2011 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its powerful engine and opulent features. This model year came standard with a handcrafted 6.0L twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. While owners appreciate the car’s immense power, luxurious interior, and smooth ride, common complaints revolve around the car’s high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and the age of the vehicle.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbocharged V12 (M275)

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per coil pack (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) System Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sags on one or more corners, ABC warning light, power steering issues.
  • Solution: Replacing leaking hoses, struts, or the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the component and location.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whining noise from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+ per turbocharger (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at low speeds, slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) System Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sags on one or more corners, ABC warning light, power steering issues.
  • Solution: Replacing leaking hoses, struts, or the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the component and location.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stiff ride, ABC warning light, loss of power steering assist.
  • Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electronic Trunk Closer Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Trunk fails to open or close automatically, trunk latch issues.
  • Solution: Replace trunk actuator or latch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezing, navigation problems, audio malfunctions, bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software updates, component replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ depending on the component and repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery frequently dies, even after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Identify and repair parasitic drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights do not adjust properly, error message on the dash.
  • Solution: Replace headlight control module or entire headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ per headlight (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater does not work or only works intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per seat (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, while offering exceptional performance and luxury, is prone to several common issues, primarily stemming from its complex systems and age. The ABC suspension system and electronic components are frequent sources of problems, leading to potentially high repair costs. Engine and transmission issues, while less frequent, can also be expensive to address. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the car’s maintenance history and consider a pre-purchase inspection to identify potential problems before making a purchase. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs costing several thousand dollars.