2009 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its immense power and opulent features. It was only offered with a single engine choice, a hand-built 6.0L Twin-Turbocharged V12 engine producing 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s effortless acceleration, luxurious interior, and sophisticated technology. Some common complaints include high maintenance costs, complex electronics that can be prone to failure, and the car’s considerable weight affecting handling.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, loss of power, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per coil pack.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or grinding noises from the engine bay, excessive oil consumption, smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger(s). This can be a complex and expensive repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ per turbocharger (including labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak locations include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500 depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant spots under the car, sweet smell, low coolant level, overheating.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the leaking component such as radiator, hoses, or water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement of gears, slipping between gears, harsh or jerky shifts.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, further diagnosis may be required, potentially leading to valve body repair or replacement, or a full transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $5,000+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, warning lights on the dashboard, compressor running constantly or not at all, harsh ride.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines. Airmatic suspension components have a limited lifespan.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ per strut (including labor), $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights, drivability issues, engine not starting, communication errors with diagnostic tools.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific issue and either reprogram or replace the faulty ECU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the specific ECU and repair required.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery frequently dying, especially after sitting for a few days.
  • Solution: Identify and eliminate the source of the parasitic drain, which could be a faulty module, relay, or wiring issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Inoperative display screen, navigation issues, audio problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Attempt a system reset. If the problem persists, the COMAND unit may need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight/Taillight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning or dimming headlights or taillights.
  • Solution: Replacing bulbs or the headlight/taillight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$1000+ per light depending on the light assembly type.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat will not move or adjust properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per motor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof getting stuck, not opening or closing properly, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, while offering exceptional performance and luxury, can be prone to a range of issues, particularly related to its complex engine, airmatic suspension, and electronics. The severity and cost of repairs can vary significantly. Engine and suspension issues tend to be the most expensive, potentially requiring thousands of dollars to fix. Electrical problems can be more difficult to diagnose and resolve. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their ownership costs.