S-Class W220 Mercedes S-class W220 - Faszination, Generation, Development

[Rolf]

The W220 Mercedes S-class was a huge departure from the cathedral on wheels predecessor, W140. It was up to 300kg lighter, smaller in size, sleeker and more elegant and was innovative as ever, with a massive 340 patents. Here is an interesting video discussing the innovations of this car - Rolf

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

And another interesting video in German on the people behind the development of this car.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The W220 was a phenomenal car from a design and technological point of view. It's a shame it bore the scars of MB's deep late 90's cost cutting regime.

 

[Rolf]

The W220 was a phenomenal car from a design and technological point of view. It's a shame it bore the scars of MB's deep late 90's cost cutting regime.

I really like the styling of the W220, its still modern looking and a very sleek and elegant saloon. It has a timeless look for sure. The interior perhaps is not its greatest feature, the quality and look of its controls and dash are not rock solid like the older W140, W126, W116 etc. It is a comfortable car to sit in and as well as drive in for definite.

 

[Mr Robert]

It's just in the latest few years that the W220 has started to look seriously dated. Good job.

 

[Kowalski]

It was a technological tour de force and still is a very elegant car. Unfortunately, though, it was plagued with a silly design flaw that would be unacceptable in a Mondeo let alone in an S-class!

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

What the f#ck were they thinking?!

Anyway, to prevent that from happening all you have to do is remove the reed valve in the cowling drain so the water will flow straight and through. The SAM - Signal Acquiring Module - is not a very expensive part and it's a plug and play job, btw.

W220s are VERY cheap these days and if you do some homework you'd be surprised that they are not that expensive to keep, as long you stay away of dealers and you are willing to do it yourself.

 

[Kowalski]

Replacing the evaporator core in a pre-fl S320 W220. I suggest you to turn the sound off, unless you like Asian techno pop.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Rolf]

Some interesting pics and details of the rare S600 Pullman

 

[Merc1]

Beautiful car, but junk quality.

M

 

[Swissbob]

Most underrated S-Class ever.
But very bad quality until Mopf.
The Mopf has been a very big step in this regard.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Most underrated S-Class ever.
But very bad quality until Mopf.
The Mopf has been a very big step in this regard.

A technological wonder, marred by abysmal cost cutting in material quality and componentry.

 

[Swissbob]

A technological wonder, marred by abysmal cost cutting in material quality and componentry.

Especially pre Mopf.

 

[Rolf]

The W220 was a technological masterpiece, so many of its safety tech (such as Distronic and ESP) and air suspension tech have been used nowadays on cars. It's a beautiful looking car, in real life it looks so modern and sleek, can hardly believe this design now is over 26 years old. This S-class has stood the test of time so well in the design department. Its a shame the actual car components were not designed with the same meticulous care like in previous models. The MOPF tried to address some of these short comings with the Pre FL with its dismal materials and reliability issues but the damage was already done and sales of S-class models dropped.

Nevertheless, I would love to drive a 2004 S600 V12 twin turbo with 500PS/800nm, its the perfect Q-car.

 

[Swissbob]

Unfortunately these cars have soft touch coatings on the steering wheel buttons and surrounding the light switch, after 20yrs this needs to be sorted out, otherwise they’re surprisingly reliable.