w222 vs w223
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I believe that the Burmester “High End 3D Surround Sound” audio system, that was a $6,400.00 option on the 2020 W222’s, was a completely different system than the 3D systems offered on other models in later years. I believe that once they came out with the 4D system that was optional on the W223’s, that the “3D” terminology was used to designate all sorts of systems—both standard equipment and optional—on various models.
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I believe that the Burmester “High End 3D Surround Sound” audio system, that was a $6,400.00 option on the 2020 W222’s, was a completely different system than the 3D systems offered on other models in later years. I believe that once they came out with the 4D system that was optional on the W223’s, that the “3D” terminology was used to designate all sorts of systems—both standard equipment and optional—on various models.
Good info. My GLE has the 3d version and it's surprisingly good for a factory system. No system in the 222 is a deal breaker for me
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S 63 (W221 MOPF) E 450 (A238 MOPF) G 63 (W465)
I don’t believe it’s been mentioned in this thread, but apart from the styling, the W223 is very different from the W222. Not saying it’s better or worse, but it was definitely a revolutionary, clean-sheet redesign in all ways save styling. It’s not like the W221 where the W222 not only had lots of similarities with, but was actually a direct descendant/evolution of the W221. So comparing the W222 and W223 is a more difficult affair, since basically every major component or system (except for the powertrains, which are sort of separate and don’t always need a revision for a clean-sheet redesign) was replaced with a newer one or revised drastically.
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4D = Awesome. Not awesome as used by kids; as in the definition of the word, it inspires awe. I go through a lot of cars, always checking the box for the best possible stereo, this is S-tier. That said; the stock 3D is the best default stereo I recall hearing. In the tunes department, it's win with this one.
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4D = Awesome. Not awesome as used by kids; as in the definition of the word, it inspires awe. I go through a lot of cars, always checking the box for the best possible stereo, this is S-tier. That said; the stock 3D is the best default stereo I recall hearing. In the tunes department, it's win with this one.
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While I agree overall the 223 is a better car, the real issue is the very real reliability concerns in early models. That potential is not worth the benefits over a 2020 model when you’re already buying used. If you’re looking to upgrade to a new one like I did, then it’s a worthwhile update.
The screens in the refresh 222 are still very sharp, CarPlay solves issues with infotainment, the lane keep etc is very similar to what is in my 223. The 222 is a great car, not worth going to a 21 223 that could have a lot of problems. A new 223? Yes.
The screens in the refresh 222 are still very sharp, CarPlay solves issues with infotainment, the lane keep etc is very similar to what is in my 223. The 222 is a great car, not worth going to a 21 223 that could have a lot of problems. A new 223? Yes.
Personally, as a risk taker, I’d still go for a 21’ W223 over a W222 facelift. The newer tech is worth the small risk, and in the end I don’t mind escaping from a car early if it’s not what I expected. I guess it’s all about the risk tolerance, but definitely I see W223 tech and cabin as a big improvement over W222 and that’s mostly what matters to me. I am not as excited these years to a W223 the same way I was excited to W222 in it’s time (which is why I had two W222s)… but, still, there isn’t many cars that are that exciting nowadays anyway and W223 can easily survive a short down-selection list nowadays.
Last edited by S_W222; Dec 10, 2024 at 07:20 AM.
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I don’t believe it’s been mentioned in this thread, but apart from the styling, the W223 is very different from the W222. Not saying it’s better or worse, but it was definitely a revolutionary, clean-sheet redesign in all ways save styling. It’s not like the W221 where the W222 not only had lots of similarities with, but was actually a direct descendant/evolution of the W221. So comparing the W222 and W223 is a more difficult affair, since basically every major component or system (except for the powertrains, which are sort of separate and don’t always need a revision for a clean-sheet redesign) was replaced with a newer one or revised drastically.
Are you sure lane keep assist in W223 is just as good and not better than W222? W223 should be just as good or better than GLS (likely the same), and in my case I felt that the lane keep assist in my new GLS was better than my W222 facelift (not significantly better, but definitely improved). I don’t recall if I ever had the hands-free driving at low highway speeds (traffic jam) in the W222 like I do in the GLS, but that’s not the only improvement. The car stays in the center better than W222 and the dynamic cruise control acts more smoothly and predictably. The ability to read traffic signs is also better (doesnt miss any signs, and it also reads some special school area signs now). Not sure if any of that has to do with the SUV being calibrated in recent years vs an older W222, but the system in the GLS felt better than my W222, and I thought the W223 would be similar (e.g. better than W222, though you seem to believe that this is not the case).
