2009 Maybach 57
The 2009 Maybach 57 is an ultra-luxury sedan known for its opulent features, smooth ride, and exclusivity. The 2009 Maybach 57 is offered with a 5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 engine producing 543 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. A longer wheelbase Maybach 57S variant is available with a more powerful engine. It is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s luxurious interior, spaciousness, and smooth ride, but common complaints include the high cost of maintenance, complex electronics, and depreciation.
Engine
5.5L Twin-Turbo V12
- Coil Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light illuminated. Often affects individual cylinders intermittently.
- Solution: Replace faulty coil pack(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per coil pack
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common areas include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines.
- Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the location of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine, excessive smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: Inspect and replace faulty turbocharger(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+ per turbocharger
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Slippage
- Description/Symptoms: Delayed or jerky shifting, failure to shift into the correct gear, slipping between gears, transmission stuck in gear.
- Solution: Can start with a fluid flush and filter replacement, but may eventually require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $6,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, particularly when accelerating from a stop, stalling, erratic shifting.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Leaks/Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, ride height not adjusting properly, “Vehicle Too Low” warning light, air compressor running constantly.
- Solution: Replace leaking air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per strut, $800 - $2,000+ for compressor
- Recalls: None Found
- ABC (Active Body Control) System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Stiff or bouncy ride, poor handling, “ABC Visit Workshop” warning light, fluid leaks.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair ABC system components, including pump, accumulators, struts, and valve blocks. Flushing the system can help if there is contamination.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the component.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights, engine not starting, transmission issues, other electrical malfunctions.
- Solution: Diagnose and replace faulty ECU. Requires programming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, needing to jump-start frequently.
- Solution: Identify and repair parasitic drain, replace battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (battery replacement) - $1,000+ (diagnose and repair drain)
- Recalls: None Found
- COMAND System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: System freezes, navigation issues, sound problems, screen failure.
- Solution: Software update, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Closing Assist Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Doors not fully closing automatically, requiring manual effort to close.
- Solution: Repair or replace the door closing assist mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making excessive noise, leaking.
- Solution: Repair or replace sunroof motor, rails, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Motor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, motor making noise but seat not moving.
- Solution: Replace faulty seat motor(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per motor
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2009 Maybach 57, while offering a luxurious experience, presents several potential issues that owners should be aware of. The most significant concerns revolve around the engine (oil leaks, coil pack failure, turbocharger issues), transmission (slippage, torque converter failure), and air suspension/ABC system. These issues can be costly to repair due to the car’s complex systems and the high price of parts. Electrical gremlins and interior component failures also contribute to the overall maintenance burden. While some issues may be minor, others can result in significant expenses, making thorough inspection and a comprehensive service history essential when considering purchasing a 2009 Maybach 57. The cost of repairs tends to be high, reflecting the luxury nature of the vehicle.