Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 S-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the S-Class since its last redesign.
Excellent ride incredible mpg
bob494, 08/15/2012
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
40 of 40 people found this review helpful
This S350 is smooth powerful and fun to drive. I have 6,000 miles on mine and it's the bast car I have ever owned including other Mercedes, Lexus, and Audi models. Interior is well laid out with all controls within easy access. My car gets 37 MPG on the highway and I am averaging over 31 MPG in mixed city and highway driving. 4 Matic works great in the rain or snow as well. This truly an exceptional ride, but be aware of expensive options as they are way over priced.
Serenity Now
yossarian7, 03/17/2015
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
32 of 32 people found this review helpful
I recently traded in a 2011 BMW 535ix, which I found to be one of the most uncomfortable cars I have ever owned, on a 2013 S550, which is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. The car is absolute serenity to drive. No wind noise; no engine noise; no tire noise. The V8 is 430hp/520lb-ft of pure butter. Sure, the car is big and heavy, but it carries its heft very well and it does not claim to be the ultimate driving machine (whereas the BMW did, and it was far from it). The S550's adaptive air suspension is more butter, and it keeps the car stable and level, even during spirited driving.
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale near you
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Nicely Designed Ride requires constant attention
D. Monroe, 06/14/2019
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
21 of 21 people found this review helpful
Bought this Car in 2018 with 40k miles on it , it was a one owner vehicle in meticulous shape. In the 6 months I've owned the car I've had to change both front air struts(4800.00 at MB ) both control Arms and The motor mounts and transmission mounts also need to be replaced. The car is beautifully designed , but lacks a little bit in iron clad reliability compared to say the Lexus LS460. Beautiful and fun car to drive that turns heads, but be prepared to give this car constant maintenance attention as it tends to be really finicky particularly with the suspension.
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Great car - real value as a CPO
Len, 01/28/2017
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
27 of 28 people found this review helpful
Bought the 2010 S550 4-matic with every option as a lease return CPO at almost 1/2 the original purchase price at two years old and with 20K miles on the ode. Bought an extra 2 year warranty and have only had to use it once for the drivers wheel sensor. Dealership replaced all the wheel sensors just to make sure. Oil, brakes, windshield wipers, air filters and one set of tires is all I've put into this car with over 60K miles of almost daily use. Tires made a huge difference - bought Conti DWS and that made this car perfect in all weather and super quiet, including managing a foot of snow on the road. I've had no issues with transmission or engine - starts off the line fast in sport mode, rides smooth in comfort, shifts great with no hesitation between gears. I've owned over fifty cars (all types) and this car is one of the best. I'm 6'6" and the drivers seat fits perfect - If I want, I can put the seat back far enough so I can't reach the pedals. Massage, heated/cooled and fine leather seats are perfect for long trips. Oil changes at the dealer (MB-PDX) with a free loaner (due to the car being S-Class) has been great. 60K highway / freeway miles has averaged 20 mpg (per the panel). Finally, I can sell / trade the car for about 1/2 of what I paid which isn't too bad for driving this level of comfort.
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Rough start to a great ride
jlightfoot, 12/21/2011
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
46 of 49 people found this review helpful
At 570 miles the pulley on the alternator wore a hole in the bottom radiator hose. I was 450 miles from home in west Texas. The dealership took a hose off a new car on the showroom floor to get me on the road, however it turned out the water pump had an incorrectly formed flange. The nearest water pump was 10 days away in Germany. They rented me a car to finish my journey. Once the new water pump came in and the old one was replaced the dealer I bought the car from in Dallas sent a truck 250 miles west to pick up the repaired vehicle, haul it 450 miles back east to my driveway. The service was incredible and Mercedes has my highest praise. Just returned from a 2,000 mile trip to Minnesota.
