Soft close door stopped working
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
Likes: 4,352
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 493
From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
My first MB was a 1996 S420. Fantastic car. Mr. Vincent Musso was his name. Had a long time buying relationship with him and the dealership. Crown Automobile in Birmingham, AL.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 1,204
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
Quick update:
I KNEW IT
Driver door now refuses to open from the outside. Handle poped out alright, but seemed to remain locked, while all other doors were successfully unlocked.
Had to get in from passenger side, slide myself past the center console, and then open the driver door from within.
Used to be a fan of the new handles. Not sure I am anymore！
I KNEW IT
Driver door now refuses to open from the outside. Handle poped out alright, but seemed to remain locked, while all other doors were successfully unlocked.
Had to get in from passenger side, slide myself past the center console, and then open the driver door from within.
Used to be a fan of the new handles. Not sure I am anymore！
Senior Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 309
Likes: 129
S450 4Matic
Last edited by rw594; May 19, 2023 at 11:24 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
Likes: 4,352
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
The inherent danger in a door that does not open must be fixed. Since the 1990s most German vehicles had the double pull feature of the handle from the interior that would open the door even when there was no power to anything. This was in case of accident that rendered all electronics useless such as in a submerged vehicle. How on earth does this car not have a physical connection between the interior handle and the latching mechanism. Id report that issue to NHTSA imo. I would never want to be in that situation and would think its such a major design flaw that I would no longer feel safe and would sell the car. I dont have this model, but an s212 and am happy to still have the old tech. Good luck all
Senior Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 309
Likes: 129
S450 4Matic
I guess that makes the S class a very gay car indeed. And RR Phantom the king of homosexuality. I mean, how un-masculine do you have to be, to use push buttons for door closing？
Senior Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 309
Likes: 129
S450 4Matic
Of course there are lucky owners out there who have never had issues with their W223.But unfortunately I am not one of them...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
Likes: 4,352
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
And yes, I used to blame the retrofitting surgery for every problem I encountered with this car... But extensive conversation with my dealer revealed that, no, most of the issues I encountered are also *commonly* found in 100% factory untempered cars.
Of course there are lucky owners out there who have never had issues with their W223.But unfortunately I am not one of them...
Of course there are lucky owners out there who have never had issues with their W223.But unfortunately I am not one of them...
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 2015
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 1,481
23 S580 Executive
Nothing was ever done to the door handles though - these were 100% factory fitted. And when I took my car to the dealer's this morning, the service manager reported seeing this exact issue with quite a few other client cars (all W223s), which hadn't been tempered with. So definitely a design / quality flaw on MB here.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 1,204
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
I had actually started the process of reporting the door handles to NHTSA, but before I could get it going, so many other issues started popping up, the door handles were relegated to the back burner and I forgot about it. Never thought about being submerged, not a pleasant thought. Does anyone know if the doors can be opened from the inside with zero electricity?
I remember thinking it was a very neat feature in my 98 1.8t Audi and I couldn't understand why all cars didn't have this. Technology is supposed to move forwards, perhaps these new engineers better start studying the process of evolution. Imagine if we as humans stood upright and then some decided to walk backwards, and the really stubborn ones would insist its better even though every part of the body was designed to walk forwards. Pretty sure the engineers at mercedes are still trying to figure out how to track prey since their eyes are facing forward and they are walking the wrong direction.
Were the door handles in craplas subject to not opening before mercedes licensed this tech from them?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
Likes: 4,352
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 1,204
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
The licensing was a guess. That’s why I asked. I’d think they’d run up against patent issues but Musk apparently does really believe in patents, too much, he has said.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 714
Likes: 378
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
My new S580 front driver side door's soft close mechanism stopped working. All other doors work fine. I've searched the forum and have found many posts about soft close door issues, but can't find any on such a new car. Any suggestions on if I can "fix" without taking to the dealer? Many have suggested removing the fuse, but thought I'd ask you guys for any suggestions??
Thank you in advance for any suggestions or guidance.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions or guidance.
