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The Mercedes-Maybach S 680, based on the W223 S-Class, represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury, performance, and technological sophistication. Equipped with a 6.0L twin-turbocharged V12 engine, this ultra-luxurious sedan is designed to provide unparalleled comfort and prestige.
However, despite its state-of-the-art engineering, the S 680 is not immune to mechanical, electrical, and reliability issues.
While the W223 S 680 Maybach is one of the finest sedans in the world, long-term owners and automotive experts have reported certain recurring problems that can affect its performance, ride quality, and overall ownership experience.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the most common issues faced by S 680 owners, their causes, symptoms, and possible solutions.
Mercedes S-Class W223 S 680 Engine and Performance Issues
The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is powered by a 6.0L twin-turbocharged V12 engine that delivers exceptional smoothness and power. However, like any high-performance engine, it requires meticulous maintenance to prevent performance-related issues.
Turbocharger Failures
The twin-turbo system in the S 680 enhances performance by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. However, turbocharger failures are a known issue, primarily due to oil contamination, carbon buildup, or actuator malfunctions.
A failing turbo can result in:
Loss of power during acceleration
Excessive smoke from the exhaust
Whining or whistling noises from the engine bay
To prevent turbo failure, regular oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil are crucial. If symptoms arise, a professional inspection of the turbo system is recommended to avoid further damage to the engine.
Engine Overheating
The V12 engine in the S 680 generates significant heat, making it prone to overheating issues if the cooling system is not properly maintained. Overheating can be caused by:
Clogged or leaking radiators
Faulty water pump or thermostat
Low coolant levels due to leaks
Regular coolant system maintenance, including flushing the coolant and inspecting hoses, can help prevent overheating. If the engine temperature rises abnormally, immediate action is necessary to avoid severe engine damage.
Oil Leaks and Excessive Consumption
Many high-performance Mercedes engines, including the S 680’s V12, experience oil leaks over time. These leaks commonly originate from:
Valve cover gaskets
Oil cooler seals
Turbo oil lines
Symptoms of oil leaks include:
Burning oil smell
Visible oil spots under the car
Excessive oil consumption between service intervals
Regular oil level checks and early replacement of gaskets and seals can prevent major leaks and engine damage.
Mercedes S-Class W223 S 680 Transmission and Drivetrain Problems
The S 680 Maybach features a 9-speed automatic transmission (9G-Tronic), designed for ultra-smooth gear shifts. However, some owners have reported shifting issues over time.
Transmission Hesitation and Rough Shifting
Some owners have experienced:
Delayed gear engagement when accelerating
Rough or jerky shifts
Transmission slipping under load
These issues can be caused by:
Low or degraded transmission fluid
Software glitches in the transmission control unit (TCU)
Wear and tear on clutch packs
Regular transmission fluid changes (every 60,000 km) and software updates can help maintain smooth shifting and prolong the gearbox's lifespan. If rough shifting persists, a TCU reset or recalibration may be required.
Driveshaft and Differential Noise
Some S 680 owners have reported clunking noises from the drivetrain, particularly when accelerating or decelerating. These noises may be caused by:
Failing driveshaft couplings
Worn differential mounts
Imbalanced propshafts
If abnormal drivetrain noises are detected, a comprehensive inspection of the driveshaft and differential components should be performed.
Mercedes S-Class W223 S 680 Suspension and Ride Quality Issues
The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is equipped with E-Active Body Control (E-ABC), an advanced suspension system designed to provide maximum comfort and stability. However, like any complex system, it can develop faults over time.
Air Suspension Leaks
The E-ABC system incorporates air suspension, which is prone to leaks and compressor failures. Symptoms of air suspension problems include:
Sagging ride height when parked overnight
Bouncy or stiff ride quality
Warning messages related to the suspension system
The most common causes of air suspension failure are:
Leaking air struts
Worn-out suspension airbags
Malfunctioning air compressors
Regular inspections of the air suspension components can prevent expensive repairs down the line.
Steering and Alignment Problems
Some owners have reported steering issues, such as:
Excessive play in the steering wheel
Vehicle pulling to one side
Unstable handling at high speeds
These issues may stem from:
Misaligned front wheels
Worn-out suspension control arms
Faulty electronic steering rack sensors
Regular wheel alignments and suspension component inspections are essential to maintain precise handling.
Mercedes S-Class W223 S 680 Electrical and Infotainment System Issues
The S 680 Maybach is packed with cutting-edge technology, but some of its advanced electrical systems are known to experience software bugs and hardware failures.
MBUX Infotainment System Malfunctions
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system is one of the most advanced infotainment interfaces available, but it is not without flaws. Some owners have reported:
System freezes or crashes
Unresponsive touchscreen
Navigation and connectivity issues
These problems are often caused by:
Software bugs in the MBUX system
Faulty control modules
Wireless connectivity interference
Performing regular software updates and occasionally resetting the system can help resolve minor glitches. If the problems persist, a hardware module replacement may be necessary.