Personally, as a risk taker, I’d still go for a 21’ W223 over a W222 facelift. The newer tech is worth the small risk, and in the end I don’t mind escaping from a car early if it’s not what I expected. I guess it’s all about the risk tolerance, but definitely I see W223 tech and cabin as a big improvement over W222 and that’s mostly what matters to me. I am not as excited these years to a W223 the same way I was excited to W222 in it’s time (which is why I had two W222s)… but, still, there isn’t many cars that are that exciting nowadays anyway and W223 can easily survive a short down-selection list nowadays.
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I don’t believe it’s been mentioned in this thread, but apart from the styling, the W223 is very different from the W222. Not saying it’s better or worse, but it was definitely a revolutionary, clean-sheet redesign in all ways save styling. It’s not like the W221 where the W222 not only had lots of similarities with, but was actually a direct descendant/evolution of the W221. So comparing the W222 and W223 is a more difficult affair, since basically every major component or system (except for the powertrains, which are sort of separate and don’t always need a revision for a clean-sheet redesign) was replaced with a newer one or revised drastically.
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2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Are you sure lane keep assist in W223 is just as good and not better than W222? W223 should be just as good or better than GLS (likely the same), and in my case I felt that the lane keep assist in my new GLS was better than my W222 facelift (not significantly better, but definitely improved). I don’t recall if I ever had the hands-free driving at low highway speeds (traffic jam) in the W222 like I do in the GLS, but that’s not the only improvement. The car stays in the center better than W222 and the dynamic cruise control acts more smoothly and predictably. The ability to read traffic signs is also better (doesnt miss any signs, and it also reads some special school area signs now). Not sure if any of that has to do with the SUV being calibrated in recent years vs an older W222, but the system in the GLS felt better than my W222, and I thought the W223 would be similar (e.g. better than W222, though you seem to believe that this is not the case).
Personally, as a risk taker, I’d still go for a 21’ W223 over a W222 facelift. The newer tech is worth the small risk, and in the end I don’t mind escaping from a car early if it’s not what I expected. I guess it’s all about the risk tolerance, but definitely I see W223 tech and cabin as a big improvement over W222 and that’s mostly what matters to me. I am not as excited these years to a W223 the same way I was excited to W222 in it’s time (which is why I had two W222s)… but, still, there isn’t many cars that are that exciting nowadays anyway and W223 can easily survive a short down-selection list nowadays.
Personally, as a risk taker, I’d still go for a 21’ W223 over a W222 facelift. The newer tech is worth the small risk, and in the end I don’t mind escaping from a car early if it’s not what I expected. I guess it’s all about the risk tolerance, but definitely I see W223 tech and cabin as a big improvement over W222 and that’s mostly what matters to me. I am not as excited these years to a W223 the same way I was excited to W222 in it’s time (which is why I had two W222s)… but, still, there isn’t many cars that are that exciting nowadays anyway and W223 can easily survive a short down-selection list nowadays.
And you're forgetting about all the problems people had with 2021-2022 W223's. They are fairly well documented on this forum and the other MB forum. I wouldn't go so far as call them a disaster, but with the chip shortage, production stops and starts, and other supply chain issues; you'd be smart to stay away from any car from that time period if you had a chance.
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I have a 2018 W222 with the 3D system, it has the rotating tweeters. I like the look of the lighting and rotation when you start the car. It's just like the B&O system in Audi's that rise from the dashboard when you turn the car on. Just a cheap parlor trick, but lovely at the same time. As far as the Burmester 3D sound; it is the best OEM system I've ever experienced. I'm a former car audio guy; pretty much had at least one 12" subwoofer and additional tweeters and mids in all my cars except for my MB cars that I've ever owned, starting in the mid 1980's. From a car audio standpoint; you won't lack for anything with a 3D Burmester system in a W222. I have a pet peeve with the 4D system in the W223. The 4 in the designation is "touch" not sound. They added transducers to the seats to vibrate them in sync with the bass tones. I personally dislike that, but that's just one man's pet peeve. As you know, some cinemas do the same thing; they put transducers below the seats to shake them to enhance the feeling of explosions. Even some home theater seating has transducers bult into the sofa so you "feel" the bass. To me that's cheating, and stupid...again, my opinion. My home theater system consists of 3 12" subs and 2 15"s. I can really feel the bass, so can my neighbors if I choose to turn it up that loud. I'm not a purist, it just seems like if you provide adequate real bass, especially in a sealed environment like a car interior, there's no need for a fake/transducer.
