2017 Mercedes-Benz S500L

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S500L is a luxury sedan known for its opulent interior, advanced technology, and smooth ride. In the US market, the S500L model was typically equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available in the S-Class range included a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, a 6.0-liter V12, and various AMG-tuned variants. A 9-speed automatic transmission was the standard transmission. Owners generally praise the S500L for its comfort, quietness, and abundance of features. Common complaints often relate to the complexity of the infotainment system, the cost of maintenance, and occasional electrical glitches.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points in the engine, but common areas include the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, the smell of burning oil, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals. For turbocharger oil lines, replacement of the lines is often necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The twin-turbochargers can experience issues such as wastegate failure or internal component wear, leading to reduced boost pressure, decreased performance, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Diagnosis via pressure testing. Repair or replacement of the turbochargers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+ per turbocharger replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0/725.1/725.2)

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly between lower gears. This can be caused by issues with the valve body or the transmission control module (TCM).
  • Solution: Perform a transmission service, including fluid and filter change. If the issue persists, the valve body may need to be rebuilt or replaced. In some cases, a TCM software update or replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ depending on the severity and repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The AIRMATIC air suspension system is prone to issues such as air leaks in the struts or air lines, compressor failure, or problems with the ride height sensors. Symptoms include the car sitting unevenly, a harsh ride, or the suspension warning light illuminating.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the air leak or component failure. Replace faulty struts, air lines, compressor, or ride height sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ per strut replacement, depending on location. Compressor replacement can range from $500 - $1,500.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate control functions.
  • Solution: Try a system reset. Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+ depending on the repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with excessive battery drain, particularly when the vehicle is not driven for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic drain. Common sources include the infotainment system, seat control modules, and alarm system. Repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+, depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Sensors for features like parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist can malfunction due to damage or electrical issues.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The panoramic sunroof can experience problems such as motor failure, binding, or leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor or mechanism. Address any leaks with sealant or replacement of seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: The power seat motors can fail, resulting in the inability to adjust the seats.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per seat motor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S500L is a luxurious vehicle with a few potential issues. The most common issues involve the engine (oil leaks, turbocharger issues), transmission (rough shifting), and suspension (AIRMATIC problems). Electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system and battery drain, are also reported. While some issues can be relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others, such as turbocharger or suspension repairs, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase.