Rear Axle steering worth it?
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 25
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S Class 580 Eclass 350 Kia Carnival yes a mini van lol
Rear Axle steering worth it?
I am in the market for an S580 and see that some are equipped with the 4.5 degree rear axle steering and some are not. Can anyone share their experiences on it and whether it makes a real difference in daily driving? For those that do NOT have it, do you find it difficult in making u-turns or parking etc? This a long car!
I am currently driving a 2019 E 350 so it’s a much smaller car and the turning radius is great. Just don’t want to kick myself if I opt against it and find myself making more 3 point turns.
Thanks in advance.
I am currently driving a 2019 E 350 so it’s a much smaller car and the turning radius is great. Just don’t want to kick myself if I opt against it and find myself making more 3 point turns.
Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
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23 S580 Executive
I put a check in that box every time, makes it easier to maneuver in the lots. The high speed stability thing, sure, if they say so, but it's the lots where it pays for itself..
As for equipping it: In the US it is not available with the Luxury line, 4.5 is an option with the AMG (this is appearance, it's not an actual AMG car), and if you go Exec you get the 10 degree as part of the package. It can be ordered as a standalone option in some areas, you would have to figure that out on your own.
One of the first things you'll need to do when buying this car is figure which things you want and which package (if you must take one) gets you there.
As for equipping it: In the US it is not available with the Luxury line, 4.5 is an option with the AMG (this is appearance, it's not an actual AMG car), and if you go Exec you get the 10 degree as part of the package. It can be ordered as a standalone option in some areas, you would have to figure that out on your own.
One of the first things you'll need to do when buying this car is figure which things you want and which package (if you must take one) gets you there.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 404
Likes: 386
2022 S580
I am in the market for an S580 and see that some are equipped with the 4.5 degree rear axle steering and some are not. Can anyone share their experiences on it and whether it makes a real difference in daily driving? For those that do NOT have it, do you find it difficult in making u-turns or parking etc? This a long car!
I am currently driving a 2019 E 350 so it’s a much smaller car and the turning radius is great. Just don’t want to kick myself if I opt against it and find myself making more 3 point turns.
Thanks in advance.
I am currently driving a 2019 E 350 so it’s a much smaller car and the turning radius is great. Just don’t want to kick myself if I opt against it and find myself making more 3 point turns.
Thanks in advance.
At high speeds the car is much more responsive when you’re changing lanes. It feels like it shrinks the length of the car.
If I were to do it again I would (depending on packages available) go for the 10 degree.
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 245
Likes: 244
'20 GLS450, '17 S550 Sedan
I am in the market for an S580 and see that some are equipped with the 4.5 degree rear axle steering and some are not. Can anyone share their experiences on it and whether it makes a real difference in daily driving? For those that do NOT have it, do you find it difficult in making u-turns or parking etc? This a long car!
I am currently driving a 2019 E 350 so it’s a much smaller car and the turning radius is great. Just don’t want to kick myself if I opt against it and find myself making more 3 point turns.
I am currently driving a 2019 E 350 so it’s a much smaller car and the turning radius is great. Just don’t want to kick myself if I opt against it and find myself making more 3 point turns.
It's not just that you can do a U-turn in a smaller space -- that's truly nice, but not the most impressive part. The most impressive is turning into a perpendicular parking space, like in a busy Target parking lot. When you see a spot, you don't have to swing wide, or do a multi-try... You just point and shoot!
I am still enjoying my W222, but when the time comes to move up to the W223, rear-wheel steering will be a must-have for me.
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From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
I would not get it without rear axle steering. My X7 has rear axle steering, and when compared to our X5 that doesn't have it (though both cars have very identical parts), the X7 with rear axle steering feels much smoother to handle on the highway when switching lanes or making minor corrections, not only in-town and U-turns.
I drove the W223 with rear-axle steering, and when I get one, it must have that feature and in fact first thing I'll do on day one is to code it from 4.5 angle to the full 10 degrees angle. I love this feature.
