2016 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance in the S-Class lineup. It is equipped with a handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. While renowned for its opulent interior, advanced technology, and powerful engine, some owners have reported certain issues. Criticisms often revolve around the high running costs, potential for complex electronic malfunctions, and the sheer expense of repairs when things do go wrong. The S550 is an available model that produces 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and the turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals is usually the fix. Turbocharger oil line leaks may require replacing the lines themselves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light illuminated. Diagnosis with a scan tool will usually point to a specific cylinder.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil. It’s often recommended to replace all coils at the same time, or at least coils on the same bank of the engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (per coil, labor included)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, whistling sound from the engine bay, check engine light. Can be due to failing turbo seals, wastegate problems, or other internal failures.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+ (depending on whether one or both turbos need repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC PLUS Seven-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds or during light acceleration. Can also cause erratic shifting.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, transmission slipping, or getting stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car sitting low on one or more corners, suspension warning lights, compressor running constantly or not at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air struts, air compressor, or valve block. Leaks in the air lines can also cause issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per strut, $800 - $1500+ for the compressor
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery draining overnight or within a few days of sitting. Can be difficult to diagnose, often due to a faulty module not shutting down properly.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic drain, followed by replacement of the faulty module or wiring repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (diagnostic time can be significant)
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, reboots, screen going blank, navigation errors, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the COMAND unit, or repair of wiring connections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ (depending on the severity and solution)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Control Module Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat controls not working, seat memory feature not working, error messages on the dash.
  • Solution: Replace the seat control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Trunk/Liftgate Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Trunk not opening or closing automatically, getting stuck, making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Replacement of the trunk struts, motor, or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, making grinding noises, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Massage Seat Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Massage function not working, air bladders not inflating or deflating, error messages.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the massage seat components, such as the air pump, bladders, or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is a high-performance luxury vehicle that demands significant maintenance. While the engine provides exhilarating power, it is susceptible to oil leaks and turbocharger issues, potentially leading to costly repairs. The AIRMATIC suspension is also prone to failures. Electronic issues, particularly with the COMAND system and battery drain, are also common. These issues combined can lead to very expensive repair bills, often exceeding $5,000. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Mercedes-Benz mechanic and budget for the high cost of ownership associated with this model.