I've had my 2021 S580 for less then a year and have had many check engine lights. Some go away after time, but not all. My car has about 3,900 miles and is less then a year from delivery.

The errors are from low voltage to unspecified, and I needed to go to the dealer for 3 software updates when supposedly are advertised that updates can be done "over the air". The MSRP on my car was $134,100 and I have my first long road trip planned for next week.

Today I drove to the store about a mile and a half from home and get another light, "Left Window Airbag Malfunction Service Required". This came out of nowhere. I drove home and locked the car to put it to sleep. 45 minutes later, it was still there when I started the car. I can clear the "window" on the dash screen (per each drive), but the red seat belt icon remains lit on the top edge.

The car is unreliable as I can't plan a trip without something coming up. Are these cars worth the aggravation or is my car a lemon? It's nice that they have the technology to catch problems, but for the HIGH price they shouldn't be as many issues.

Some time after I bought my car I made a post about things that annoyed me, but now reliability is coming into question. I am very disappointed.

 

 

I think the 2021 have a fair shares of initial production issues. My 2022 S580 since December of 2021 has been great so far with no issues.

 

I wonder if the new EQS is any better? A lot of the features are the same as the W223 and are a year or more newer. I see a LOT of EQS 450's available, but not too many EQS 580's. The trade in on my car is more then a new EQS 450.

It is true that the EQS has a controversial body style. Some like it, some hate it. I seen 3 at a local dealer and it looked better in person then I expected, but it looked different with different colors. I think if they keep the body a few years it will be OK, but if they change it soon, it will look dated like BMWs do when a new design come out.

There is not too much out there for any price. None of the brands have great range except Lucid, but where would you get it serviced? On paper Mercedes has a great gas car and a great electric car. I hope things get sorted out.

 

Mine, too, as been problem free (so far). There is an old adage about not buying a car the first production year. I like the EQS, but I think we need another year to see the problems that may arise and the fixes.

 

Mine is only three weeks old with a little over 300 miles and I’ve already had a Check Engine light pop on (Invalid data received from ECM/PCM) and blind spot monitor stopped working with “Active break assist unavailable, Blind Spot Monitor unavailable” message. Both went away. I didn’t clear the codes in case I need to take it to the dealer. The MSRP on mine was $156,700, over $170k after tax and license. For that kind of money I expected much, much better in terms of reliability.

 

I think I had that one when pulling into my garage. I have to get close, so the auto brakes fight me. I just turned off the car as I seen that message on the screen.

 

Mine was while driving to the office and the BSM actually stopped working.

 

Sorry to hear of the experience. This is standard MB quality. Especially so on new models.

 

If you want a premium luxury car, what are the options? BMW is more sporty then luxury. Audi comes up short in the specs (MPG and others) and is not as good looking as an S-Class, and the later years large grilles are not attractive. I am seriously thinking about swapping for an EQS, but what's to say I won't have the same issues?

I realize the warranty will take care of it, but I probably wont get an appointment this week and will have to drive 2600+ miles on my vacation next week with a warning light staring at me.

Jaguar has a terrible reliability history but my 2016 XF never had a warranty issue other then the backup camera need to be replaced. It's materials inside and out were fine as well as fit and finish. It was fast and had great brakes (best of any car I ever had). The electronics were very slow though taking several minutes to play USB audio or use the NAV after you start the car. The cup holder crushed your soda cans and there were a few other issues, but can't Mercedes do better then Jaguar? It seems like the pandemic created a shortage of just about everything and gave every supplier an excuse of poor quality or service because of new demand.

 

Don't know what state you reside in, but check out the lemon law rules where you live. I believe I could get MBUSA to “buy back” my 2022 S580, but I got such a great deal on it and I don’t know what else I would get, so I’m probably keeping it.

 

LS, Panamera or Flying Spur?

 

Streamliner, you’re giving us whiplash with your back and forth. One minute you hate it and are working on getting rid of it...the next day “I’m probably keeping it”. Let’s have some conviction one way or the other.