I drove the W223 with rear-axle steering, and when I get one, it must have that feature and in fact first thing I'll do on day one is to code it from 4.5 angle to the full 10 degrees angle. I love this feature.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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GLE 580
I have recently driven several loaner M-Bs, which were either EQS sedans or EQS SUVs, all of which had rear-wheel steering. It's amazing! Low-speed maneuverability is... game changing! (I know I've just used two exclamation points, but you'll understand once you've experienced it...)
It's not just that you can do a U-turn in a smaller space -- that's truly nice, but not the most impressive part. The most impressive is turning into a perpendicular parking space, like in a busy Target parking lot. When you see a spot, you don't have to swing wide, or do a multi-try... You just point and shoot!
I am still enjoying my W222, but when the time comes to move up to the W223, rear-wheel steering will be a must-have for me.
It's not just that you can do a U-turn in a smaller space -- that's truly nice, but not the most impressive part. The most impressive is turning into a perpendicular parking space, like in a busy Target parking lot. When you see a spot, you don't have to swing wide, or do a multi-try... You just point and shoot!
I am still enjoying my W222, but when the time comes to move up to the W223, rear-wheel steering will be a must-have for me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2019
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From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
you can, but you have to be careful with rear tire width. In the US, AMG line only gets 4.5 because most cars are quipped with 20 or 21 inch wheels with 285mm rear tires. The executive line on 19s or 20s come with 255 rear tires. So if you have an AMG line on 19s, you can get it programmed no problem, but on 20s or 21s you shouldn’t. AMG Line in other markets like Germany offer 20s with 255 rear tires and 10 degree rear steer.
Member
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 148
Likes: 87
From: South Florida
2023 S580
you can, but you have to be careful with rear tire width. In the US, AMG line only gets 4.5 because most cars are quipped with 20 or 21 inch wheels with 285mm rear tires. The executive line on 19s or 20s come with 255 rear tires. So if you have an AMG line on 19s, you can get it programmed no problem, but on 20s or 21s you shouldn’t. AMG Line in other markets like Germany offer 20s with 255 rear tires and 10 degree rear steer.
Since I will have the 21s with AMG, if/when I downsize to 20s, I am super happy I can then mod to get 10* steering! Love it!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2019
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From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
Yeah, if you downgrade to 20s, just be sure to get 255 rear tires and matching wheels and it should be good!
Member
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2023 S400D and 2007 C350
It's good for parking and navigating tight spaces but the passenger in the back when going on round abouts and turns makes them dizzy. My wife hates sitting in the back and having tinted window + the screen doesn't help either.
Member
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From: South Florida
2023 S580
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23 S580 Executive
Mine seldom goes back, but when she does, it's to fiddle around on an abstract, watch a show, etc. What actually happens is the massage is lit up, maybe a little seat heating, 15 minutes of whatever it was she said she was going to do, and she's asleep. 
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
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Where / Who is able to do the reprograming? Can I ask my dealer? I have the 4.5 and with 20s (changed from 21s b/c of constant blowouts) and would love to get 10 degrees too!
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Costco
2023 S500
I don’t have it. The turn ratio is great for such a big car and I’m not finding myself wanting more. But if course, this may be one of those ignorance is bliss options. However, I already have a build for a new S class saved and it doesn’t include any rear-axle steering.
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GLE 580
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 260
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From: Vienna, VA
'20 GLS580, '18 S560
it's not the matter of 20" or 21". it's the width of the tire that matters.
I have the AMG package with 4 deg. my rears are 275s. I can't get it to program 10 deg without rubbing.
if you get exec pack, then the rears are not staggered and comes with 255s. those would clear 10 deg.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 714
Likes: 378
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
Wanted to give an update: My S580 has been in the shop since last Friday, so I've had the Subaru Legacy for all of five days now. While it has a hamster wheel for an engine, and is MUCH smaller than my S, there are some things about the car that aren't bad. The lane keeping, adaptive cruise and many of the driving features aka nanny features, are okay. Those are about the only positive things I can think of. You would think with a 4 cylinder it would get amazing gas milage. Not so much. The lack of power is almost comical at best, and dangerous on Atlanta highways at worst. The car doesn't weigh much, but that doesn't seem to help the power delivery. The interior is sparse, but surprisingly, the sound system isn't bad. It doesn't match our 3D or 4D systems to be sure, but for a base model car, it's okay.
