2016 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its powerful engine, opulent interior, and advanced technology. The S63 AMG comes standard with a handcrafted 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, paired with an AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the car’s exhilarating acceleration, refined ride quality, and plethora of features, while others find the complex electronics prone to glitches and the maintenance costs to be high.

Engine

5.5L Biturbo V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling or whining noise from the engine bay, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ per turbocharger, depending on parts and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil dripping onto exhaust components, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ depending on the shop and location.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, coolant smell, visible leak.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the leaking component (water pump, hoses, radiator, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the source of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG Speedshift MCT 7-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, delayed engagement, hesitation during acceleration.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement; in severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush $300 - $500; Valve body replacement $1,500 - $3,500; Transmission rebuild $5,000 - $8,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive vibration, especially during acceleration or shifting.
  • Solution: Replacement of the transmission mount.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low or unevenly, “Vehicle Too Low” warning, failure to raise or lower.
  • Solution: Replacement of the airmatic compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Hissing sound from the suspension, vehicle sitting low, uneven ride height.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, unresponsive touchscreen, navigation errors.
  • Solution: Software update; in severe cases, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $100 - $300; COMAND unit replacement $1,500 - $4,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting, needing frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic drain (faulty module, short circuit); battery replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for diagnosis; battery replacement $300 - $700.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights, system malfunctions, inaccurate readings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• LED Lighting Issues (Headlights, Taillights)
  • Description/Symptoms: Flickering, dimming, or complete failure of LED lights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the LED module or entire headlight/taillight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per light.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat not moving in one or more directions, grinding noises.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor(s) or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per motor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making excessive noise, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, while offering exhilarating performance and luxury, can be prone to certain issues, particularly with the engine, transmission, suspension, and electronics. Repair costs can range from relatively minor to very expensive, especially for major components like turbochargers, airmatic suspension, and the COMAND system. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Mercedes-Benz mechanic to identify any existing or potential problems. Due to the complexity and high cost of repairs, extended warranties are worth considering.