2010 Mercedes-Benz S600

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S600 is a luxurious and powerful sedan boasting a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s smooth ride, powerful engine, and opulent interior. Common complaints center around the high cost of maintenance, complex electronics prone to failure, and the car’s overall depreciation. Other available engines for the 2010 S-Class include various V6 and V8 options, but the S600 is exclusive to the V12.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbocharged V12 (M275)

• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, check engine light. Often caused by heat and age.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ignition coil(s). It’s generally recommended to replace all ignition coils at the same time for preventative maintenance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per coil (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Rear Main Seal)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, low oil level. Valve cover gaskets are a common source of leaks due to age and heat. Rear main seal leaks can be more severe.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets and/or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets: $500 - $1000+; Rear main seal: $1200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling sound from the engine, check engine light. Could be caused by failing turbochargers.
  • Solution: Diagnose the turbocharger system and repair or replace any failed components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+ per turbocharger (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, or complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, getting stuck in a gear, or slipping during gear changes.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, ride height not adjusting, compressor running constantly, “Visit Workshop” message on the dashboard. Often caused by leaking air struts or a failing air compressor.
  • Solution: Replace faulty air struts, air compressor, or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air struts: $800 - $2000+ per strut (including labor); Air compressor: $600 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity. Could be caused by a faulty control module, a parasitic drain, or an aging battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. Replace the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electronic Control Module (ECU) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Various engine, transmission, or other system malfunctions. Difficult starting, stalling, or complete engine failure.
  • Solution: Replace or reprogram the ECU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or complete failure of the COMAND infotainment system. Navigation, radio, and other features may be affected.
  • Solution: Update the COMAND software or replace the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Issues (Fogging, Bulb Failure)
  • Description/Symptoms: Fogging of the headlight lenses, burnt-out bulbs (especially HID bulbs), or malfunctioning headlight leveling system.
  • Solution: Polish or replace headlight lenses, replace bulbs, or repair the headlight leveling system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Bulb replacement: $100 - $500+ (HID bulbs can be expensive); Headlight lens polishing: $100 - $300; Headlight leveling system repair: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises when operating the sunroof, or water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism, lubricate the sunroof tracks, or replace the sunroof seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the remote or interior switch.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S600, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, is known for its potential for expensive repairs. The most concerning issues involve the engine (especially turbocharger issues), transmission (torque converter, valve body), suspension (Airmatic), and electrical systems. Repairs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, making it crucial to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Mercedes-Benz mechanic. Owners should be prepared for potentially high maintenance costs.