The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S is a performance SUV that combines everyday utility with the raw power of a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine. Under the hood lies a complex mechanical system subjected to extreme temperatures and high RPMs, demanding lubricants that exceed standard factory specifications. Proper fluid selection is not merely a maintenance task; it is a critical component of preserving the engine’s reliability, maintaining peak horsepower, and ensuring the longevity of the transmission and cooling systems. Using high-quality synthetic lubricants tailored for German engineering ensures that every component operates with minimal friction and maximum protection.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
For the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S, AMSOIL offers a complete lineup of synthetic fluids designed to handle the specific demands of the 5.5L 8-cylinder engine code 157.98.6 Turbo and its associated systems. These products are formulated to provide superior wear protection, thermal stability, and extended service intervals compared to traditional mineral oils.
- AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – A specialized formula designed for the unique demands of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid European vehicles, featuring a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives to protect high-output engines.
- AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – Provides excellent cold-start protection and high-temperature stability, ensuring optimal oil flow and coverage for vehicles operating in all temperature conditions.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions to protect the transmission gears.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Offers a cost-effective yet high-performance alternative for automatic transmissions, protecting against wear and maintaining fluid performance under stress.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid formulation that exceeds OEM requirements, providing protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years with a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix for superior corrosion resistance.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years in passenger cars, with excellent performance in resisting metallic corrosion and erosion.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range to ensure consistent stopping power.
When servicing the engine, the oil capacity for the 2018 GLE63 AMG S is 9 quarts when including a filter change. It is crucial to refill to the correct level and verify the oil level after the refill. The oil drain plug should be torqued to specific values, typically M12 at 15 ft/lbs or M14 at 22 ft/lbs, depending on the specific plug hardware, ensuring a leak-free seal without damaging the pan. For cooling, the system holds 8.5 quarts of High-Temp AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant (HTCC) or 2 quarts of Low-Temp AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (LTCC). Selecting the right antifreeze is vital because the GLE63 AMG S operates at higher thermal loads than standard SUVs, requiring a coolant that can manage extreme heat while preventing corrosion in aluminum radiators and heater cores.
The automatic transmission is a critical component that demands precise fluid properties. For the 722.9 transmission, whether equipped with or without the reduced-friction code (A89), the total fill capacity is 9.5 quarts. The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended for those seeking maximum performance under heavy towing or abuse, while the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers excellent protection for standard driving conditions. Both fluids are engineered to prevent sludge buildup and maintain fluidity in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring smooth shifting throughout the vehicle’s life.
Additionally, the brake system benefits significantly from the use of AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid. This fluid provides a stable viscosity range that prevents boiling under hard braking conditions while ensuring sensitive ABS components function correctly. For owners storing their vehicle or facing seasonal changes, AMSOIL offers a AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer to keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months and an AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil to prevent internal rust during periods of inactivity. Fuel injectors can also be maintained with the AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver, which helps restore flow rates and horsepower lost to carbon buildup.
Vehicle Background
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S represents the pinnacle of the brand’s performance SUV lineup during that era. It is powered by the legendary M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, an engineering marvel that delivers immense torque and horsepower in a package capable of seating seven passengers. This specific model, the GLE63 AMG S, distinguishes itself from the standard GLE63 with an additional 41 horsepower, bringing total output to a formidable 603 horsepower. The vehicle is built on the M166 platform, which shares its DNA with the ML-Class but is stretched and refined to handle the significant weight of a luxury SUV while maintaining sports-car-like agility.
Owners of the GLE63 AMG S often choose this vehicle because it offers a unique blend of capability and prestige. It serves as a daily driver that can haul luggage, tow trailers, or navigate winter roads, yet it possesses the throttle response and braking power to corner with confidence on a winding road. The interior is typically appointed with high-quality leather, carbon fiber trim, and advanced MBUX or COMAND infotainment systems. The driving character is defined by the AMG-tuned suspension and the distinctive exhaust note, making every journey feel engaging and dynamic.
Despite its robust engineering, the high-performance nature of the GLE63 AMG S presents specific challenges that can impact long-term reliability if not addressed with premium lubricants. The intense heat generated by the twin turbos and the high compression of the V8 engine can cause traditional oils to break down, leading to sludge formation in the oil galleries. Owners frequently report oil consumption issues, where the engine burns oil faster than expected due to piston ring carbonization or seal hardening; the AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil and AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil help resist this consumption and maintain viscosity longer than conventional oils.
Another common concern for this model is transmission fluid degradation. The heavy load of the vehicle combined with the high torque output of the V8 puts immense stress on the 7-speed automatic transmission. Without premium fluid, the transmission can suffer from delayed shifts or rough engagement over time. The GLE63 AMG S also utilizes a complex cooling system that is susceptible to corrosion if the coolant loses its protective additives. Additionally, the brake system, which is subject to repeated high-heat stops, requires brake fluid that resists boiling to maintain safety. Finally, carbon buildup in the GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) and turbocharger intercooler systems can reduce efficiency; regular use of AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver fuel additives and high-quality AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant or AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant can mitigate these issues, keeping the vehicle performing as intended for thousands of miles.
In conclusion, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S is a masterpiece of automotive engineering that rewards proper care with years of reliable performance. By adhering to the recommended fluid specifications and utilizing high-performance synthetic lubricants, owners can ensure that this powerful SUV continues to deliver the driving experience it was designed for. The combination of advanced engine oils, transmission fluids, and cooling agents provides a comprehensive defense against wear, ensuring that the vehicle remains a joy to drive for a long time.