So, why this update: If you're feeling a bit down on your S500 or S580 for one reason or another, drive a cheaper (to rent) loaner car for a while and you'll quickly re-appreciate your daily driver much, much more. I know it's only been five days, but I miss my Mercedes. Given the time it will take to get the parts to repair the rear-axle-steering, I'm likely in the Subaru for at least another two weeks, if not for the entire month. Things happen, and especially in Atlanta, car crashes happen here every day. The fact that I made it in this city for almost 30 years without being in a crash is almost a miracle. And the fact that my S protected me in this one, is a testament to its safety and the sheer weight of the car.
I'll continue to give updates on the repair of my car if you care to read or are interested.
So, why this update: If you're feeling a bit down on your S500 or S580 for one reason or another, drive a cheaper (to rent) loaner car for a while and you'll quickly re-appreciate your daily driver much, much more. I know it's only been five days, but I miss my Mercedes. Given the time it will take to get the parts to repair the rear-axle-steering, I'm likely in the Subaru for at least another two weeks, if not for the entire month. Things happen, and especially in Atlanta, car crashes happen here every day. The fact that I made it in this city for almost 30 years without being in a crash is almost a miracle. And the fact that my S protected me in this one, is a testament to its safety and the sheer weight of the car.
I'll continue to give updates on the repair of my car if you care to read or are interested.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,123
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GLE 580
Wanted to give an update: My S580 has been in the shop since last Friday, so I've had the Subaru Legacy for all of five days now. While it has a hamster wheel for an engine, and is MUCH smaller than my S, there are some things about the car that aren't bad. The lane keeping, adaptive cruise and many of the driving features aka nanny features, are okay. Those are about the only positive things I can think of. You would think with a 4 cylinder it would get amazing gas milage. Not so much. The lack of power is almost comical at best, and dangerous on Atlanta highways at worst. The car doesn't weigh much, but that doesn't seem to help the power delivery. The interior is sparse, but surprisingly, the sound system isn't bad. It doesn't match our 3D or 4D systems to be sure, but for a base model car, it's okay.
So, why this update: If you're feeling a bit down on your S500 or S580 for one reason or another, drive a cheaper (to rent) loaner car for a while and you'll quickly re-appreciate your daily driver much, much more. I know it's only been five days, but I miss my Mercedes. Given the time it will take to get the parts to repair the rear-axle-steering, I'm likely in the Subaru for at least another two weeks, if not for the entire month. Things happen, and especially in Atlanta, car crashes happen here every day. The fact that I made it in this city for almost 30 years without being in a crash is almost a miracle. And the fact that my S protected me in this one, is a testament to its safety and the sheer weight of the car.
I'll continue to give updates on the repair of my car if you care to read or are interested.
So, why this update: If you're feeling a bit down on your S500 or S580 for one reason or another, drive a cheaper (to rent) loaner car for a while and you'll quickly re-appreciate your daily driver much, much more. I know it's only been five days, but I miss my Mercedes. Given the time it will take to get the parts to repair the rear-axle-steering, I'm likely in the Subaru for at least another two weeks, if not for the entire month. Things happen, and especially in Atlanta, car crashes happen here every day. The fact that I made it in this city for almost 30 years without being in a crash is almost a miracle. And the fact that my S protected me in this one, is a testament to its safety and the sheer weight of the car.
I'll continue to give updates on the repair of my car if you care to read or are interested.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 714
Likes: 378
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
Here is the whole thread on my issue - Rear Quarter Panel and Rear-Axle Steering Damage - MBWorld.org Forums
