2010 vs. 2012
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 389
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From: Louisville, Kentucky
Formerly: 2007 e63; 2012 GL450
2010 vs. 2012
Anyone actually owned both cars (2010 and 2012) who can comment on the differences in the two engines as far as the performance, as well as any other updates. I searched the forum (I promise) and didnt see anything directly on point. I am sure the 2012 turbo is faster, but just wanting to hear the impressions of those with more miles in the seats.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
Pre 2012 sounds better, the engine sound and the exhaust.
I'd stay away from turbos, because they eventually need replaced and you need to replace both at the same time, even if just one is bad. Plus you'll save more money going pre 2012. Ive always been a fan of n/a (naturally aspirated) cars and most of my car enthusiast friends are same way. Some even going as far as getting crate motors for their toys instead of turbos.
I'd stay away from turbos, because they eventually need replaced and you need to replace both at the same time, even if just one is bad. Plus you'll save more money going pre 2012. Ive always been a fan of n/a (naturally aspirated) cars and most of my car enthusiast friends are same way. Some even going as far as getting crate motors for their toys instead of turbos.
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Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Anyone actually owned both cars (2010 and 2012) who can comment on the differences in the two engines as far as the performance, as well as any other updates. I searched the forum (I promise) and didnt see anything directly on point. I am sure the 2012 turbo is faster, but just wanting to hear the impressions of those with more miles in the seats.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
The only guys who tell you to go with the old NA motor are the guys without the turbo cars. The turbo motors are just as reliable as the NA motors. Don't let that dissuade you from going with the 2012 if that's what you want. With either car, make sure you have enough warranty coverage for the amount of time you will own the car. The good thing about the 2012 is that it is still likely within the mfr original warranty, so you can buy a certified one and get up to 3 years of additional coverage with no mileage limits. With a 2010, you'd likely have to go with an aftermarket warranty, which isn't always a bad thing if you can find the right warranty to fit your needs.
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2012 w221
0-60 in the 2010 will be around 5.4 seconds. It will be around 4.8 in the 2012. Also, better gas mileage in the 2012. Lots of features that were options in 2010 became standard equipment by 2012. Otherwise they are pretty much the same.
The only guys who tell you to go with the old NA motor are the guys without the turbo cars. The turbo motors are just as reliable as the NA motors. Don't let that dissuade you from going with the 2012 if that's what you want. With either car, make sure you have enough warranty coverage for the amount of time you will own the car. The good thing about the 2012 is that it is still likely within the mfr original warranty, so you can buy a certified one and get up to 3 years of additional coverage with no mileage limits. With a 2010, you'd likely have to go with an aftermarket warranty, which isn't always a bad thing if you can find the right warranty to fit your needs.
The only guys who tell you to go with the old NA motor are the guys without the turbo cars. The turbo motors are just as reliable as the NA motors. Don't let that dissuade you from going with the 2012 if that's what you want. With either car, make sure you have enough warranty coverage for the amount of time you will own the car. The good thing about the 2012 is that it is still likely within the mfr original warranty, so you can buy a certified one and get up to 3 years of additional coverage with no mileage limits. With a 2010, you'd likely have to go with an aftermarket warranty, which isn't always a bad thing if you can find the right warranty to fit your needs.
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2016 C300
The TT was in the 221 for two years. Every S550 from 2007 to 2012 got the NA engine, so finding an NA car on an MB dealers used lot shouldn't be a problem. If you can't find a 12 or 13 S550 to test drive, the 2012 CL got the same TT, as did the 2014+ S550.
Personally I'd have preferred the TT to the NA for the extra scoot. They were out of my price range back in 13 when I bought my 2010 CPO or I'd have looked for one. Definitely want to extend that warranty as long as possible. The NA engines have been proven more or less bulletproof but anytime Mercedes "improves" something there seems to a learning curve before the new stuff becomes more reliable.
Personally I'd have preferred the TT to the NA for the extra scoot. They were out of my price range back in 13 when I bought my 2010 CPO or I'd have looked for one. Definitely want to extend that warranty as long as possible. The NA engines have been proven more or less bulletproof but anytime Mercedes "improves" something there seems to a learning curve before the new stuff becomes more reliable.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Newyork
s550 Diamond white amg pano
s550 was my 1st benz, I picked up the 2010 because I didn't think the 12 or up was worth the extra 10k plus at the time, plus I found the exact car I wanted cpo in a 10 so that didn't hurt. Now with the new body price dropping you may be better waiting a few months and just step into that.