Keyless Entry and Start System Problems
Some S 680 owners have reported issues with the Keyless-Go system, such as:
Failure to unlock the doors
Difficulty starting the car
Weak signal reception from the key fob
These problems are often due to:
Low key fob battery
Signal interference
Faulty receiver module
Replacing the key fob battery or reprogramming the Keyless-Go system can often resolve the issue.
Mercedes S-Class W223 S 680 Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance Considerations
Despite its luxurious build and advanced engineering, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 requires meticulous maintenance to remain in peak condition.
Common Maintenance Challenges
Due to the complexity of the V12 engine, air suspension, and electrical systems, maintenance costs for the S 680 can be significantly higher than other luxury sedans.
To ensure long-term reliability:
Follow the factory-recommended service schedule
Use high-quality OEM parts and fluids
Perform regular diagnostic scans to catch issues early
Software Updates and Recalls
Mercedes-Benz frequently releases software updates to resolve issues in the infotainment system, transmission, and electronic control units. Ensuring that your S 680 is updated with the latest software can help prevent many minor problems from escalating.
Mercedes S-Class W223 S 680 Fuel System and Injector Issues
The Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is equipped with a direct fuel injection system, which enhances power and efficiency. However, fuel-related issues can develop over time, affecting performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) is responsible for delivering fuel at the correct pressure to the engine. Over time, the HPFP can wear out, leading to:
Hard starting or no start
Loss of power and hesitation under acceleration
Fuel system error codes on the dashboard
To avoid costly repairs, routine fuel system inspections and using high-quality fuel can help maintain the pump’s longevity. If a failure occurs, replacing the HPFP and checking the fuel injectors is essential to restore performance.
Carbon Buildup in Intake Valves
Since the S 680’s V12 engine uses direct injection, it is prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves over time. Carbon deposits can restrict airflow and reduce engine efficiency, leading to:
Engine misfires
Poor throttle response
Rough idling and increased fuel consumption
Performing walnut blasting (intake valve cleaning) every 50,000–60,000 km can prevent excessive buildup and maintain optimal engine performance.
Mercedes S-Class W223 S 680 Braking System Problems
The S 680 Maybach comes with high-performance brake components, but some owners have reported premature wear and electronic malfunctions.
Premature Brake Pad and Rotor Wear
Due to the weight of the Maybach and its high-performance braking system, the brake pads and rotors can wear out quickly, leading to:
Increased braking distances
Squealing or grinding noises when braking
Vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal
Replacing brake pads and rotors at the recommended service intervals can ensure optimal stopping power. Some owners opt for ceramic brake pads, which offer longer lifespan and reduced brake dust.
Brake System Warning Lights
Some S 680 models have experienced random brake system warning messages, often due to:
Faulty brake wear sensors
Malfunctioning electronic stability control (ESC) module
Software glitches in the brake-by-wire system
A diagnostic scan can identify the root cause, and in many cases, a software update or sensor replacement resolves the issue.
Mercedes S-Class W223 S 680 Exhaust System and Emission Concerns
The Maybach S 680 features a complex exhaust system designed to meet strict emission regulations, but some components may develop faults over time.
Catalytic Converter Clogging
The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful emissions, but excessive carbon buildup or fuel mixture issues can lead to clogging, causing:
Check engine light activation
Reduced acceleration and power loss
Unusual sulfur or rotten egg smells from the exhaust
Using high-quality fuel and ensuring the engine runs optimally can extend the lifespan of the catalytic converter. If symptoms appear, a diagnostic scan will determine if cleaning or replacement is necessary.
Exhaust Valve Malfunctions
The S 680’s active exhaust system uses electronically controlled exhaust valves to adjust noise levels. Some owners have reported:
Rattling noises from the exhaust
Valves stuck open or closed
Uneven exhaust flow leading to performance issues
If the exhaust system starts malfunctioning, a valve actuator reset or replacement may be required.
Mercedes S-Class W223 S 680 Long-Term Ownership Experience
Owning a Mercedes-Maybach S 680 is a luxurious experience, but it comes with significant maintenance costs and requires meticulous care to ensure reliability.
Maintenance Costs and Reliability Concerns
Due to its V12 engine, advanced suspension system, and cutting-edge electronics, maintenance costs for the S 680 can be considerably higher than standard S-Class models.
Common long-term challenges include:
High oil consumption requiring frequent top-ups
Expensive suspension and air strut replacements
Complex electronic repairs that require dealership diagnostics
Despite these challenges, proper maintenance, timely repairs, and proactive servicing can help owners enjoy their Maybach S 680 with minimal issues.
Importance of Software Updates
Many minor glitches and performance issues can be resolved with software updates released by Mercedes-Benz. Keeping the infotainment system, transmission software, and ECU firmware up to date is crucial to avoid bugs and electronic malfunctions.
Choosing a Specialized Repair Shop
Given the complexity of the S 680, owners should only trust experienced Mercedes-Benz specialists for repairs and maintenance. Using OEM parts and fluids, along with regular servicing, will ensure long-term reliability.
For professional Mercedes-Maybach servicing and repairs, visit European Auto Pro 253 Goodwood Road, Kings Park, 5034 South Australia.
Our expert technicians specialize in diagnosing and resolving issues specific to the S 680, ensuring that your vehicle remains in pristine condition for years to come.