After owning an R Class would you ever consider buying another?
#51
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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
It was interesting for me to find out that the Mercedes overall length was just about identical to my previous 2002 Chrysler T&C. The van was much taller and seats were more upright giving more storage.
My guess is that within a year after the arrival of your child, your wife might become a bit more practical. 3 children under 10 years old will put her into survival mode. Take a look at the Town & Country Limited version. It is far more luxurious than the vans you may have seen. Similar for the top line of Honda. I'm not a fan of Toyota.
My guess is that within a year after the arrival of your child, your wife might become a bit more practical. 3 children under 10 years old will put her into survival mode. Take a look at the Town & Country Limited version. It is far more luxurious than the vans you may have seen. Similar for the top line of Honda. I'm not a fan of Toyota.
To answer your other question, YES, two car seats and a booster will fit in the middle seat. I'm in the same situation as you and tested this many times before deciding on the R. Of course, this also depends on what car seats and booster(s) you select, but as long as they are not the real bulky ones, they should fit, if in a pinch. Luggage room behind the 2nd row should be ample, but still not minivan level. One of the main advantages of the minivan is that the spare tire is not in the back, so the spare tire of the R takes up a lot of valuable space (as does the dual exhaust system). Imagine removing the cover in the back, taking out the spare, and you'll have more room closer to minivan levels. Nevertheless, the minivan is the way to go though for all out practicality in your current situation, but the R might just work for you too.
I agree with gforaker and would also check out the T&C. Best bang for the buck, 100K powertrain warranty, etc.
I agree with gforaker and would also check out the T&C. Best bang for the buck, 100K powertrain warranty, etc.
I have 3 1/2 year old twins and a 10 mo. old. I did consider the town and country but I made it work instead....you can do the all across the middle row if you like but i dont think it would be safe for whoever is in the center. In my case, I have 2 britax seats in the 3rd row for the twins and then i have the baby seat just behind me. And for the stroller the sit and stand or the dual mclaren fits fine even with the seats up. then you would still have 2 empty seats in the middle row. and for trips I bought the mb rack and a cargo box from craigs list. IMHO i think it looks good on the R. here's a couple of pics w/ and w/o cargo box
mhassy350,
We were fine in the 6 passenger R-class, even with 4 young ones, but sold it anyway because it was too unreliable to safely haul the children. You don't have to remove the armrests, kids can slide by easily, though it will be a challenge getting in when your eldest has 2 rear facing convertibles to get by. The secret to having plenty of cargo space is to ditch the stroller. They're a major PITA, waste tons of time and space, and are bad for developing children anyway. Get a sling or backpack (or both) and carry the kids instead; better for them and more convenient for you. This will be a little difficult for about 3-6 months with a both a two year old and an infant, but all in all it'll be less difficult than the hassle of lugging a stroller around.
We were fine in the 6 passenger R-class, even with 4 young ones, but sold it anyway because it was too unreliable to safely haul the children. You don't have to remove the armrests, kids can slide by easily, though it will be a challenge getting in when your eldest has 2 rear facing convertibles to get by. The secret to having plenty of cargo space is to ditch the stroller. They're a major PITA, waste tons of time and space, and are bad for developing children anyway. Get a sling or backpack (or both) and carry the kids instead; better for them and more convenient for you. This will be a little difficult for about 3-6 months with a both a two year old and an infant, but all in all it'll be less difficult than the hassle of lugging a stroller around.
gforaker -- Will do on the T&C. That would be choice as well. Not a fan of exterior styling as much as the Honda but like the interior much more. BTW, I love that Honda commercial with the dad who's getting back into his Honda and it turns into a Panther and the Nav says "Redemption Road"... gee, who is that geared to?
W203Ramos-- Its nice to know that three seats will fit across (depending on brand/type) but you are right, I wouldn't feel too safe with that config. We have certainly considered the roof top carrier, if we keep the R. And I agree, it doesn't look too bad.
OldMBGuy -- I dont know how we would get by without the stroller! With the wife pregnant she uses it as a leaning post half the time while we are out during the winters it becomes our coat rack and holds my wife's gigantic purse and other stuff. At my son's indoor soccer games and tee-ball it becomes our our own private locker. We tried this slings with my 1-yr old when she was born and it just didn't work for us. I do like the baby carries across the chest but they limit your abilities to do things.
