2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S is a high-performance SUV known for its powerful engine and luxurious features. It was also available with a non-S version that had less horsepower. The GLE63 AMG S boasts a handcrafted 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque, paired with an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the vehicle’s acceleration, comfortable ride, and high-end interior. Common complaints include high maintenance costs, complex electronics prone to glitches, and fuel economy.

Engine

5.5L Biturbo V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (per turbo)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Oil leaks may originate from valve cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, or the rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on the source of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Check Engine Light Due to Various Sensor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The check engine light may illuminate due to faulty oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, or other emissions-related sensors. Diagnostic codes will need to be pulled to determine the exact cause.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ (depending on the sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-TRONIC

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between certain gears. Can be more noticeable when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, software update, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ (depending on the severity and required repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuttering or vibration at low speeds, especially during light acceleration. May also cause stalling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, suspension warning light, compressor failure. The air struts or the air compressor may fail.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air strut(s) or air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ (per strut or compressor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Air leak in the system causes the vehicle to lower, and the pump has to work extra to pump the air back to the needed pressure.
  • Solution: Air lines need to be inspected and any cracks or splits need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, frequent jump starts needed. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or component.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve replacing a faulty module or component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source)
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the infotainment system, including screen freezing, navigation problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and audio system failures.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on the severity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning parking sensors, blind spot monitoring system not working, error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Tailgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate not opening or closing properly, making grinding noise, or stopping mid-cycle.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate motor or struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working or working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S, while a powerful and luxurious SUV, can present owners with a range of issues. The most concerning problems revolve around the engine, particularly turbocharger failures and oil leaks, which can be very expensive to repair. Air suspension problems and electrical glitches are also common and can lead to significant repair bills. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be quite severe and costly. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and consider a thorough inspection before purchasing.