Facelift

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Changes introduced in Facelift Models

First version of W220 was introduced in 1999 (29/07/1999).

A facelifted version (abbreviated MOPF) of the S-Class was designed in late 2000 and introduced in September 2002 (starting from 30/09/2002), offering a more aerodynamic front-end and redesigned taillights, though the exterior style remained largely analogous to the previous W220 models. Although the facelift only made minor changes to the exterior, it addressed several of the issues in the COMAND system and other interior features. Exterior updates included a more upright grille angle, new transparent housing for the headlamps (replacing the earlier translucent versions), and restyled lower air intakes on the front bumper.

Visible Changes

Here are visual changes which you can spot by taking a quick look.

Exterior

Pre-facelift	Facelift	Description
		Facelift introduced clear lense Bi-Xenon headlamps.
		Facelift introduced taillights with 4 stripes.
		Facelift introduced a redesigned mirror cover and turn signal LED module.
		Facelift has different hood and grill.
		Facelift has smaller parking sensors.
		Facelift has different front bumper.

Interior

Pre-facelift	Facelift	Description
		Facelift introduced widescreen COMAND. Note that in late 2003 similarly looking widescreen MOST-based COMAND-APS was introduced. While it is easy to upgrade narrow-screen COMAND (shown on the left) to facelifted widescreen COMAND (shown on the right), installing MOST-based widescreen COMAND-APS requires too significant changes (changing optical bus and all components attached to it throughout the vehicle).
		Facelift introduced square-form buttons in center switches of dashboard.
		Facelift introduced square-form buttons for window control buttons in all doors.
		Facelift models have different seat design.
		In facelift models DARK ORION GREY color used for interior (e.g., steering wheel, dashboard) is updated to slightly lighter DARK ALPACA GRAY color.
		In facelift models ORION GREY color used for interior (e.g., plastic paneling) is updated to slightly lighter ALPACA GRAY color.
		Instrument cluster in facelift vehicles has more modern icons.
		In facelift vehicles battery lining in trunk is a separate piece.
		In facelift vehicles door lock button goes completely in when in locked position.

Other Differences

Here are differences that cannot be so easily spot by taking a quick look.

Pre-facelift	Facelift	Description
		There are differences between pre-facelift and facelift vehicles in how trunk lid covering attached to the trunk lid. In pre-facelift vehicles lid covering is attached to the lid with two screws in center tightened from outside and 7 screws tightened from inside. Facelift vehicles have lid covering attached to the lid with one bolt in center tightened from inside and 8 retaining clips. The covering has also different trunk lid handle opening modified for retractable trunk lid grip which was introduced in facelift vehicles.
		Facelift introduced windshield light sensor integrated inside rain sensor. Pre-facelift vehicles use separate light sensor module below the rain sensor.
		Facelift vehicles have additional fuse box in the side of the dashboard.