w221 vs w222 which should I get
#1
Member
Thread Starter
w221 vs w222 which should I get
I have a 08 s550 4matic and i'm looking to replace it next year with ether a 12-13 s550 or 14-15 s550 (both rwd).
Questions about the 12-13:
1.whats the fuel economy difference with the m278 vs m273
2.what features did they add in 2012 from 2010
Questions about the 14-15:
1. Do you really have to spend $100 for a wiper blade with magic vision control
2.whats the real world fuel economy
3.Is the interior quality better than the w221 and how
4. what kind of smart phone integration is there
5. whats the best spare tire solution
6. can you get a 100k plus mile descent example for less than $30k
7. how does burmester compare to hk
8. any common issues so far
Questions about the 12-13:
1.whats the fuel economy difference with the m278 vs m273
2.what features did they add in 2012 from 2010
Questions about the 14-15:
1. Do you really have to spend $100 for a wiper blade with magic vision control
2.whats the real world fuel economy
3.Is the interior quality better than the w221 and how
4. what kind of smart phone integration is there
5. whats the best spare tire solution
6. can you get a 100k plus mile descent example for less than $30k
7. how does burmester compare to hk
8. any common issues so far
The following users liked this post:
chassis (09-17-2020)
#2
I have a 2015 S-600.
I can get 23-24 MPG at 70 MPH on the interstates over hundreds of miles.
The V8s should be a bit better than the V12.
The 9-speed transmissions should be a bit better than the 7-speed.
The S-600 has blue tooth and has worked well with my cell phone.
I have never been inside a 221 so i can't do interior comparisons.
The W222 is a lower drag design (it has an aero coefficient better than my wife's Prius!)
I have not had to replace wiper blades.
I can get 23-24 MPG at 70 MPH on the interstates over hundreds of miles.
The V8s should be a bit better than the V12.
The 9-speed transmissions should be a bit better than the 7-speed.
The S-600 has blue tooth and has worked well with my cell phone.
I have never been inside a 221 so i can't do interior comparisons.
The W222 is a lower drag design (it has an aero coefficient better than my wife's Prius!)
I have not had to replace wiper blades.
#3
Out Of Control!!
![](https://staticssl.ibsrv.net/autocomm/Content/MB/mbwambassador2.gif)
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: unbegrenzt
Posts: 13,367
Received 3,951 Likes
on
3,108 Posts
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I have a 08 s550 4matic and i'm looking to replace it next year with ether a 12-13 s550 or 14-15 s550 (both rwd).
Questions about the 12-13:
1.whats the fuel economy difference with the m278 vs m273
2.what features did they add in 2012 from 2010
Questions about the 14-15:
1. Do you really have to spend $100 for a wiper blade with magic vision control
2.whats the real world fuel economy
3.Is the interior quality better than the w221 and how
4. what kind of smart phone integration is there
5. whats the best spare tire solution
6. can you get a 100k plus mile descent example for less than $30k
7. how does burmester compare to hk
8. any common issues so far
Questions about the 12-13:
1.whats the fuel economy difference with the m278 vs m273
2.what features did they add in 2012 from 2010
Questions about the 14-15:
1. Do you really have to spend $100 for a wiper blade with magic vision control
2.whats the real world fuel economy
3.Is the interior quality better than the w221 and how
4. what kind of smart phone integration is there
5. whats the best spare tire solution
6. can you get a 100k plus mile descent example for less than $30k
7. how does burmester compare to hk
8. any common issues so far
The following 3 users liked this post by chassis:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 350
Received 110 Likes
on
76 Posts
W222 S550e, C207 E550, W212 E350
I have a 08 s550 4matic and i'm looking to replace it next year with ether a 12-13 s550 or 14-15 s550 (both rwd).
Questions about the 12-13:
1.whats the fuel economy difference with the m278 vs m273
2.what features did they add in 2012 from 2010
Questions about the 14-15:
1. Do you really have to spend $100 for a wiper blade with magic vision control
2.whats the real world fuel economy
3.Is the interior quality better than the w221 and how
4. what kind of smart phone integration is there
5. whats the best spare tire solution
6. can you get a 100k plus mile descent example for less than $30k
7. how does burmester compare to hk
8. any common issues so far
Questions about the 12-13:
1.whats the fuel economy difference with the m278 vs m273
2.what features did they add in 2012 from 2010
Questions about the 14-15:
1. Do you really have to spend $100 for a wiper blade with magic vision control
2.whats the real world fuel economy
3.Is the interior quality better than the w221 and how
4. what kind of smart phone integration is there
5. whats the best spare tire solution
6. can you get a 100k plus mile descent example for less than $30k
7. how does burmester compare to hk
8. any common issues so far
I can't comment on many things you have asked because I have an S550e with the M276TT but, from my understanding, the M278 was quite reliable and had a great run from 2012-2017.
1. Not sure - parts online range from $130-150. I can't remember replacing mine yet since I'm in SoCal. Maybe I paid just didn't notice. Sorry
3. The interior quality is 10x better than W221. Go test drive one if you haven't already. Why get virtually the same car (2008 221 to a 2013 221), if you can spring the extra dollar and feel like you've upgraded? Yes you can find a clean example of a 2012/2013 but, are you really going to feel like you purchased a new car? I was never a fan of the W221 interior and that's why I never owned a Benz until I sat in a W222 and was speechless.
