Post
Research the Car Logo

2016 Mercedes-Benz S600L

Posted
By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S600L is a luxurious and powerful sedan known for its opulent interior, advanced technology, and smooth ride. It came standard with a handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, producing 523 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the car’s quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and extensive list of features, while others find the technology overly complex and the running costs potentially high. Other engine options include the S550 (4.7L V8), S550e (3.0L V6 Hybrid), and S63 AMG (5.5L V8), each with its unique set of characteristics. The S600L, however, delivers the most performance with the V12 engine and its focus on luxury makes it a premium choice.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may occur from various points on the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or turbocharger lines. This can result in visible oil drips, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ignition Coil Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and reduced engine power. The check engine light will likely illuminate.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coil.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per coil, depending on the shop and location.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-Speed Automatic

  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during low-speed acceleration or while cruising. May also experience delayed or harsh shifting.
    • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh gear engagement, slipping, or failure to shift.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • AIRMATIC Suspension Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The car may sag on one or more corners, ride height may be uneven, or the suspension compressor may run constantly or fail completely. Error messages related to the AIRMATIC system may appear on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty air spring, air strut, compressor, or valve block.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $800 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: An air leak within the Airmatic air suspension can cause the vehicle to sag.
    • Solution: Replacing the Airmatic suspension and/or the air compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $800 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain overnight or over a few days of inactivity, making it difficult to start the car. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or electrical component.
    • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • COMAND System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system (infotainment) may freeze, crash, or display error messages. Functions such as navigation, audio, and phone connectivity may be affected.
    • Solution: Software update, module replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+ depending on the nature of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions of sensors for systems like the parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. This can result in warning lights and system unavailability.
    • Solution: Replacing the defective sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor, depending on location.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights may not adjust properly, resulting in poor visibility at night. Error messages related to the headlight system may appear on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the headlight module or the entire headlight assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+ per headlight.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Control Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat adjustments may become erratic or stop working altogether. This can be caused by a faulty seat control module or motor.
    • Solution: Replacing the seat control module or motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per seat.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S600L, while offering a supremely luxurious experience, is prone to certain issues that can be costly to repair. Engine oil leaks, transmission problems (especially with the torque converter and valve body), and AIRMATIC suspension failures are among the most common concerns. Electrical gremlins, such as battery drain and COMAND system malfunctions, can also be frustrating. Although not all vehicles will experience these problems, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential risks and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the specific problem.

Mercedes-Benz, S600L
Mercedes-Benz S600L 2016
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.