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2013 Mercedes-Benz S600

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S600 is a luxurious sedan known for its powerful engine and comfortable ride. While celebrated for its refined interior, advanced technology, and smooth driving experience, it’s not without its potential issues. Some common complaints involve the complex electronics and the high cost of maintenance and repairs. The 2013 S-Class also offered the S550 with a 4.7L Biturbo V8 (429 hp, 516 lb-ft), and the S63 AMG with a 5.5L Biturbo V8 (536 hp, 590 lb-ft, or 563 hp, 664 lb-ft with the AMG Performance Package). The S600 is equipped with a 6.0L Biturbo V12 engine producing 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

6.0L Biturbo V12

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations including valve cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, and the rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets, seals, or lines. Proper torque during reassembly is critical.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Ignition Coil Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light with codes related to cylinder misfires. The V12 engine has 12 individual ignition coils, and one or more may fail over time.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil(s). It’s often recommended to replace all coils preventatively.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per coil (parts and labor).
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, unusual noises from the engine bay (whining, whistling), check engine light. Potential issues include wastegate problems or turbocharger failure.
    • Solution: Diagnose the specific turbocharger issue and replace or repair the affected component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $6,000+ depending on the issue.

Transmission

7G-Tronic (7-Speed Automatic)

  • Slipping or Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips during gear changes, harsh or delayed shifts, or failure to shift into certain gears.
    • Solution: Fluid flush with correct fluid may solve the problem if caught early. More severe cases require valve body replacement or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300+ for fluid flush, $1,500+ for valve body, $4,000 - $8,000+ for rebuild/replacement.
  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds or during acceleration, stalling, or difficulty shifting into gear.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+.

Suspension

  • Airmatic Suspension Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, ride height malfunctions, “Visit Workshop” message related to suspension. Air struts, air compressor, or valve block failures are common.
    • Solution: Replace faulty air struts, compressor, or valve block. Address any air leaks in the system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $800 - $1,500+ for compressor, $500 - $1,000+ for valve block.
  • ABC (Active Body Control) Suspension Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Stiff or uncomfortable ride, fluid leaks, “ABC Visit Workshop” message. ABC struts, pump, or accumulators can fail.
    • Solution: Diagnose the specific ABC component failure and replace the affected part. Flush and refill the ABC system with correct fluid after repairs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per strut, $2,000 - $4,000+ for pump, $500 - $1,500+ for accumulators.

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery drains quickly, especially when parked. Can be caused by a faulty component or system not shutting down properly.
    • Solution: Diagnose the source of the battery drain and repair or replace the offending component. Common culprits include the COMAND system, seat control modules, or door control modules.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the cause.
  • COMAND System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Navigation issues, display freezes or glitches, audio problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
    • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, the COMAND unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100+ for software updates, $1,000 - $3,000+ for COMAND unit replacement.
  • Sensor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights on the dashboard, including those related to ABS, ESP, TPMS, and parking sensors. Faulty sensors need to be diagnosed and replaced.
    • Solution: Identify the faulty sensor(s) through diagnostic scans and replace them.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor (parts and labor).
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Doors failing to lock or unlock electronically, requiring manual key operation.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ per door.

Exterior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly, makes unusual noises, or leaks water.
    • Solution: Inspect and clean sunroof tracks, repair or replace damaged components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the issue.

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Power seats failing to adjust in one or more directions.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor.
  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in warmer climates.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard, or a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ for dashboard replacement.

Recalls:

  • 2013070002 - Date: 2013-07 - NHTSA ID: 13V298000 - Summary: DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS, THE FASTENING TORQUE FOR THE STEERING COUPLING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENT. CONSEQUENTLY, THE BOLT CONNECTION MAY LOOSEN OVER TIME, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN THE STEERING COUPLING DETACHING COMPLETELY.
  • 2013090003 - Date: 2013-09 - NHTSA ID: 13V387000 - Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DEFECTIVE RIVET ATTACHING THE SEAT BACKREST TO THE SEAT BOTTOM FRAME.
  • 2014070003 - Date: 2014-07 - NHTSA ID: 14V380000 - Summary: THE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NUMBER 201, ‘OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.’ THE HEADLINING TRIM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE HEAD PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
  • 2014100009 - Date: 2014-10 - NHTSA ID: 14V659000 - Summary: IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE BOLTED CONNECTION OF THE GROUND CABLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER FOOTWELL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY.
  • 2016040004 - Date: 2016-04 - NHTSA ID: 16V159000 - Summary: THE PROTECTIVE DIODE IN THE POWER STEERING CONTROL UNIT MAY BECOME DAMAGED DUE TO A SHORT CIRCUIT.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S600, while a pinnacle of luxury and performance, presents owners with potential maintenance challenges due to its complex systems. Suspension issues, particularly with the Airmatic or ABC systems, along with electrical problems, are relatively common and can be costly to repair. While the V12 engine offers impressive power, it also has the potential for expensive repairs related to oil leaks and ignition components. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision.

Mercedes-Benz, S600
Mercedes-Benz S600 2013
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