2008 Mercedes-Benz S600

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S600 represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance within the S-Class lineup. It boasts a twin-turbocharged 5.5L V12 engine producing a staggering 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2008 S-Class include various V6 and V8 engines, each offering a different balance of performance and fuel economy. A common complaint about the S600 is its complexity and the potential for high repair costs. However, owners often rave about the smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious features of the car.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 (M275)

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light. Often caused by heat and age.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per coil pack (depending on labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: ABC light is on, sagging suspension, uneven ride height, fluid leaks. Can lead to complete suspension failure. ABC pump can fail due to age, debris, and contamination. Struts can leak.
  • Solution: Diagnose specific component failure (pump, strut, valve block), replace faulty part(s), flush the ABC system, and refill with proper fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (depending on component).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from engine, excessive oil consumption, check engine light. Turbochargers can fail due to age, oil starvation, or damage from debris.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific turbocharger issue, repair or replace the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $5000+ per turbocharger (depending on labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under car, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace gaskets, seals, or valve cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ (depending on location).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.9)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, slipping, harsh shifting, stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, failure to shift, limp mode. The valve body contains solenoids and valves that control the flow of transmission fluid. Wear and tear or contamination can cause these components to malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body. Sometimes a thorough cleaning and new solenoids will resolve the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: ABC light is on, sagging suspension, uneven ride height, fluid leaks. Can lead to complete suspension failure. ABC pump can fail due to age, debris, and contamination. Struts can leak.
  • Solution: Diagnose specific component failure (pump, strut, valve block), replace faulty part(s), flush the ABC system, and refill with proper fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (depending on component).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car won’t start after sitting for a short period. Caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty module or component not shutting down properly.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic drain and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the source).
  • Recalls: None Found
• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, car won’t start, steering wheel locked.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS module and potentially the key.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Multiple electrical malfunctions, such as lights not working, wipers not functioning, or other electronic systems failing.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit and reprogram it to the vehicle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling, error message on the dashboard, headlights pointing in the wrong direction.
  • Solution: Diagnose the issue with the headlight leveling motors or sensors, replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ (depending on the part and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat does not adjust properly, clicking noises when attempting to adjust. Caused by faulty motors or gears within the seat adjustment mechanism.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat actuator motor or gear.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof gets stuck, makes excessive noise, or fails to open or close completely. Often caused by a broken track or motor.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof track or motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S600, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, can present owners with significant maintenance challenges. The most concerning issues revolve around the complex V12 engine, the sophisticated ABC suspension system, and various electrical components. Repairs can be costly, especially those involving the engine and suspension. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential expenses and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Mercedes-Benz mechanic.