This Car Sucks: A W223 Review
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2010 E350 4Matic
Not sure these examples apply. The example submitted is neither slammed or oversized wheels. Additionally this kind of stuff usually takes place in the very used market not brand new. Nor would I characterize it as crazy simply a different aesthetic choice. Just not one that a long time fan of marque is likely to make.
Last edited by MBNUT1; May 21, 2022 at 02:23 PM.
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The buyer demographic is just evolving in age, taste and location. These days it's almost impossible to find a Rolls Royce that isn't modded one way or the other. Big wheels, lowered, wrapped, etc.
Between the W221 and W223 there is a significant 20 year drop in the average buyers age. As such, the cars will be designed differently than they used to and the W223 represents that.
This and MB's brand strategy which focuses more on the more profitable high-line models (S-Class, SL, G, EQS levels & up) with Mercedes, AMG, Maybach and the new Mythos models, I expect yet more tech and customizations (and bigger wheels
) to come. And more logos. New Maybach's will sport a minimum of 100 logos per car. Think Louis Vuitton bags 
One the positive side many will appreciate that lower-end Mercedes models will go away (A & B Class) over time.
Between the W221 and W223 there is a significant 20 year drop in the average buyers age. As such, the cars will be designed differently than they used to and the W223 represents that.
This and MB's brand strategy which focuses more on the more profitable high-line models (S-Class, SL, G, EQS levels & up) with Mercedes, AMG, Maybach and the new Mythos models, I expect yet more tech and customizations (and bigger wheels
) to come. And more logos. New Maybach's will sport a minimum of 100 logos per car. Think Louis Vuitton bags One the positive side many will appreciate that lower-end Mercedes models will go away (A & B Class) over time.
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2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
The buyer demographic is just evolving in age, taste and location. These days it's almost impossible to find a Rolls Royce that isn't modded one way or the other. Big wheels, lowered, wrapped, etc.
Between the W221 and W223 there is a significant 20 year drop in the average buyers age. As such, the cars will be designed differently than they used to and the W223 represents that.
This and MB's brand strategy which focuses more on the more profitable high-line models (S-Class, SL, G, EQS levels & up) with Mercedes, AMG, Maybach and the new Mythos models, I expect yet more tech and customizations (and bigger wheels ) to come. And more logos. New Maybach's will sport a minimum of 100 logos per car. Think Louis Vuitton bags
One the positive side many will appreciate that lower-end Mercedes models will go away (A & B Class) over time.
Between the W221 and W223 there is a significant 20 year drop in the average buyers age. As such, the cars will be designed differently than they used to and the W223 represents that.
This and MB's brand strategy which focuses more on the more profitable high-line models (S-Class, SL, G, EQS levels & up) with Mercedes, AMG, Maybach and the new Mythos models, I expect yet more tech and customizations (and bigger wheels
) to come. And more logos. New Maybach's will sport a minimum of 100 logos per car. Think Louis Vuitton bags One the positive side many will appreciate that lower-end Mercedes models will go away (A & B Class) over time.
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2010 E350 4Matic
I've had a Mercedes S class in my garages since the '80's. Just like I have an issue with the W223, I also had issues with the W220, just different issues at the times they were built. The W220 was a cheaply designed and built car with tons of problems, especially the suspension. I haven't evolved away from demanding a tried and true product, MB has with the W223. The electric vehicle transition is going to be one big hot mess and I'm already laughing about it.
Additionally I can't see how anybody can claim to have a cutting edge viewpoint and invest in an ice powered car.
Last edited by MBNUT1; May 21, 2022 at 05:00 PM.
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I've had a Mercedes S class in my garages since the '80's. Just like I have an issue with the W223, I also had issues with the W220, just different issues at the times they were built. The W220 was a cheaply designed and built car with tons of problems, especially the suspension. I haven't evolved away from demanding a tried and true product, MB has with the W223. The electric vehicle transition is going to be one big hot mess and I'm already laughing about it.
I do find that the W222 was the standout in quality...
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I was thinking the same thing ie the departure that the W223 represents is analogous to the W220. Similar to the W223 the W220 represented a step forward in many ways just a poorly executed one.
Additionally I can't see how anybody can claim to have a cutting edge viewpoint and invest in an ice powered car.
Additionally I can't see how anybody can claim to have a cutting edge viewpoint and invest in an ice powered car.
To me, ICE cars at this point represent the bridge to EV's until they start building desirable EV models but I don't see any reason not to have the latest safety and infotainment tech in a car whatever form of propulsion is used,
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So have I but whoever thinks that the latest S-Class is not better build than the older models suffers from illusion or memory loss. Neither were the S-Class model of old particularly luxurious. Our W220 was crap in the worst way. Too much plastic and a new paint process that made these cars rust like there was no tomorrow but we had the same type of electronic gremlins in our W140 that people are discussing here and our W126 models were packed full of plastic. The leather looked great for many years because its was thick and firm and of lesser quality than todays Nappa interiors. I remember Mercedes having the worst mismatched Burl walnut wood panels/steering wheels, especially in the 600 models.
I do find that the W222 was the standout in quality...
I do find that the W222 was the standout in quality...
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
BMW is the most aggressive in their attitude about design. In regards to their new 7 Series their statement is simple. Don't like it, pick another brand...
Last edited by Wolfman; May 21, 2022 at 06:29 PM.
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I guess I don't detect the poor execution component, rather design choices that some here do not prefer. Some are fashion (piano black everywhere) others an attempt to change tech (capacitive vs physical buttons). The products work but some customers have other preferences.
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S580
The car is about a half year old and I already had to have 3 drop off software updates. I just think this is not world class.
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Ha, I just got back from a short trip, the first since yesterday when my car was returned from the local Mercedes dealer after 2 software updates. They washed the car, but might not have done any interior cleaning. My car is mostly always clean, but I seen streaks on both monitors and on the piano black center console door so I cleaned them. My destination was just 2 miles away and I got another check engine light, and as careful as I was there were arm prints on the black surface from resting my arm to change audio tracks.
The car is about a half year old and I already had to have 3 drop off software updates. I just think this is not world class.
The car is about a half year old and I already had to have 3 drop off software updates. I just think this is not world class.
I hope that all are over the air without any dealer involvement; took BMW over two years to make ours fully remote as prior ones bricked their cars. It's a process for the Germans to get software right...Last edited by Wolfman; May 22, 2022 at 09:40 AM.
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2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
Ha, I just got back from a short trip, the first since yesterday when my car was returned from the local Mercedes dealer after 2 software updates. They washed the car, but might not have done any interior cleaning. My car is mostly always clean, but I seen streaks on both monitors and on the piano black center console door so I cleaned them. My destination was just 2 miles away and I got another check engine light, and as careful as I was there were arm prints on the black surface from resting my arm to change audio tracks.
The car is about a half year old and I already had to have 3 drop off software updates. I just think this is not world class.
The car is about a half year old and I already had to have 3 drop off software updates. I just think this is not world class.
Last edited by MBS63AMG; May 22, 2022 at 05:19 AM.
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S580
Not sure what you mean. The car is a 2021 S580 and I was referring to 2 days ago.
I went for a software update, the rep got a check engine light as he was pulling up to the waiting lounge. He took it back to service and they determined it needed a "sleep cycle". I picked up the car a hour later and parked it in my garage. Yesterday afternoon I made a small trip about 2 miles away and the check engine light returned. I was in the store about 10 minutes and the CEL was still on for the trip home. Today I made another short trip, also about 2 miles, and I did not get the CEL.
I went for a software update, the rep got a check engine light as he was pulling up to the waiting lounge. He took it back to service and they determined it needed a "sleep cycle". I picked up the car a hour later and parked it in my garage. Yesterday afternoon I made a small trip about 2 miles away and the check engine light returned. I was in the store about 10 minutes and the CEL was still on for the trip home. Today I made another short trip, also about 2 miles, and I did not get the CEL.
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2022 S580 here and 6 months into ownership and not a single visit to dealer. No updates needed. I am going to ask about the MBUX zero layer. Otherwise its a phenomenal car and built so well. You just have to get used to the door handles and few other things.
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2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
Not sure what you mean. The car is a 2021 S580 and I was referring to 2 days ago.
I went for a software update, the rep got a check engine light as he was pulling up to the waiting lounge. He took it back to service and they determined it needed a "sleep cycle". I picked up the car a hour later and parked it in my garage. Yesterday afternoon I made a small trip about 2 miles away and the check engine light returned. I was in the store about 10 minutes and the CEL was still on for the trip home. Today I made another short trip, also about 2 miles, and I did not get the CEL.
I went for a software update, the rep got a check engine light as he was pulling up to the waiting lounge. He took it back to service and they determined it needed a "sleep cycle". I picked up the car a hour later and parked it in my garage. Yesterday afternoon I made a small trip about 2 miles away and the check engine light returned. I was in the store about 10 minutes and the CEL was still on for the trip home. Today I made another short trip, also about 2 miles, and I did not get the CEL.
