2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series is the ultimate expression of performance within the AMG GT lineup. It boasts a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 720 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G). Drivers praise its incredible track performance, aggressive styling, and exclusivity, but some criticisms include a harsh ride on public roads and a high price point.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8 (M178 LS2)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbochargers, loss of power, check engine light. Some owners have reported premature failure of the turbochargers.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+ per turbocharger
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Leaks have been reported from various locations including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G (7-speed dual-clutch)

• Harsh Shifting/Jerky Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting, particularly at low speeds or during downshifts. Hesitation or delay in gear engagement.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission adaptation reset, or in severe cases, replacement of clutch packs or the entire transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $8,000+ depending on the cause and repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine RPMs increase without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, indicating the transmission is slipping.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the cause of the slippage. Could be low fluid, clutch wear, or a failing mechatronic unit. Repair could include fluid replacement, clutch replacement, or mechatronic unit replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $10,000+ depending on the cause and repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Stiff ride, uneven handling, error message on the dashboard related to the adaptive damping system.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty damper. Replacement of the faulty damper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per damper.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes requiring a restart.
  • Solution: Software update. If that fails, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $2,000+ (Head Unit Replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (TPMS, Parking Sensors)
  • Description/Symptoms: Incorrect tire pressure readings, non-functional parking sensors, error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty sensor. Replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Carbon Fiber Component Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: The clear coat on the carbon fiber components (roof, spoiler, etc.) begins to peel or delaminate.
  • Solution: Refinishing or replacement of the affected carbon fiber component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the component and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Squeaks and Rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying squeaks and rattles emanating from various interior trim panels.
  • Solution: Locating and securing the loose trim panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the severity and location.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series, while an impressive performance machine, can experience issues primarily related to its high-performance engine and transmission. Potential owners should be aware of the possibility of turbocharger failures, oil leaks, and transmission issues which can be costly to repair. While some electrical and interior issues have been reported, they appear to be less frequent and less severe. Inspecting the car thoroughly before purchase is very important as some of these repairs could be quite costly to resolve.