pmb600

Dash materials will not change for MY12. They never change something as large as this until a facelift, if at all. Facelift for E-Class isn't due until MY13 or MY14.

K-A

Facelift'ed MY 2014 W212 won't have different dash material either, you can bet on that. No way. Maybe an option for vinyl/leather covering, but no way different materials on the main areas. Maybe some different stitching, inserts, wood here or there, colors, definitely display graphics, maybe some different buttons, etc. maaybe.

Tjdehya

I dont know why you are so confident about this. There is a first time for everything.
2012 C-class for example...

msf83

Does the E550 sedan have the same low end dash materials everyone is speaking of?

K-A

I just don't see it happening at all. The C got a whole new interior because it was very widely known to have a terrible interior. The W212 by most is considered to have a better interior than the car it replaces, and for the record, the C is getting a more stripped down version of the E's interior, i.e, in the same family, but not exactly as refined or luxurious.

I'd be shocked to see the W212 getting an interior makeover. It would be a big admitting from M-B that the car has a lackluster interior (just like the C's makeover was), and I don't perceive M-B is seeing this car as having a lackluster interior.

Who knows though, I guess.

I will say, I think the E-COUPE will get an interior makeover, as it is needed on that car, and isn't too fitting to the price point IMO, and the car needs to be a higher step up from what the C-Coupe will be.

pmb600

I also doubt that the car will get new interior plastic materials for the facelift, but I don't think you can rule it out. The W203 C-Class also got new texture dash material for the MY05 facelift and as someone else pointed out the W204 will get a new dash as well for MY12. But you are right, since the E's interior hasn't had widespread criticism (outside of this forum where we all tend to be very picky), it is unlikely they will make a big change. The main change I can think of right now is probably multi-color ambient lighting will come standard, new COMAND software, and probably a new instrument cluster/steering wheel design.

pmb600

Yes the E550 and E350 have the same dash design and materials. I suggest seeing it in person and making your own conclusions however. The E63 AMG now has a stitched dash standard though.

Tjdehya

Yes but its only low end as in not the same as the S-class. IMO its not low end... its not the best out there but its definitely not low end.

K-A

Exactly. The I/C graphics are already new on the facelift C and new CLS, so the E will get that, Command will get some internal upgrades, some buttons might change in shape or texture or color, multi-color ambient lights for sure, etc. Dash plastic and panel materials are hiiiighly unlikely to change.... for the better at least.

People are all assuming that if the interior changes, it will be for the better as well. Remember, all of those who are complaining about the E's new interior, are probably seeing them as going backwards in certain materials and attention to detail, so who's to say that that wouldn't continue? For example, I found the '07 E-Class to have some decontented materials from the '06 and prior E-Classes (and some improvements as well of course).

Tjdehya

http://blog.mercedes-benz-passion.co...-5-5l-biturbo/

K-A

Blizzam! Yeah I saw that. I wonder if/when it'll make its way to the non AMG E.

I gotta say, it looks kinda funny and mismatched on a Sedan to me.

K-A

On a crappy note, it looks like the '12 W212's will get the new I/C display graphics. Which SUCKS as they seem to look a lot nicer than our I/C graphics.

hyperion667

but it's just software right??? seems like an easy upgrade??

K-A

I hope! That would be awesome. I'm not someone who cares so much about technology updates to cars as much as some people do, but the new I/C looks really elegant and hi-fi from what I've seen in pics.

MBTAZ

No, it's a new I/C Color Display in the same unit..
2010 / 11 are only 3 or 4 colors..
Also it gets LED Lic Plate lights..
Too Bad it doesn't get the CLS LED Headlight Option (Way Cool)

K-A

Ah, so it's a whole new unit, I figured as such. And the '12 W212's get LED lic plate lights?

babyjocko

What could be lower end, cardboard? In fact, I think that is what the rear window board is made of. Knock on it.

peeta123

the only colors ive seen are white, black and red

hyperion667

I did the led plate lights mod and it's awesome....haven't seen the cls headlight option mbtaz mentioned......

that's cool it's going to be standard

ImInPA

I was not aware there was any "low-end" dash materials in any E. Do you still beat your Wife and Girlfriend?

K-A

Where's you get your LED's from? I've seen some posted here and they seem TOO bright, as in I'm assuming the new OEM ones might be more subtle. How do you like 'em?

I figure if the '12's are getting LED license plate lights, I'll just grab some, cheap and easy enough mod, although I'll probably have to take it somewhere to get it installed (not an easy job on the W212).

hyperion667

the guy that modded my car got them for me......they're great.....love 'em....
but they were complictaed (looking) to put in.......

newyorktoLA

Check out the thread I posted recently. It has information from the Dealer Ordering Guide for MY12. Notable features include new engines for all variants, no more AIRMATIC for the E550, no luxury version of E550, only straight bar LED's for both sport and luxury models, the new CLS steering wheel (perforated leather on steering wheel only for E550). New color display in instrument panel, new wood panel designs for doors, LED license plate lighting, Drivers Multicontour Seat included in Premium 1 Package, New Lane Tracking Package, new wheel designs for all models, new colors including Cuprite Brown and Lunar Blue metallic, NO MORE 4MATIC for E550, media interface in center console

BPhillyBenz

Thanks amaycg!!! Wow...This is great info to know... Not sure I agree with them losing the 4Matic on the 550. No more Airmatic....very interesting. Thanks for posting!!!
B.

K-A

That's weird, haven't heard anything about that. Not sure if it's true as pics of the '12 W212 E63 have surfaced and the doors wood paneling are the same.