2012 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan, celebrated for its powerful engine, opulent interior, and advanced technology. In addition to the S65’s hand-built 6.0L biturbo V12 engine, other S-Class models offered various engine options, including V6, V8, and hybrid powertrains. However, the S65 was exclusively equipped with the V12, producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Owners often praise the S65’s effortless acceleration, luxurious appointments, and comfortable ride, while some criticisms include the high running costs, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

6.0L Biturbo V12 (M275)

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per coil pack (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, burning oil smell, smoke from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500 (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine, check engine light. Possible oil leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+ (parts and labor, depending on whether one or both turbos need attention).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Pump Failure (Associated with engine)
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power steering, red “ABC Malfunction” warning on the instrument cluster, suspension issues.
  • Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Transmission Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, erratic gear selection, transmission stuck in limp mode, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission conductor plate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500 (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, unusual noises, transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000 (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, or inability to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Replace faulty solenoids.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200 (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, uneven ride height, rough ride, “ABC Malfunction” warning.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ABC strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ per strut (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC Hydraulic Line Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks of hydraulic fluid, ABC malfunction warnings, suspension not functioning properly.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking hydraulic lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the line (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, including issues with lights, wipers, windows, and other systems.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit and reprogram it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, electrical systems malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This could involve replacing a faulty module, sensor, or wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the cause (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with navigation, audio, Bluetooth, and other infotainment functions.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ depending on the issue (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, inconsistent heating.
  • Solution: Replace the heating element in the seat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (parts and labor, can be higher if the seat cover needs to be significantly disassembled).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises, water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, while a symbol of luxury and performance, can present owners with significant maintenance and repair costs. The most prevalent issues revolve around the engine, transmission, suspension (particularly the ABC system), and electrical components. Repairs can be quite expensive, especially those related to the turbochargers, ABC struts, and complex electrical modules. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their ownership expectations.