Last edited by carlosinseattle; Dec 10, 2024 at 04:52 PM.
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What a great conversation which has helped me a lot. I'd love to find a 222 with MBC but there are next to none avail. I much prefer the look of the 222 over th 223, but it's looking more and more like it will be a 223. Looking fr used with the options I want has proven difficult so I am looking harder and new. I will keep the board informed where I land'. One thing is certain, I will steer clear of eabc
Thanks to all who contributed
Thanks to all who contributed
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I have a 2018 W222 with the 3D system, it has the rotating tweeters. I like the look of the lighting and rotation when you start the car. It's just like the B&O system in Audi's that rise from the dashboard when you turn the car on. Just a cheap parlor trick, but lovely at the same time. As far as the Burmester 3D sound; it is the best OEM system I've ever experienced. I'm a former car audio guy; pretty much had at least one 12" subwoofer and additional tweeters and mids in all my cars except for my MB cars that I've ever owned, starting in the mid 1980's. From a car audio standpoint; you won't lack for anything with a 3D Burmester system in a W222. I have a pet peeve with the 4D system in the W223. The 4 in the designation is "touch" not sound. They added transducers to the seats to vibrate them in sync with the bass tones. I personally dislike that, but that's just one man's pet peeve. As you know, some cinemas do the same thing; they put transducers below the seats to shake them to enhance the feeling of explosions. Even some home theater seating has transducers bult into the sofa so you "feel" the bass. To me that's cheating, and stupid...again, my opinion. My home theater system consists of 3 12" subs and 2 15"s. I can really feel the bass, so can my neighbors if I choose to turn it up that loud. I'm not a purist, it just seems like if you provide adequate real bass, especially in a sealed environment like a car interior, there's no need for a fake/transducer.
. I'll probably end up with a 223 with 4d. The extra sub, power and speakers peak my interest
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Other than my Lincoln Navigator (which the dealer had to keep for 3 weeks for a list of 10 items/issues), I never had to keep any of my cars overnight or longer than 1-day for service. ). Most of my cars had never seen the service bay besides 10K/annual visits. So, yeah, there is a reason why am a risk taker, and personally would still risk a 2021-2022 W223 over a 2020 W222 if the price difference is too small. Anyway right now I wouldn’t buy either of them, but it was something I considered 1 and 2 years ago.
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Happy hunting!!!
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Actually, not ture. There is a larger difference in the W221 to W222 than W222 to W223. This is from both a driving and parts perspective. The infotainment in the W223 is the primary difference between the 2 generations. You could also argue the interior is different, and in my opinion a definite upgrade, iterative, not revolutionary. If infotainment is a deciding factor, then it's a no-brainer. But the chassis, powertrain, and suspension is practically identical, while all suspension and subframe components are different in the W221 to W222 cars.
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Other than my Lincoln Navigator (which the dealer had to keep for 3 weeks for a list of 10 items/issues), I never had to keep any of my cars overnight or longer than 1-day for service. ). Most of my cars had never seen the service bay besides 10K/annual visits. So, yeah, there is a reason why am a risk taker, and personally would still risk a 2021-2022 W223 over a 2020 W222 if the price difference is too small. Anyway right now I wouldn’t buy either of them, but it was something I considered 1 and 2 years ago.
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Good call on the RR, I'm told they're better now, but I don't need to sample another in this life.
The stock stereo really is pretty good. Ya gotta be willing to go in there and fiddle, and it really comes alive on ATMOS, but yeah, it's better than some of the paid "premium" stereos I've had over the years.
The stock stereo really is pretty good. Ya gotta be willing to go in there and fiddle, and it really comes alive on ATMOS, but yeah, it's better than some of the paid "premium" stereos I've had over the years.
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