2017 Mercedes-Benz S600L

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S600L represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance within the S-Class lineup. Powered by a formidable 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 engine producing 523 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, it delivers effortless power and a refined driving experience. Other engine options available for the 2017 S-Class include various V6 and V8 configurations as well as hybrid and AMG variants, each paired with Mercedes’ advanced automatic transmissions. Owners generally praise the S600L for its opulent interior, smooth ride quality provided by the air suspension, and advanced technology features. However, some common complaints revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, and occasional issues with the complex electronic systems.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may develop from various engine seals and gaskets, leading to oil consumption and potential low oil level warnings. Visible oil spots under the car are common, along with the smell of burning oil.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seals and gaskets. This may involve significant disassembly of the engine depending on the leak’s location.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ (depending on the leak’s location and severity).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine misfires and runs rough, accompanied by a check engine light. OBDII codes will indicate a misfire on a specific cylinder.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coil. It’s often recommended to replace all coils at the same time to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 (per coil, including labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic Automatic Transmission (722.9)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Potential for stalling. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to torque converter performance may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter is often required. In some cases, flushing the transmission fluid and replacing the filter may temporarily alleviate the symptoms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, or failure to shift into certain gears. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to valve body solenoids or pressure regulation may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuilding of the valve body. In some cases, individual solenoids can be replaced. A software update to the transmission control module (TCM) may also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or sitting unevenly, failure of the suspension to adjust ride height, error messages on the instrument cluster related to the air suspension system, and increased ride harshness. A hissing sound may be heard from a leaking air spring or compressor.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the faulty component (air spring, compressor, valve block, or air line) and replacement. It’s often recommended to replace air springs in pairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air Spring Replacement: $1,000 - $3,000+ (per spring); Compressor Replacement: $1,000 - $2,500+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system may experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure. Navigation issues, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and unresponsive touch screen are common.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In severe cases, the COMAND unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software Update: $100-$300; COMAND Unit Replacement: $1,500 - $4,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain can lead to difficulty starting the car or a completely dead battery. This may be caused by faulty modules not properly shutting down or by excessive parasitic draw.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the parasitic draw and repairing or replacing the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$1000+ (depending on the source of the draw).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The panoramic sunroof may become stuck, fail to open or close properly, or produce unusual noises during operation. Water leaks may also occur.
  • Solution: Lubricating the sunroof tracks and mechanism. Replacing the sunroof motor, cables, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Adjustment Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seat adjustments may fail to work, or the seat may become stuck in a particular position. This can be due to faulty seat motors or switches.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S600L, while offering unparalleled luxury and performance, can be prone to some costly issues. Engine oil leaks and transmission problems are major concerns, particularly with the complex V12 engine and 7G-Tronic transmission. Suspension issues, particularly with the airmatic system, are also common. Electrical glitches, especially with the COMAND system, can be frustrating. While some issues may be relatively minor, others can result in significant repair bills. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and carefully inspect the vehicle’s service history before making a purchase. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician is highly recommended.