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It’s been sometime since I posted on W222. I was a regular here for years, but then I went to THE DARK SIDE, when I got a 2022 S580.
I had a new 2015 S550 and 2018 & 2020 S560’s. They were all pretty much the same, non-AMG Line, silver with black Exclusive Nappa and Magic Body Control. I ordered all of them with 18” wheels and immediately swapped the run flats for cushy conventional tires. These cars were the best riding vehicles I have ever driven—and I’m a ride quality SNOB! I actually ordered the 2020 when I was only two years into the three year lease on the 2018, because I had seen spy photos of the upcoming W223 and with all that new tech, I really did not want a first year model, which is where I would have been when the 2018 lease was up.
Well, as luck would have it, the 2020 suffered from a very harsh downshifting transmission, which MB more or less refused to fix and they offered to buy the car back. I was able to put off the repurchase until I could get a 2022 S580, thinking that most of the “bugs” should be gone by then. In hindsight, letting them take the 2020 back was a mistake. I should have kept that car and had an independent shop fix the transmission, but hindsight is always like that, isn’t it?
Anyway, my fully loaded, 2022 S580 “Executive Line” model, with an MSRP of $153,700.00, was “THE” absolute WORST new car experience I’ve ever had. Loving my W222’s with Magic Body Control, I was just SO excited to get the S580 with the $6,500.00 EABC suspension option that replaced MBC. EABC was so highly touted by MB, I was looking forward to a ride quality that would be considered “other worldly!” It was not and did not come anywhere close to performing like MBC. The ride quality was absolutely horrible in comparison and I was quite disappointed.
Unfortunately, it didn’t end with bad ride quality. The car was fraught with problems from nagging annoyances to potentially disastrous issues. The car was in and out of the dealer service department so many times and THEN one day, it completely shut down in the middle of a very busy highway. Even the emergency flashers refusing to work! Long story short, MBUSA is now buying THAT car back! That’s TWO IN A ROW! As I hated to see the 2020 go, I am thrilled to see the 2022 leave.
Anyway, the other day, needing a daily driver, I bought a CPO 2020 S560, pictured. No MBC or other big options, but with only 8,800 miles, the car is like brand new and driving it, makes me feel like I’m back home again! You know the saying “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone?” This describes my move from the W222’s to the W223 perfectly. If you are happy with your W222, think real hard before moving UP!
Yesterday, for the first time in about 18 months, I took an S Class for a “joy ride.” I just got in my S560 and drove it for FUN! Being totally honest here, I did not experience ANY fun or enjoyment—not even once—when driving my S580. The car ALWAYS irritated me. “Hey it’s good to be back home again. Sometimes this old car feels like a long, lost friend!”
This is obviously just one man’s experience. Your mileage may vary.
Which cushy conventional tires did you go with?
I foolishly replaced the run flats on my 2015 S550 W222 and I absolutely despise them! Have Continental ProConact GX 245/45 R19 102H XL BSW MB RF on the front and 275/40 R19 101H SL BSW MB RF on the rear.
Bought my first ever MB and I feel like they ruined the car. Coming up on 4 months of these awful tires and I swear they just keep getting worse. And that brake dust.. ooo 😤… seems to be a common complaint too. Any suggestions on other German pads & rotors welcomed as well!
The ride quality is better in my 08 DTS at this point, ugh.
wow, I too, went from a w222 sedan then a w222 coupe and made the mistake of going to a w223 and hate every day with it. Unfortunately purchased preowned so I don’t know if I can get a buy back. Happy to see you were able to get back into a w222
What is it specifically that you hate?
I am very satisfied with my W223 and don't miss my W222 at all. W223 rides better even on runflats when my 222 was on non regular tires, its quieter, more power, much better tech. There are some interior quality tradeoffs but other than that I'm delighted.
It's more of a psychological thing. In 5-8 years from now, when the W223s are all affordable to the masses, you'll have a ton of people praising them as the "last best benz" and talking about how the new w224? is not even on the same level, etc... Every generation of S classes went through this. W126 owners who were reluctant to get into a W140. They'll say all the negative things about the W140...but once the majority were driving W140s, it became the "last of the best benzes ever made", touting "unlimited dollars spent on R&D went into w140, it's the best and last of it's kind".. then comes W220, everyone hated that thing. Well, maybe the W220 was the only worse S-class ever, during the Chrysler merger. But anyways, here comes W221 and then that became the new "best and last benz ever made" for awhile, W222s came out and everyone was like "No way, those things are ugly, what happened to the wheel arches? etc. etc." But now, it's being praised...W223 will have it's time.
