Anyone upgrade from 2014-2017 S class to a 2018-2020????
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 12
Audi a7
Anyone upgrade from 2014-2017 S class to a 2018-2020????
I currently have a 2015 and have been eying upgrading to a 2018. Wanted to hear from others who have done the upgrade, pros and cons and reasons for upgrading? I believe the 9g transmission alone, is enough to warrant an upgrade if the checkbook allows!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 493
From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
I have. There are some improvements from a Pre-'18 to a post '18 model but if your car is doing fine, the mileage is not too high, there really isn't enough improvements to take a big monetary hit to get the latest model. All of the W222s have been very reliable. The major differences are the 3 eyebrows on the front lights as opposed to just one, the S550 went to a 560 and a few menu changes as a result of the new steering wheel. I personally miss the decades old levers on the left side of the steering column to activate and control the cruise. Now you have to turn ON the system before setting the speed. This is now a two-step process and many times I can't remember if it's ON or not. I prefer the tactile feel of the side levers so that I don't have to look down to press the buttons on the steering column. That's just my preference.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 12
Audi a7
I have. There are some improvements from a Pre-'18 to a post '18 model but if your car is doing fine, the mileage is not too high, there really isn't enough improvements to take a big monetary hit to get the latest model. All of the W222s have been very reliable. The major differences are the 3 eyebrows on the front lights as opposed to just one, the S550 went to a 560 and a few menu changes as a result of the new steering wheel. I personally miss the decades old levers on the left side of the steering column to activate and control the cruise. Now you have to turn ON the system before setting the speed. This is now a two-step process and many times I can't remember if it's ON or not. I prefer the tactile feel of the side levers so that I don't have to look down to press the buttons on the steering column. That's just my preference.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 141
Likes: 32
From: Portland, Maine
2020 S560 sedan, 2018 Volvo v90 Cross Country
I just wrestled with this. Sold a Volvo S90 and debated what to buy. I felt a 2017 was perfect as it had the 9G, 4.7, tried and proven. It also felt torquier off the line. I drove the 560, engine felt like it makes power up high. The least expensive car was low 70s. I bought a nice 2017 with 20,300 miles for 59,700. Im glad I did.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 12
Audi a7
I just wrestled with this. Sold a Volvo S90 and debated what to buy. I felt a 2017 was perfect as it had the 9G, 4.7, tried and proven. It also felt torquier off the line. I drove the 560, engine felt like it makes power up high. The least expensive car was low 70s. I bought a nice 2017 with 20,300 miles for 59,700. Im glad I did.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 141
Likes: 32
From: Portland, Maine
2020 S560 sedan, 2018 Volvo v90 Cross Country
No, the 2017 has the 9G, it was the first year for that trans in the S550. By the way, which tune did you have? I have been looking at the Renntech or the Weistec.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 12
Audi a7
nice! Did not know that. I have the weistec tune and I give it a 10/10! Amazing low and high end torque, pulls hard af and helps smooth out the acceleration. You will be glued to your seat if you take off heavy at a stop light. I also added the Remus aftermarket exhaust.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 493
From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
darn, minor things but I too like the CC stalk on the side of steering wheel. I actually just got done finally test driving and I have to say, the 9g transmission is silky smooth! I’m at about 57k miles and having a few issues. I also finally found an s560 that has the upgraded burmiester sound, and designo seats. May I ask, what prompted you to upgrade?
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
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 12
Audi a7
While I thoroughly enjoyed my 2017 S63 which gave me ZERO problems (except for a misfire one day which I think was due to bad fuel), once it had 85K miles on her, I was facing upwards of $10K to replace rotors, brake pads, tires, etc. Considering that, I just put $4000 down and got into a 2019 S560 which won't have near the overall expense in terms of maintenance. The 2019 is smooth as silk. At 15,000 miles, no problems so far.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,830
Likes: 772
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I did just what you are thinking a few months ago, time flies. I traded in my 2017 Lunar Blue with Silk beige/brown interior for a Diamond white 2018 same interior except Designo. Just about every option box was checked on my 2018 including the 3D Audio and Magic Body Control and night vision. Really glad I did it. The Tech is a lot better in the 2018. I sure seemed the first couple months I had the 2018 that the 2017 was faster for some reason but for whatever reason the 2018 has loosened up lately and feels like a rocket ship, not sure why, maybe it had sat around a lot before I got it, it only had 16K miles on it, I'm up to 20k already. It certainly was not cheap, cost me an extra 33K over my 28K mile 2017 but worth the money to me. Got some extra warrantee too, I'm good for another 4 years now unlimited miles. The car is a pure joy to drive and sound system still amazes me. The 2017 was not a bad car and I'd say the drivers seat was a little more comfortable, not sure why, but just seemed to fit my body better and was a little lower driving position. Strange. It's great having the Apple car play too. For some reason the in car hot spot internet seems to work a lot better in the 2018. Strange because it works off the same Verizon system the 2017 did and that was not changed until model year 2019 (Like my Wagon) which works off the ATT network. Also the 2019's and up have the better app which is more two way vs one way where you can check the status of your car such as if it locked or fuel level etc. Cant really do that in the 2018 although remote lock/unlock and remote start works fine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Some of the tech may be better in the 2018+ face-lift, but I'm no fan of the busy steering wheel controls. And the face lifted front end (especially in AMG body flavor) was a step backwards IMO. The pre-facelifted cars just look so much better. And the MB regression seems to be continuing in the ugly and boring looking W223.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 12
Audi a7
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 12
Audi a7
Some of the tech may be better in the 2018+ face-lift, but I'm no fan of the busy steering wheel controls. And the face lifted front end (especially in AMG body flavor) was a step backwards IMO. The pre-facelifted cars just look so much better. And the MB regression seems to be continuing in the ugly and boring looking W223.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 68
Likes: 12
Audi a7
I did just what you are thinking a few months ago, time flies. I traded in my 2017 Lunar Blue with Silk beige/brown interior for a Diamond white 2018 same interior except Designo. Just about every option box was checked on my 2018 including the 3D Audio and Magic Body Control and night vision. Really glad I did it. The Tech is a lot better in the 2018. I sure seemed the first couple months I had the 2018 that the 2017 was faster for some reason but for whatever reason the 2018 has loosened up lately and feels like a rocket ship, not sure why, maybe it had sat around a lot before I got it, it only had 16K miles on it, I'm up to 20k already. It certainly was not cheap, cost me an extra 33K over my 28K mile 2017 but worth the money to me. Got some extra warrantee too, I'm good for another 4 years now unlimited miles. The car is a pure joy to drive and sound system still amazes me. The 2017 was not a bad car and I'd say the drivers seat was a little more comfortable, not sure why, but just seemed to fit my body better and was a little lower driving position. Strange. It's great having the Apple car play too. For some reason the in car hot spot internet seems to work a lot better in the 2018. Strange because it works off the same Verizon system the 2017 did and that was not changed until model year 2019 (Like my Wagon) which works off the ATT network. Also the 2019's and up have the better app which is more two way vs one way where you can check the status of your car such as if it locked or fuel level etc. Cant really do that in the 2018 although remote lock/unlock and remote start works fine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Sometimes less is more.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,830
Likes: 772
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I'm the opposite, I like the front end better on my 2018 than my 2017 but I liked the rear end better on my 2017, the exhaust outlets got more narrow on built in on the 2018 whereas the 2017 looks more masculine with the larger rectangular exhaust tips that were more in your face look. From the back the 2018 does not look as performance orientated. I like the three spoke steering wheel much better in the 2018 as it is much more functional easier to press as your driving. i like the little mouse pads on either side of the steering wheel.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 493
From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
One of the drawbacks of the newer models (2018+) is the distronic cruise control where instead of getting speed limit info from the satellite, it now reads the signs directly. I'm not fond of that because many times it fails to see the signs due to a truck or other large vehicle to my right (if I'm in the left lane). That's been my experience so far. Does anyone know if it operates off of satellites anymore as well as reading physical road signs? The 2018s had reports of camera issues and wind noise.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,051
Likes: 4,557
From: Maryland
2024 S580
I felt the same way. I didn't like the refresh front end when it first came out, and have grown to like it a lot and prefer it to the pre-refresh.
