2019 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its powerful engine, opulent interior, and advanced technology. It comes standard with a handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 603 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic transmission. People generally praise the S63 AMG for its exhilarating performance, comfortable ride, and luxurious appointments. Criticisms often center around its high price, complex technology that can be prone to glitches, and relatively high running costs.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (M177)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the turbocharger, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (per turbocharger)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level. Often related to valve cover gaskets or oil cooler lines.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or line.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between certain gears. Transmission may hesitate when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission fluid flush, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (software update) - $3,000+ (valve body)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, compressor running constantly, error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected air strut(s) or compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezing, navigation issues, Bluetooth connectivity problems, system rebooting randomly.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300+ (software update) - $2,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery draining overnight or after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Identify the parasitic draw (often related to a faulty module or aftermarket accessory) and repair the wiring, or replace the module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate readings, error messages, or complete failure of the system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per sensor (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly, motor making grinding noises or not responding.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat motor or associated control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG offers impressive performance and luxury, but owners may encounter several potential issues. Engine problems, such as turbocharger failures and oil leaks, can be costly to repair. Suspension issues, particularly with the AIRMATIC system, are also relatively common and expensive. Electrical gremlins, especially with the COMAND system, can be frustrating. Overall, the S63 AMG requires careful maintenance and potential for high repair costs, so pre-purchase inspection and extended warranty coverage are advisable.