2018 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan that combines opulent comfort with thrilling performance. It features a handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 603 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While owners appreciate the S63’s powerful engine, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, some common complaints include issues with the air suspension, electrical glitches, and high maintenance costs.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, reduced power, check engine light. Can lead to oil leaks if not addressed.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Pan Gaskets)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks (Water Pump, Hoses)
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, low coolant level, coolant smell, visible leaks.
  • Solution: Replace water pump and/or hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-Tronic (9-Speed Automatic)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially between certain gears. Transmission may hesitate when accelerating.
  • Solution: Transmission software update or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially when accelerating.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, suspension not raising or lowering, error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per strut, $800 - $1500 for compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Leak in Suspension System
  • Description/Symptoms: Hissing sound, vehicle not maintaining ride height, compressor running constantly
  • Solution: Repair or replace leaking air lines or air struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Issues (Infotainment)
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezing, system crashing, navigation problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software update or COMAND unit replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: False alarms, system not functioning properly, error messages.
  • Solution: Sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car not starting, needing frequent jump starts, electrical systems malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic drain, replace battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Massage Function Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Massage function not working or working intermittently in seats.
  • Solution: Repair or replace seat massage components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG offers incredible performance and luxury, but potential buyers should be aware of potential issues. The most common and potentially costly problems relate to the air suspension system and turbochargers. Electrical gremlins and transmission issues can also arise. Repair costs can be high due to the complexity of the vehicle and the need for specialized parts and service. Potential buyers should obtain a thorough pre-purchase inspection from a qualified Mercedes-Benz mechanic to assess the condition of these critical components.