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 21
From: Lawrence, KS
2020 S560
Some of the issues I had to have fixed:
1. Passenger seat belt trim at B pillar came apart. The replacement part also came apart.
2. Air conditioning failed; high pressure fitting in engine compartment not properly installed
3. Blower motor failed.
4. Center screen blanked out; had to reset at least once a week.
5. Front wheel alignment upon delivery out of spec.
1. Passenger seat belt trim at B pillar came apart. The replacement part also came apart.
2. Air conditioning failed; high pressure fitting in engine compartment not properly installed
3. Blower motor failed.
4. Center screen blanked out; had to reset at least once a week.
5. Front wheel alignment upon delivery out of spec.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 8
From: Virginia, USA
2020 S560 4Matic
Love my 2020
In January, I traded my CPO ‘15 S550 with 35K for a new ‘20 S560. Same options (AMG appearance, power rear seats, Premium package, I don’t remember what else) plus heads up display and the ‘20 AMG package is 20” tires and 10 (?) spoke wheels which I think look great. The drivetrain is noticeably smoother by a bunch. The driver assist features are light years ahead. I used to hit the turn signal stalk instead if the cruise stalk about 20% of the time, so I like the new steering wheel. Apple Car Play is great. HUD is OK, but is a bit blurry (I may need new glasses?) and sunglasses mess it up a bit.
I think they may have changed the battery system as I have not seen the warning about having to drive it at least once every 4 weeks and after 6 weeks of not driving “serious damage can result”. I still put a trickle charger on it.
I will be pissed when I get a chip or door ding on this car. With the used one, it was like “oh darn, I’m glad it’s not new”! But, I had a hole in my pocket and the price was right for me, so I bought it and refuse to look back.
You cannot justify this purchase monetarily, but I am glad i did it. I am not a fan of the ‘21, and am very happy with my irrational decision!!!
I think they may have changed the battery system as I have not seen the warning about having to drive it at least once every 4 weeks and after 6 weeks of not driving “serious damage can result”. I still put a trickle charger on it.
I will be pissed when I get a chip or door ding on this car. With the used one, it was like “oh darn, I’m glad it’s not new”! But, I had a hole in my pocket and the price was right for me, so I bought it and refuse to look back.
You cannot justify this purchase monetarily, but I am glad i did it. I am not a fan of the ‘21, and am very happy with my irrational decision!!!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale Arizona
2021 S580, 2011 SLS AMG, 1988 560 SEC
Question 2014 S550 Magic Body COntrol
Hey All! I have a 2014 S550 that I absolutely LOVE but with 88,000 miles and the warranty expiring in a week I have brought the car into the shop 3 times because my Magic Body COntrol is not working. THe dealer found no errors, any thoughts and suggestions. I am thinking I had the windshield replaced and maybe that cause a problem. It has the OEM Mercedes windshield but at a loss. Any of you smart guys experience this and have a recommendation? THanks A Million, Dave
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 256
Likes: 119
From: Florida
S550
I have a 2015 w MBC and have found it doesn't work at all in direct sunlight.. I'd say it works about half the time in general.. My windshield has not been replaced nor have my sensors been scratched. I've seen many others with the same issue and believe it's just a poorly made system... That being said, I wouldn't trade my car for one without MBC as the ABC suspension allows me to have some fun in the corners!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 779
Likes: 205
From: Texas
63 Falcon vert
222 has been flawless. Plan to run the wheels off. Truly a great road car. Easily get to 150k. 9g silk smooth.
223 has no appeal to me but 222 didn't either till i got used to it.
all 3 run like a bat out of hell. TT gets it done. RFT and no spare are my only *****.