Ridiculously Overpriced! (until you drive it)
Miketnsa1, 01/27/2019
updated 01/28/2021
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
To describe the 2012 S350 Bluetec in a Word: VAULT! Sit behind the wheel and grab the substantial oversized door handle and close the door, you will instantly notice the extreme muting of outside noise, and your eyebrow will raise. When you place your hands on the oversized wooden steering wheel, you'll grin. Because you've never felt a more substantial steering wheel in your life! When you grab the heavy and substantial "Command Controller" you'll think MY GOSH, this thing feels like solid metal. Good Reason...It is! Keep in mind, you still have yet to even start the car...Underway, the butter smooth Bluetec and 7speed feels more like an ultra smooth V12 Jaguar XJS of old. You'll question how a tiny 3.0L V6 could move this 5,000lb tank so effortlessly! It's Air Suspension floats this S Class like a huge Buick Road Master from a different ERA...It's Quiet and Smooth like a Lexus LS, except much quieter and much smoother...And @ 40+MPG! (if you set cruise at 60mph) it's simply the best highway cruiser at any price! We thought our 2012 ML350 Bluetec SUV was nice till we drove the S350...Everything in our ML feels cheap now, (switches etc) and what we thought was smooth quiet ride is now unacceptable. It's obvious that Mercedes pours EVERYTHING into the S-Class and makes it back by skimping on their lesser models. We now fully understand why an S Class is 6 figures, and would buy a 2021 S350 Oil Burner Bluetec today if we could! We now have approximately 75,000mi and we STILL love our S-350! I pretty much sits in the garage until it's time for road trip. And she'll still return 34mph@ 85-90mph with three full sized adults and a trunk full of luggage, (course you'd never know with the air ride/air leveling suspension) WARNING: Don't buy an S Class out of factory warranty unless you find an honest competent Ex-Mecedes Technician on the side... The S350 will make you feel like a Million Bucks when you drive her, but when you return to the Dealer out of warranty it will cost you a Million Dollars! Try this on for dealer prices: $2,700 for and alt...$7,500 for an oil leak... I ended up screaming and the dealer came down the $1,900 for the alt and dropped to $2,500 for the oil leak... And I'd imagine a good non-dealer service center could beat these prices by 25%... Oh, after that I called for after market warranty prices and the BEST I found was $8,500 for 2yrs. Would I buy the Bluetec all over again? Without question!
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Probably the best sedan I have driven! Hands down
Peter, 01/16/2019
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
Easy to see the attention to detail in every aspect of the 2012 S550 sedan. From the beautiful roomy interior design to the smooth powerful performance of the V8 engine. This car stands alone form other luxury sedans like BMW and Audi. Mercedes has the most beautiful paint finish on the high end sedans, deep luster and quality that stands out from the rest. Can’t think of owning anything less!
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Living room comfort
Brian, 02/17/2018
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Drives like a dream. As we travel through the rough roads in daily Seattle traffic I’m reminded of being in the comfort of my living room with the quiet that allows my wife and I to have a normal conversation without the road noise from surrounding traffic to interfere. I’m amazed that we have recognized 20-21mpg in mixed mode driving. I will admit that the mpg decreases with increased use of the gas pedal. The transmission functions flawlessly and allows either paddle shifts or automatic shifting. In sports mode it hold gears to redline before shift application. While the technology is prevalent throughout once understood the infotainment system provides a rewarding results and the suspension & engine responses are intuitive and rewarding. My only complaint or challenge is with its length as parking in the garage proves to be tight and it’s a three car garage.
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be careful with this choice
not4one, 10/09/2011
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
Very powerful and well built, but the transmission shifting is truly awful on mine...some new "wet clutch" technology that just doesn't work well. Hesitates badly in confort mode as it rides its clutch, and in sport it hangs on to 1st gear too long and jerks thru 2nd for a nano second on its way to 3rd. The car is fine if you're pushing it hard, but it just isn't programmed for normal driving. Previously had an S550 sport and it is a much more enjoyable car, as is an S65 or S600...all these have conventional smooth shifting automatics.
Great car
Jehude, 11/02/2020
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Smooth drive, exhilarating acceleration and lots of creature comfort. Horrendous gas consumption and disappointing top speed limitation
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Awesome Car!!!
mjeagent, 09/10/2012
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
Traded my 2012 Audi A8L. My Audi was a great car but when you compare it to the look of the 2012 S Class AMG there is no comparison. Then you add the engine comparison and the decision is easy. Only have 200 miles in the car but I can tell you that it is built like a tank, drives like your on glass, and sounds like a dream - both the exhaust note and the bang & olufsen stereo system. That's actually one option that one should not pass up. The sound system is AMAZING. I've had 40+ cars with all sorts of sound systems and this one blows all others away. The price is one that you take with a lump in the throat as the Audi A8 I was trading had a sticker price of $104,000 - $50k lower than S63.
