Thinking about w222
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Joined: Mar 2020
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2013 W221 S550 2016 C217 S550
I will. If I ever get to that car.
Test drove a 18 s450 today. It was ok, didn’t blow me away. Sunroof didn’t work and I knew I would pass but I wanted to try a v6 version. This was a first 222 I drove and it confirmed my suspicion that the only thing I’m really getting over my 221 is a new dash and dash related tech. In other words it’s not a monumental upgrade by any means.
Test drove a 18 s450 today. It was ok, didn’t blow me away. Sunroof didn’t work and I knew I would pass but I wanted to try a v6 version. This was a first 222 I drove and it confirmed my suspicion that the only thing I’m really getting over my 221 is a new dash and dash related tech. In other words it’s not a monumental upgrade by any means.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I will. If I ever get to that car.
Test drove a 18 s450 today. It was ok, didn’t blow me away. Sunroof didn’t work and I knew I would pass but I wanted to try a v6 version. This was a first 222 I drove and it confirmed my suspicion that the only thing I’m really getting over my 221 is a new dash and dash related tech. In other words it’s not a monumental upgrade by any means.
Test drove a 18 s450 today. It was ok, didn’t blow me away. Sunroof didn’t work and I knew I would pass but I wanted to try a v6 version. This was a first 222 I drove and it confirmed my suspicion that the only thing I’m really getting over my 221 is a new dash and dash related tech. In other words it’s not a monumental upgrade by any means.
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Joined: Aug 2021
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2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
Seems like you drove a ****ty W222 and wrote it off. Drive a 560, 63, or 65. Potentially one with MBC. Find one with exclusive nappa so you have elevated materials, drive on the highway and try the driver’s assistance, test the Burmester 3D.
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600 and 65 is too expensive and I dont need all that.
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Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 262
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From: Seattle
Currently ‘2015 S550 4matic. Previously 03 E320, ‘06 S430, ‘08 S550 4matic
450 was reccomended by a friend who works for MB. He siad they are very relaible. I wanted to to try it. V6 is not for me. I always had V8s and would like to stick to it. Its what I like, torque. 450 had enough power, but the engine sound I did not like. My m273 still sounds amazing to me.
600 and 65 is too expensive and I dont need all that.
600 and 65 is too expensive and I dont need all that.
until then enjoy your W221.
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Joined: Apr 2023
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2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
The m273 is a great motor with none of the DI and turbo issues the later cars have. And it does sound amazing, especially with some exhaust mods.
Stay with the w221 if you still love it. The w222 is a different beast and may not be great for everyone. You gotta be OK with the lighter materials (more sqeaks and rattles), all digital dash, higher maintenance bi-turbo motors and smaller trunk (3D sound system sub) .
Stay with the w221 if you still love it. The w222 is a different beast and may not be great for everyone. You gotta be OK with the lighter materials (more sqeaks and rattles), all digital dash, higher maintenance bi-turbo motors and smaller trunk (3D sound system sub) .
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
The m273 is a great motor with none of the DI and turbo issues the later cars have. And it does sound amazing, especially with some exhaust mods.
Stay with the w221 if you still love it. The w222 is a different beast and may not be great for everyone. You gotta be OK with the lighter materials (more sqeaks and rattles), all digital dash, higher maintenance bi-turbo motors and smaller trunk (3D sound system sub) .
Stay with the w221 if you still love it. The w222 is a different beast and may not be great for everyone. You gotta be OK with the lighter materials (more sqeaks and rattles), all digital dash, higher maintenance bi-turbo motors and smaller trunk (3D sound system sub) .
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Joined: Jun 2024
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2013 S63 AMG, 2015 S550
W222 is superior to the W221 in every way. The difference between a late model W221 and an early W222 feels like 10 years. The failure modes are also pretty common across both so its familiar in that sense. I too have an emotional attachment to my W221, but if it wasn't an AMG, I wouldn't think twice about unloading it and just keeping the W222. My W221, though, is a raw German muscle car that's RWD and gets squirrelly when I get on it at 60+ mph. It's thrilling and the 3rd gear pull and beyond is addicting. The MCT *adds to the experience. There is no "super saloon" like it.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
W222 is superior to the W221 in every way. The difference between a late model W221 and an early W222 feels like 10 years. The failure modes are also pretty common across both so its familiar in that sense. I too have an emotional attachment to my W221, but if it wasn't an AMG, I wouldn't think twice about unloading it and just keeping the W222. My W221, though, is a raw German muscle car that's RWD and gets squirrelly when I get on it at 60+ mph. It's thrilling and the 3rd gear pull and beyond is addicting. The MCT *adds to the experience. There is no "super saloon" like it.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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I got something in works for a 16 s550 in spec I wanted and low 61k miles. If all goes well, I’ll have an update for you kind folks in a few days. My beloved w221 which never fails to reward me with a $2-3000 thousand spring/summer bill helped me decide after all. As of now it presented me with a $500 appetizer, but I’m sure the whole dinner price will follow as we get closer to summer and I think I had enough. If I don’t sell it for the price I want, I might just keep it as a second/third car for picking up kids after school and random around town trips and use w222 for road trips and special drives. Then again, every drive in a S class is an occasion, to me.
