140 and so on...

Every generation of S-Class had larger wheel options and while thicker rubber equates to more comfort, tire & suspension tech has also evolved.

Mercedes has always been the most conservative manufacturer when it comes to wheel sizes. BMW & Audi had 21" options for their models for a long time...
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2015 | 01:42 PM
  #6  
AHall's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Single color interior for all interior color choices.

If a want a tan leather interior, all of the leather should be tan and not tan with sections of black throughout.

This should be standard without having to go through a special high dollar build process.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2015 | 03:25 PM
  #7  
SB_NYC's Avatar
Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 188
Likes: 70
From: NYC
W223 S580, Range Rover LWB, BMW 740i, Porsche 911 Carrera S (997), Maserati QP GTS, W124 250D
my number one complaint with the s class since 2007 has been the inability to permenantly mute the navigation voice. You have to hit mute on the steering wheel everytime it begins to talk and whenever you start up the car again.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2015 | 04:14 PM
  #8  
Jason B's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
Originally Posted by Wolfman
Generational change... 19" wheels are the new 18" wheels.

I remember the 15" wheels of the W126 being replaced by the 16" wheels of the W140 and so on...

Every generation of S-Class had larger wheel options and while thicker rubber equates to more comfort, tire & suspension tech has also evolved.

Mercedes has always been the most conservative manufacturer when it comes to wheel sizes. BMW & Audi had 21" options for their models for a long time...
Yea, I loved some of those 21" options. I guess from the w221 to w222 they didn't go up to a larger rim yet. I think the right style 21" could look very nice. They are still 18-20" for the past 10 years!

Originally Posted by Skerdian
my number one complaint with the s class since 2007 has been the inability to permenantly mute the navigation voice. You have to hit mute on the steering wheel everytime it begins to talk and whenever you start up the car again.
You should be able to turn it that volume all the way down! When you hear the navigation voice speak, turn the volume knob down at the same time quickly, and you won't hear it anymore.

This pic will have to do, yours is in same area:

Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 02:21 AM
  #9  
jenz's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 766
Likes: 47
S, GL
Originally Posted by syswei
9. Include steering wheel buttons that will allow switching to next/previous music tracks, or radio stations.
This is doable as long as you've selected music or media as your 'view' in your center display

But I agree, dedicated buttons like other OEMs would work well
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 09:48 AM
  #10  
Mitch Alsup's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 431
S600
8) I don't need HUD to be any brighter, I need HUD to be able to be set lower at night.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 09:59 AM
  #11  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
Originally Posted by jenz
This is doable as long as you've selected music or media as your 'view' in your center display

But I agree, dedicated buttons like other OEMs would work well
I had actually forgotten that was possible, even though I used to do it in my W221.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 10:00 AM
  #12  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
Originally Posted by Mitch Alsup
8) I don't need HUD to be any brighter, I need HUD to be able to be set lower at night.
Actually an optional auto-dimming setting for night conditions would also be a nice addition.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 10:06 AM
  #13  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
Originally Posted by qtip
The ability to close or open all windows from a distance. Random rainstorms in Texas...
Having the rain sensor on when parked and having an optional setting to close the windows & sunroof automatically in significant rain would be another good addition.

I think Inifinti's Q45 used to have a solar-powered fan to help control heat when parked. That would also be a nice addition.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 12:50 PM
  #14  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,534
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by syswei
Having the rain sensor on when parked and having an optional setting to close the windows & sunroof automatically in significant rain would be another good addition.
If memory serves, Mercedes used to have (and may still have) that feature many years ago. Never tried it though.

This is really nothing special as it uses the same rain sensor as for the wipers...
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 01:15 PM
  #15  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
11. Electrochromic windows that could (a) be set to automatically darken based on conditions, within whatever limits the driver sets (hopefully based on state law), and (b) be set to automatically turn reflective when parked and the interior exceeds a comfortable temperature. Might be expensive, but I believe technically feasible to do at least one or the other, if not allow both.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 01:16 PM
  #16  
Jason B's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
Originally Posted by qtip
The ability to close or open all windows from a distance. Random rainstorms in Texas...
Doesn't that only work if you point the remote at the drivers door only?
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2015 | 08:21 PM
  #17  
Mitch Alsup's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 431
S600
Originally Posted by syswei
Actually an optional auto-dimming setting for night conditions would also be a nice addition.
My problem was not the dimming control,
my problem was that the lowest on-level was still too bright.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2015 | 08:43 PM
  #18  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
machine guns
oil slick
rockets
road tack deployment
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2015 | 10:31 PM
  #19  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
Originally Posted by hyperion667
machine guns
oil slick
rockets
road tack deployment
and an fully automated Hack Into Pursuing Vehicles And Make Them Explode computer system.

I don't remember any movies where Bond used an MB, but I haven't seen them all.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2015 | 07:43 AM
  #20  
hyperion667's Avatar
MBWorld God!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
drove a D briefly in Octo*****......but for the most part it's been Aston and a couple of BMW's.....wow, I couldn't even type Octo***** without being edited!!
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2015 | 10:39 PM
  #21  
syswei's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 797
From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
Originally Posted by Streamliner
4. Offer more varied exterior & interior color options.
11. I'd like to see an option to have all the trim pieces that are normally chrome come in black instead, at extra cost. Maybe allow other choices too, like gold. And some choices of factory black wheels.

I think a white car with trim and wheels black would look pretty good. Others might want a black car, with trim and wheels black too.

Last edited by syswei; Sep 18, 2015 at 10:41 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2015 | 12:09 PM
  #22  
Streamliner's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by AHall
Single color interior for all interior color choices.

If a want a tan leather interior, all of the leather should be tan and not tan with sections of black throughout.

This should be standard without having to go through a special high dollar build process.

BOY! Do I agree with that! High dollar cars like the S Class should offer gorgeous, "Full Color" interiors. I, for one, would just love a full, sort of "Saddle Leather" colored interior. I just loved the old "Bamboo" or the beautiful "Palomino" of MB's in decades past. I could also get excited about an all, deep brown with matching carpets, etc. I have always disliked interiors that are half the color of choice and half black. On a car like the S, all of those things should be optional. If you want everything one color, you should be able to order it that way. Want a white interior with blue carpets? It should all be optional and it shouldn't cost $20,000.00+ and take close to a year to get it.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2015 | 01:41 PM
  #23  
platt-deutsch's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 368
Likes: 11
From: Iowa
2019 S450
Should program the system so that the paddle shifters are only operational in Sport Mode. I hit them now and then and dont notice it right away.
How long will the automatic steering work on your car. Mine goes to alarm in about 10 seconds. My daughters will stay active for over a minute.
If you put something in the door pockets it will work its way to the rear and its awful hard to retrieve them.
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2015 | 07:43 PM
  #24  
steveb9771's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 51
From: Southern California
2007 CL550
Add sedan clock to the coupe, why was it not in the coupe?
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2015 | 09:47 AM
  #25  
Streamliner's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by platt-deutsch
Should program the system so that the paddle shifters are only operational in Sport Mode. I hit them now and then and dont notice it right away.
How long will the automatic steering work on your car. Mine goes to alarm in about 10 seconds. My daughters will stay active for over a minute.
If you put something in the door pockets it will work its way to the rear and its awful hard to retrieve them.
The door pocket design on the W222 is a joke! They should open & close as in the past. I'm sure it has something to do with heating them.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:58 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE