2020 Mercedes-Benz S560L

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S560L is a luxury sedan known for its opulent interior, advanced technology, and smooth ride. The S560L comes standard with 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 (S450), a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (S560), and a 6.0-liter V12 (S65 AMG). All engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the S560L for its comfortable and quiet cabin, powerful engine, and extensive list of features. Common complaints include the complexity of the infotainment system and the high cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (M176)

• Oil Leaks from Turbocharger Oil Supply Lines
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are observed around the turbocharger area. Burning oil smell may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil supply lines and gaskets for the turbochargers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve covers. Burning oil smell may be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may exhibit rough or delayed shifts, especially between lower gears. Some owners report hesitation upon acceleration.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission overhaul is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (software update) - $5,000+ (overhaul)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears when accelerating.
  • Solution: Replacement of the transmission valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The AIRMATIC air suspension system may fail, causing the vehicle to sag on one or more corners. Error messages related to the suspension system may appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of faulty components, such as air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut (depending on location and part), $800 - $1,500+ for compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Malfunctioning Infotainment System (MBUX)
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX infotainment system may experience freezing, glitches, or complete failure. Issues with navigation, audio, and other functions may occur.
  • Solution: Software updates, resetting the system, or replacing the infotainment system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $3,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery may drain quickly, especially if the car is not driven frequently.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic drain, replacement of the battery, or repair of faulty electrical components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (battery replacement), $100 - $1000+ (diagnostics and parasitic drain repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions with parking sensors and blind spot monitoring sensors
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may malfunction, get stuck, or leak.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of sunroof components, such as the motor or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard/Door Panel Squeaks and Rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying squeaks and rattles may develop in the dashboard or door panels.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing the source of the noise, often involving tightening fasteners or adding padding.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on complexity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S560L is a luxurious vehicle that may have some issues to consider. Engine issues primarily revolve around oil leaks, while the transmission can experience harsh shifting and slipping. The AIRMATIC suspension is prone to failures that can be costly to repair. Electrical issues such as MBUX glitches and battery drain are not uncommon. Interior squeaks and rattles may also surface. Overall, the severity and cost of repairs can range from minor annoyances to significant expenses, making it crucial to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified technician and to be aware of the potential for these common issues.