The 2017 S600 with the M279 6.0L twin-turbo V12 is a technological marvel that becomes a financial liability when the engine self-destructs—which it does with alarming regularity due to catastrophic bearing and piston failures, often before 80,000 miles.
Symptoms: Sudden metallic knocking or rattling from engine bay, Loss of power, oil pressure warning light, Metal shavings in oil, visible on magnetic drain plug, Rough idle, misfires on multiple cylinders, Complete engine seizure in worst cases
Fix: This is the death knell. Connecting rod bearings and main bearings fail prematurely, leading to scored crankshafts and destroyed pistons. Only real fix is engine replacement or full rebuild with updated bearings (if crankshaft is salvageable). Rebuild: 60-80 hours labor. Replacement with used engine: 40-50 hours. Mercedes corporate has done goodwill cases on some low-mileage failures, but it's hit-or-miss.
Estimated cost: $35,000-65,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from front of transmission, Pink/red fluid puddles under vehicle, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Slipping or delayed shifts if fluid gets low
Fix: The 7G-Tronic transmission oil cooler develops external leaks at the sealing surfaces. Requires cooler replacement and fresh ATF fill. Front subframe may need to be dropped for access. 6-9 hours labor depending on shop familiarity.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Transmission Mounts Collapsing
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in Drive, Visible sagging of transmission when inspected on lift, Harsh engagement into gear
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mounts fail and collapse, allowing excessive movement. Requires transmission support and mount replacement. Often do both mounts while in there. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that disappears after warmup, Loss of boost pressure, reduced power, Check engine light with underboost codes (P0299, P0234), Excessive black smoke under acceleration, Turbo whine or squealing
Fix: The wastegate actuators stick or the turbos themselves fail. V12 has two turbos nestled deep in the valley. Extremely labor-intensive—requires significant disassembly including intake manifolds, coolant lines, and exhaust components. 18-24 hours labor per side. Many shops won't touch this job.
Estimated cost: $8,000-14,000
ABC Active Body Control Suspension Leaks and Pump Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low on one corner after sitting overnight, ABC warning light and message on dash, Whining or groaning from suspension pump, Fluid leaks at struts or hydraulic lines, Harsh ride, loss of active suspension functions
Fix: The Active Body Control system uses high-pressure hydraulic fluid that leaks from aging struts, accumulators, or lines. Pump failures also common. Strut replacement: 4-6 hours per corner. Pump: 5-7 hours. System must be bled and calibrated with STAR diagnostic system. Fluid is expensive proprietary ABC fluid.
Estimated cost: $3,500-8,000
Airmatic Compressor and Air Spring Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Compressor runs constantly even when parked, Vehicle sags to bump stops overnight, Airmatic warning message on startup, Compressor clicking or grinding noises, Uneven ride height side-to-side
Fix: Air springs crack and leak, compressor overworks and burns out. Air springs: 2-3 hours each. Compressor: 3-4 hours. Often need to replace multiple components at once. System relearn required after repairs.
Estimated cost: $2,000-4,500
Pre-Safe Seatbelt Pretensioner Malfunction
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Pre-Safe malfunction warning on dash, Seatbelt warning light illuminated, Seatbelts may not retract properly, Related to NHTSA recall for premature deployment
Fix: Pretensioners fire prematurely or fault out. Covered under recall for some VINs. If not recall-eligible, requires seatbelt buckle/pretensioner assembly replacement. 2-3 hours per seat. Must be coded to vehicle.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Owner tips
Change engine oil every 5,000 miles with quality 0W-40 regardless of computer recommendations—this V12 is unforgiving with extended intervals
Inspect oil at every fuel fill for metal particles; catch bearing wear early before catastrophic failure
Keep ABC or Airmatic fluid topped off and address any leaks immediately to prevent pump damage
Budget $5,000-8,000 annually for maintenance and repairs after 60,000 miles—this is not a car for the budget-conscious
Verify engine hasn't been replaced or rebuilt before purchase; any M279 with over 50k miles is a ticking time bomb
Extended warranty is mandatory if buying used—make sure engine and transmission have comprehensive coverage
Absolutely not—unless you have a spare $50k for an engine replacement and enjoy the thrill of uncertainty, avoid this V12 time bomb; the V8 S-Class models are infinitely more reliable.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Located in trunk; AGM required for start-stop system and high electrical demands of V12 luxury vehicle
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Every control module on the 2014-2017 Mercedes-Benz S600 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 17V816000
2017-12-18
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLS450, GLE63S 4Matic, GLS63 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65 AMG, S550, Mercedes-Maybach S600, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE63S 4Matic Coupe, 2017-2018 GLS550 4Matic, S550 4Matic, 2018 S450, and S63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence: If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear door lock, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · 17V251000
2017-04-11
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4Matic, C43 AMG, C43 AMG Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG, C63S AMG Coupe, C63S Cabrio, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, GLC43 AMG, S550, S550 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, and Mercedes-Maybach S600 vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat seatbelt pretensioners that may not function properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: If the front seat seatbelt pretensioners do not function properly, the seat occupants may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belts, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S600 6.0L V12 BiTurbo M279 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.