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2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Thinking of moving UP to W223? READ THIS!
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.
W223 lacks the presence of what W222 does to me . I have not driven any W223s to make a comparison but I have to say that I have never been impressed with the W223s' interior and exterior at all . W222s describe what Mercedes-Benz S Class interiors should be .
Your new ride also looks very nice
Congrats
Happy Driving
My lease is getting near the end too and I’m at a loss as to what to do. I just don’t love the 223 inside, exterior I don’t find as striking as the 222 but it’s fine, the interior though just doesn’t do it for me. There are also some areas that just feel cheap compared to the 222…
I’m leaning towards a new i7 or 760…drove the I7 and it was incredible, have yet to drive the 760.
My lease is getting near the end too and I’m at a loss as to what to do. I just don’t love the 223 inside, exterior I don’t find as striking as the 222 but it’s fine, the interior though just doesn’t do it for me. There are also some areas that just feel cheap compared to the 222…
I’m leaning towards a new i7 or 760…drove the I7 and it was incredible, have yet to drive the 760.
My brother bought the 760 and its a beast. The only BMW I would buy is the X6M personally but 760 is a good option to replace the 223. I'm with you on the interior. When I got my car back it made me realize it more
2020 S450 plus 10 others & 2019 Tiffin Phaeton 40AH
Originally Posted by SW20S
My lease is getting near the end too and I’m at a loss as to what to do. I just don’t love the 223 inside, exterior I don’t find as striking as the 222 but it’s fine, the interior though just doesn’t do it for me. There are also some areas that just feel cheap compared to the 222…
I’m leaning towards a new i7 or 760…drove the I7 and it was incredible, have yet to drive the 760.
I too am liking the 740 but in California the dealers only have I7’s in stock. I’ve inquired about ordering a 740 without the black out trim and having trimmed with chrome similar to the I7. Waiting for a response
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Originally Posted by Streamliner
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.
Didn't know your new to you W222 didn't have MBC until I read this thread, glad to hear it is still manageable, are you going to continue searching for one that IS equipped with MBC? again though, congrats and glad to hear you are enjoying your cars again, please enjoy in good health.
That’s a good move! One of the comments I heard recently from a customer coming back from a test drive of the new model was: ”I don’t think I’m smart enough for that car.” Whoa! That’s the danger zone when you’ve outsmarted your customers. To me, it was like having a 2 year old constantly pestering you and asking questions while you’re trying to navigate through traffic. I’m out.
I too am liking the 740 but in California the dealers only have I7’s in stock. I’ve inquired about ordering a 740 without the black out trim and having trimmed with chrome similar to the I7. Waiting for a response
The only way to get the chrome trimming and the non M Sport is to get the i7.
Did you drive the i7? It’s the most incredible riding and driving car I have ever driven…
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Didn't know your new to you W222 didn't have MBC until I read this thread, glad to hear it is still manageable, are you going to continue searching for one that IS equipped with MBC? again though, congrats and glad to hear you are enjoying your cars again, please enjoy in good health.
Yes! I am searching, nationwide, for an S560 with MBC. It’s very difficult, since I’m picky about other options as well: I don’t want a black exterior or an AMG Line. The car must have Exclusive Nappa, preferably in black, will hopefully have the 3D Audio and hopefully be a silver or close exterior. Now, looking for under 30K miles—and preferably WAY under—and the search becomes just about impossible. Wish me luck!
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Originally Posted by Streamliner
Yes! I am searching, nationwide, for an S560 with MBC. It’s very difficult, since I’m picky about other options as well: I don’t want a black exterior or an AMG Line. The car must have Exclusive Nappa, preferably in black, will hopefully have the 3D Audio and hopefully be a silver or close exterior. Now, looking for under 30K miles—and preferably WAY under—and the search becomes just about impossible. Wish me luck!
Sounds like quite a challenge but as long as you are persistent! Good luck indeed!
I took my 2020 S560 in for service a couple of weeks ago and have been called at least three times wanting to know if I wanted to trade it for a W223. I keep telling them that I bought the 2020 last fall because I did not like either the interior or exterior of the 223. It has to go back for service on the 20th for the third check engine light in 1500 miles. One more, and I may be looking at another brand.
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Originally Posted by retatt
I took my 2020 S560 in for service a couple of weeks ago and have been called at least three times wanting to know if I wanted to trade it for a W223. I keep telling them that I bought the 2020 last fall because I did not like either the interior or exterior of the 223. It has to go back for service on the 20th for the third check engine light in 1500 miles. One more, and I may be looking at another brand.
