2015 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is a high-performance SUV that blends luxury with potent power. It was offered with a single engine option: a hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque (or 550 hp and 561 lb-ft with the optional AMG Performance Package). This engine was paired with a 7-speed AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission. Owners often praise its exhilarating acceleration, luxurious interior, and distinctive AMG styling. Common complaints revolve around higher running costs due to fuel consumption, maintenance expenses, and potential repair bills associated with its complex systems.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbo V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or screeching noise from the engine bay, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (depending on whether one or both turbos need replacing and labor costs)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level warning.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or the oil filter housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500 (depending on the location of the leak and the extent of disassembly required)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, decreased fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per injector (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or delayed gear changes, transmission slipping during acceleration.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, replacement of valve body, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $6,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, “car too low” warning message, compressor running constantly.
  • Solution: Replace faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ per strut, $800-$1500+ for compressor replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car failing to start, needing frequent jump starts, electrical systems malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic draw (often caused by faulty modules or aftermarket accessories), replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, screen going blank, navigation malfunctioning, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+ (depending on the severity of the issue and the required repairs)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Removal of headlights to dry them out or full headlight replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (drying) - $2,000+ (headlight replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close, getting stuck, making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, rails, or entire assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG offers exceptional performance, but it comes with potential reliability concerns and high maintenance costs. Engine issues like turbocharger failure and oil leaks can be expensive to address. Suspension problems, particularly with the Airmatic system, are also common and can result in significant repair bills. Electrical glitches and interior malfunctions can further add to the ownership costs. While some issues may be relatively minor, others can be quite severe, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection essential. Overall, potential buyers should be prepared for the possibility of costly repairs and maintenance to keep this high-performance SUV in top condition.