2011 MB S63
cuni, 05/09/2012
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
26 of 31 people found this review helpful
The only way that I could possible love this car is if I had never owned a 2008 version. The "ecco" drive system is a bust. Luxury sports sedans with this much power should not have to be coaxed out of the starting blocks. Add to all of this the fact that I have to add a quart of oil every other month and I'm so mad at MB that I could holler!. Why would you take a perfectly fine luxury sedan(2008-2010) and ruin it like this. I'm also tikced off at the three delaers who told me that there was major differences between the '08 and '11.(I live in a smaller market and none of the local dealerships had a car I could drive prior to purchasing the '11). Future S-63 buyers--Save your money!
MY 2011 550 S CLASS 4 MATIC
bokewo, 03/03/2011
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I JUST BOUGHT MY 2001 S CLASS AND IT IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST CAR i HAVE EVER OWNED. i HAVE HAD MANY BMW"S AND 2 AUDI'S. i LOVE THIS SO MUCH MORE. iT IS IN A CLASS BY ITSELF. i DID LOOK AT Thre new audi 8. It has this big grill which some like and some hate. From the drivers door back it is boring. From the back is it a 4,6,or 8. Who knows. The s class is just that, class.You must drive it to realize what it can do. I have the P2 package which has the most comfortable seats ever. The sides of the seats inflate as you go around a turn to keep you in your seat. I have the 20 inch amg wheels and the new magnatite black color. It stands out so much and has a young look. Nit your dads s class.
Just purchased a previously-owned 2012 S550
Don, 09/02/2019
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
What a fine machine. I had a 1999 S320 that was a fabulous car. I totaled it in an accident; just with an embankment, no other cars, and no one was injured. Thus I was forced to get a replacement. Wow! This 2012 S550 does the job. I have now taken it on some long drives. The technology is great, the ride stupendous, and all indications are that it is an extremely reliable vehicle. Check back with me in ten year. I buy to keep!
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The best bang for your buck!
Jack, 07/23/2022
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I purchased my S-Class back in November 2021 with 134k miles and I gotta say as crazy as this may be, this is the most reliable, most bang for your buck luxury car you can get. Now to be fair I’ve, got $3k in to my car. However it’s never left me stranded and $1,800 of that is preventative maintenance. The other $1,200 was for an Airmatic compressor and that’s the only major issue I’ve ever had. Even still I could drive the car. I’ve put 16,000 miles in the time I’ve had the car. It’s ultra luxurious, ultra comfortable, ultra reliable, and ultra powerful (for the size of the car). All of this for the price of a Mitsubishi Mirage (yes maintenance included!) and you’d be a fool not to buy one of these!!!
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2012 S 665 AMG
Wes Benton , 07/12/2019
updated 01/19/2022
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S65 AMG 4dr Sedan (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I own a 2012 S65 I purchased it in 2015 with 14,000 miles on it and when I drove off the lot I've had all pleasure with this vehicle. Repairs have been 2 Alternator’s, 1 Front Suspension Shock since 2015 other than that the Oil Changes are $150 every 7000 miles because I use Moblie 1 1040 Full Synthetic with the Lucas Additive and Radiator Flushes just to be safe and the vehicle runs perfect. No electronic problems for the V12 or issues I've needed to maintain this is the best vehicle I've owned in over 25 years. Very smooth and quite no matter what kind of traffic I'm in however on the open road highway in California driving out to High Desert the car is solid in the high winds you cant hear or feel the car move and you have total control of the drive. In bad weather when it rains heavy which is rare in Southern California you have total control with out losing control at any chance. Most will say because its V12 that it cost to much to maintain which in fact it doesn't the Oil Changes will always keep it running right and make sure the Coolant Level is topped off. I was at a light and a Dodge Charger SRT pulled up and revved the engine wanting to race so we did I when I hit the gas within 3 Sec my car took off like a 747 Jet and left the it way back. This Mercedes is the best car made and is worth the ownership all one has to do is take care of it and will last for many years, I have 169,000 today and still runs brand new I detail it every 2 weeks keeping it my car very clean and get so many compliments no matter where I go this is the best car to own and will keep it another 30 years for sure. I absolutely love this car Mercedes couldn't have designed a better vehicle the great perk about is that when your driving below 3500 RPM it will run on Full Time 6 Cylinder Variable Timing Control and when you push over 3500 RPM the 12 Cylinder will take over and that’s when you have it's best driving potential. This was originally a $168,000 MSRP and I purchased it at $54,000 however it drives like brand new car I won't plan on selling it for years to come I saw a 1993 V12 the older body style and and was in emaculant condition just prove a point there cars are built to last for a life time.
