2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Known Issues — 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
CRITICAL
AIRMATIC compressor failure — very expensive to replace out of warranty
CRITICAL
MAGIC BODY CONTROL pump and strut failure
MODERATE
S63 AMG M177 oil leaks from valve cover gaskets
MODERATE
Touchpad COMAND system lag and occasional unresponsiveness
MODERATE
Rear active steering actuator failure
MODERATE
Sunroof water ingress from drain tube failure
What to Inspect
- Test AIRMATIC and MAGIC BODY CONTROL via suspension menu settings
- Inspect S63 valve covers and front timing for oil seeps
- Test rear active steering at parking speeds (if equipped)
- Verify COMAND touchpad responsiveness
- Check sunroof drainage channels
- Scan all ECUs for stored and pending fault codes
Expected Maintenance Costs
| Service | Interval | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Service A (oil & filter) | every 10,000 miles | $400-$600 |
| Service B (full inspection) | every 20,000 miles | $900-$1,400 |
| Air spring replacement (each) | as needed | $1,200-$2,000 |
| Spark plugs (V8, 16 plugs) | every 30,000 miles | $800-$1,200 |
| Brake pads and rotors (front) | every 25,000-35,000 miles | $1,000-$1,600 |
| Rear active steering actuator | as needed | $1,200-$2,200 |
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