My personal opinion on the W223, I like the exterior look. I know that as time passes, C, E, and S classes look all too similar. But, I can't deny the W223 is still a gorgeous car. The interior, I like the design, everything except the screens. I feel like they should incorporate the screens into the dash, not the "tablet slapped onto dash" design. For me, W223 Facelift will probably be the next move once it's time to part with the W222. The technology, and or lack thereof is definitely something to consider as time goes by.
Last edited by 95Sinned420; Sep 7, 2024 at 01:18 AM.
It's more of a psychological thing. In 5-8 years from now, when the W223s are all affordable to the masses, you'll have a ton of people praising them as the "last best benz" and talking about how the new w224? is not even on the same level, etc... Every generation of S classes went through this. W126 owners who were reluctant to get into a W140. They'll say all the negative things about the W140...but once the majority were driving W140s, it became the "last of the best benzes ever made", touting "unlimited dollars spent on R&D went into w140, it's the best and last of it's kind".. then comes W220, everyone hated that thing. Well, maybe the W220 was the only worse S-class ever, during the Chrysler merger. But anyways, here comes W221 and then that became the new "best and last benz ever made" for awhile, W222s came out and everyone was like "No way, those things are ugly, what happened to the wheel arches? etc. etc." But now, it's being praised...W223 will have it's time.
My personal opinion on the W223, I like the exterior look. I know that as time passes, C, E, and S classes look all too similar. But, I can't deny the W223 is still a gorgeous car. The interior, I like the design, everything except the screens. I feel like they should incorporate the screens into the dash, not the "tablet slapped onto dash" design. For me, W223 Facelift will probably be the next move once it's time to part with the W222. The technology, and or lack thereof is definitely something to consider as time goes by.
Rumours so far say the W223 will get hyper screen for the facelift so that should address your concern with the not Integrated screen issue.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by LacsnBenzos44
Which cushy conventional tires did you go with?
I foolishly replaced the run flats on my 2015 S550 W222 and I absolutely despise them! Have Continental ProConact GX 245/45 R19 102H XL BSW MB RF on the front and 275/40 R19 101H SL BSW MB RF on the rear.
Bought my first ever MB and I feel like they ruined the car. Coming up on 4 months of these awful tires and I swear they just keep getting worse. And that brake dust.. ooo 😤… seems to be a common complaint too. Any suggestions on other German pads & rotors welcomed as well!
The ride quality is better in my 08 DTS at this point, ugh.
I went with Pirelli P-ZERO AS PLUS 3 non-runflat tires and they have been great. I have a compact spare out of a W221 that I keep in the trunk.
It's more of a psychological thing. In 5-8 years from now, when the W223s are all affordable to the masses, you'll have a ton of people praising them as the "last best benz" and talking about how the new w224? is not even on the same level, etc... Every generation of S classes went through this. W126 owners who were reluctant to get into a W140. They'll say all the negative things about the W140...but once the majority were driving W140s, it became the "last of the best benzes ever made", touting "unlimited dollars spent on R&D went into w140, it's the best and last of it's kind".. then comes W220, everyone hated that thing. Well, maybe the W220 was the only worse S-class ever, during the Chrysler merger. But anyways, here comes W221 and then that became the new "best and last benz ever made" for awhile, W222s came out and everyone was like "No way, those things are ugly, what happened to the wheel arches? etc. etc." But now, it's being praised...W223 will have it's time.
My personal opinion on the W223, I like the exterior look. I know that as time passes, C, E, and S classes look all too similar. But, I can't deny the W223 is still a gorgeous car. The interior, I like the design, everything except the screens. I feel like they should incorporate the screens into the dash, not the "tablet slapped onto dash" design. For me, W223 Facelift will probably be the next move once it's time to part with the W222. The technology, and or lack thereof is definitely something to consider as time goes by.
Agree on the exterior and screens comments. IMHO the tacked on screens ruin what could have been a beautiful design.
I went with Pirelli P-ZERO AS PLUS 3 non-runflat tires and they have been great. I have a compact spare out of a W221 that I keep in the trunk.
These are the tires I had on my W222 also and they are great.
For note though my W223 on Hankook runflats rides better than my W222 on those tires…
Originally Posted by MBNUT1
Agree on the exterior and screens comments. IMHO the tacked on screens ruin what could have been a beautiful design.
The layout of the screens don’t bother me now that I am used to them. What does bother me is how cheap the center console area feels and especially the sharp plastic edges of that center screen feel so nasty and totally out of place in the car. A nice smooth metal edge around that screen and a wood top where the piano black plastic and I would have no complaints.
The current design language of most manufacturers is BORING, including the current generation of MB's. Most seem to be stealing from the newer mundane looking Hyundai/Kia these days. Cars haven't been this bland since the '80's.