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a Benz with personality
sonderklasse, 04/13/2014
updated 10/13/2016
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
I sympathize with the reviewers who expected a smooth luxury cruiser, because this car is surprisingly challenging to drive, but that's a big part of its appeal to me. Step off is balky in C ("controlled efficiency") or S ("sport") modes, maybe because the transmission doesn't have a torque converter. But it smooths out considerably in M ("manual") mode and, in fact, the car seems considerably happier, although MPG nose dives. The C and even S modes lug the car unmercifully. Weird to drive a huge luxury car that needs driver involvement, but I'm the rarity who likes that. Reminds me of my 2005 Maserati GranSport, although of course the Maserati shifts far more positively. Update 10/13/16: The transmission finally got to me. Lurching off the line isn't my idea of luxury. That, and the continual squeak coming from the dash that would have embarrassed a Kia, let alone a $130k car. A fine example of "be careful what you wish for. You might get it".
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The beast in sheep’s clothing
Brownbrit, 11/24/2020
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Overall this is a great vehicle. It has unlimited power to drive and accelerate at ease in all situations. I am a current owner of close to 4 years . It is a second Sunday driver car so only gets used in frequently. Be aware this car will regularly eat brakes. Replacement is not cheap. It has pretty reliable only a battery and a hydraulic pump needing replacement.
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2011 S63 AMG
mmc6, 04/03/2011
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
31 of 48 people found this review helpful
Traded in my 2008 S63 AMG for a 2011 S63 AMG, and couldn't be more disappointed, the 2011 is a dog in comparison. The pedal is squishy and sloppy with absolutely no feel under foot. The marriage between the engine and transmission is horrible, it is rough, clunky and far from smooth. Because i had a previous S63 which completely out preformed this 2011, i have a hard time driving this new one, specifically because it brings so much disappointment. This will be a money loosing short lived car for me, don't waste your money, find a clean 2008 you'll be much happier.
100% Love my S63
fzero, 11/09/2013
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have every option available on this car. I have owned S-Class Mercedes for the past 25 years. This is my 1st 63 and I will never buy another 550. The performance package is an important option. The car does require oil about every 1000 miles. For this configuration its normal.(my R8 is every 500)
Last German Car...
freddys555, 09/05/2011
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
18 of 40 people found this review helpful
I have been a long time driver of German makes. From BMWs to Mercedes, I have owned over 6 German made cars. I have never been more disappointed in the quality and reliability. Most recently, my 2011 S-Class Mercedes. Although new with 8,900 miles, I have been back to the dealer 5 times for A/C malfunction, check-engine light, GPS malfunction and much more. No matter how polite the service department may be, this is the last German car I will ever purchase again. I am disappointed as I will miss the exceptional performance but I do not have the time nor patience to keep bringing back my German cars to the dealer. My wife has a Lexus 460 with over 48K with absolute "zero" problems...
Best S-Class Yet
beamerguy325, 02/08/2011
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
10 of 22 people found this review helpful
I have driven the 2010 S-Class several times before. Its handling, style and overall look is like non-other. I knew that as soon as this car hit the scene. The car drives like silk on the road, and anyone around knows when your coming down the street by way of the flasy exterior head lights and dotted fog lights at the base of the front bumper.
The best!
John, 06/23/2017
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Get a warrentee if you buy it used
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great car
peter russo, 08/22/2018
updated 08/28/2019
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
the car has been excellent highly recommend. Sold car bought a 2017 CPO S 550 V8 I really am enjoying the car. There is one negative compared to the 2011, the trunk is much smaller and there is no spare tire. The car has run flat tires.
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Forever car.
Dennis J, 10/22/2023
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S65 AMG 4dr Sedan (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have phone two Panamera turbo’s prior to buying this car used. It has 70,000 miles on the engine no problems. The seats are better than anything. I have in my home.
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Great car !
Walt Stan, 07/29/2019
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This purchases replaces my long love affair with the 7 Series BMW because of engine issues.
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Great Car but Lose the Diesel
Ed R, 07/07/2023
updated 01/15/2025
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car met our needs more than any other could. My wife has serious head, neck and back problems that result in serious head, neck and back pain. The suspension on this car is a godsend; she cannot ride in any other car. In fact, we have found that we cannot travel by plane because we cannot duplicate this car in a rental. The ONLY thing we can criticize is that we were mislead that the diesel would be efficient and pollute less. That IS NOT TRUE......1.14.2025. The car is now 13 years old and has held up very well. It still looks almost new both inside and out and there virtually nothing goes wrong with the car.
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