2016 Mercedes-Benz S63L AMG

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S63L AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its powerful engine, opulent interior, and advanced technology. It was available with a 5.5L Twin-Turbo V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Some owners praise the car for its exhilarating acceleration, comfortable ride, and impressive array of features. Common complaints revolve around the car’s high maintenance costs, complex electronics that can be prone to glitches, and occasional issues with the air suspension.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbo V8 (M157)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine bay, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and turbocharger oil lines.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on location.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable jerks or harsh shifts between gears, particularly during low-speed driving.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and potentially software update. In some cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ depending on severity and required repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine revving high without corresponding acceleration, delayed or hesitant gear changes.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, ride height malfunction warning light, compressor running excessively or not at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty air struts, compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per strut, $500-$1500+ for compressor
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity, difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnostic testing to identify the parasitic draw, followed by repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, rebooting, or complete failure of the infotainment system.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunction warnings, system not functioning correctly.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor depending on location
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Massage Function Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat massage function stops working or operates erratically.
  • Solution: Replacement of the massage pump or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening/closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of sunroof motor, rails, or associated components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S63L AMG, while a supremely luxurious and powerful vehicle, can suffer from several common issues. Engine issues, particularly with turbocharger failure and oil leaks, can be very costly to repair. Transmission problems, especially harsh shifting or slippage, also represent a significant potential expense. Electrical glitches and air suspension failures are also frequent concerns. While some problems are minor, the potential for significant repair bills makes a thorough pre-purchase inspection essential.