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From: New Jersey
2013 S550 4matic (AMG sport package), 2016 Corvette Stingray.
All of the responses given by the guys are excellent. I would only add to it that if this will be your main car or only car then get the newest model possible. You will be better off warranty wise and also less depreciation. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with either.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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S550
That's hilarious. I do have a N/A 221 and can easily afford the turbo. I would not take a turbo over the NA because I keep my vehicles a very long time. If one does keep the car for a long time, you will be addressing turbo issues sooner or later. But yeah, short time ownership I would go with the newer 221 with the turbo motor...
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Nobody said anything about being able to afford it. I only mentioned that the turbo motors are just as reliable as the N/A motors. And there is absolutely no certainty that the turbos will have issues if the car is kept a long time. If the car is properly maintained and not beat to sh*t, there would be a high likelihood that those turbos would never have to be replaced.
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
2008 S550, 2006 911, 2006 M5, 2005 F-150 King Ranch
That's hilarious. I do have a N/A 221 and can easily afford the turbo. I would not take a turbo over the NA because I keep my vehicles a very long time. If one does keep the car for a long time, you will be addressing turbo issues sooner or later. But yeah, short time ownership I would go with the newer 221 with the turbo motor...
Such a misconception a lot of people have on Turbo's. They are no different to any other mechanical part.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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S550
What misconception is that? The turbo's leaking oil, intercooler issues or turbo failure? My point is, it is another element to the system that can cause issues that NA motors will never address.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 659
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From: New Jersey
2013 S550 4matic (AMG sport package), 2016 Corvette Stingray.
Honestly I haven't had any issues (knock on wood) with my twin turbo engine,however, prior to entering the Mercedes family I was with BMW and they some many issues with theirs. IMO I do think that the N/A engine sounds meaner on the non AMG yet a lil less powerful with more gas consumption. I would assume that more people would go for a N/A engine in these cars if they would provide the same specs as the turbo engines.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 258
Likes: 2
S550
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 258
Likes: 2
S550
Honestly I haven't had any issues (knock on wood) with my twin turbo engine,however, prior to entering the Mercedes family I was with BMW and they some many issues with theirs. IMO I do think that the N/A engine sounds meaner on the non AMG yet a lil less powerful with more gas consumption. I would assume that more people would go for a N/A engine in these cars if they would provide the same specs as the turbo engines.
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 119
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2012 CL550
The TT was in the 221 for two years. Every S550 from 2007 to 2012 got the NA engine, so finding an NA car on an MB dealers used lot shouldn't be a problem. If you can't find a 12 or 13 S550 to test drive, the 2012 CL got the same TT, as did the 2014+ S550.
Personally I'd have preferred the TT to the NA for the extra scoot. They were out of my price range back in 13 when I bought my 2010 CPO or I'd have looked for one. Definitely want to extend that warranty as long as possible. The NA engines have been proven more or less bulletproof but anytime Mercedes "improves" something there seems to a learning curve before the new stuff becomes more reliable.
Personally I'd have preferred the TT to the NA for the extra scoot. They were out of my price range back in 13 when I bought my 2010 CPO or I'd have looked for one. Definitely want to extend that warranty as long as possible. The NA engines have been proven more or less bulletproof but anytime Mercedes "improves" something there seems to a learning curve before the new stuff becomes more reliable.
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
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2016 C300
Yeah, the CL got its facelift in 2011 and also got the TTV8. If I was CL shopping the 2011 is where I'd be looking. Prices are really dropping. A dealer in Daytona has a black 12 CL550 with under 10k miles. He started at 64k and last I checked he was high 50's.
Edit: $55k as of today. On AutoTrader. The thing looks perfect, 8900 miles.
Edit: $55k as of today. On AutoTrader. The thing looks perfect, 8900 miles.
Last edited by Mike5215; Dec 12, 2015 at 04:57 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2012
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2012 w221
its amazing how cheap these dealers are able to buy these cars from MB after lease. As a reference point I returned a 2014 E350 (MSRP 65k) with a residual of 49k. Cared for and in same condition as it was new sans a few rock chips.
Dealer bought it for -wait for it- wait - 31.9k !!!!!!
Immediately listed it for 39.9k and it was sold in 2days!
Dealer bought it for -wait for it- wait - 31.9k !!!!!!
Immediately listed it for 39.9k and it was sold in 2days!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
its amazing how cheap these dealers are able to buy these cars from MB after lease. As a reference point I returned a 2014 E350 (MSRP 65k) with a residual of 49k. Cared for and in same condition as it was new sans a few rock chips.
Dealer bought it for -wait for it- wait - 31.9k !!!!!!
Immediately listed it for 39.9k and it was sold in 2days!
Dealer bought it for -wait for it- wait - 31.9k !!!!!!
Immediately listed it for 39.9k and it was sold in 2days!