 

Panamera is well sorted but a wholly different kind of car: Shifts that you feel and it's not an accident, the softest suspension setting is firmer than the sportiest here, you can hear the engine and it's not coming through the speakers, etc. I traded one and I really liked that car; I would buy another but it's significantly harder buying there than buying in with this one. I'll probably go back as this will be my first luxury car and I suspect I'll miss enjoying the act of driving. Not a shot at this car, it's just very different from what I usually drive. My point here is that if you want S class you should be aware you aren't going to find it there. I just don't see you you liking it if BMW is not your bag; it's that and then some.

I didn't drive the LS. I've been in one recently though and I can say it didn't impress me the way this car did. It doesn't seem to be in the same league.

In the Audi camp I'd guess you're probably looking at the A8 or S8 as the closest competitor. I did drive that one, a nice car, probably should have a look if your not otherwise against.

Cadillac, same as Lexus, I test drove over there and there was a lot to like but stepping out of a Porsche it felt significantly down market. Got a feeling reading your post it's not the droid you're looking for.

I suppose this leads to me thinking you might be on to something. It could be the EQS is going to work for you. I wouldn't buy now though unless it was an order on a 23, you just experienced 1st year buying, you can probably survive until October-ish instead of going through that again. Not beating you up, I've gone first year a number of times, I swear I'm not going to do it again but then I do... None of those cars were without problem; I'm a sucker for new shiny things.

 

If you're having issues with the tech in your S580 I wouldn't get an EQS. Thats like jumping out of a smoldering rowboat onto the titanic.

Have you explored trying to get MB to buy it back? I would try a 2022/2023 S580. You could also get a CPO S560. Mine has 24,000 miles and has been a complete joy, and I came from Lexus. This car so far has met or exceeded the reliability experience I had with my Lexus cars.

 

Yea, a lot to process. I will see how I like the S580 on my road trip next week. Should be 1300 miles one way plus some extra driving, so that should let me know how I like it. You make good points though!

 

Boy! Ain’t that the truth! I wish I COULD make up my mind, but too many moving parts. I’m not thrilled with the car, and with an MSRP of $153K+, I should be. But when I look at what I can get for the car, the lack of trade options since it is leased through MBFS, what other vehicles are out there, the decision becomes very tangled and difficult. If and when something changes for the better or worse, everyone here will be the first to know.

 

This is going from my W222 experience, I have not driven a W223 (and I won't until the timing is such I could trade for it if I wanted to), but I have driven literally everything under $150,000 that could be remotely comparable to the S Class. The S Class is the most luxurious, best riding and driving, most comfortable luxury sedan you can buy short of a Rolls Royce. There are other cars that are excellent and "really very close" but there really isn't anything better. A8 is great, 750 is great, LS is "okay" (my LS460s were great, the LS500 is a step back), Genesis G90 is "good"...but none are "better" or even "the same".

So, if you want the best luxury sedan...you're driving it...you just have to get free of the reliability problems. IMO that means ridding yourself of the unit you have.

 

600hp 2022 Alpina B7?

 

Not going to be as comfortable as an S580. I put 500 miles on an 750 probably, and while its a great car and also very comfortable it doesn't ride as well, nor is it as quiet, and seat comfort is far below. Engine feel is much more raucous (by design). An Alpina would be stiffer with bigger wheels and have an even more pronounced engine note...and the same seats.

 

I know you've driven a recent Flying Spur, and in the 80's you had a janky Rolls. Maybe drive a modern Phantom? I'm not yet there, but the wife and I had lunch at the coast this weekend and saw a Wraith. RR doesn't fly under the radar, but in Orange County you'll be fine.

 

I would love a Ghost, but I don't think it will ever happen. Even though I might be able to afford one, I'm the son of a man who grew up during The Great Depression and I just don't think I could ever pull the trigger on such an expensive vehicle. About $150K is about my limit these days.

 

Just was throwing it out there for the OP and OG's. Even 2023 Top Spec Range using BMW V8 now. After two stints driving Mack, KW, and Peterbuilts off road in Permian Basin Oilfields from 51 to 59.5, my AMG Wagon feels like a S-Class. If I decide to return to Engineering Contract work at Missile Range, gotta find that blue 2020 AMG S63 Coupe that was parked next to my AMG Wagon on ATL NE showroom floor May 2021. Already crossed off Search for Best Maryland Crab cake from Bucket List...

 

I know I couldn't. I feel silly in the S Class sometimes. I just couldnt drive around a car that expensive every day.

 

I completely understand. Door handles work 100%, or so I hear