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2012 Maybach 57

The 2012 Maybach 57 is an ultra-luxury sedan produced by Mercedes-Benz. It is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 543 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The 57S variant had a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 620 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the car’s opulent interior, smooth ride, and powerful engine. However, the high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and fuel inefficiency are common dislikes.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 (Maybach 57)

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the leak’s location and complexity.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The twin-turbochargers can experience failures, leading to reduced power, boost leaks, and potential engine damage. Symptoms may include a loss of acceleration, unusual noises (whining or hissing) from the engine bay, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the turbocharger(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $7,000+ for replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 (Maybach 57S)

  • Ignition Coil Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Individual ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires and rough running. Symptoms include a shaking engine, reduced power, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty ignition coil(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per coil, including labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Fuel injectors can become clogged or fail, leading to poor fuel economy, rough idle, and misfires.
    • Solution: Cleaning or replacing the fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ for replacement of all injectors.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The valve body can develop problems, leading to harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and slipping between gears.
    • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering during acceleration and complete loss of drive.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system is prone to leaks and compressor failures, leading to a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, and a harsh ride.
    • Solution: Replacement of air struts, compressor, or air lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+ per corner, depending on the component needing replacement. Compressor replacement can range from $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • ABC (Active Body Control) Hydraulic System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The ABC system, designed to reduce body roll, can suffer from leaks in its hydraulic lines, pump failures, and strut issues. This leads to warning lights, ride height problems, and poor handling.
    • Solution: Replacing leaking lines, pump, or struts. Flushing the ABC fluid regularly is key.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $6,000+ depending on the complexity of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Electrical Gremlins
    • Description/Symptoms: The complex electronics in the Maybach can be prone to various issues, including malfunctioning sensors, control module failures, and intermittent electrical faults.
    • Solution: Diagnostic testing to identify the source of the problem and replacement of the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Due to the number of electronic systems, the battery can drain quickly, especially if the car is not driven regularly.
    • Solution: Identify and address the source of the parasitic drain or use a trickle charger to maintain battery health.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Self Closing Door Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The self closing doors can fail to function properly, and can make noise.
    • Solution: Lubrication and adjustment of the door mechanisms, or replacement of faulty actuators.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Rear Entertainment System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear entertainment system screens, DVD players, and related components can fail or experience glitches.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of faulty components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, leading to difficulty opening or closing the sunroof, or water leaks.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Maybach 57 is a technologically advanced and luxurious vehicle but is prone to a variety of potentially expensive issues. Engine and transmission problems can arise, particularly with the twin-turbo V12 engines. The air suspension and ABC systems are notorious for costly repairs. Electrical issues, self closing doors, and interior features can also contribute to high ownership costs. Severity of these issues can range from moderate inconvenience to major mechanical breakdowns.

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