Talked with the wife and when I told her I was on the forum she said, "oh no, what are you buying now" ...haha. I then told her about this thread and how many folks were encouraging the minivan option as a bang for the buck solution. She nearly cried. So, we agreed to put the discussion on hold until the Memorial Day New Car Dealer Sale/Show held here in town. This is where all 30+ car dealers in town bring this inventories to one outdoor shopping center parking lot and offer great deals -- they also do it on Labor Day to help clear outgoing MYs. So, we agreed to go, walk around and check out ALL of the cars to get a feel for what we are each looking for. Then, we will wait until the Labor Day Sale/Show to get something else, should we decide to go that route.
You know what would be nice.... if MB would up the size on the GL by like 20% overall. Wouldn't make too much difference in the drivability but it would make a world of difference on passenger volume and cargo volume. Instead of 85cu-ft of cargo you would get over 100, thats inline with the GM vehicles, the Infiniti QX, Sequoia, etc.
#52
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2008 R320 CDI, 2006 smart fortwo cabrio, 1983 240D, 1982 300SD, 1980 300SD
If you've already have an R class you cannot accept a minivan, they are just plain unsafe in driving dynamics/safety-you cannot avoid anything at any rate of speed. They are a comprimise. The marketing dept got everyone sold on them...
For those with lots of kids, install one child seat in the third row and one in the second row, this leaves access room on one side to the third row. We run ours that way most of the time and have room for an adult in the third row with our youngest and a guest in the second row and everybody can get in and out. I cannot live with child seats in both second row seats. We also fold the vacant third row seat at times for luggage/groceries when needed. A booster seat is easy to install on the fly too in the second row.
For those with lots of kids, install one child seat in the third row and one in the second row, this leaves access room on one side to the third row. We run ours that way most of the time and have room for an adult in the third row with our youngest and a guest in the second row and everybody can get in and out. I cannot live with child seats in both second row seats. We also fold the vacant third row seat at times for luggage/groceries when needed. A booster seat is easy to install on the fly too in the second row.
#53
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R63 AMG, tt quattro (beater), Forrester XT 5MT
Our R has captains chairs and we have a 6-yr old, 1-yr old and we are expecting our 3rd child in early August. As it stands our 6-yr old will climb through the middle (i'll remove the armrests to allow for more room) to get to the back to sit BUT there is not enough room behind or next to that third row seat for the double stroller we just bought. If you factor in any type of sports gear for my son, groceries or even our pack-n-play we will be out of space. I do not want to get a roof container for everyday use - vacation is one thing. Also, with this setup our son will have to crawl underneath the newborns car seat or squeeze by the 1-yr olds which will be forward facing at that time and I am sure it would get old, and it would make for a difficult time when the wife tries to drop him off at school. She'd have to get out to open the door which is not ideal.
So, do we...
- Switch to an R with 7 passenger seating. Concerns: will two car seats and a booster will go across the middle row? What about cargo volume for vacations and such behind those seats? Will it be enough through the years? Our son will still have to pass by the seats.
http://www.chiccousa.com/gear/car-se...-rattania.aspx
No problems, although we don't do the double stroller deal. We occasionally fold down one of the 3rd row seats to throw in the stroller that accepts that baby seat, and we still have space for a grocery run. If we bought another R Class, it would probably be the diesel to offset the ****-poor MPG I get with my happy foot.
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benzR350NYC (03-03-2016)
#55
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R63 AMG, tt quattro (beater), Forrester XT 5MT
And no...no interest in selling. Nothing else comes close.
#56
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2006 R350
Interesting thread. We have an R350 and 2 kids right now. We are having a 3rd kid in Aug. We have 2 boys, ages 2 almost 3 and 1 1/2. both boys sit in the very back 3rd row seats. They love sitting back there. True we can't fold the seats down but so far it's not an issue. We use an umbrella stroller if we need one. Shopping carts work most of the time. We also have a double stroller. When we do take it we fold the middle sits flat and stick it there. Once the 3rd kid arrives, we will put her behind the passenger. Then there will be one seat open behind the driver. We will need to get a cargo carrier for vacations and road trips. I think the R works with 3 kids in car seats but I also think that is the limit base on the seating. When we have 4 kids we will get a new car. Possibly in another 3 years we will need to consider the GL.
#57
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R63 AMG, tt quattro (beater), Forrester XT 5MT
The GL seems to have less space in the 3rd row than the R - we debated picking up the GL350, but decided to snag the R63 once the rear seat space was factored in. Then again, my mind may have been clouded by the purty badges.
#58
MBWorld Fanatic!