There are actually a lot of really out there designs right now...I wouldn't call it bland at all...MBs are kind of "bland" but to me they are normal looking cars in a sea of designs that just seem to get more and more bizarre.
With the few loner 580s the dealer gave me, I just can’t get past the interior “styling” . I’m not a fan of the bolted-on tablet look of the infotainment system. I guess I’m partial to my 2014 W222 that I picked up with European delivery. I don’t drive much so with 58,000 miles it’s just getting broken in but I do like the look of the W222. The ride on the loaner W223 was good for me but that’s where my likes ended. I’m also one of the few that likes the clown face of death steering wheel. The new wheel is far too “busy” for me.
It's more of a psychological thing. In 5-8 years from now, when the W223s are all affordable to the masses, you'll have a ton of people praising them as the "last best benz" and talking about how the new w224? is not even on the same level, etc... Every generation of S classes went through this. W126 owners who were reluctant to get into a W140. They'll say all the negative things about the W140...but once the majority were driving W140s, it became the "last of the best benzes ever made", touting "unlimited dollars spent on R&D went into w140, it's the best and last of it's kind".. then comes W220, everyone hated that thing. Well, maybe the W220 was the only worse S-class ever, during the Chrysler merger. But anyways, here comes W221 and then that became the new "best and last benz ever made" for awhile, W222s came out and everyone was like "No way, those things are ugly, what happened to the wheel arches? etc. etc." But now, it's being praised...W223 will have it's time.
My personal opinion on the W223, I like the exterior look. I know that as time passes, C, E, and S classes look all too similar. But, I can't deny the W223 is still a gorgeous car. The interior, I like the design, everything except the screens. I feel like they should incorporate the screens into the dash, not the "tablet slapped onto dash" design. For me, W223 Facelift will probably be the next move once it's time to part with the W222. The technology, and or lack thereof is definitely something to consider as time goes by.
Now that the W223 has been out a few model years, I can definitely say that the W221 was a better looking and more "manly" car than the W222. It just has so much more presence than either the W222 or even the W223. Everything inside the car was much more solid, with more real wood and actual metal instead of everything being plastic with cheaper veneers in the newer models. The dash and tech in the 222 is definitely nicer than the previous models, but that's pretty much where it ends. MB seemed to go back to the solid W140 roots with the W221 after the mistakes they made with the W220. In terms of being a solid car, I'd say the W221 compares more to the W140 than any of the other models, whereas the W222 compares more to the W220, albeit with less cost cutting measures than when the 140 was replaced with the 220. In 10 years, the 221 will likely be a highly sought after Benz, especially the better equipped models with nice color schemes. Kind of like how a well sorted and preserved W140 is sought after today. Perhaps I was more biased because I had the S600, but I've driven the W222 S600 and the W221 was definitely a much more solid feeling and looking car, albeit likely a little less reliable than the W222 derivative.
With the few loner 580s the dealer gave me, I just can’t get past the interior “styling” . I’m not a fan of the bolted-on tablet look of the infotainment system. I guess I’m partial to my 2014 W222 that I picked up with European delivery. I don’t drive much so with 58,000 miles it’s just getting broken in but I do like the look of the W222. The ride on the loaner W223 was good for me but that’s where my likes ended. I’m also one of the few that likes the clown face of death steering wheel. The new wheel is far too “busy” for me.
Tom
I totally get that and I was never a fan of it either, but I've gotten used to it.
Originally Posted by DaveW68
Now that the W223 has been out a few model years, I can definitely say that the W221 was a better looking and more "manly" car than the W222. It just has so much more presence than either the W222 or even the W223. Everything inside the car was much more solid, with more real wood and actual metal instead of everything being plastic with cheaper veneers in the newer models. The dash and tech in the 222 is definitely nicer than the previous models, but that's pretty much where it ends. MB seemed to go back to the solid W140 roots with the W221 after the mistakes they made with the W220. In terms of being a solid car, I'd say the W221 compares more to the W140 than any of the other models, whereas the W222 compares more to the W220, albeit with less cost cutting measures than when the 140 was replaced with the 220. In 10 years, the 221 will likely be a highly sought after Benz, especially the better equipped models with nice color schemes. Kind of like how a well sorted and preserved W140 is sought after today. Perhaps I was more biased because I had the S600, but I've driven the W222 S600 and the W221 was definitely a much more solid feeling and looking car, albeit likely a little less reliable than the W222 derivative.
I totally disagree on every level. I never had any desire to have a 221, but when I saw the 222 I had to have it. My 222 was totally solid without a creak or rattle when I traded it in.