Quick question, does 2016 have remote start from the door key?
And, is it a good idea to let the car idle for few minutes after running it to cool off turbos. I know that was a thing in 80s. Learned this when my friend has a 88 RX7 Turbo.
Quick question, does 2016 have remote start from the door key?
And, is it a good idea to let the car idle for few minutes after running it to cool off turbos. I know that was a thing in 80s. Learned this when my friend has a 88 RX7 Turbo.
Last edited by tbilisi79; Mar 13, 2026 at 02:41 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 1,208
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
I got something in works for a 16 s550 in spec I wanted and low 61k miles. If all goes well, I’ll have an update for you kind folks in a few days. My beloved w221 which never fails to reward me with a $2-3000 thousand spring/summer bill helped me decide after all. As of now it presented me with a $500 appetizer, but I’m sure the whole dinner price will follow as we get closer to summer and I think I had enough. If I don’t sell it for the price I want, I might just keep it as a second/third car for picking up kids after school and random around town trips and use w222 for road trips and special drives. Then again, every drive in a S class is an occasion, to me.
Quick question, does 2016 have remote start from the door key?
And, is it a good idea to let the car idle for few minutes after running it to cool off turbos. I know that was a thing in 80s. Learned this when my friend has a 88 RX7 Turbo.
Quick question, does 2016 have remote start from the door key?
And, is it a good idea to let the car idle for few minutes after running it to cool off turbos. I know that was a thing in 80s. Learned this when my friend has a 88 RX7 Turbo.
2016 won't have remote start from the key. Seems like that is an '18 and newer thing via the app. Carlos speaks of that app going b-bye.
If you were just asking the engine for 100% power for half an hour... Yes cool things down. If you are driving gently before parking; no need to cool down. Modern turbos all have water cooled center bearings that keep temperatures moderate + modern full synthetic lubricants are HUGELY improved VS the bad old days.
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From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
I got something in works for a 16 s550 in spec I wanted and low 61k miles. If all goes well, I’ll have an update for you kind folks in a few days. My beloved w221 which never fails to reward me with a $2-3000 thousand spring/summer bill helped me decide after all. As of now it presented me with a $500 appetizer, but I’m sure the whole dinner price will follow as we get closer to summer and I think I had enough. If I don’t sell it for the price I want, I might just keep it as a second/third car for picking up kids after school and random around town trips and use w222 for road trips and special drives. Then again, every drive in a S class is an occasion, to me.
Quick question, does 2016 have remote start from the door key?
And, is it a good idea to let the car idle for few minutes after running it to cool off turbos. I know that was a thing in 80s. Learned this when my friend has a 88 RX7 Turbo.
Quick question, does 2016 have remote start from the door key?
And, is it a good idea to let the car idle for few minutes after running it to cool off turbos. I know that was a thing in 80s. Learned this when my friend has a 88 RX7 Turbo.
https://www.midcityengineering.com/s...lass-w222-9782
https://www.dronemobile.com/
The drone mobile app works with you mobile phone and works just like the original app. I'm haven't used either company so I can't "recommend" them, just letting you know they exist.
But the app, with even more features, still work in the 19-20 sedans and 19-21 coupe and convertible models.
Last edited by carlosinseattle; Mar 13, 2026 at 12:17 PM.
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Weird. I started the car today and was able to remove one cd and load one in with no issues. Yesterday the car wouldn’t do that.
also was able to remove the old paired phones and add my phone with ease.
Are cd players an issue in these cars. I found few posts. Should i eject the cds and be done with them or just keep one in there and be happy.
also was able to remove the old paired phones and add my phone with ease.
Are cd players an issue in these cars. I found few posts. Should i eject the cds and be done with them or just keep one in there and be happy.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Drove the car home yesterday for 280 miles. Everything went well. Bunch of receipts nearing $10000 in recent work at Mb.
Compared to my w221. Interior has a lot less plasticky squeaks and creeks. Sound system is much better. New tech is nice too. Seats front and back feel a lot better. Massage is weaker.
Got 27 mpg on highway going 70-75. Surprised it doesn’t have heated steering wheel. Does have distronic, lane assist and rear door shades which I really wanted. Gonna take it for a nice drive on weekend and report back.
Thank you all for chiming in.
Compared to my w221. Interior has a lot less plasticky squeaks and creeks. Sound system is much better. New tech is nice too. Seats front and back feel a lot better. Massage is weaker.
Got 27 mpg on highway going 70-75. Surprised it doesn’t have heated steering wheel. Does have distronic, lane assist and rear door shades which I really wanted. Gonna take it for a nice drive on weekend and report back.