My fuel economy may not be indicative of someone else - I have to sit through the DC beltway rush hour. The trip computer thinks my avg speed is 11-13mph during the week with fuel economy anywhere from 9-13mpg. On the weekends, I can bring the average speed up to around 40ish and the fuel economy gets better. I do keep track of my miles and do the math after a fill-up - best I have seen was around 17mpg.
And no...no interest in selling. Nothing else comes close.
And no...no interest in selling. Nothing else comes close.
In regards to the GL vs. R, the third row really seems similar in both of them. However, the next generation GL that comes out at the end of this year may end up having more room than the old one. With no plans for a next generation R (at least not for the US market) your choices are limited if you're looking at MB. At least they have plans for a GL63 this time!
#59
Hard to find a replacement for the R class
We bought the Saks Fifth Avenue (launch) edition of R500 when it was offered initially in 2005. We have since put 95,000+ miles on the car. It did have its share of maintenance and repairs done with and without warranty, but not any different from other mercedes we have owned. Most notably the replacement of the lower ball joints which took more than a month for the parts to be ordered (from Germany, I was told). The failure of the airmatic pump due to a leaky airmatic strut. Otherwise, there were mostly routine maintenance issues. However one has to be extremely cautious with the MB dealers who service the cars. When we had the airmatic pump and strut replaced, the dealership failed to reinstall the front axel properly which lead to the front axel breaking down while being driven and led to the car being in the shop for another week. Fortunately, it happened in the parking lot and not on the highway, that would have been a disaster!! Other than the dealer competence in repair, one also have to question the dealer's diagnosis for many of the repairs. The dealer told us that power steering is failing and we have to replace the entire pump assembly and all the connecting parts. I brought it to an indy repair shop, all it needed was a rubber gasket replacement.
In terms of comfort (interior room and ride quality), performance, ergonomics, and style, there just is not another car that have possesses the same combination of qualities. In particular, the 3rd row space in other 3 row SUVs (Q7, GL etc) are not the same. The ride of these cars are a lot more "truck-like" (we do have the fully adjustable airmatic, which I believe significantly improves the ride).
We just have a new addition to the family and now we need the 7th seat (which was not available in '06). We looked at many different car options, but there are simply no other car that has the same combination of attributes. I would buy the same car again, but leather or alcantara is not even an option (which I think is outrageous for MB). So, we are looking into adding the 7th seat to our R500. If anyone wants to sell their middle seat (in Black) or know where to buy one, please let me know. Thanks.
In terms of comfort (interior room and ride quality), performance, ergonomics, and style, there just is not another car that have possesses the same combination of qualities. In particular, the 3rd row space in other 3 row SUVs (Q7, GL etc) are not the same. The ride of these cars are a lot more "truck-like" (we do have the fully adjustable airmatic, which I believe significantly improves the ride).
We just have a new addition to the family and now we need the 7th seat (which was not available in '06). We looked at many different car options, but there are simply no other car that has the same combination of attributes. I would buy the same car again, but leather or alcantara is not even an option (which I think is outrageous for MB). So, we are looking into adding the 7th seat to our R500. If anyone wants to sell their middle seat (in Black) or know where to buy one, please let me know. Thanks.
#60
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2006 R500
Love the car, hate the expense
I bought my 06 R500 a year ago. Had 51,000 kms on the clock when I bought it, and it just clicked to 70,000. Have had no problems whatsoever (until now, one corner is sagging), but it appears a lot of problems have to do with the Airmatic suspension and power lift gate, and mine doesn't have either of those features. It's very hard on gas, but an absolute pleasure to drive. I would definitely buy another one, probably the diesel. I test drove a Lexus X350 and Infiniti FX35 prior to driving the R. There was no comparison, the R beat them hands down in my opinion, especially when it came to build quality, ride and handling (especially the ride).
#61
Member
In regards to the GL vs. R, the third row really seems similar in both of them. However, the next generation GL that comes out at the end of this year may end up having more room than the old one. With no plans for a next generation R (at least not for the US market) your choices are limited if you're looking at MB. At least they have plans for a GL63 this time!
Let's see what the new GL improves on. I'm sure they will at least make the 2nd row adjustable in terms of legroom.
#62
MBWorld Fanatic!
We bought the Saks Fifth Avenue (launch) edition of R500 when it was offered initially in 2005. We have since put 95,000+ miles on the car. It did have its share of maintenance and repairs done with and without warranty, but not any different from other mercedes we have owned. Most notably the replacement of the lower ball joints which took more than a month for the parts to be ordered (from Germany, I was told). The failure of the airmatic pump due to a leaky airmatic strut. Otherwise, there were mostly routine maintenance issues. However one has to be extremely cautious with the MB dealers who service the cars. When we had the airmatic pump and strut replaced, the dealership failed to reinstall the front axel properly which lead to the front axel breaking down while being driven and led to the car being in the shop for another week. Fortunately, it happened in the parking lot and not on the highway, that would have been a disaster!! Other than the dealer competence in repair, one also have to question the dealer's diagnosis for many of the repairs. The dealer told us that power steering is failing and we have to replace the entire pump assembly and all the connecting parts. I brought it to an indy repair shop, all it needed was a rubber gasket replacement.
In terms of comfort (interior room and ride quality), performance, ergonomics, and style, there just is not another car that have possesses the same combination of qualities. In particular, the 3rd row space in other 3 row SUVs (Q7, GL etc) are not the same. The ride of these cars are a lot more "truck-like" (we do have the fully adjustable airmatic, which I believe significantly improves the ride).
We just have a new addition to the family and now we need the 7th seat (which was not available in '06). We looked at many different car options, but there are simply no other car that has the same combination of attributes. I would buy the same car again, but leather or alcantara is not even an option (which I think is outrageous for MB). So, we are looking into adding the 7th seat to our R500. If anyone wants to sell their middle seat (in Black) or know where to buy one, please let me know. Thanks.
In terms of comfort (interior room and ride quality), performance, ergonomics, and style, there just is not another car that have possesses the same combination of qualities. In particular, the 3rd row space in other 3 row SUVs (Q7, GL etc) are not the same. The ride of these cars are a lot more "truck-like" (we do have the fully adjustable airmatic, which I believe significantly improves the ride).
We just have a new addition to the family and now we need the 7th seat (which was not available in '06). We looked at many different car options, but there are simply no other car that has the same combination of attributes. I would buy the same car again, but leather or alcantara is not even an option (which I think is outrageous for MB). So, we are looking into adding the 7th seat to our R500. If anyone wants to sell their middle seat (in Black) or know where to buy one, please let me know. Thanks.
That's right, I forgot about the method that one gets into the third row seats in comparison to the GL. The R is so much easier to get into.
#63
Take a look at this: https://mbworld.org/forums/r-class-w...-retrofit.html
That's right, I forgot about the method that one gets into the third row seats in comparison to the GL. The R is so much easier to get into.
That's right, I forgot about the method that one gets into the third row seats in comparison to the GL. The R is so much easier to get into.
#65
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mrcedes R350 2008
R350 2008 R class need service manual W251
Great car, great problems. Just because not much support on line for that particular model. And sure enough like any other car this one after 120k miles start have many different problems. Like; blue tooth stereo problems, navigation disk problem, rear suspension, ruck pinion, windows switches, EVAP (shut off valve), misfire codes, breaks, belts, pulleys, and many other problems and nobody want to help, but send you to a dealer to financial pit hole and if you ask me, YES, it is a money pit, even so that it is a nice car but only when its problem free! This why we should support each other and help, because not everybody who have Mercedes turn out to be reach and famous.
Support DIY and we need more posts and knowledgeable mechanics, who knows what they talking about! Help me fined repair service manual for my car R350 2008 part# P-2700-251-07 thanks for all your help!
Support DIY and we need more posts and knowledgeable mechanics, who knows what they talking about! Help me fined repair service manual for my car R350 2008 part# P-2700-251-07 thanks for all your help!
#66
Member
I think it is the best long haul driver I have ever owned. Has been bullet proof for the past 3 years. now have 120k miles on it and it purrs like a kitten still.
#67
Member
This why we should support each other and help, because not everybody who have Mercedes turn out to be reach and famous.
Support DIY and we need more posts and knowledgeable mechanics, who knows what they talking about! Help me fined repair service manual for my car R350 2008 part# P-2700-251-07 thanks for all your help!
Support DIY and we need more posts and knowledgeable mechanics, who knows what they talking about! Help me fined repair service manual for my car R350 2008 part# P-2700-251-07 thanks for all your help!
Modern Mercedes service manuals are all digital now.. and very expensive.
Here is the link to where you can subscribe to them...
https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/home.jsp
Also Alldata DIY is another source and what I used..
Finally... All most every component is shared with the M Class. Since the M sold over 10 times the volume of the R there are a great many resources in forums in the M Class section... Use those and adapt it to the R.... That is what I did and had no issues....
