I know the engine was changed for 2012. I have also read the iPod cable was moved from glovebox to the center console in 2012.

Are there any other changes between model years?

The front brakes are considerably larger: same diameter rotor as a C63 and some other 63 series.

Do bigger rotars improve stopping distance?

You may or may not notice it, but the transmission was also tweaked to make it more responsive, in tune with the new DI engines. Having driven a 2010 with the old engine/trans combo, I noticed it immediately, especially in Sport mode.

Old trans designation: "7G...."

New trans designation: "7G.....Plus"

Until Dueclaws responds, I can tell you there have been several posts relating to alleged front brake problems re the 2011 W212 E550 smaller brakes/rotors. Don't know about our C/A207's.

Example: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...2011-e550.html

Perhaps this is why the brakes/rotors were beefed up.

Well the rotars on my 2012 E550 coupe warped recently after 7,000 miles and just 6 months.

NP-
Didn't you track your E?
Not saying they should've warped, but we have 12,000 miles on ours and no issues. If I was going to track the E, the rotors would be changed to Evo-Sport's 2 piece, lightweight units, which are designed for high performance use.

Yes, I believe larger diameter rotors improve the braking and shorten the stopping distance.

A big issue with rotors is break-in. Being the ridiculous driver I am, I took the time to "season" mine so that I'm less likely to have rotor issue. 8K and no problems yet.

Did the same with my 2011. Traded in with 13K and no issues.

They must have been larger on the 2011, because I usually warp rotors on my cars but have not. More surprising is I usually go through brakes frequently as well but have not had a brake pad change yet in 30k miles!

1. The brakes on my 2011 and my 2012 are identical.
2. The marker lights went from "hockey sticks" to straight.
3. The transmission is more responsive, particularly in sport mode.
4. ESP is a little less protective in sport mode - in a positive way.
5. COMAND was updated - there are a few new features (nothing of importance, just kind of cool).
6. Dash display is color now instead of black and white.
7. Steering wheel shape changed. 2012 has flat spot at bottom for leg clearance.
8. The bi-turbo engine update rocks! It's why I traded an '11 for a '12.

Not necessarily, but it will diminish brake fade in two ways:

1. greater mass means it takes more stopping activity to over-heat them;
2. greater surface area dissipates heat energy faster.

This results in better stopping distances during activities that require repeated use of the brakes.