Sorry to hear that, what was the cause of the previous two CELs?
Exchanging solid reliable for more whizbang gadgetry
The first Benz I ever drove was a 69 W114. It had a solidness to it that keeps it on the road driving to this very day. Had a R107, then I was in the C126 560 SEC. That coupe was also solid, fast for its day, and a wonderful cruiser. Like the W114 the doors closed with a particular satisfying click that never got old. From that car I was into the W201 190e 2.5-16 Renntech which seemed far cheaper than the previous car - everything failed on that car from window regulators to lock pumps, you name it - self destructed at 100k mi. but it was a very quick car. I was frustrated with Benz and felt they'd gone places I was not interested in following.
So I went to BMW for a years had all of them from a 1974 2002tii (still have it) the 633csi, the 850 lumbering beast, to the e39 540 wagon to the e39M5.
I came back to the mercedes fold after having my first of three kids and decided I needed safe not fast so we started out with an R350. Bought another for two R350's and got the W222 S550. But I test drove the new EQS and it just seems flimsy and cheap to me. Everything from the ride to the interior trim just seemed cheaper.
As a matter of fact, each family of Benz cars I've owned (there are quite a few I didn't mention) just seems to be built with less stout components, flimsy and more disposable. More electric whiz bang and whatnot but when was the last time you got a kick out of hearing the door latch shut on your newer Benz?
Here's a pic I just ran across of the 190e 2.5-16 Renntech car.
And a pic of the two R350s and the W222 I have now....
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Originally Posted by stu_pidaso
The first Benz I ever drove was a 69 W114. It had a solidness to it that keeps it on the road driving to this very day. Had a R107, then I was in the C126 560 SEC. That coupe was also solid, fast for its day, and a wonderful cruiser. Like the W114 the doors closed with a particular satisfying click that never got old. From that car I was into the W201 190e 2.5-16 Renntech which seemed far cheaper than the previous car - everything failed on that car from window regulators to lock pumps, you name it - self destructed at 100k mi. but it was a very quick car. I was frustrated with Benz and felt they'd gone places I was not interested in following.
So I went to BMW for a years had all of them from a 1974 2002tii (still have it) the 633csi, the 850 lumbering beast, to the e39 540 wagon to the e39M5.
I came back to the mercedes fold after having my first of three kids and decided I needed safe not fast so we started out with an R350. Bought another for two R350's and got the W222 S550. But I test drove the new EQS and it just seems flimsy and cheap to me. Everything from the ride to the interior trim just seemed cheaper.
As a matter of fact, each family of Benz cars I've owned (there are quite a few I didn't mention) just seems to be built with less stout components, flimsy and more disposable. More electric whiz bang and whatnot but when was the last time you got a kick out of hearing the door latch shut on your newer Benz?
Here's a pic I just ran across of the 190e 2.5-16 Renntech car.
Impressive history. My first new MB was a 1979 450SL and then a new 1986 560SL. The SL’s were always my “special” cars that were babied and not used as daily drivers. I drove Hondas & Toyotas to my office. Then, in 1987, I decided to ramp up my daily driver and I got a 1987 560SEC. It was nice, but then, the new 12 cylinder, 1988 750il BMW’s caught my eye and I went with a few of those. In 1995, I got a new E350 Cabriolet and can remember how disappointed I was that it was not built with the same level of heft and luxury as the SL & SEC models.
When I moved to Orange County, when my business was still in L.A., I went first with the Acura Legend and then had 8 Lexus LS sedans in a row, but most of the time, there was an SL in the garage as well. In 2013, I got my first new S Class sedan, and did five of those, but with the W223 being such an utter disappointment, I went backwards and got a 2020 S560.
We took similar but different paths to where we are now, but where we go from here seems to be reasonably uncertain, if I read you correctly.
I always loved the W222 The car is so much bigger the the new platform. I was at the dealership and they had a showroom S500 It looked tinny to my S550. I really agree with the ride as well, it's just at another lvl.
I always loved the W222 The car is so much bigger the the new platform. I was at the dealership and they had a showroom S500 It looked tinny to my S550. I really agree with the ride as well, it's just at another lvl.
<snip> 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!”
Moral of the story:: Do not give up on your current car you enjoy without having experienced your <to be> new car first.
{{And yes, I know many cannot be in a position to do that.}}
Holding on to it has challenges though, its a lease and I'm rapidly approaching the end where I have to buy it and finance it and warranty it, and I have to think about how long am I really likely to keep it, 2 more years maybe?
08-25-2023, 11:16 AM
