2017 Mercedes-Benz S65L AMG

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S65L AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan. It came standard with a handcrafted 6.0L biturbo V12 engine producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The other S-Class trims for 2017 offered various engine options, including a 3.0L V6, a 4.7L V8, and a hybrid powertrain. The S65L AMG was only offered with an AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s opulent interior, powerful engine, and comfortable ride, while potential drawbacks include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and significant depreciation.

Engine

6.0L Biturbo V12

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per coil pack (depending on location and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Common leak areas include valve cover gaskets and the oil cooler.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on the source of the leak and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine, check engine light. Potential issues with wastegate actuators or turbocharger bearings.
  • Solution: Repair or replace faulty turbocharger components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage and whether a new or refurbished turbocharger is used).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, especially during low-speed acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter change. In some cases, valve body issues may require repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ for fluid flush; $1,500 - $4,000+ for valve body repair/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable delay when shifting into drive or reverse.
  • Solution: Check transmission fluid level and condition. May require transmission rebuild or replacement if internal damage is present.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 for fluid level check; $4,000 - $8,000+ for rebuild/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The AIRMATIC system can experience leaks, compressor failure, or issues with the valve block, leading to uneven ride height, suspension malfunction warnings, or a harsh ride.
  • Solution: Replace faulty air struts, compressor, or valve block. Diagnose and repair any air leaks in the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut; $800 - $2,000+ for compressor; $500 - $1,500+ for valve block.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery frequently drains, especially if left parked for extended periods. This can be due to a parasitic draw from various electrical components.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve testing and replacing faulty modules or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure. This may affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Attempt a system reset. If the problem persists, the COMAND unit may need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for a reset (if possible); $1,000 - $3,000+ for repair/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may stop working due to a faulty heating element or control module.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S65L AMG is a powerful and luxurious vehicle, but it is prone to some costly issues. Engine issues such as coil pack failure, oil leaks, and turbocharger problems can lead to significant repair bills. The AIRMATIC suspension and complex electronics can also be sources of concern. While some issues like rough shifting might be resolved with routine maintenance, others require more extensive repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs.