S-Class (W223) 2021 to Present

This Car Sucks: A W223 Review

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 05-21-2022, 02:17 PM
  #76  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
MBNUT1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 4,291
Received 1,019 Likes on 741 Posts
2010 E350 4Matic
Originally Posted by Streamliner
Nah, there have been S Class crazies for decades now.



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; 05-21-2022 at 02:23 PM.
Old 05-21-2022, 02:29 PM
  #77  
Super Moderator

 
Wolfman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Land of 10,000 lakes
Posts: 10,091
Received 3,282 Likes on 2,040 Posts
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
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.
Old 05-21-2022, 02:40 PM
  #78  
Member
 
tonupbklyn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 195
Received 70 Likes on 38 Posts
997.2TTS
Originally Posted by Wolfman
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.
100%!

and here are those (the very few forgotten ones) who disagree...



Old 05-21-2022, 04:36 PM
  #79  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
MBS63AMG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 1,333
Received 484 Likes on 336 Posts
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
Originally Posted by Wolfman
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.
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.
The following users liked this post:
MBNUT1 (05-21-2022)
Old 05-21-2022, 04:54 PM
  #80  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
MBNUT1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 4,291
Received 1,019 Likes on 741 Posts
2010 E350 4Matic
Originally Posted by MBS63AMG
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 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.

Last edited by MBNUT1; 05-21-2022 at 05:00 PM.
Old 05-21-2022, 05:55 PM
  #81  
Super Moderator

 
Wolfman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Land of 10,000 lakes
Posts: 10,091
Received 3,282 Likes on 2,040 Posts
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by MBS63AMG
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.
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...
Old 05-21-2022, 06:00 PM
  #82  
Super Moderator

 
Wolfman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Land of 10,000 lakes
Posts: 10,091
Received 3,282 Likes on 2,040 Posts
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by MBNUT1
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.
Nobody really invests in cars 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,
Old 05-21-2022, 06:16 PM
  #83  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
MBNUT1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 4,291
Received 1,019 Likes on 741 Posts
2010 E350 4Matic
Originally Posted by Wolfman
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 think the point being made was it is not a "Get off my lawn" push back against technology in that the W220 was an advancement in technology which was as you correctly point out was poorly executed back when many of the folks rejecting the W223 were young punks too.
Old 05-21-2022, 06:26 PM
  #84  
Super Moderator

 
Wolfman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Land of 10,000 lakes
Posts: 10,091
Received 3,282 Likes on 2,040 Posts
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by MBNUT1
I think the point being made was it is not a "Get off my lawn" push back against technology in that the W220 was an advancement in technology which was as you correctly point out was poorly executed back when many of the folks rejecting the W223 were young punks too.
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.

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; 05-21-2022 at 06:29 PM.
The following 3 users liked this post by Wolfman:
drose224 (05-22-2022), MBNUT1 (05-21-2022), retiredandhappy (05-22-2022)
Old 05-21-2022, 06:32 PM
  #85  
Member
 
tonupbklyn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 195
Received 70 Likes on 38 Posts
997.2TTS
Originally Posted by Wolfman
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.
1000%
Old 05-21-2022, 06:46 PM
  #86  
Member
 
Old Rocker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 224
Received 87 Likes on 47 Posts
S580
Originally Posted by Wolfman
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)
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.
Old 05-21-2022, 07:19 PM
  #87  
Super Moderator

 
Wolfman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Land of 10,000 lakes
Posts: 10,091
Received 3,282 Likes on 2,040 Posts
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by Old Rocker
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.
I hate the piano black for the same reasons; fingerprint galore, dust and scratches yet every manufacturer seems to do it. I hope this goes away quick. Software updates are part of life for me, heck, our coffeemaker needed one too 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; 05-22-2022 at 09:40 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Old Rocker (05-21-2022)
Old 05-21-2022, 07:58 PM
  #88  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
MBS63AMG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 1,333
Received 484 Likes on 336 Posts
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
Originally Posted by Old Rocker
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.
Are the number of glitches more or less between the 2021 and 2022?