Duplicated customer's concern: left front soft close is inoperative. Connect battery charger and perform a quick test. The left front door control
unit has a new software update available. * Perform software update successfully * Technician also found a software update available for the
Electronic Ignition Central Gateway. * Software update completed successfully* . The left front door soft close still INOP. As per guided test inspect
wires and connectors from the left front door lock actuator to left front door control module. Disconnect & negative battery cable end. R&R left front
door panel ( AR72.10-P-6575S ). R&R left front door control module ( AR72.10-P-0900S ). Inspection results- > No loose connections found. As per
guided test replace door lock actuator. Fault code current & stored- > B25BF01 The door lock has a malfunction. There is a general electrical fault. -
> R&R left front door lock actuator. - > Replaced actuator ( part # A 099 720 99 01 ). Put everything back in reverse order. Connect SDS and clear
all stored fault codes. The left front door soft close is working intermittently. The left front door power closing actuator has an intermittent
malfunction, component: M14/21. -> R&R door panel. R&R door control module. - > Replaced power closing actuator. Part # A 223 760 13 00. Put
everything back in reverse order. * Perform SCN coding after repairs. * Normalize the left front window successfully * Clear all stored fault codes.
The left front door soft close is working as factory designed. Verified repairs.
Last edited by Mem30306; Jun 8, 2023 at 10:43 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
Likes: 4,352
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Wanted to close the loop on this issue. Here is the report from the dealer on this issue:
Duplicated customer's concern: left front soft close is inoperative. Connect battery charger and perform a quick test. The left front door control
unit has a new software update available. * Perform software update successfully * Technician also found a software update available for the
Electronic Ignition Central Gateway. * Software update completed successfully* . The left front door soft close still INOP. As per guided test inspect
wires and connectors from the left front door lock actuator to left front door control module. Disconnect & negative battery cable end. R&R left front
door panel ( AR72.10-P-6575S ). R&R left front door control module ( AR72.10-P-0900S ). Inspection results- > No loose connections found. As per
guided test replace door lock actuator. Fault code current & stored- > B25BF01 The door lock has a malfunction. There is a general electrical fault. -
> R&R left front door lock actuator. - > Replaced actuator ( part # A 099 720 99 01 ). Put everything back in reverse order. Connect SDS and clear
all stored fault codes. The left front door soft close is working intermittently. The left front door power closing actuator has an intermittent
malfunction, component: M14/21. -> R&R door panel. R&R door control module. - > Replaced power closing actuator. Part # A 223 760 13 00. Put
everything back in reverse order. * Perform SCN coding after repairs. * Normalize the left front window successfully * Clear all stored fault codes.
The left front door soft close is working as factory designed. Verified repairs.
Duplicated customer's concern: left front soft close is inoperative. Connect battery charger and perform a quick test. The left front door control
unit has a new software update available. * Perform software update successfully * Technician also found a software update available for the
Electronic Ignition Central Gateway. * Software update completed successfully* . The left front door soft close still INOP. As per guided test inspect
wires and connectors from the left front door lock actuator to left front door control module. Disconnect & negative battery cable end. R&R left front
door panel ( AR72.10-P-6575S ). R&R left front door control module ( AR72.10-P-0900S ). Inspection results- > No loose connections found. As per
guided test replace door lock actuator. Fault code current & stored- > B25BF01 The door lock has a malfunction. There is a general electrical fault. -
> R&R left front door lock actuator. - > Replaced actuator ( part # A 099 720 99 01 ). Put everything back in reverse order. Connect SDS and clear
all stored fault codes. The left front door soft close is working intermittently. The left front door power closing actuator has an intermittent
malfunction, component: M14/21. -> R&R door panel. R&R door control module. - > Replaced power closing actuator. Part # A 223 760 13 00. Put
everything back in reverse order. * Perform SCN coding after repairs. * Normalize the left front window successfully * Clear all stored fault codes.
The left front door soft close is working as factory designed. Verified repairs.
Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 99
Likes: 29
2023 S400D and 2007 C350
So, I was supposed to take my car in today to get the soft close fixed on my driver side door but 2 nights ago, its start working again after a week of malfunctioning. First the soft close on the driver side went out, then I get message couple days later in Mercedes Me app that the door is open and the ignition is on. Neither the door was open or the ignition was on. After, driving from Switzerland to Germany, the door error message went away and then a week later, the soft close is working again. I cancelled the appointment as they will more likely say, they can't fix if there's nothing broke. I checked if there was an update, but didn't have any. I question the reliability of this car as long-term ownership
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 1,201
GLE 580
So, I was supposed to take my car in today to get the soft close fixed on my driver side door but 2 nights ago, its start working again after a week of malfunctioning. First the soft close on the driver side went out, then I get message couple days later in Mercedes Me app that the door is open and the ignition is on. Neither the door was open or the ignition was on. After, driving from Switzerland to Germany, the door error message went away and then a week later, the soft close is working again. I cancelled the appointment as they will more likely say, they can't fix if there's nothing broke. I checked if there was an update, but didn't have any. I question the reliability of this car as long-term ownership
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2,127
Likes: 940
From: Costco
2023 S500
I would still take it in if it isn’t a major inconvenience, just so it’s documented. The reason being is that eventually it may fail and you will then have some documentation that you attempted to fix it even though they initially couldn’t. This helps builds a larger case should you continue to have issues. I’m a stickler for documenting everything.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 714
Likes: 378
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
So, I was supposed to take my car in today to get the soft close fixed on my driver side door but 2 nights ago, its start working again after a week of malfunctioning. First the soft close on the driver side went out, then I get message couple days later in Mercedes Me app that the door is open and the ignition is on. Neither the door was open or the ignition was on. After, driving from Switzerland to Germany, the door error message went away and then a week later, the soft close is working again. I cancelled the appointment as they will more likely say, they can't fix if there's nothing broke. I checked if there was an update, but didn't have any. I question the reliability of this car as long-term ownership
malfunction, component: M14/21. -> R&R door panel. R&R door control module. - > Replaced power closing actuator. Part # A 223 760 13 00."
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 1,201
GLE 580
I would still take it in if it isn’t a major inconvenience, just so it’s documented. The reason being is that eventually it may fail and you will then have some documentation that you attempted to fix it even though they initially couldn’t. This helps builds a larger case should you continue to have issues. I’m a stickler for documenting everything.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,279
Wanted to close the loop on this issue. Here is the report from the dealer:
Duplicated customer's concern: left front soft close is inoperative. Connect battery charger and perform a quick test. The left front door control
unit has a new software update available. * Perform software update successfully * Technician also found a software update available for the
Electronic Ignition Central Gateway. * Software update completed successfully* . The left front door soft close still INOP. As per guided test inspect
wires and connectors from the left front door lock actuator to left front door control module. Disconnect & negative battery cable end. R&R left front
door panel ( AR72.10-P-6575S ). R&R left front door control module ( AR72.10-P-0900S ). Inspection results- > No loose connections found. As per
guided test replace door lock actuator. Fault code current & stored- > B25BF01 The door lock has a malfunction. There is a general electrical fault. -
> R&R left front door lock actuator. - > Replaced actuator ( part # A 099 720 99 01 ). Put everything back in reverse order. Connect SDS and clear
all stored fault codes. The left front door soft close is working intermittently. The left front door power closing actuator has an intermittent
malfunction, component: M14/21. -> R&R door panel. R&R door control module. - > Replaced power closing actuator. Part # A 223 760 13 00. Put
everything back in reverse order. * Perform SCN coding after repairs. * Normalize the left front window successfully * Clear all stored fault codes.
The left front door soft close is working as factory designed. Verified repairs.
Duplicated customer's concern: left front soft close is inoperative. Connect battery charger and perform a quick test. The left front door control
unit has a new software update available. * Perform software update successfully * Technician also found a software update available for the
Electronic Ignition Central Gateway. * Software update completed successfully* . The left front door soft close still INOP. As per guided test inspect
wires and connectors from the left front door lock actuator to left front door control module. Disconnect & negative battery cable end. R&R left front
door panel ( AR72.10-P-6575S ). R&R left front door control module ( AR72.10-P-0900S ). Inspection results- > No loose connections found. As per
guided test replace door lock actuator. Fault code current & stored- > B25BF01 The door lock has a malfunction. There is a general electrical fault. -
> R&R left front door lock actuator. - > Replaced actuator ( part # A 099 720 99 01 ). Put everything back in reverse order. Connect SDS and clear
all stored fault codes. The left front door soft close is working intermittently. The left front door power closing actuator has an intermittent
malfunction, component: M14/21. -> R&R door panel. R&R door control module. - > Replaced power closing actuator. Part # A 223 760 13 00. Put
everything back in reverse order. * Perform SCN coding after repairs. * Normalize the left front window successfully * Clear all stored fault codes.
