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The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 S 63 AMG represents the epitome of luxury and high-performance engineering. With its handcrafted 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 engine, cutting-edge technology, and opulent interior, the S 63 AMG is a dream car for many enthusiasts. However, like any high-performance luxury vehicle, it is not without its flaws.
Owning an S 63 AMG requires proper maintenance and awareness of common issues that can arise over time. From mechanical and electrical problems to suspension and drivetrain concerns, understanding these issues can help owners prevent costly repairs and maintain the car’s reliability.
This in-depth guide will explore the most common problems associated with the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG W222, their causes, symptoms, and potential solutions.
Mercedes S-Class W222 S 63 AMG Engine and Performance Issues
At the heart of the S 63 AMG is the handcrafted AMG 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (M177) engine, delivering immense power and exhilarating performance. However, high-performance engines also require meticulous upkeep, and certain recurring issues have been reported by owners.
Turbocharger Failures
One of the most significant concerns with the S 63 AMG is turbocharger failure. The twin-turbo setup enhances engine efficiency and power output, but it is prone to problems such as excessive heat buildup, oil contamination, and actuator failures.
Symptoms of turbo failure include:
Loss of power and sluggish acceleration
Whining or high-pitched noises from the engine
Blue or white smoke from the exhaust
Check engine light (often related to boost pressure issues)
Regular oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil and proper cooldown periods after aggressive driving can help prolong turbocharger life. If signs of turbo failure appear, it is crucial to have the system inspected to avoid costly engine damage.
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Direct injection engines, including the M177 in the S 63 AMG, are prone to carbon buildup on intake valves over time. This happens because fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber rather than cleaning the intake valves as in port injection systems.
Symptoms include:
Rough idling and hesitation
Decreased fuel efficiency
Loss of power and throttle response
To minimize carbon buildup, regular intake cleaning procedures such as walnut blasting should be performed. Additionally, using high-quality fuel and occasional high-rev driving can help prevent excessive deposits.
Oil Leaks and High Oil Consumption
Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption in the S 63 AMG, which can be linked to worn valve seals, turbocharger seals, or oil cooler leaks.
Symptoms include:
Frequent need to top up engine oil
Visible oil stains under the vehicle
Smoke from the exhaust under acceleration
Checking for oil leaks regularly and addressing worn gaskets and seals can prevent long-term damage. Using the recommended AMG-approved oil and changing it at shorter intervals than factory recommendations can also help reduce oil-related issues.
Mercedes S-Class W222 S 63 AMG Transmission and Drivetrain Issues
The S 63 AMG is equipped with the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed automatic transmission, designed to handle high torque while delivering quick shifts. However, certain problems have been reported related to shift quality, responsiveness, and component wear.
Harsh or Delayed Shifting
Many owners have experienced jerky, delayed, or rough shifting, especially in Comfort mode. This can be caused by transmission software glitches, worn clutch packs, or transmission fluid degradation.
Symptoms include:
Harsh upshifts or downshifts
Transmission hesitation before engaging gears
Grinding noises or slipping under hard acceleration
A transmission software update or adaptation reset can sometimes resolve these issues. Additionally, regular transmission fluid and filter changes can improve shift quality and prevent wear.
4MATIC+ System Malfunctions
The S 63 AMG features the AMG 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent traction and handling. However, some owners have reported issues with the front differential, transfer case, and electronic controls related to the AWD system.
Symptoms include:
Warning lights related to the AWD system
Unusual noises from the front or rear axles
Reduced traction or unexpected power delivery issues
Routine differential and transfer case fluid changes can help prolong the life of the 4MATIC+ system. If warning lights appear, a professional diagnostic scan should be performed to identify faulty components.
Mercedes S-Class W222 S 63 AMG Suspension and Ride Comfort Issues
The S 63 AMG is equipped with AMG Ride Control and an adaptive air suspension system (AIRMATIC), which offers a blend of performance handling and comfort. However, air suspension components are known to develop issues over time.
AIRMATIC Suspension Failures
Common AIRMATIC problems include air strut leaks, faulty air compressors, and ride height sensor failures.
Symptoms include:
Vehicle sitting lower on one side
Suspension warning messages
Excessive bouncing or harsh ride quality
Replacing aging air struts before they completely fail can prevent further damage to the suspension system. Additionally, keeping the air compressor and ride height sensors in good condition ensures proper ride comfort and handling.
Control Arm and Bushing Wear
The AMG-tuned suspension puts additional stress on control arms and bushings, leading to premature wear.
Symptoms include:
Clunking or knocking noises from the suspension
Increased body roll or poor handling
Vibrations through the steering wheel
Regular suspension inspections and timely replacement of worn bushings and control arms can restore handling performance. Upgrading to reinforced aftermarket components can also enhance durability.
Electrical and Infotainment Problems
As a high-tech luxury vehicle, the S 63 AMG features an advanced infotainment system, digital displays, and driver-assistance technologies. However, electrical issues are common in complex systems.
COMAND System Glitches
The COMAND infotainment system has been reported to experience freezing, unresponsiveness, and connectivity issues.
Symptoms include:
Screen going blank or restarting unexpectedly
Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connection failures
Navigation system errors
Performing software updates or a system reset often resolves these problems. If the issue persists, replacing the main control module may be necessary.
Keyless-Go and Start/Stop Failures
Some owners have encountered issues with the Keyless-Go system, where the car fails to recognize the key fob, preventing it from starting.
Symptoms include:
“Key not detected” warning message
Inconsistent push-start functionality
Doors not unlocking via keyless entry
Replacing the key fob battery or reprogramming the system often fixes these issues. If not, the keyless entry module may need to be repaired.
