2016 Mercedes-Benz S600

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S600 is a luxury sedan known for its opulent features, smooth ride, and powerful V12 engine. The S-Class also came with other engine options, including various V6 and V8 configurations and plug-in hybrid variants. The S600 specifically boasts a 6.0L twin-turbo V12 engine producing 523 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the S600 for its exceptional comfort, advanced technology, and effortless performance. Common complaints often revolve around the high cost of maintenance, complex electronics that can be prone to failure, and the sheer expense of repairs when things go wrong.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or seals. In some cases, turbocharger oil lines may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and reduced engine power. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) indicating misfires on specific cylinders.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty ignition coil(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per coil, depending on labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during low-speed acceleration, particularly in lower gears. Can also manifest as harsh shifting or delayed engagement.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter or, in some cases, the entire transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, slipping between gears, harsh shifts, and failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuilding of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, failure to maintain ride height, “AIRMATIC Malfunction” warning message on the dashboard, and compressor failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure, difficulty starting the vehicle, and various electrical malfunctions.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw, which could be a faulty module, sensor, or wiring issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or unresponsive infotainment system. Navigation problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and display malfunctions.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the COMAND unit, or repair of faulty wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning driver-assistance systems, warning lights on the dashboard, and inaccurate sensor readings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight/Taillight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: LED failure, fogging, condensation inside the housing, or complete failure of the headlight or taillight assembly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight or taillight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ per light assembly.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to adjust the seat position, clicking noises from the seat mechanism, or complete failure of the seat motor.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or repair of the seat mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, sticking, making excessive noise, or leaking water.
  • Solution: Lubrication of the sunroof mechanism, repair of the sunroof motor, or replacement of the sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S600, while luxurious and powerful, can be prone to various issues, primarily related to its complex electronics, air suspension, and powerful V12 engine. The high cost of maintenance and repairs is a common concern among owners. The most severe and costly issues often involve the engine, transmission, AIRMATIC suspension, and COMAND system. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the high cost of ownership when considering this vehicle.