I'm in the market for a new S212 - I noticed though that they do not come equipped with front or rear parking sensors. The specifications list also states that they are not an option, and the dealer tells me that I can neither order it, nor get it as a dealer-installed option in Canada.

This is ridiculous - the car is designed to be utilitarian and functional. The sedan offers them as standard. The question is why?

Sedan has them as an option in my knowledge, even not a part of a package. But it is a shame that it doesn't come as an option for station wagon. Any SUV has them as standard since a bigger car hard to park.

I have them, but I'm in Europe. I read that the rear bumper with PTS isn't US DOT approved. So that's why... Maybe there aren't enought many S212 sold in the US to justify a DOT approval.

anyone that works for the DOT is more than likely a very large jackwagon

That is very odd (I'm in Canada by the way, where we have different laws). My 2009 Volvo wagon has them front and rear. The Sedan offers them as standard here.

Given the vehicle is more difficult to park, and given that other Mercedes' offer them as standard, it seems to be a major flaw in the vehicle, and an expected feature. I've come to rely on them as they make life easier and prevent any damage whatsoever. This is just plain stupid.

The issue is that North American bumper crash tests are more rigid than Europe. NA cars have a unique rear bumper support (more substantial) that does not provide adequate clearance for the PARKTRONIC sensors.

You always know what you're talking about! And I take it you're a Rush fan.

Thanks, tho I'm lost on the Rush comment!

Yes, but why does the W212 sedan have it as standard here? It is basically the same car. To me it seems like an unacceptable (deliberate) oversight on part of Mercedes. They seem not to be able to justify the cost for it given low sales volumes, but that just diminishes "excellence" in vehicle design they aim to stand for. My view.

It's not a deal breaker, but a big disappointment. It is a huge help both to avert damage to my car and others, and also to park quickly and efficiently. We have curbs that are high in some places (due to snow) which can quickly cause a lot of damage if you are not careful.

The W and S have different rear end structures (obviously). So while it is the same chassis, there are nuances such as this that crop up. It is due to the lack of PARKTRONIC that the rear view camera was implemented as standard. And while you can argue (and I would agree) that RVC isn't a replacement for PARKTRONIC, it is at least a help.

As I've mentioned in previous threads - contact MB Canada Customer Relations and let them know. I'm not suggesting that you yell at them, but rather express your thoughts and your comments will make it through to Product Management and ultimately to Germany. Simply discussing with your dealer is insufficient.

Cheers.

Oh; is a rear view camera available as standard? I did not know that, and nowhere in their literature does it state that. Thanks for letting me know.

There are some issues there for sure - I can't imagine that the rear-view camera is cheaper than the sensors based purely on cost of the device.

Anyway, thanks for all the accurate info and quick responses.

No problem - the rear view camera is indeed standard on the wagon and it works well IMO.