Mercedes S-Class W222 S 63 AMG Exhaust and Emission Issues
Catalytic Converter and OPF Failures
The AMG exhaust system is designed for high performance, but components like the catalytic converters and OPF (Otto Particulate Filter) can develop problems over time, especially if the vehicle is driven aggressively.
Symptoms include:
Check engine light due to catalyst inefficiency
Increased exhaust drone or rattling noises
Reduced engine power and higher fuel consumption
Regular engine tuning and monitoring of exhaust gases can help prevent these issues. If a catalytic converter fails, replacing it with an OEM or high-flow unit is necessary.
Mercedes S-Class W222 S 63 AMG Braking System Problems
The S 63 AMG is equipped with high-performance AMG carbon-ceramic or steel brakes, designed to handle extreme braking forces. However, even such advanced braking systems are prone to wear and occasional failures.
Premature Brake Wear
Due to the powerful nature of the S 63 AMG and its heavy weight, brake components—especially pads and rotors—wear out faster than in regular vehicles.
Symptoms of brake wear include:
Squeaking or grinding noises during braking
Increased stopping distance
Brake pedal vibration under heavy braking
Regular brake inspections and using high-performance brake pads suited for street and track use can improve longevity. If opting for ceramic brakes, avoid excessive cold braking, as it can reduce their lifespan.
Brake System Warning Messages
Some owners have reported intermittent brake warning messages, often related to the electronic brake control module or ABS sensors.
Symptoms include:
ABS or ESC warning lights on the dashboard
Temporary loss of brake assist function
Uneven braking force distribution
A diagnostic scan can help identify faulty sensors or modules that require replacement. Ensuring brake fluid is regularly flushed can also prevent electronic brake malfunctions.
Mercedes S-Class W222 S 63 AMG Cooling System and Overheating Concerns
High-performance engines generate immense heat, and the S 63 AMG’s cooling system is crucial in preventing overheating. However, some common cooling system failures have been reported.
Radiator and Coolant Hose Leaks
The S 63 AMG’s high-pressure cooling system is prone to coolant leaks, especially from radiator hoses and expansion tanks.
Symptoms include:
Low coolant levels and frequent refilling
Overheating warnings on the dashboard
Coolant puddles under the vehicle
Routine inspections of coolant hoses and the radiator can help prevent failures. If a leak is detected, replacing the affected component immediately is essential to avoid engine damage.
Water Pump and Thermostat Failures
A failing water pump or thermostat can lead to inefficient cooling, resulting in engine overheating or fluctuating temperatures.
Symptoms include:
Inconsistent engine temperature readings
Reduced performance in hot conditions
Overheating under load
Replacing the water pump and thermostat as part of preventive maintenance can keep the cooling system functioning optimally. Using AMG-approved coolant is also crucial for engine longevity.
Mercedes S-Class W222 S 63 AMG Interior Wear and Comfort Issues
The W222 S 63 AMG offers an ultra-luxurious interior, but even high-quality materials can deteriorate over time.
Leather and Alcantara Wear
Frequent use of the vehicle can lead to premature wear on leather seats, steering wheels, and armrests.
Common issues include:
Fading or cracking leather, especially on the driver’s seat
Steering wheel Alcantara losing its soft texture
Door panel wear from repeated contact
Regularly conditioning the leather and cleaning Alcantara surfaces with specialized products can help maintain the premium look and feel.
Air Conditioning Malfunctions
Some owners have reported weak airflow, inconsistent cooling, or failure of the air conditioning system.
Common causes include:
Refrigerant leaks
Faulty AC compressor
Clogged cabin air filters
Routine AC servicing and filter replacement can prevent these issues. If cooling performance declines, a diagnostic test should be performed to check for leaks.
Mercedes S-Class W222 S 63 AMG Exhaust System and Emissions Issues
Exhaust Valve Malfunctions
The S 63 AMG features an active exhaust system with electronically controlled valves that open or close depending on driving mode. However, these valves can get stuck due to carbon buildup or actuator failures.
Symptoms include:
No change in exhaust sound between modes
Rattling noises from the exhaust
Reduced exhaust flow, affecting performance
Regular cleaning of the exhaust system and occasional spirited driving can help prevent valve sticking. If the issue persists, actuator replacement may be necessary.
Mercedes S-Class W222 S 63 AMG: Long-Term Maintenance and Ownership Considerations
Owning an AMG model requires attention to detail when it comes to maintenance. Given the complexity of the S 63 AMG, preventative care is crucial in avoiding costly repairs.
Frequent Servicing is Essential
Regular oil changes, brake fluid flushes, transmission servicing, and cooling system maintenance are key to ensuring the car remains reliable.
Recommended service intervals:
Oil and filter change: Every 5,000–7,000 km for optimal engine protection
Transmission service: Every 50,000 km
Brake fluid flush: Every 2 years
Coolant replacement: Every 3 years
Software Updates and Recalls
Mercedes-Benz often releases software updates to fix transmission calibration, infotainment glitches, and electronic system bugs. Staying up-to-date with dealership updates and recall information can prevent many common problems.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 S 63 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan that offers an unmatched combination of power and comfort. However, it is not without its challenges. Issues such as turbocharger failures, transmission hesitations, AIRMATIC suspension leaks, and electronic glitches can arise if not properly maintained.
By addressing these problems early and following a strict maintenance routine, owners can enjoy the exhilarating performance and prestige of the S 63 AMG without unexpected breakdowns.
For expert maintenance and AMG-certified repairs, visit European Auto Pro 253 Goodwood Road, Kings Park, 5034 South Australia. Our team specializes in diagnosing and resolving issues specific to AMG models, ensuring your S 63 AMG remains in peak condition.