2016 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S is a performance sedan lauded for its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and sporty handling. It’s powered by a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission. Owners often praise the car’s exhilarating acceleration, aggressive exhaust note, and comfortable yet supportive seats. Common criticisms include the firm ride quality, particularly on rough roads, and the relatively high fuel consumption. The standard C63 AMG uses the same 4.0L engine but is rated at 469 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (M177)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Some owners have reported premature failure of one or both turbochargers.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ depending on the shop and if one or both turbos need replacing.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Potential leak points include the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, and potential stalling issues.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to verify which Fuel injector is bad, and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky or delayed shifts, especially at lower speeds. Some owners have reported hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Some cases may require a software update or adaptation reset. More severe cases may require valve body repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for a software update. $1,500 - $4,000+ for valve body work.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Pack Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping under heavy acceleration, shuddering during gear changes.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, air compressor running constantly, “Vehicle Level Malfunctioning” warning light. Problems can arise from leaking air struts or a failing air compressor.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty air strut(s) or air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+ per strut; $800 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car not starting after sitting for a few days, frequent jump starts required. Potential causes include a faulty alternator, parasitic drain from an electrical component, or an aging battery.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the drain, repair or replace the faulty component, and/or replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for a new battery; $300 - $800+ for an alternator; varies greatly for parasitic drain diagnosis and repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezing, system rebooting randomly, navigation errors, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for a software update. $1,000 - $3,000+ for COMAND unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises during operation, water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S, while a highly desirable performance car, can be prone to some notable issues. Engine problems, especially related to the turbochargers and oil leaks, and transmission issues can be expensive to repair. Electrical gremlins can also appear. While not all cars will experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of them and factor in potential repair costs when considering a purchase. Severity ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousands for turbocharger replacement or transmission work.