2017 Mercedes-Benz S500

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a luxury sedan known for its opulent interior, smooth ride, and advanced technology. The S500 specifically features a 4.7L Biturbo V8 engine producing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2017 S-Class range included a V6, a different V8, and a V12, as well as hybrid options depending on the specific S-Class model. The S500 is highly regarded for its comfortable and quiet cabin, sophisticated features, and overall driving experience. However, potential drawbacks include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as the complexity of the advanced technology, which can sometimes lead to issues.

Engine

4.7L Biturbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various seals and gaskets within the engine. Common areas include the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the engine or ground, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Turbochargers can experience failures such as boost leaks, bearing wear, or wastegate malfunctions. Symptoms include reduced engine power, unusual noises from the turbocharger area (whining, whistling), and potentially check engine lights.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the affected turbocharger components. In some cases, the entire turbocharger unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per turbocharger (the S500 has two)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-Tronic 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly when the transmission is cold or under heavy load. This can manifest as jerky shifts, hesitation when accelerating, or difficulty finding the correct gear.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission software update can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $5,000+ (transmission rebuild or replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system is prone to issues such as air leaks, compressor failure, or strut failure. Symptoms include a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, a noisy air compressor, and a rough ride. Error messages related to the suspension system may also appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the source of the leak or failure, followed by replacement of the affected components (air struts, compressor, valve block, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience various malfunctions, including screen freezes, unresponsive controls, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and navigation errors.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In more severe cases, the COMAND unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 (software updates) - $2,000+ (COMAND unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with excessive battery drain, leading to a dead battery, especially if the car is not driven frequently. This can be caused by faulty modules not properly shutting down, parasitic draws, or a failing battery.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the source of the battery drain, followed by repair or replacement of the affected components or battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (battery replacement) - $200 - $1000+ (diagnosis and repair of parasitic draw)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The S500 utilizes a wide variety of sensors such as blind spot monitoring, park distance control, and other safety features that can experience failures. Symptoms can vary depending on which sensor is failing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Control Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the power seat controls, including failure to adjust in certain directions, or intermittent operation.
  • Solution: The seat control module or motors may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S500, while a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle, is prone to certain issues. The airmatic suspension, electrical systems, and engine oil leaks are among the most common problems reported. The cost of repairs can be high, especially for complex systems like the Airmatic suspension and COMAND infotainment. While the S500 offers a premium driving experience, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their ownership considerations.