S-Class (W223) 2021 to Present

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

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Old 05-04-2023, 06:21 AM
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23 S580 Executive
Absence makes the heart grow fonder

After several months I retrieved my car from storage and the title really says it all: I missed my car. I have a house up on Whidbey Island where I stored my car; it's a 2 hour drive between it any my apartment in Seattle with varied traffic to deal with, freeway miles, city miles, etc. I was reacquainted with the supremely comfortable ride, luxurious trappings, killer stereo and so on. Not perfect though; I noticed reflections on the windshield about 15 minutes into it, couldn't remember how to interact with a few functions which have no switchgear, that sort of thing. Overall I'd have to say I had stopped seeing the forest for the trees: It's a solid ride but I was nitpicking all the details and losing the fundamentals for which I'd purchased the car in the first place.

I suppose we'll so how long it takes the annoyances to overcome but I'm pretty happy right now. Admittedly, some of it is probably not having horns honking every other second, wondering if I can fit through a hole without clipping off a side mirror ten times a drive, having more than 90 hp, etc.
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Old 05-04-2023, 07:07 AM
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Mercedes/Mazda/Genesis
I cannot wait to reunite with my 580, it has simply been too long since I was behind the wheel and had control of my own vehicle. Plus I need just a solid coastal drive with the windows down and some great music playing. I also need to reunite with my Miata which has been sitting in winter storage just begging for the top to be put down!

That being said, driving up through the hills and mountains of Como has reminded me of why I do love smaller and sportier cars. Perhaps time for something AMG for a daily???
Old 05-04-2023, 08:41 AM
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W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, W211 E500 4-Matic Wagon
We have a similar feeling after running in all Sport+ mode for a few weeks straight... then drive in all S-Class Comfort mode and recall why you made such a wise purchase.
Old 05-09-2023, 07:49 PM
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Happy to hear that you are enjoying your vehicle again OP.
I wonder if forum member Streamliner did the same and parked their vehicle in storage and never seen it for like a month or so, the car will be more desirable.
Forum member js_cls don't leave where you are yet, need more of those spectacular images
Old 05-10-2023, 10:00 AM
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Yes Crabman….Exactly why I returned to S after my 2021 S580. Nothing compares, really. I’ve been in a 2022 S500. It’s just great.
Old 05-10-2023, 10:38 AM
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Yeah, other cars do other things better, but I don't really see an easy replacement for this one; direct apples to apples replacement anyway. Stream has his work cut out for him.
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Old 05-10-2023, 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by crabman
Yeah, other cars do other things better, but I don't really see an easy replacement for this one; direct apples to apples replacement anyway. Stream has his work cut out for him.
I guess for forum member Streamliner the main issue was the car died in the middle of a busy road so all chances to love the car are gone since that incident.
Old 05-10-2023, 11:15 AM
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23 S580 Executive
Oh no, he was out of love long before that, probably put a stake through the heart though, that's for sure. Still, he wants an S-Class (without the issues) and nothing else is quite the same. He's a big boy, he'll figure it out.
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Old 05-10-2023, 11:15 AM
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2022 S580
Originally Posted by crabman
Yeah, other cars do other things better, but I don't really see an easy replacement for this one; direct apples to apples replacement anyway. Stream has his work cut out for him.
The S class has a 70% retention rate ie repeat buyers. There’s a reason for this! It’s hard to replace this car (flaws and all) unless you’re willing to look at Bentley or Rolls.

I’m seriously considering the Flying Spur as a replacement down the road but am having a problem justifying the price difference.

MB is positioning this car above BMW and Audi hence the significant price difference. Time will tell whether people are willing to pay the premium. For me it’s worth it!
Old 05-10-2023, 11:38 AM
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All accounts say it's tuned more toward having a little bit of sport in there; if you're looking for that, could be the ticket. I haven't driven it, so grain of salt and all that. Not sure what I'm moving to next, nothing really talks to me right now. I keep telling myself I'm going to stop buying expensive crap and move into retirement but I like toys. Something like the spur would mean cutting into my traveling unless I keep working, so a compromise one way or another if I went that way.
Old 05-10-2023, 12:08 PM
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2022 S580
Originally Posted by crabman
All accounts say it's tuned more toward having a little bit of sport in there; if you're looking for that, could be the ticket. I haven't driven it, so grain of salt and all that. Not sure what I'm moving to next, nothing really talks to me right now. I keep telling myself I'm going to stop buying expensive crap and move into retirement but I like toys. Something like the spur would mean cutting into my traveling unless I keep working, so a compromise one way or another if I went that way.
No car is worth travelling less or working more! Sounds like you’re in a good place with your choices. Contentment is a huge blessing!!

My habit of always looking for the next car I think has become a costly hobby for me. However, I must admit…with the S580 there is a sense of serenity and calmness…do I dare say contentment where the new new thing has lost some of its appeal! Maybe it’s just a sign of maturity.
Old 05-10-2023, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Bubba1
No car is worth travelling less or working more! Sounds like you’re in a good place with your choices. Contentment is a huge blessing!!

My habit of always looking for the next car I think has become a costly hobby for me. However, I must admit…with the S580 there is a sense of serenity and calmness…do I dare say contentment where the new new thing has lost some of its appeal! Maybe it’s just a sign of maturity.
Definitely a costly habit. Everytime I'm complacent with my cars, something new sneaks up on me and catches my attention. There are worse addictions to have though right?
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Old 05-10-2023, 12:29 PM
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23 S580 Executive
I spent half my money on wine, women, and cars; I wasted the other half.
Old 05-10-2023, 12:33 PM
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Mercedes/Mazda/Genesis
Originally Posted by crabman
I spent half my money on wine, women, and cars; I wasted the other half.
Mine sounds pretty similar, although replace the wine with tequila 😂

My goal is to keep the S for at least 2-3 years, don't wanna take too much of a bath on it. We got lucky with the GLE, the market for those is excellent especially 450's so we sold it for close to how much we bought it for. Next up will be an AMG I'm hoping, but not for at least another year, just need to convince the Mrs, she keeps saying she'd look good inside a new SL...
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Old 05-10-2023, 01:39 PM
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It truly is an addiction….cheaper than having an affair😂 and not as destructive as booze or gambling.

