Segment:
Luxury Mid-size Convertible
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, stylish, and comfortable convertible.
Primary Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Convertible, Audi A5 Cabriolet, Lexus IS Convertible, Cadillac CTS Convertible.
Vehicle Positioning:
The E550 Cabriolet offers a blend of powerful performance, refined luxury, and open-air driving experience, building upon the strong foundation of the E-Class sedan.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for owners to safely operate, maintain, and enjoy their 2012 E550 Cabriolet, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Systems Overview:
Comprehensive coverage including driver and passenger safety, instruments and controls, comfort and convenience, operation tips, appearance care, emergency procedures, technical information, warranty, entertainment, climate control, lighting, driver controls, locks and security, seating and restraints, driving techniques, customer assistance, and reporting safety defects (U.S. only).
Mechanical Systems:
Engine compartment, engine oil, battery, fuel information, air filter(s).
Technical Information:
Includes technical information, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, accessories, service information and specifications, and maintenance information and specifications.
Maintenance Procedures:
Covers routine maintenance, appearance care, and basic upkeep.
Emergency Procedures:
Detailed guidance on taking care of the unexpected.
Depth Of Information:
Owner-level information for operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
Engine Code:
M273 (commonly found in this configuration)
Engine Type:
4.7L V8 Bi-Turbocharged
Horsepower:
402 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm
Torque:
443 lb-ft @ 1800-4750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Emission System:
Catalytic converters, oxygen sensors.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or MB 326.0)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 synthetic oil (e.g., MB-Approval 229.5)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Likely A2731800109 or equivalent
Engine Control Unit:
ME-SFI
NHTSA Rating:
Likely received good ratings from NHTSA, consistent with E-Class sedan. Specific convertible ratings may vary.
IIHS Rating:
Likely Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear head protection airbags, rollover protection system (often pop-up roll bars).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters, NECK-PRO active head restraints.
Body Structure:
Reinforced A-pillars and chassis for convertible safety.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.
Driver Assistance:
Attention Assist, COMAND Navigation, optional Driver Assistance Package (PRE-SAFE, Distronic PLUS, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist).
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Infotainment System Name:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
Navigation system, AM/FM radio, CD/DVD player, USB/Auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
Display:
High-resolution central display screen.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC PLUS.
Lane Keeping Assist:
Optional Active Lane Keeping Assist.
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional Active Blind Spot Assist.
Parking Assist:
PARKTRONIC parking sensors, optional rearview camera.
Climate Control:
AIRSCARF (neck-level heating system), dual-zone automatic climate control, AIRCAP (wind deflector system).
Bluetooth:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Ports:
Standard for audio playback and device charging.
Keyless Entry Start:
KEYLESS-GO.
Lighting:
Bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, active cornering lights.
Routine Maintenance Schedule:
Based on Flexible Service System (FSS), typically around 10,000 miles or 1 year for A Service (oil change, filter replacement, inspection) and 15,000-20,000 miles or 1 year for B Service (more comprehensive inspection, brake fluid, etc.). Specific intervals depend on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 15 years/150,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter (check manual for exact specifications).
Power Steering Fluid:
MB-Approval 343.0 or 345.0 (Hydraulic fluid)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Mercedes-Benz approved washer fluid or equivalent with antifreeze properties in colder climates.
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, tires, air suspension components (if equipped), convertible top hydraulic cylinders and seals.
Potential Electrical Issues:
Can include issues with sensors, modules, or the COMAND infotainment system, though generally reliable.
Engine Specific Considerations:
Regular oil changes with the correct synthetic oil and filter are crucial for the longevity of the twin-turbo V8. Check for potential turbocharger issues or intercooler leaks at higher mileage.
Tire Pressure Front:
Refer to vehicle's door jamb sticker (typically around 30-35 PSI).
Tire Pressure Rear:
Refer to vehicle's door jamb sticker (typically around 30-35 PSI).
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x112
Recommended Tire Size Front:
235/40R18
Recommended Tire Size Rear:
255/35R18
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
A long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, safety, and performance since the early 20th century.
E Class Lineage:
The E-Class has evolved through multiple generations (W114/W115, W123, W124, W210, W211, W212), consistently representing the mid-size luxury offering for Mercedes-Benz.
Convertible Variant History:
Mercedes-Benz has a rich history of convertibles, with the E-Class Cabriolet (A207) representing a modern interpretation of the open-top luxury coupe tradition.
Production Plant:
Bremen, Germany
Production Years For This Generation:
2010-2017 (A207 generation)
General E Class Accolades:
The E-Class lineup has consistently received numerous awards and accolades for safety, design, and performance from various automotive publications and organizations.
Specific Model Awards:
While specific awards for the 2012 E550 Cabriolet are not itemized here, the E-Class family as a whole is recognized for its luxury and engineering prowess.