2020 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650 is the epitome of luxury and refinement, offering an unparalleled driving experience. While lauded for its opulent interior, smooth ride, and powerful performance, some owners have reported certain issues. The S650 is equipped with a handcrafted 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine that delivers 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include almost every premium option available on a standard S-Class. However, some owners dislike the high cost of maintenance and the complexity of the advanced technology, which can lead to occasional malfunctions.

Engine

6.0L Biturbo V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various areas of the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, or turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil spots under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves identifying the source of the leak. Replacement of the affected gaskets or seals is the typical repair. For turbocharger oil line leaks, replacement of the lines may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and a check engine light. The diagnostic code will indicate which cylinder is misfiring.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty ignition coil(s). It’s often recommended to replace coils in pairs or all at once.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per coil depending on location and dealer vs. independent shop.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC Seven-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of rough shifting, particularly between certain gears, or hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission software update can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, a more thorough inspection of the transmission may be necessary, including checking the valve body and fluid levels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $3000+ (transmission repair or replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The AIRMATIC air suspension system can experience issues such as sagging, uneven ride height, or complete failure. This can be indicated by warning lights on the dashboard. Leaks in the air struts or compressor failure are common causes.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves checking for leaks in the air struts, air lines, and compressor. Faulty components need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+ per strut depending on dealer versus independent shop. Compressor replacement can also be in a similar range.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, such as freezing, lagging, or failure to respond to inputs.
  • Solution: Software updates can often resolve these issues. In some cases, a complete system reset or replacement of the head unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $3000+ (head unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can lead to difficulty starting the vehicle or a completely dead battery. This can be caused by a faulty module not shutting down properly or parasitic draw from an aftermarket accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves testing the battery and charging system, as well as checking for parasitic draws. Faulty components need to be identified and replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+ depending on the cause of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The numerous sensors used for parking assist, lane keeping assist, and other safety features can sometimes malfunction, leading to false warnings or a failure of the system to operate correctly.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves scanning the vehicle’s computer for error codes and testing the sensors. Faulty sensors need to be replaced and the system recalibrated.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor, plus recalibration fees.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Massage/Ventilation Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the seat massage or ventilation functions, such as weak massage intensity or inconsistent airflow.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves checking the motors, fans, and control modules associated with these features. Faulty components need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on the component and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650 offers a luxurious experience, but potential owners should be aware of the reported issues. While some problems are relatively minor and easily resolved with software updates, others, like AIRMATIC suspension malfunctions or transmission issues, can be costly to repair. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures. Overall, the potential costs associated with repairs should be considered when evaluating the purchase of a used 2020 Maybach S650.