2017 Mercedes-Benz S550

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 is a luxury sedan that offers a smooth ride, opulent interior, and powerful performance. The S550 comes standard with a 4.7L twin-turbo V8 engine producing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available include a 3.0L V6 (S450) and a 6.0L V12 (S600). All engines are paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the S550 for its comfort, technology features, and refined driving experience. Some common complaints include high maintenance costs and complexity of the advanced electronic systems.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, the smell of burning oil, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing 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: Premature turbocharger failure. Symptoms include decreased power, unusual noises from the engine, and potentially an engine check light related to turbocharger performance.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough or delayed shifts, particularly when shifting between lower gears or when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software updates, transmission service (fluid and filter change). In some cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ depending on the severity of the problem and the necessary repairs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The AIRMATIC air suspension system can experience failures, leading to the car sitting unevenly, sagging, or failing to adjust ride height. Error messages on the dashboard are common.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty air struts, air compressor, or valve block. Diagnosing and repairing air leaks in the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, or $500 - $1,500 for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to various factors, including faulty modules, parasitic draws, or a failing battery.
  • Solution: Thorough electrical system diagnosis to identify the source of the drain. Replacing the battery and fixing the underlying cause.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failures.
  • Solution: Software updates, system resets, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+ depending on the issue and repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors can fail, including parking sensors, blind spot monitoring sensors, and driver assistance system sensors. This can lead to warning lights, error messages, and malfunction of the affected system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panorama Roof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The panoramic sunroof can develop problems with the opening and closing mechanism, leaks, or cracking of the glass.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof mechanism, resealing the sunroof, or replacing the glass panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the seat adjustment motors can prevent the seat from moving in one or more directions.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or repairing the seat adjustment mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per motor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S550, while a luxurious and sophisticated vehicle, can be prone to several issues, particularly with the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. The AIRMATIC suspension and electrical gremlins can be expensive to repair. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the cost of potential repairs when considering this vehicle. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to significant financial burdens.