by Cost of Servicing the Mercedes-AMG One: A Price Only a Few Are Willing to Pay
Owning the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar, equipped with a Formula 1-derived engine, is an experience accessible only to a very small number of extremely wealthy individuals. It also means that very few will encounter the staggering maintenance costs that come with it. If you are not prepared to pay an amount comparable to the price of a mid-range SUV every time the car needs service, the AMG One is not for you.
As we reported last month, an AMG One in a rare shade of green was recently sold at an RM Sotheby’s auction. However, the real news was not the color, but that the hypercar had just undergone its first regular maintenance service (Service A) from Mercedes-AMG, with only 115 miles (185 km) on the odometer. The bill for this amounted to a staggering €37,610, which at the current exchange rate is about $43,700. So why does routine servicing cost as much as a second car?
A Service That Takes Two Weeks
The work took 80 hours, which effectively amounts to two weeks of full-time work for one person, although it is likely that several mechanics worked on the car. According to a report from AMS, a significant reason for this duration is that a large portion of the car must be disassembled to access critical components.
Even routine service items prove difficult to reach. Technicians have to remove parts of the hypercar’s bodywork to get to certain filters. The work also covers the high-pressure hydraulic systems responsible for the active rear wing. These operate under significant pressure and require regular inspection for leaks or other malfunctions to prevent more serious problems in the future. Additionally, the maintenance includes changing the engine oil and minor parts like the oil pan drain plug.
Cost of Parts: Astronomical Prices
The bill for parts is also disheartening. Just the air filter costs €1,872.54 ($2,195), and the transmission oil filter is €2,300 ($2,696). Even the drain plug is priced at €150 ($176). For comparison, ten liters of engine oil seems almost reasonable at €555.80 ($652).
Mercedes-AMG also charges an extremely high labor rate of €395 ($460) per hour. This means that €31,600 ($36,800) of the service bill was spent on labor alone. One can assume that the mechanics were not rushing, but meticulously performing every operation, as required.
Undergoing this expensive service also allowed the car’s warranty to be extended until February 2028. It is unclear how long the standard warranty lasts and exactly what it covers, as details are not disclosed, but at least the owner can rest easy knowing that any malfunctions that arise over the next few years will be addressed.
But That’s Not All: Get Ready for the Real Shock
It is worth noting that the regular service is not the only shocking bill that AMG One owners will face. Mercedes states that the 1.6-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, built on Formula 1 technology, is only rated for 19,262 miles (31,000 km) before it requires a major overhaul. And here is the real shock.
Reportedly, replacing the powertrain can cost over €850,000 ($989,000), which is roughly the price of another hypercar. The only consolation, if it can be called that, is that very few AMG Ones will ever accumulate enough mileage to reach this limit, as most will spend their lives as collector’s items in garages rather than as daily drivers.
Thus, servicing the Mercedes-AMG One is not just a technical procedure, but a true test for the wallet. The cost of owning this hypercar is measured not only by the purchase price but also by the astronomical expenses required to keep it in working order. For most owners, who view the car as an investment or a museum piece, these costs are an acceptable price for owning a unique piece of automotive history directly related to the pinnacle of motorsport. However, for those who dare to use the AMG One as intended, each kilometer driven will bring closer the moment when they must pay an amount comparable to the price of a new elite supercar.