I never felt the same "pull" towards the 223 but its a worthy upgrade and I'm very happy with it.
Now that the W223 has been out a few model years, I can definitely say that the W221 was a better looking and more "manly" car than the W222. It just has so much more presence than either the W222 or even the W223. Everything inside the car was much more solid, with more real wood and actual metal instead of everything being plastic with cheaper veneers in the newer models. The dash and tech in the 222 is definitely nicer than the previous models, but that's pretty much where it ends. MB seemed to go back to the solid W140 roots with the W221 after the mistakes they made with the W220. In terms of being a solid car, I'd say the W221 compares more to the W140 than any of the other models, whereas the W222 compares more to the W220, albeit with less cost cutting measures than when the 140 was replaced with the 220. In 10 years, the 221 will likely be a highly sought after Benz, especially the better equipped models with nice color schemes. Kind of like how a well sorted and preserved W140 is sought after today. Perhaps I was more biased because I had the S600, but I've driven the W222 S600 and the W221 was definitely a much more solid feeling and looking car, albeit likely a little less reliable than the W222 derivative.
I agree with your assessment of the relative build qualities of W140 vs W220 and the W221 vs W222 but have had no interest in the formers and much preferred the latters. In terms of boring I can't think of a more boring looking car than the W140.
I totally disagree on every level. I never had any desire to have a 221, but when I saw the 222 I had to have it. My 222 was totally solid without a creak or rattle when I traded it in.
I wish I could say the same. My low mileage S550 has had an annoying rattle coming from the back whenever going over any bumps in the road or expansion joints since I got it almost 4 years ago. I think I've pinned it down to the seat belt retractor, which has been an issue in other MB's. Also, the panel alignment isn't that great from the dash to the front doors, the window switches break often, and the buttons in the center console feel as cheap as the plastic they are made from. This car has nowhere near the build quality and solid feeling that my 221 did.
Now that the W223 has been out a few model years, I can definitely say that the W221 was a better looking and more "manly" car than the W222. It just has so much more presence than either the W222 or even the W223. Everything inside the car was much more solid, with more real wood and actual metal instead of everything being plastic with cheaper veneers in the newer models. The dash and tech in the 222 is definitely nicer than the previous models, but that's pretty much where it ends. MB seemed to go back to the solid W140 roots with the W221 after the mistakes they made with the W220. In terms of being a solid car, I'd say the W221 compares more to the W140 than any of the other models, whereas the W222 compares more to the W220, albeit with less cost cutting measures than when the 140 was replaced with the 220. In 10 years, the 221 will likely be a highly sought after Benz, especially the better equipped models with nice color schemes. Kind of like how a well sorted and preserved W140 is sought after today. Perhaps I was more biased because I had the S600, but I've driven the W222 S600 and the W221 was definitely a much more solid feeling and looking car, albeit likely a little less reliable than the W222 derivative.
Glad you liked the W221. It loked like a total clown car to me. Again, just my opinion. The cartoonish wheel arches looked totally out of place on a aluxury sedan. The W220 looked elegant and stylish; it broke ground for the airodynamic look on a big luxury car. They tried to duplicate the cool "cat-eye" look of the W220 on the W221 but it looked too much like a ford focus. When I saw the W222 I defenitely wanted one, even though the W220 S600 I had was a complete bust in terms of reliability. The pull of the elegant and sporty lines of th W222 was too great to overcome for me. As far as squeaks and rattles, I guess I understand. My car, 2018 W222, doesn't seem to have any annoying sounds. Having said that; it might a good thing that their cars aren't over-engineered like they were in the past. I see vidoes where panels can be removed with no screws and quickly and replaced. I plan on doing some ambient lighting upgrades and that makes me happy. I can't speak for buttons and switches because I never owned a W221. I can say the buttons and switches on my W222 are much better than on my W220. I think elegance stands the test of time, while garish body pieces rarely do.
I wish I could say the same. My low mileage S550 has had an annoying rattle coming from the back whenever going over any bumps in the road or expansion joints since I got it almost 4 years ago. I think I've pinned it down to the seat belt retractor, which has been an issue in other MB's. Also, the panel alignment isn't that great from the dash to the front doors, the window switches break often, and the buttons in the center console feel as cheap as the plastic they are made from. This car has nowhere near the build quality and solid feeling that my 221 did.
I thought mine felt very high quality, all the switchgear etc. Mine was obviously a refresh...had one window switch break but that was replaced under warranty, panel alignment was perfect. Easily the highest quality interior on a car I have ever had, including my 223.
Glad you liked the W221. It loked like a total clown car to me. Again, just my opinion. The cartoonish wheel arches looked totally out of place on a aluxury sedan.