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S580
I was asking about the comparison between the two first years of the W223. Which year model seems to have glitches more often, the 2021 or the 2022 or are the glitches about the same in number? I'm asking because I would hope the trend goes down in the number of glitches.
I seem to read more complaints about the 2021 then the 2022, but there are more owners of the 2021. Hopefully Mercedes did make a few changes and fixes. Just as I got home and in the garage I was thinking about how I push the door open to get out of the car, but it tries to close on me before I can get out. There is a detent half way but it does not hold the door, and the door is heavy. Many times I have something in my hand so it is difficult when it comes back toward you. I know I read at least one other forum member complain about that. For such a nice car, it's a shame there are about 10 small issues by themself are small, but overall detract from the experience.
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From: Dallas TEXAS
S580 4matic 2023
Before you purchase a new W223 - consider learning from my experience...
Have been driving S-Class for many years... the latest being the S550 and the S560.
If it was possible to turn the clock back, I would happily return the S580 and take back my older 2019 S560.
YES - the technology on the S580 is slighly more advanced.
YES - at night my cabin looks like a night club or disco (who really cares)
YES - the new MBUX is quite impressive in its design (but should screen break = total loss of controls)
YES - the new augmented reality navigation is ... cool
BUT The W222 (in my humble opinion) not only looked better outside, but was built better (higher quality materials and craftsmanship ) and more comfortable seating (both driver and rear passenger)
Had a smoother drive and overall felt more SOLID.
There are many 2022 S500 and S580 for sale with under few thousand miles on them. Probably other owners who purchased the W223 expecting an "upgrade" from their W222, and realizing expectations were not met.
All I am saying is that you need to seriously test drive the W223, for a few hours, not just around the block - BEFORE you decide to purchase.
Dare I say it........maybe should have considered the G90 ?
P.S. you would not believe the ride quality issues with my S580 OR the remarks/comments made by Mercedes Benz about vehicle...... that's a whole other post
Have been driving S-Class for many years... the latest being the S550 and the S560.
If it was possible to turn the clock back, I would happily return the S580 and take back my older 2019 S560.
YES - the technology on the S580 is slighly more advanced.
YES - at night my cabin looks like a night club or disco (who really cares)
YES - the new MBUX is quite impressive in its design (but should screen break = total loss of controls)
YES - the new augmented reality navigation is ... cool
BUT The W222 (in my humble opinion) not only looked better outside, but was built better (higher quality materials and craftsmanship ) and more comfortable seating (both driver and rear passenger)
Had a smoother drive and overall felt more SOLID.
There are many 2022 S500 and S580 for sale with under few thousand miles on them. Probably other owners who purchased the W223 expecting an "upgrade" from their W222, and realizing expectations were not met.
All I am saying is that you need to seriously test drive the W223, for a few hours, not just around the block - BEFORE you decide to purchase.
Dare I say it........maybe should have considered the G90 ?
P.S. you would not believe the ride quality issues with my S580 OR the remarks/comments made by Mercedes Benz about vehicle...... that's a whole other post
Last edited by zukiper; Jan 12, 2023 at 04:17 PM.
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Would love to hear the comparison. Take a few pics doing a side by side exterior comparison should be interesting.
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2024 S580
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From: Madison,Wi.
Depends on the weather
Mine is a '23 S500 and so far it has performed flawlessly. I didn't see this post prior to making the purchase, but most likely would have still gone with it. Overall it's a nice upgrade from my last S550.
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I’ve owned right at 60 new cars over my years and I can truthfully say that my 2022 S580 is “THE” most disappointing of the lot. The car should have been at least a reasonable improvement over the previous W222 in most every way, but it isn’t. The seats are not as comfortable, the interior design is ridiculous, the controls are a joke, the constant warning messages coming from the dash & center console displays seem to be meaningless, the transmission is an embarrassment, the exterior door handles are truly insane and the ride quality isn’t in the same league as the W222’s. The only positives for me are the ultra quiet cabin and the 4D Audio. EVERYTHING else was better in a late model W222, EVERYTHING!
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From: So California
‘22 S500
My 2022 S500 with 19” tires is vastly improved over the 2021 S580 I had. It’s perfect. It feels special and I always love driving it. I do not mean to be contentious here but I see it as a vast improvement….and advancement to the W222 which I’ve had a fair share of. The S500 is the first S I’ve had with the 6 cylinder…..seems to deliver a stronger connection to the experience I’d say. Like…..I feel it…the “6 cylinder-ness” of it all. But….this is a matter of subjective opinion.
Last edited by Peter; Jan 13, 2023 at 12:38 AM.
