2017 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S550

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S550 is a luxurious vehicle known for its opulent interior, smooth ride, and advanced technology. Its 4.7L biturbo V8 engine produces 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. While owners generally appreciate the car’s comfort and prestige, some common criticisms include high maintenance costs and the complexity of the infotainment system. Other engine options include a 6.0L Biturbo V12.

Engine

4.7L Biturbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various areas, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the source and severity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling or whining noises from the engine bay, and potential check engine light illumination. This is an issue that has been reported for turbos on various M278 engines.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation or harshness during gear changes, especially when shifting between lower gears or when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission fluid flush, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3,000+ depending on the issue
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The AIRMATIC air suspension system can experience issues with air leaks, compressor failure, or strut failure. Symptoms include a sagging vehicle height, especially overnight, a noisy compressor, and a rough ride.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air strut, compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, or unresponsiveness of the COMAND infotainment system. Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for software updates, $1,000 - $3,000+ for unit replacement
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently. This can be caused by parasitic drain from various electronic modules.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the source of the parasitic drain, or replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may fail to open or close properly, or may make excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Lubricating the sunroof tracks or replacing the sunroof motor or assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The multi-contour seats may experience issues with the massage function, lumbar support, or side bolsters.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the affected seat components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of parking sensors or blind spot monitoring systems.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S550, while exceptionally luxurious, can present owners with various issues, particularly in its engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. Repairs can be costly, especially those related to the AIRMATIC suspension and infotainment system. The potential for oil leaks and turbocharger problems in the engine also contributes to the cost of ownership. While some issues are minor and can be addressed with software updates, others require more extensive repairs, potentially resulting in significant expenses.