Door Handles Rarely Pop Out When I Approach Car
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 284
Likes: 63
2015 S-550
Streanliner: I totally agree. After 4 S-Class cars of previous models, I was looking fwd to the current version, but seeing how MB destroyed the car I have no desire for this S-Class. Idiotic door handles is just one of many reasons.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
As I have had my 2022 S580 for about 18 months now (MBUSA is repurchasing it) I truly believe that they changed too much, too quickly with the W223. The interior design is not elegant, I guess designed to attract younger folks. The seats are not as comfortable as in the previous car and the headrests are a joke. The one place the car succeeds brilliantly, is that it is amazingly quiet inside the cabin. However, the crummy ride quality—compared to the W222, really ruins the driving experience, at least for me.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 284
Likes: 63
2015 S-550
Streamliner: I totally agree. The new S-Class looks cheap, inside and out. Some of the features are too distracting, IMO. The number of used, low mileage S500/580 for sale is remarkable. Looks like many returns.... I've been thinking about getting a low mileage 2020 S450/560 but am considering a loaded 2023 E450 as well. Looks like MB has lost it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 940
From: Costco
2023 S500
The door handle issue is because of key proximity. At least that has been my experience.
If the key is kept within relatively close range after shutdown, the car essentially forces the handles into a sleep mode. Then, when you grab the keys and walk towards the car, it remains in that sleep mode and won’t automatically extend the handles. Also, I think even if the key is moved out of proximity range, assuming it already went into door-handle sleep mode with the key nearby, it still won’t automatically extend. The only way to make the handles extend every time is to either move the fob way out of range upon shutdown or place it within faraday fob protector.
Looks are obviously very subjective, but I really like the looks of the W223. I think it looks conservative yet sleek, but maintains that unmistakable S class size. I don’t see these on the road that often, but when I do, they always catch my eye. Also, other than the poor transmission, I think this car has been great. Of course, I’m looking at this through the lens of an S class newbie.
If the key is kept within relatively close range after shutdown, the car essentially forces the handles into a sleep mode. Then, when you grab the keys and walk towards the car, it remains in that sleep mode and won’t automatically extend the handles. Also, I think even if the key is moved out of proximity range, assuming it already went into door-handle sleep mode with the key nearby, it still won’t automatically extend. The only way to make the handles extend every time is to either move the fob way out of range upon shutdown or place it within faraday fob protector.
Looks are obviously very subjective, but I really like the looks of the W223. I think it looks conservative yet sleek, but maintains that unmistakable S class size. I don’t see these on the road that often, but when I do, they always catch my eye. Also, other than the poor transmission, I think this car has been great. Of course, I’m looking at this through the lens of an S class newbie.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 665
Likes: 254
From: Los Angeles
Panamera, '63 Impala
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 1,481
23 S580 Executive
No issues at all with my handles; once you understand how they work it's all good. The opening on the other hand is a different story: Really getting tired of preventing the door from closing on my legs getting in and out of the car. It's like a small dog that's constantly trying to hump a leg in terms of irritant level. More so because like the transmission, it's ridiculously bad, as in never had doors that were so bad in their stop setup. To my mind if Toyota can get it right on an econobox destined for Hertz, Merc has no excuse with a car costing 4 times as much. No free pass, no paid pass, no pass at all. That's fail.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
No issues at all with my handles; once you understand how they work it's all good. The opening on the other hand is a different story: Really getting tired of preventing the door from closing on my legs getting in and out of the car. It's like a small dog that's constantly trying to hump a leg in terms of irritant level. More so because like the transmission, it's ridiculously bad, as in never had doors that were so bad in their stop setup. To my mind if Toyota can get it right on an econobox destined for Hertz, Merc has no excuse with a car costing 4 times as much. No free pass, no paid pass, no pass at all. That's fail.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 940
From: Costco
2023 S500
The proximity range for the handles just needs to shrink. I don’t know if they can do two ranges if there are other proximity mechanisms going on with the key, but if they dampen down the range for the handles, that would solve a lot problems imo.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 1,481
23 S580 Executive
Don't know if you caught one of my other recent posts, but the door opening mechanism seems to have been improved on the 2023’s, at least that was my experience with the S500 I drove. Perhaps enough complaining to the dealer and a call to MBUSA might get them to change yours out?
To be honest the car I drove recently that most does what I want is a Lincoln Aviator. I also drove the Nautilus which is a size I would prefer but the Aviator is already a little further downmarket than I would like. Either way, I loved the way those ride: Instead of going for the sports sedan ride they just stuck with luxury and it works for me. If you've been driving the kind of stuff we have it's challenging to overcome being spoiled; or at least it is for me.