#68
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2011 C300 4matic, 2015 Porsche Macan S, 2006 R500 (sold)
Great car, great problems. Just because not much support on line for that particular model. And sure enough like any other car this one after 120k miles start have many different problems. Like; blue tooth stereo problems, navigation disk problem, rear suspension, ruck pinion, windows switches, EVAP (shut off valve), misfire codes, breaks, belts, pulleys, and many other problems and nobody want to help, but send you to a dealer to financial pit hole and if you ask me, YES, it is a money pit, even so that it is a nice car but only when its problem free! This why we should support each other and help, because not everybody who have Mercedes turn out to be reach and famous.
Support DIY and we need more posts and knowledgeable mechanics, who knows what they talking about! Help me fined repair service manual for my car R350 2008 part# P-2700-251-07 thanks for all your help!
Support DIY and we need more posts and knowledgeable mechanics, who knows what they talking about! Help me fined repair service manual for my car R350 2008 part# P-2700-251-07 thanks for all your help!
#69
Super Member
Great car, great problems. Just because not much support on line for that particular model. And sure enough like any other car this one after 120k miles start have many different problems. Like; blue tooth stereo problems, navigation disk problem, rear suspension, ruck pinion, windows switches, EVAP (shut off valve), misfire codes, breaks, belts, pulleys, and many other problems and nobody want to help, but send you to a dealer to financial pit hole and if you ask me, YES, it is a money pit, even so that it is a nice car but only when its problem free! This why we should support each other and help, because not everybody who have Mercedes turn out to be reach and famous.
Support DIY and we need more posts and knowledgeable mechanics, who knows what they talking about! Help me fined repair service manual for my car R350 2008 part# P-2700-251-07 thanks for all your help!
Support DIY and we need more posts and knowledgeable mechanics, who knows what they talking about! Help me fined repair service manual for my car R350 2008 part# P-2700-251-07 thanks for all your help!
#70
Super Member
I changed my 2008CDI with 200K Km for a 2011 fully loaded R350 Gas with 40K km. Love the car. The 2011 is all round better with the upgrades. I have 2 tone leather, pano roof. heated and cooled seats, and the HK sound system. I cannot think of a better all round car. I hope I can get a low mileage 2013 in a couple of years to replace it.
#71
I would NEVER buy a pre-2008 R class under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. we bought ours from a dealer with low miles, and it has had 3 major issues, each over 2000$ each to repair, and it is having another now. All of the issues so far have been things that are known problems in the design, It seems that these were somewhat corrected in 2008 and on, which is why you see the reports of more solid vehicles coming from these owners.
I didn't even count the airmatic failure in the tally above, here is the list
TRANSMISSION - turbine speed sensor - 2K
INTAKE MANIFOLD - bad butterfly linkage - 2K
BALANCE SHAFT - internal engine - 4K
SUSPENSION - rear airbags and compressor - 1.6K
FUEL PUMP / FILTER - replace both - 1.2K
This is on a car that was maintained. Great car when it was running right, but a real lemon before 2008.
CM
I didn't even count the airmatic failure in the tally above, here is the list
TRANSMISSION - turbine speed sensor - 2K
INTAKE MANIFOLD - bad butterfly linkage - 2K
BALANCE SHAFT - internal engine - 4K
SUSPENSION - rear airbags and compressor - 1.6K
FUEL PUMP / FILTER - replace both - 1.2K
This is on a car that was maintained. Great car when it was running right, but a real lemon before 2008.
CM
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AsianR350 (06-01-2016)
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#74
I've had my '06 R350 for 6 years now and it's been a great car. Through the years, I've replaced the rear suspension air bags, brakes pad & rotors, main & aux batteries and most recently, the accessory idler pulley. It has 109k miles and I'm wondering if I should trade it in for a newer ride. My main concern if the R is going to be a money pit going forth with age. Logic tells me I should trade it but am reluctant as it's been such pleasure to drive.
#75
Member
I've had my '06 R350 for 6 years now and it's been a great car. Through the years, I've replaced the rear suspension air bags, brakes pad & rotors, main & aux batteries and most recently, the accessory idler pulley. It has 109k miles and I'm wondering if I should trade it in for a newer ride. My main concern if the R is going to be a money pit going forth with age. Logic tells me I should trade it but am reluctant as it's been such pleasure to drive.
I got a '07 R-350 4 matic and been driving it for 10 years now at 200,000 miles. I will drive it to the ground. I haven't seen a car yet with so much leg room that can sit 6 people with an open center isle. I had to repair it over the years but the repair cost to me is worth the enjoyment we had with this car.
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VinR350 (09-10-2016)