2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its powerful V12 engine, opulent interior, and advanced technology. Other S-Class models offered different engine options, including V6, V8, and hybrid powertrains, along with various transmission choices. The S65 AMG, however, is exclusively equipped with a hand-built 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the S65’s exhilarating performance, luxurious appointments, and smooth ride. Common complaints often revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, complex electronics prone to glitches, and the vehicle’s considerable depreciation.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 (M279)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various engine seals and gaskets, often manifesting as visible oil drips under the car or a burning oil smell. Can also be found on engine components.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seals and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the location and complexity of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, reduced power, and the check engine light illuminating. Diagnostic codes will indicate misfires on specific cylinders.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coil(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (per coil, depending on location and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC (722.9)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds; transmission slipping; harsh or delayed shifts; and potential stalling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, hard shifts, delayed engagement, or failure to shift gears. Diagnostic codes may indicate valve body malfunctions.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The car sits lower than normal, uneven ride height, a harsh or bouncy ride, and the “Car Too Low” warning light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ (per strut, compressor, or valve block)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system (navigation, infotainment, climate control) freezes, crashes, or displays error messages. Individual functions may become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software update, module reset, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery frequently drains, especially when the car is not driven for a few days. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the parasitic draw, which may involve tracing faulty modules or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Parking Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors fail to function correctly, leading to false alarms or a failure to detect obstacles.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty parking sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Malfunctions (LED)
  • Description/Symptoms: LED headlights flicker, dim, or fail to illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ (per headlight)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Massage System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat massage function stops working or operates erratically.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the massage system components (air bladders, pump, control module).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof makes excessive noise when opening or closing.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the rails and moving parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, while offering exceptional performance and luxury, can present owners with a range of potential issues. Engine and transmission problems, particularly oil leaks and torque converter failure, can be costly to address. Electrical malfunctions, especially those affecting the COMAND system and parking sensors, are also relatively common. Suspension issues can range from moderate to severe depending on the part that fails, with the AIRMATIC system being a known weak point. Overall, owners should be prepared for potentially high maintenance and repair costs associated with this high-performance vehicle.