2018 Mercedes-Benz S500

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 (not the S500 as originally requested, because the S500 was not sold in the USA for the 2018 model year) represents the pinnacle of luxury sedans. It comes equipped with a 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 engine producing 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The car is highly regarded for its opulent interior, smooth ride quality thanks to its air suspension, and advanced technology features. However, some owners have reported frustrations regarding the complexity of its systems, leading to occasional electronic glitches. Other available engines include a 3.0L Turbocharged V6 and a 6.0L Turbocharged V12.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (M176)

• 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 drips, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or components is the typical fix. For turbocharger oil lines, replacement is usually recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the source and extent of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the turbochargers, including premature failure or excessive noise. This can result in reduced power, poor fuel economy, and diagnostic trouble codes.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement is usually required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-Tronic 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of rough or delayed shifting, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation during acceleration may also be observed.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can address the issue. However, valve body replacement or complete transmission rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 for software update, $1500 - $5000+ for valve body or transmission rebuild.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (AIRMATIC)
  • Description/Symptoms: The AIRMATIC air suspension system can experience issues, including air leaks in the struts or lines, compressor failure, or control module malfunctions. This results in a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, and error messages.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty strut, compressor, or control module is typically required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut, $800 - $1500+ for compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can exhibit various issues, including screen freezes, unresponsive touch controls, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and navigation errors.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. More serious problems may require replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 for software updates, $1500 - $3000+ for COMAND unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle or a completely dead battery. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or component.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Multiple sensors in the vehicle can fail, resulting in false readings that trigger error messages on the dashboard. Examples are parking sensors, blind spot sensors, and tire pressure sensors.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty sensor is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor depending on the type.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Trunk Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the automatic trunk malfunctioning. The trunk will not automatically open or close.
  • Solution: Replacement of the actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat motor may fail, which will affect the ability to adjust the seat in one or more directions.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560, while undeniably luxurious, is not without its potential issues. The air suspension and complex electronics are points of concern, as are potential engine and transmission problems. While some issues can be resolved with software updates, others require costly component replacements. The severity of the issues can range from minor inconveniences to significant mechanical failures, with repair costs varying widely. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect any used model and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified Mercedes-Benz mechanic to identify any potential problems before making a purchase.