The left front door soft close is working as factory designed. Verified repairs.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 714
Likes: 378
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,279
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 577
Likes: 195
From: PA
W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, A238 E400 Cabriolet 4-Matic
Add us to the list 
W223 S-Class driver door soft-close not functioning.
Stopped at a farmer's stand, shut engine off, left key fob in console drink holder. Came back to vehicle, pulled on driver door handle and it would not open the door; Oh-snap moment. Note: there was alot more resistance to pulling the handle at this point. Pulled hard on the handle a few more times and the driver door finally opened. Observed that the door soft-close did not work after that so I'm assuming it's related. Maybe the door latch becomes stuck in some manner and when the handle is pulled on, something (plastic) in the soft-close actuator breaks. Obviously a warranty issue, but I'm considering ordering a couple of these soft-close door actuators to keep around if they're going to be failing with under 12K miles. I'll try to ask for the bad part to see what failed but I doubt they let me have it.
MB # 223 760 13 00 shows as the "left" side power actuator, "Motor, Electrical Closing Assist" but I'm not sure if there is a right side or front/ back difference? Thanks
W223 S-Class driver door soft-close not functioning.Stopped at a farmer's stand, shut engine off, left key fob in console drink holder. Came back to vehicle, pulled on driver door handle and it would not open the door; Oh-snap moment. Note: there was alot more resistance to pulling the handle at this point. Pulled hard on the handle a few more times and the driver door finally opened. Observed that the door soft-close did not work after that so I'm assuming it's related. Maybe the door latch becomes stuck in some manner and when the handle is pulled on, something (plastic) in the soft-close actuator breaks. Obviously a warranty issue, but I'm considering ordering a couple of these soft-close door actuators to keep around if they're going to be failing with under 12K miles. I'll try to ask for the bad part to see what failed but I doubt they let me have it.
MB # 223 760 13 00 shows as the "left" side power actuator, "Motor, Electrical Closing Assist" but I'm not sure if there is a right side or front/ back difference? Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
Likes: 4,352
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Well, it’s about time for another rant!
The handles on my 2022 S580 continue to frustrate. It’s almost as if they KNOW that the car has been approved for a buy-back and they are taking it out on me.
Do they work as they should most of the time? Yes, but to me, not working 100% of the time is an absolute failure. Something as basic as a door handle, latching & locking mechanisms should work flawlessly, 100% of the time. I mean, it’s absolutely fundamental.
The world did not need electronic door handles. They do absolutely nothing to improve the vehicles they are installed in and the fuel savings worldwide, based on the aerodynamics of the flush fitting design, will probably be outstripped by tow truck responses for inoperable handles and repairs as the vehicles age. These handles are a total and complete failure—compared to the previous design—and I hope the auto industry wakes up to the fact before anymore new systems are introduced. Units as used in the W222 were absolutely PERFECT and MB needs to go back to them.
The handles on my 2022 S580 continue to frustrate. It’s almost as if they KNOW that the car has been approved for a buy-back and they are taking it out on me.
Do they work as they should most of the time? Yes, but to me, not working 100% of the time is an absolute failure. Something as basic as a door handle, latching & locking mechanisms should work flawlessly, 100% of the time. I mean, it’s absolutely fundamental. The world did not need electronic door handles. They do absolutely nothing to improve the vehicles they are installed in and the fuel savings worldwide, based on the aerodynamics of the flush fitting design, will probably be outstripped by tow truck responses for inoperable handles and repairs as the vehicles age. These handles are a total and complete failure—compared to the previous design—and I hope the auto industry wakes up to the fact before anymore new systems are introduced. Units as used in the W222 were absolutely PERFECT and MB needs to go back to them.
