2008 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its powerful engine and opulent features. Besides the mighty V12, the S-Class range in 2008 offered other engine choices, including various V6 and V8 gasoline and diesel options. However, the S65 AMG stood out with its hand-built 6.0L twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing an impressive 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with automatic transmissions. Owners typically appreciate the S65 AMG’s potent performance, luxurious appointments, and comfortable ride. Common dislikes often revolve around its high running costs, complex electronics prone to failure, and the expensive maintenance associated with a high-performance vehicle.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbocharged V12 (M275)

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per coil pack.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the front of the engine, ride height issues, ABC warning lights.
  • Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Common areas include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location and severity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intercooler Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, overheating, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the intercooler pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.9)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, erratic shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, transmission slipping, getting stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in limp mode, error codes related to the transmission speed sensors.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, sagging suspension, uneven ride height, harsh ride.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ABC strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ per strut.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC System Hoses
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, sagging suspension, ABC warning lights.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking hose(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, unable to start the car, steering wheel lock malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, including lighting issues, sensor errors, and communication problems.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting, electrical systems not functioning properly. Often caused by faulty modules not shutting down correctly.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the cause of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation/COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezes, screen goes blank, navigation errors, audio problems.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly, gets stuck, or makes excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG presents a mixed bag for potential owners. While offering exhilarating performance and luxurious features, it’s burdened with several potentially expensive issues. Engine problems, especially related to the coil packs, turbos, and oil leaks, can be costly. The ABC suspension is a known weak point, as is the 5-speed transmission. Electrical gremlins can also be a source of frustration. The severity of these issues ranges from moderate to severe, with repair costs often reaching into the thousands of dollars. Thorough inspection and maintenance records are crucial when considering the purchase of this vehicle.