4. Bluetooth pairs extremely fast. You can pay a subscription fee to get a wireless hotspot but that's about it for phone integration. Some 2014-2017 folks have done an Apple CarPlay/Andriod Auto upgrade with a small video box but, standard, you won't be getting CP/AA in 2014-2017 years.
5. The best tire solution was made famous by Streamliner (I believe) who used a spare tire jack/kit from a W221. Ditch the run-flats. They ride horribly and go out too fast. Maybe a road side assistance service as well.
6. Look at any car with the M278 whether it be E, CLS, GL, etc. you name it. These engines have proven to travel very far distance with simple maintenance (M278 owners feel free to chime in if I'm wrong, just trying to help). Check Carfax and Autocheck reports from various cars and sellers.
7. The base burmester system is not very good IMHO. And many other 222 owners have agreed. Try to find one with the High-End 3D package like mine. If it has the option, you likely be looking at a car with more options overall, which is a nicer buy considering option upgrades are pretty much worthless on the used car market. A base S550 MSRP of $98k and a full special ordered Designo MSRP of $140k+ are almost worth the same after 4-5 years.
Short answer, get a 222. They have become fairly affordable in price and are much nicer than a 221. Though I love the exterior of the 221 way more. Someone needs to make a 2013 Sport pkg 221 with the interior of a Designo 222. Dream spec.
The newest and lowest mileage, the better. Make sure it has extensive service records. I would rather buy a car with 50k miles and lots of records vs a car with 35k miles and the only record is the Pre-delivery inspection from the dealer when new.
Good luck with your search and let us know what you end up getting!
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
Last edited by S550e; 09-17-2020 at 09:58 PM.
The following 2 users liked this post by S550e:
ephico2real (10-01-2020),
Nice Ride (09-18-2020)
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 1,327
Received 482 Likes
on
334 Posts
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
I would ****** up a 3 year old, off-lease W222 and get a certified , unlimited mileage full warranty. That would put you in a 2017 model. The refresh for 2018 is awesome but I had a 2017 S63 and it was awesome. You'll get the car for around 50% off of MSRP and it will serve you well.
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Venice Florida
Posts: 4,514
Received 668 Likes
on
524 Posts
2018 S560 and 2019 E450 Wagon.
Ya, I really like my 2017 S550. You could probably get one with some miles on it like 50K or so for around the 40's I'd think. The car seems pretty much bulletproof so far, no issues. Maybe something like this https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
Last edited by 2012 merc amg; 09-17-2020 at 10:42 PM.
Trending Topics
#9
Member
Thread Starter
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 350
Received 110 Likes
on
76 Posts
W222 S550e, C207 E550, W212 E350
Yes it is possible, two USB ports in the center armrest that allow you to charge, play music, and change tracks through the Comand interface and steering wheel buttons. (iPhone, not sure about Android)
#11
Senior Member
by
I have a 08 s550 4matic and i'm looking to replace it next year with ether a 12-13 s550 or 14-15 s550 (both rwd).
Questions about the 12-13:
1.whats the fuel economy difference with the m278 vs m273
2.what features did they add in 2012 from 2010
Questions about the 14-15:
1. Do you really have to spend $100 for a wiper blade with magic vision control
2.whats the real world fuel economy
3.Is the interior quality better than the w221 and how
4. what kind of smart phone integration is there
5. whats the best spare tire solution
6. can you get a 100k plus mile descent example for less than $30k
7. how does burmester compare to hk
8. any common issues so far
Questions about the 12-13:
1.whats the fuel economy difference with the m278 vs m273
2.what features did they add in 2012 from 2010
Questions about the 14-15:
1. Do you really have to spend $100 for a wiper blade with magic vision control
2.whats the real world fuel economy
3.Is the interior quality better than the w221 and how
4. what kind of smart phone integration is there
5. whats the best spare tire solution
6. can you get a 100k plus mile descent example for less than $30k
7. how does burmester compare to hk
8. any common issues so far
1) magic vision wipers are expensive. Buy them when the dealer has parts special coupon but it’s a much better system than spraying fluid at the windshield.
2) I don’t pay attention to gas mileage but probably getting at least 24 with start stop system on.
3) interior nicer on w222 but not sure if the leather is as good a quality as in w221. The ambient lighting is nice but the novelty wears away after a few weeks. Bad thing about w222 is they eliminated the dual center compartment. On the w221 the center compartment had a top tray opening left and right side and a bottom storage where the lid flips up. Storage in w222 in door handles is nonexistent. I don’t have a place to put my coins like in w221.
4) bluetooth
5) use a w221 spare tire or don’t drive too far outside of inhabited area
6) check the vmi but I wouldn’t buy this car over 100k. There more plastic components than the w221 in the engine. The oil pan is plastic. The turbo coolant lines have plastic fittings and will fail over time. I bought mine with about 50k miles and certified.
