2021 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan, boasting a handcrafted 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine producing 603 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission. Owners often praise its opulent interior, advanced technology, and exhilarating performance. Common complaints include the high price tag, complicated infotainment system, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

4.0L Biturbo V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning.
  • Solution: Identify and replace the leaking seals or gaskets (e.g., valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-Speed

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky gear changes, especially during low-speed driving. Hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software update for the transmission control module (TCM). If that doesn’t fix it, valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 for software update. $2,000 - $4,000+ for valve body replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Delay between shifting into drive or reverse and the car actually moving.
  • Solution: May require transmission fluid flush and filter change, or potentially a more extensive repair involving the valve body or torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 for fluid flush. $2,000 - $5,000+ for internal repairs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• AIRMATIC Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one side, uneven ride height, “Visit Workshop” warning on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air strut(s) or air compressor. Diagnose and repair any leaks in the air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ per strut, $1,500 - $3,000+ for compressor replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX system freezes, lags, or crashes unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Software update. In severe cases, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $3,000+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (e.g., Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty sensor readings, false alarms, or complete system failure.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises during operation, water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Adjustment Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One or more seat adjustments not working.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat adjustment motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, while offering exceptional performance and luxury, is prone to several issues. Engine and transmission problems can be quite costly, especially those related to turbochargers and valve bodies. Suspension issues, specifically with the AIRMATIC system, are also common and expensive to repair. Electrical glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and sensors, can be frustrating. While some issues may be minor, others could lead to significant repair bills. The severity of the issues ranges from inconvenient software glitches to major mechanical failures, with repair costs potentially reaching several thousand dollars. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their ownership considerations.