2010 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan featuring a handcrafted 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 engine producing 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It was only offered with the AMG Speedshift 5-Speed Automatic Transmission. Owners often praise its incredible power, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride, while common criticisms include its high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and relatively poor fuel economy.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 (M275)

• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, check engine light. Can affect one or multiple cylinders.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty ignition coil(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per coil (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The ABC pump is driven by the engine. Failure of this pump can cause a loss of power steering and the ABC suspension system to malfunction.
  • Solution: Replacing the failed ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1800 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Cooler Lines, Oil Pan Gasket)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve Cover Gaskets ($500 - $1200+), Oil Cooler Lines ($800 - $1500+), Oil Pan Gasket ($1000 - $2000+).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues (Wastegate Actuator Failure, Oil Leaks)
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling sound from turbos, check engine light, oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the turbocharger(s). Addressing the wastegate actuator specifically.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Wastegate Actuator ($500-$1000+), Turbocharger Replacement ($3000-$6000+ per turbo).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG Speedshift 5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, rough shifting, stalling.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, transmission stuck in gear, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking hydraulic fluid from struts, uneven ride height, suspension warning lights, harsh ride.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty ABC strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ per strut (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC System Hose Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Hydraulic fluid leaks, ride height issues, suspension malfunction warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing leaking hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the hose location and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, car not starting, needing frequent jump starts. This can be due to a parasitic drain from a faulty module or component.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic drain (often requires specialized equipment and knowledge).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (highly variable depending on the cause).
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Frozen screen, navigation errors, audio problems, inability to control vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixelation of display, inaccurate readings, complete failure of the cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture inside the headlight housing, dim or non-functional headlights, error messages.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, unusual noises, leaks.
  • Solution: Sunroof track and motor repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Control Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, buttons not working, memory seat issues.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of seat control module or motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the remote or manually.
  • Solution: Door lock actuator replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$800 per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is a complex and powerful vehicle with a history of potential issues. Engine and suspension problems, particularly those related to the ABC system and turbochargers, can be quite expensive to repair. Electrical gremlins are also a common concern. While the V12 engine and AMG Speedshift transmission offer impressive performance, both are susceptible to costly failures. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their ownership costs. Regular maintenance and thorough inspections are crucial to minimizing the risk of major repairs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.