Thank you all for chiming in.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 467
Likes: 299
2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
Any 10+ year old media changer (with plastic gears) is eventually going to consume your discs and not give them back. I only have some burned ones in my changer and if they never come out, I don't care. You can also use the changer to rip the discs to an internal HD in the system. No real need for them unless you just want a hard backup for times with no cell service. I am assuming you do most music on the phone ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 1,208
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Drove the car home yesterday for 280 miles. Everything went well. Bunch of receipts nearing $10000 in recent work at Mb.
Compared to my w221. Interior has a lot less plasticky squeaks and creeks. Sound system is much better. New tech is nice too. Seats front and back feel a lot better. Massage is weaker.
Got 27 mpg on highway going 70-75. Surprised it doesn’t have heated steering wheel. Does have distronic, lane assist and rear door shades which I really wanted. Gonna take it for a nice drive on weekend and report back.
Thank you all for chiming in.
Compared to my w221. Interior has a lot less plasticky squeaks and creeks. Sound system is much better. New tech is nice too. Seats front and back feel a lot better. Massage is weaker.
Got 27 mpg on highway going 70-75. Surprised it doesn’t have heated steering wheel. Does have distronic, lane assist and rear door shades which I really wanted. Gonna take it for a nice drive on weekend and report back.
Thank you all for chiming in.
Agreed on Interior noises, Audio quality, tech. Seats to my behind are a wash. Massage feature isn't as burly as the 221 S-65 had; but it always works when asked 11 years into it's life. Nice fuel economy. Best I manage with the 222 S-65 is 22 on the freeway... But that is a me issue.
Heated steering wheels happen with the 'Warmth and comfort package' found in every S-65 and many of the V-8 powered cars. Separate switch for heating steering wheel on the column (twist the tilt/telescope handle) and heat for the center armrest and door panels.
Enjoy it!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 262
Likes: 86
From: Seattle
Currently ‘2015 S550 4matic. Previously 03 E320, ‘06 S430, ‘08 S550 4matic
Congrats OP! I wish you many enjoyable trips in it.
Agreed on Interior noises, Audio quality, tech. Seats to my behind are a wash. Massage feature isn't as burly as the 221 S-65 had; but it always works when asked 11 years into it's life. Nice fuel economy. Best I manage with the 222 S-65 is 22 on the freeway... But that is a me issue.
Heated steering wheels happen with the 'Warmth and comfort package' found in every S-65 and many of the V-8 powered cars. Separate switch for heating steering wheel on the column (twist the tilt/telescope handle) and heat for the center armrest and door panels.
Enjoy it!
Agreed on Interior noises, Audio quality, tech. Seats to my behind are a wash. Massage feature isn't as burly as the 221 S-65 had; but it always works when asked 11 years into it's life. Nice fuel economy. Best I manage with the 222 S-65 is 22 on the freeway... But that is a me issue.
Heated steering wheels happen with the 'Warmth and comfort package' found in every S-65 and many of the V-8 powered cars. Separate switch for heating steering wheel on the column (twist the tilt/telescope handle) and heat for the center armrest and door panels.
Enjoy it!
Last edited by SSBN629 Seattle; Mar 16, 2026 at 11:41 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 405
Likes: 103
Any 10+ year old media changer (with plastic gears) is eventually going to consume your discs and not give them back. I only have some burned ones in my changer and if they never come out, I don't care. You can also use the changer to rip the discs to an internal HD in the system. No real need for them unless you just want a hard backup for times with no cell service. I am assuming you do most music on the phone ?
There are only 6 CDs of my favorite albums that would be used. I can stream them from my phone as well so it’s not a big deal. There is also an SD card, but my MP3 collection is not all flac files, so streaming from tidal might be cleaner. If the cd changer dies, that’s fine, as long as it doesn’t take down the whole command system with it.
We have an internal HD ? I didn’t notice that feature.
Also, I think I’d like to get a spare wheel, donut maybe to keep in the trunk. I’m planning to road trip the car a lot and not having a spare is scary to me.
Last edited by tbilisi79; Mar 16, 2026 at 12:21 PM.
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
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Posts: 405
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The 222 interior is really something, much different than 221 I feel cocooned in 222 which is what I always wanted from a car. A cozy isolation from the outside world.
Drove my w221 today to get kids, that engine nite is something else. I was always surprised MB let that engine be so throaty.
is there a way to save favorite XM radio stations so I can flip through those only? I had that in 221 I can’t figure out how to jump between favorite stations .
Drove my w221 today to get kids, that engine nite is something else. I was always surprised MB let that engine be so throaty.
is there a way to save favorite XM radio stations so I can flip through those only? I had that in 221 I can’t figure out how to jump between favorite stations .
Last edited by tbilisi79; Mar 16, 2026 at 05:26 PM.