I think it’s the thrill of finding the new new thing. I’ve kept my last 2 cars 9 months and 6 months respectively. The S580 has now been with me for 15 months. Everyone around me is astounded.

I have committed to keep it for 3 years (give or take LOL!!).
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Old 05-10-2023, 04:38 PM
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I love my car. It’s finally broken in and I’ve driven it enough to where I feel very comfortable in it. This car wipes away the stain that the GLE53 left on me, that’s for sure. The build quality differences is like night and day. I’m very happy with my car and I personally dig the look; everyone stares.

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Old 05-11-2023, 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by crabman
Oh no, he was out of love long before that, probably put a stake through the heart though, that's for sure. Still, he wants an S-Class (without the issues) and nothing else is quite the same. He's a big boy, he'll figure it out.
Yup. hopefully does figure it out
Old 05-19-2023, 10:01 AM
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I love the built-in navigation in this car. Functionally not as good as Apple Carplay, sure - no car nav will ever be - but it is easier to access through voice command, better integrated with the AR HUD, and is graphically beautiful.

Just look at the accurate shape and height of buildings; the way they highlight the destination building with a blue beacon of light; the magnificent 3D effect when viewed from the cluster...

Yes, the good old google map via Carplay will also get you from A to B. But MB's execution adds just a little extra flair to your journey. Which, at the end of day, is why we decided to shell out $$$$ to fulfill some basic transport needs, no?







Old 05-23-2023, 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by rw594
I love the built-in navigation in this car. Functionally not as good as Apple Carplay, sure - no car nav will ever be - but it is easier to access through voice command, better integrated with the AR HUD, and is graphically beautiful.

Just look at the accurate shape and height of buildings; the way they highlight the destination building with a blue beacon of light; the magnificent 3D effect when viewed from the cluster...

Yes, the good old google map via Carplay will also get you from A to B. But MB's execution adds just a little extra flair to your journey. Which, at the end of day, is why we decided to shell out $$$$ to fulfill some basic transport needs, no?




I especially like the 3D buildings
Old 06-02-2023, 11:08 AM
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I just got back from 4+ months in the EU and finally got to drive my S again and like you said, it completely reminded me of why I love the car.
Old 06-02-2023, 11:35 AM
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Right on! It's hard to say and make it come out right because it sounds like old man condescension: You have an ok income for long enough, start getting nicer stuff, and it eventually becomes the new normal. Speaking for myself I had honed in the problems way more than I should have and forgot why I decided to order one.

In any event, back in the US. Now you can go to a restaurant an order an entrée that will feed 3 men and a boy. Yay. Because I know you were missing that. lol
Old 06-02-2023, 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by crabman
Right on! It's hard to say and make it come out right because it sounds like old man condescension: You have an ok income for long enough, start getting nicer stuff, and it eventually becomes the new normal. Speaking for myself I had honed in the problems way more than I should have and forgot why I decided to order one.

In any event, back in the US. Now you can go to a restaurant an order an entrée that will feed 3 men and a boy. Yay. Because I know you were missing that. lol
Funny you mention that, I've always had a smaller appetite so the Mediterranean diet was actually a good fit for me lol. I am gonna miss the pasta and most of all tiramisu, it just tastes sooooo much better in Italy than anywhere else. Hopefully I'll be able to bring some Italian influence into my kitchen now.
Old 06-02-2023, 12:01 PM
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You are funny, Crabman! What you write, resonates for me. I’ve mostly loved my S class vehicles thru the years….but there is a certain “tension” in driving them….different from other models. Does this emanate from “what will happen next” or a certain Adrenalin rush of sorts? My other vehicle is the new 2023 RX350h….which does everything exceptionally well….and I have a high level of “trust” when driving. Does it have “it” factor? One big “no.” But then again do I really need the tension of having a simple flat tire and hearing that my S will need to be at the dealership from a Thursday to a Tuesday….no loan car provided….plus the service department makes it feel like a favor to get this done? It’s 2023, I’m really old now…and I’d like to say I’m over it.
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Old 06-02-2023, 12:20 PM
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23 S580 Executive
Yeah, I love it there, I've had an apartment in Rome and just picked up another in Ortigia last fall and am still remodeling. If you want to remodel in Sicily you must be patient... lol As to the food, yeah. I go down to the place down the alley and you can see a guy mashing tomatoes for a sauce, they made the pasta that morning, etc. You just cant beat that.

In Rome I still get up in the morning US style where I wake up, make some coffee, sip it and read the news, then shower. In Ortigia I wake up, take a shower, walk down to get my espresso at a shop; it's maybe 100 feet away. Then I read the news there. They've stopped charging me tourist pricing now which makes me inordinately happy.

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Old 06-02-2023, 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by js_cls
I just got back from 4+ months in the EU and finally got to drive my S again and like you said, it completely reminded me of why I love the car.
Welcome home, glad you are enjoying your car again and thank you for sharing those pictures for us forum members to enjoy, including but certainly not limited to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, I.D Buzz, spy shots of various BMW models, experience of seeing the S 63 E Performance, shots of the C 63 S E Performance, the blue GLC Hope you thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Thanks again!


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