Last edited by MBS63AMG; 05-22-2022 at 05:19 AM.
Old 05-22-2022, 02:30 PM
  #89  
Member
 
Old Rocker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 224
Received 87 Likes on 47 Posts
S580
Originally Posted by MBS63AMG
Are the number of glitches more or less between the 2021 and 2022?
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.

Old 05-23-2022, 03:05 PM
  #90  
Super Member
 
Baloo588's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 561
Received 151 Likes on 87 Posts
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.
The following 2 users liked this post by Baloo588:
retiredandhappy (05-24-2022), SW20S (05-23-2022)
Old 05-23-2022, 04:15 PM
  #91  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
MBS63AMG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 1,333
Received 484 Likes on 336 Posts
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
Originally Posted by Old Rocker
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 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.
Old 05-23-2022, 06:12 PM
  #92  
Member
 
Old Rocker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 224
Received 87 Likes on 47 Posts
S580
Originally Posted by MBS63AMG
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.
Just as I was reading this, I got an email from my service writer. He said he read the codes from remote and did not see anything. I had the CEL on Saturday when I wrote him (the day after they did the software update), but it went away on it's own and I did not see it Sunday or today.

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.
Old 01-12-2023, 04:13 PM
  #93  
Junior Member
 
zukiper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Dallas TEXAS
Posts: 67
Received 75 Likes on 25 Posts
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

Last edited by zukiper; 01-12-2023 at 04:17 PM.
The following 2 users liked this post by zukiper:
QuadBenz (01-13-2023), Streamliner (01-12-2023)
Old 01-12-2023, 06:06 PM
  #94  
Super Member
 
bishop64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Hong Kong, China
Posts: 893
Received 396 Likes on 265 Posts
2021 S450 4Matic
Originally Posted by zukiper
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 ?
Suggest you drive your W223 to your local Genesis dealer and do test drive the G90 for a few hours.
Would love to hear the comparison. Take a few pics doing a side by side exterior comparison should be interesting.
The following users liked this post:
Diesel Benz (01-13-2023)
Old 01-12-2023, 06:11 PM
  #95  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
SW20S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Maryland
Posts: 5,581
Received 2,771 Likes on 1,774 Posts
2024 S580
Originally Posted by zukiper
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
Do you have the e-ABC?
Old 01-12-2023, 06:39 PM
  #96  
Junior Member
 
zukiper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Dallas TEXAS
Posts: 67
Received 75 Likes on 25 Posts
S580 4matic 2023
no to E-ABC
Old 01-12-2023, 06:50 PM
  #97  
Member
 
Minte's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Madison,Wi.
Posts: 127
Received 8 Likes on 5 Posts
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.
The following 3 users liked this post by Minte:
Baloo588 (01-12-2023), bishop64 (01-13-2023), js_cls (01-12-2023)
Old 01-12-2023, 06:58 PM
  #98  
Junior Member
 
zukiper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Dallas TEXAS
Posts: 67
Received 75 Likes on 25 Posts
S580 4matic 2023
Minte
It is very possible my current S580 is suffering from some gremlins....
Once it gets back from the service, I will drive and update my driving performance report
The following users liked this post:
Minte (01-13-2023)
Old 01-12-2023, 11:27 PM
  #99  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Streamliner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Corona Del Mar, CA
Posts: 7,387
Received 3,670 Likes on 2,102 Posts
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
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!

The following 2 users liked this post by Streamliner:
QuadBenz (01-13-2023), Robb92914 (01-15-2023)
Old 01-13-2023, 12:20 AM
  #100  
Member
 
Peter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: So California
Posts: 113
Received 36 Likes on 19 Posts
‘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; 01-13-2023 at 12:38 AM.
The following 3 users liked this post by Peter:
aypues (01-15-2023), martinlarose (01-13-2023), Minte (01-13-2023)


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: This Car Sucks: A W223 Review



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:26 PM.