I'm going to check out the new Cayenne fairly soon and see if the ride compliance is what some are saying; I'm doubtful, but I'll give it a chance. Now that they've got the 8 in the S that one can be had cheaper than it would have been for me a few years ago when I would have moved up to the GTS or Turbo.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 404
Likes: 386
2022 S580
I did note that, was trying to decide if it's worth the hassle. Time flies and I've already had this one for a year and a half, I'm contemplating the next thing now but have the same problem you do; I know what I want but no one is making it.
To be honest the car I drove recently that most does what I want is a Lincoln Aviator. I also drove the Nautilus which is a size I would prefer but the Aviator is already a little further downmarket than I would like. Either way, I loved the way those ride: Instead of going for the sports sedan ride they just stuck with luxury and it works for me. If you've been driving the kind of stuff we have it's challenging to overcome being spoiled; or at least it is for me.
I'm going to check out the new Cayenne fairly soon and see if the ride compliance is what some are saying; I'm doubtful, but I'll give it a chance. Now that they've got the 8 in the S that one can be had cheaper than it would have been for me a few years ago when I would have moved up to the GTS or Turbo.
To be honest the car I drove recently that most does what I want is a Lincoln Aviator. I also drove the Nautilus which is a size I would prefer but the Aviator is already a little further downmarket than I would like. Either way, I loved the way those ride: Instead of going for the sports sedan ride they just stuck with luxury and it works for me. If you've been driving the kind of stuff we have it's challenging to overcome being spoiled; or at least it is for me.
I'm going to check out the new Cayenne fairly soon and see if the ride compliance is what some are saying; I'm doubtful, but I'll give it a chance. Now that they've got the 8 in the S that one can be had cheaper than it would have been for me a few years ago when I would have moved up to the GTS or Turbo.
Let us know your thoughts on the Cayenne as I respect your opinion and you’ve had a significant amount of experience with Porsche. Apparently the new (2024) Cayenne Turbo GT with the new 2 Chamber suspension rides like it’s on a cloud in comfort mode. I’m skeptical. Please let us know! Thanks!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Crab, you and I are in the same boat. I’ve had my S580 for over 1.5 years and am now contemplating the next vehicle. I’m definitely going the SUV/Crossover route.
Let us know your thoughts on the Cayenne as I respect your opinion and you’ve had a significant amount of experience with Porsche. Apparently the new (2024) Cayenne Turbo GT with the new 2 Chamber suspension rides like it’s on a cloud in comfort mode. I’m skeptical. Please let us know! Thanks!!
Let us know your thoughts on the Cayenne as I respect your opinion and you’ve had a significant amount of experience with Porsche. Apparently the new (2024) Cayenne Turbo GT with the new 2 Chamber suspension rides like it’s on a cloud in comfort mode. I’m skeptical. Please let us know! Thanks!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
………To be honest the car I drove recently that most does what I want is a Lincoln Aviator. I also drove the Nautilus which is a size I would prefer but the Aviator is already a little further downmarket than I would like. Either way, I loved the way those ride: Instead of going for the sports sedan ride they just stuck with luxury and it works for me. If you've been driving the kind of stuff we have it's challenging to overcome being spoiled; or at least it is for me.
I'm going to check out the new Cayenne fairly soon and see if the ride compliance is what some are saying; I'm doubtful, but I'll give it a chance. Now that they've got the 8 in the S that one can be had cheaper than it would have been for me a few years ago when I would have moved up to the GTS or Turbo.
I'm going to check out the new Cayenne fairly soon and see if the ride compliance is what some are saying; I'm doubtful, but I'll give it a chance. Now that they've got the 8 in the S that one can be had cheaper than it would have been for me a few years ago when I would have moved up to the GTS or Turbo.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 1,490
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
The Lincoln seats on the Aviator and Navigator are “almost” identical, and I had the Navigator about 2 years ago. The leather is just a wrap of junk wrapped on those seats. Looks so good for the first 2 years or 20K miles, but starts to deteriorate really really really quick after that. The seats have a lot of adjustments if you order that right packages, but still, the leather and comfort are not even close to what I consider “acceptable”. Looking at the 2024 Aviator interior, they still come with the same type of seats. For an S-class owner, likely, there is nothing on earth in this price range that would be as comfortable as the S except for the 7-series (2020-2022 for sure). Of course, you can always look for other vehicles (RR, Bently, etc) but am referring to anything that is below an MSRP of 150K or so.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
The Lincoln seats on the Aviator and Navigator are “almost” identical, and I had the Navigator about 2 years ago. The leather is just a wrap of junk wrapped on those seats. Looks so good for the first 2 years or 20K miles, but starts to deteriorate really really really quick after that. The seats have a lot of adjustments if you order that right packages, but still, the leather and comfort are not even close to what I consider “acceptable”. Looking at the 2024 Aviator interior, they still come with the same type of seats. For an S-class owner, likely, there is nothing on earth in this price range that would be as comfortable as the S except for the 7-series (2020-2022 for sure). Of course, you can always look for other vehicles (RR, Bently, etc) but am referring to anything that is below an MSRP of 150K or so.
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
