Going to look at a 2022 S580 with 27k miles soon
I know these are complex cars, but what should I look for during a walk around and test drive? Thanks!

 

Here's what ChatGPT says. A lot of this is common sense but doesn't hurt to have a refresher.

Cool — here’s a balanced “Pros & Cons” breakdown of a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 — based on owner feedback, reliability data, and known issue reports. Think of it as what you’re “buying into” if you get one.

✅ What works — the strengths of the W223

• Top-level luxury, comfort, and ride quality: The W223 delivers on what S-Class has always promised — a smooth, plush ride, high-end materials, and a very refined driving (or riding) experience. Even considering the complexity, when everything’s working, it feels like a “flagship luxury sedan.” (CarExamer)
  
• Modern tech & features: The car comes loaded with advanced electronics, infotainment (MBUX), driver-assist systems, comfort features, etc., which (when functioning correctly) add convenience, safety and a “modern luxury” feel unmatched by older sedans. (Adelaide Auto Pro)
  
• Strong performance potential (especially on higher trims): For the more powerful trims/engine-configs (V6, V8, or hybrid variants), the performance and refinement tend to be very good; assuming proper maintenance, these engines are relatively robust for what they deliver. (Used Car Year)
  
• Prestige and “flagship presence”: As a current-generation S-Class, it carries the prestige of the brand’s flagship — which for many owners is part of what you pay for: status, comfort, and a high-end user experience beyond simple motoring.
  

Overall: a well-kept W223 can deliver a very satisfying, almost “first-class sedan” ownership experience, blending luxury, tech, and performance — assuming you manage its complexity carefully.

⚠️ What to be mindful of — downsides / common problems

• Complex electronics & software vulnerabilities: Many owners report glitches with infotainment (freezing screens, crashes), keyless-entry/start issues, malfunctions in driver-assist features (blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, parking aids), or battery drain when parked. (Adelaide Auto Pro)
  
• Suspension and ride-quality headaches: The air / adaptive suspension (or more advanced variants like E-Active Body Control) — while great on paper — has shown propensity for air-strut leaks, compressor or sensor failures, sagging ride height when parked, clunks or noises over bumps, or uneven ride behavior over time. On heavier or high-trim cars this seems more common. (Adelaide Auto Pro)
  
• Transmission & drivetrain concerns (on some trims): There are reports of rough or delayed shifting, hesitation, torque-converter vibration or shudder, and — in hybrid or higher-stress variants — more strain on transmission or differential components. If maintenance (fluids, software updates) hasn’t been rigorous, these issues tend to crop up first. (Adelaide Auto Pro)
  
• Higher maintenance & repair cost, and complexity: Because of the car’s sophistication (electronics, hydraulic or air suspension, hybrid/engine complexity, etc.), anything that goes wrong tends to be expensive to diagnose and repair. Skipping or delaying maintenance tends to exacerbate issues. (CarExamer)
  
• Some real-world reliability & recall history: For 2022 models there have been multiple recalls (brake-hose issues, potential rear-axle weld problems on some sub-frames, fuel-pump recalls, and ECU software updates related to engine/cam-control issues). (Consumer Reports)
  

In short: the more high-tech and “feature-heavy” the car is, the more you need to watch — especially electrical, suspension, transmission/drivetrain systems, and maintenance history.

🎯 Bottom Line: When W223 is a “Yes” — and When to Be Cautious

✔️ It makes sense to buy a W223 if:

• It has full documented maintenance history — owner serviced it regularly and addressed all known recalls.
  
• All major systems (electronics, suspension, drivetrain) are functioning — ideally after a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-savvy mechanic.
  
• You value luxury, comfort, performance, and don’t mind the higher maintenance cost — you treat it more like a premium “yacht-on-wheels.”
  

⚠️ You should be careful / maybe reconsider if:

• The previous owner skipped maintenance or there's no detailed history.
  
• It shows signs of past issues (sagging suspension, electrical/electronics glitches, transmission hesitation, etc.).
  
• You’re looking for a low-cost, low-hassle daily driver — this car tends to shine when cared for, but problems can get expensive quickly.
  

 

DON’T DO IT! The 2022’s were problem vehicles. Go for at least a 2023–and preferably a 2024.

 

As streamliner said, I usually prefer to avoid the 1st year (launch year) of any car and any model. Having said that, it looks like Mbenz had figured out some of the 48V issues via software updates. Recent issues on the W223 forum, as well as others that I track like the GLS, seem to have similar level of complaints for all years equally and it's not concentrated for a certain model year anymore... I'd still prefer to avoid the launch year though.

if it's priced well, maybe ask for service records and go for it. I'd try to ask for an extended test-drive though (not a 10 min test-drive with the salesman).

 

I have one. Loaded with everything except the 4D and due to the COVID chip shortage they deleted the fragrance and kick to open trunk. There have been quite a few"campaigns" (new word for recall?) on it. The only random software glitch that occurs is the HUD every once in a while will give the message HUD Inoperative - Consult Workshop. The next time I get in it though it works again. Dealer has attempted multiple times to resolve the issue but apparently has failed. I have a thread on this forum about it in hopes someone could relay a TSB to give the dealer for resolution. I have 20" wheels so I have not experienced the blowouts the 21" apparently have. Other than multiple trips to the dealer for the "campaigns" it is a good car. Drives and rides wonderfully. I have 15k miles on mine. It has never left me stranded or thrown a CEL.
Be aware that even the S model does not come "loaded" and there are many options. As such I would make sure I had a list of the options I want to compare to the vehicle and verify that it has at a minimum the ones desired.
Streamliner had a bad one and I hate it for him. You can search his posts and see how bad one can be.

 

Try to get a look at the sticker. 2022s had many options deleted due to chip shortages. Some even had lower quality leather.