2020 Mercedes-Benz S560

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S560 is a luxury sedan known for its opulent interior, smooth ride, and advanced technology. The S560 boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2020 S-Class include a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost (S450), and a 6.0-liter V12 (S680). All engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners typically praise the S560 for its comfort, quiet cabin, and abundance of features, but some have reported issues with the complicated technology and occasional electronic glitches.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of turbocharger failure, including whining noises, loss of power, and check engine lights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic (9G-TRONIC)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between lower gears. This can be more noticeable during cold starts.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 (Software Update), $1,500 - $3,000+ (Valve Body Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or hesitant engagement of the transmission when shifting from Park or Neutral into Drive or Reverse.
  • Solution: Inspection of the transmission fluid level and condition, followed by a fluid change if necessary. If the problem continues, further diagnosis of the transmission’s internal components is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Problems (AIRMATIC)
  • Description/Symptoms: The AIRMATIC system can experience issues such as sagging, uneven ride height, or failure to adjust. Error messages related to the air suspension system may appear on the dashboard. Leaks in the air struts or compressor failure are common causes.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut, $800 - $1,500+ (Compressor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience freezing, slow response times, or unexpected reboots. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates are often the first step in addressing these issues. In more severe cases, replacement of the COMAND unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200 (Software Update), $1,000 - $3,000+ (Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring sensors, and driver-assistance sensors, can malfunction, leading to error messages or impaired functionality.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty sensor, followed by replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain can occur, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently. This can lead to difficulty starting the engine or failure of electrical systems.
  • Solution: Testing the battery and charging system to identify any parasitic drains. Replacement of the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (Battery Replacement), $100+ (Diagnostic Testing)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the sunroof, including failure to open or close properly, unusual noises, or water leaks.
  • Solution: Inspection and repair of the sunroof mechanism, including cleaning and lubrication. Replacement of damaged components may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Door Closing Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic soft-close doors sometimes experience issues with properly latching or closing.
  • Solution: Adjustment or replacement of the door latch mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S560 offers a luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. Electrical glitches, air suspension problems, and oil leaks appear to be the most frequently reported concerns. While software updates may resolve some of the electrical issues, mechanical problems such as air suspension and turbocharger failures can be expensive to repair. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to costly repairs, so a thorough inspection and pre-purchase check are advisable.