2016 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S is a high-performance variant of the W212 E-Class, renowned for its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and sharp handling. It was only available with one engine option, the hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, producing 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission. Owners often praise its exhilarating acceleration, comfortable ride (for a performance car), and refined interior. Common complaints typically involve high running costs, complex electronics, and occasional reliability issues stemming from the advanced technology.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (M157)

• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets and Oil Filter Housing
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are reported from the valve cover gaskets and the oil filter housing. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets and/or the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the turbochargers, loss of power, and potential check engine lights related to turbocharger boost pressure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (per turbo)
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, reduced power, and check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (per injector)

Transmission

7-Speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting, especially during downshifts, and potential transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Software reflash, valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (reflash) - $7,000+ (replacement)
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, particularly during light acceleration or when going uphill.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, ride height not adjusting properly, and potential warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected air spring(s), air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ (per component)
• Damper Control Malfunctions (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Stiff or uncomfortable ride, failure to adjust damping settings, and potential error messages.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (per damper)

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days. Possible cause is a faulty control module not going into sleep mode.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to find the source of the battery drain. Replacement of the faulty control module, or other necessary component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or failing to load properly. Loss of function with radio, navigation, and other multimedia features.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (update) - $3,000+ (replacement)
• Sensor Failures (e.g., Crankshaft Position Sensor, Mass Airflow Sensor)
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough running, stalling, and reduced power.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ (per sensor)

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Removal of the headlight housing, drying it out, and resealing it. In some cases, headlight replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (replacement)

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, or replacement of the sunroof motor or other components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+

Recalls:

• 2016040012: Recall regarding the vehicle’s identification number being duplicated due to a programming error.
• 2017020003: Recall regarding the child seat lock failing to lock the child seat.
• 2019120008: Recall regarding the emergency call system may not be functioning properly.
• 202010004: Recall regarding the electrical grounding of the steering system may not be sufficient.
• 2022020006: Recall regarding the rearview camera image is not visible.
• 2022070007: Recall regarding the possible stalling of the vehicle.
• 2023050008: Recall regarding the emergency call system may transmit an incorrect location.
• 2024010001: Recall regarding the electric power steering system could fail.
• 2024020001: Recall regarding the fuel pump may shut down.
• 2024030002: Recall regarding the rearview camera image may not be visible.

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S offers exhilarating performance but is susceptible to various issues. Engine-related problems such as oil leaks and turbocharger failures can be costly. Transmission issues, particularly harsh shifting, are also relatively common. Suspension problems involving the AIRMATIC system and electrical glitches with the COMAND system can also add to ownership costs. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others can quickly escalate into significant expenses, making thorough inspection and preventative maintenance crucial. While these problems do not affect every vehicle, they represent the issues most likely to arise.