7) HK wasn’t great IMO but the burmeister is worse. Too tinny sounding and bass is not clean...I’m not an audiophile but that’s my interpretation.
8) no issues
Additionally I hate the panoramic roof on the w222. In the w221 you could pop up the rear of the moonroof glass to vent the car with the roof still closed as the air flowed through slats in the roof panel. On the w222 the roof shade has to open entirely for the glass to vent. You vent the car but you’re also baking with the sun rays through the glass. If you own one you probably know what I’m talking about.
Trunk space is greatly diminished with the burmeister system. I could fit 3 golf bags across with the w221 but on the w222 I have to angle the golf bags and put it in the trunk lengthwise. Really disappointing.
Other than that the safety systems are better on the w222. Distronic plus and active lane keep assist make driving safer. The airmatic ride is more refined and smoother than the w221.
The following users liked this post:
chassis (09-27-2020)
#14
Out Of Control!!
![](https://staticssl.ibsrv.net/autocomm/Content/MB/mbwambassador2.gif)
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: unbegrenzt
Posts: 13,367
Received 3,951 Likes
on
3,108 Posts
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
#16
Member
I was faced with a similar dilemma earlier this year when I was finally ready to move on from my 2004 W220. Just like you I was considering the 2012 - 2013 W221 or the 2015-2016 W222. While the cost of purchase and insurance for the W221 was more attractive, I had read about the issues with early M278 engines which caused me concern. Additionally, if I bought a W221 I would soon again find myself with an attractive, yet outdated S-Class, that would soon need lots of old parts replaced. After thinking it all over and wanting to have a car that had the latest M278 updates, along with all the modern conveniences of the S-Class lineup, plus factory remote start, the only option was a 2016 and later W222. BTW, you should eliminate the 2014 W222 from consideration. Buying the first year of a new model is never a good idea!
Best of luck on your decision!
Best of luck on your decision!
#17
PREMIUM SPONSOR
We offer the best remote starter option available for either of these vehicles! Don't let a lack of remote starter impact your purchase, as we can provide you with a kit that out-performs that of the factory option.
The following users liked this post:
stever500 (09-30-2020)
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 4,273
Received 1,001 Likes
on
733 Posts
2010 E350 4Matic
I was faced with a similar dilemma earlier this year when I was finally ready to move on from my 2004 W220. Just like you I was considering the 2012 - 2013 W221 or the 2015-2016 W222. While the cost of purchase and insurance for the W221 was more attractive, I had read about the issues with early M278 engines which caused me concern. Additionally, if I bought a W221 I would soon again find myself with an attractive, yet outdated S-Class, that would soon need lots of old parts replaced. After thinking it all over and wanting to have a car that had the latest M278 updates, along with all the modern conveniences of the S-Class lineup, plus factory remote start, the only option was a 2016 and later W222. BTW, you should eliminate the 2014 W222 from consideration. Buying the first year of a new model is never a good idea!
Best of luck on your decision!
Best of luck on your decision!
I am in particular concerned about the valve seat failure issue but am interested in any other issues that you are aware of.
#19
Member
That's just the Cliffs Notes version, but below is a copy of text from someone who is far better capable of articulating the issue.
Mercedes M278 Engine Problems and Reliability
Early build M278 V8s had some problems with the timing chain tensioners causing a rattle on start up. The engine has a pretty complicated timing chain drive arrangement. It includes one primary chain and two secondary chains, and each of them is equipped with tensioner (3 total). If not pay attention to knocks/noise for a long time, this may lead to the replacement of the entire chain drive system together with cam adjusters. There were some reports of engine oil starvation due to the failure of the oil pump drive gear (oil pump is driven via a chain).Also, there were some problems with premature valve guide wear, but later engines don't have that issue. The Silitec coating showed themselves as bad cylinder surface material for operation under high temperatures and detonation. Later, the manufacturer switched on NanoSlide coating which is more scratch resistance.
Source
Last edited by SilverArrow44; 09-30-2020 at 11:00 PM.
The following users liked this post:
MBNUT1 (10-02-2020)
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 4,273
Received 1,001 Likes
on
733 Posts
2010 E350 4Matic
You need define significantly. Over the year that a new model is introduced there is a step down as opposed to the smooth depreciation that occurs during the production life of the model in the value of the previous model.
Last edited by MBNUT1; 10-03-2020 at 10:18 PM.
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
Your typical S class will depreciate around 2K per month for the first 24 months and then taper off to around 1K per month after that. It is typically not effected too much with a new version or model. Also remember that this is a niche car with a very small pool of buyers so they do sit on the market for a while compared to say a Honda or Toyota.
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 4,273
Received 1,001 Likes
on
733 Posts
2010 E350 4Matic
The data says otherwise
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class $21,146
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class $22,977
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class $25,560
2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class $41,619
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class $46,478
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class $54,198
Like I said in my previous post there is a step change between models. This is nearly always the case....
Which says that if the OP is itching to do something now he should get a W221 if he can wait until about a year after the W223 comes out then I would get a W222
Last edited by MBNUT1; 10-04-2020 at 11:26 AM.