bcbit01

We're expecting a third child and need three rows. I told the wife a van was simply out of the question and that I had two requirements; V8 and AWD; otherwise she could pick anything she wanted. That leaves us three reasonable options in our price range- A Tahoe/Yukon, a Cadillac SRX(YUCK!) and the W251 R500. We're leaning heavily toward the R500 and, before I drive one and fall in love, does anyone have any issues, complaints, etc. Also looking for REAL fuel economy numbers.

rjg914

I have had it since 21st of dec 2007. It gets good gas milage for the weight of the car. It weighs in at 6350lbs. Rides like a car. I have put it up to 130mph. fast fast. I get an average of 19 miles per gallon at 20 gallons about 360 to 370 miles per tank. Wipers noisy but with some rain x it is just fine. Rear doors are a bit long but that is just fine. I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. We help them in and out of the car. I ahve put 12k and it runs like a clock. No problems with it.

THR500

depends on how old your kids are now. Read this thread:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w251...-friendly.html

chilledbenz

Be aware that a 2006 doesn't have a full three rows, it has two captains chairs and two jump seats in the back and if its a R500 I believe it has a center console between the two front captains chairs. The seven seat option wasn't available until 2008. Also I can't speak for the R class but the 2006 ML I had did have a few problems that came along with being the first year for the redesign (first year for the R as well). The v8 for that year was an old carry over engine and not exactly peppy, according to the numbers the new R350 is very close in performance compared to the old R500, I don't think they ever made an R550 as they have now dropped the v8 R class from the lineup. I have a 2008 R350 and LOVE IT...I wouldn't go back to an ML the R is so beautiful, drives well, rides 100 times better than the trucky ML and I can fit more people/stuff in the R.

To the poster above..good link..its true if you have a stroller you need to take along then the R isn't your ride. There isn't much room with the third row up, but if you fold them down theres a lot of room, but then no one can sit back there lol. If your in need of a van the Honda Odyssey always ranks number one in the magazine tests, just be sure you get one of the newer models as the older models tend to have transmission problems.

JTReeves

If you're near the DC Metro area, Select Auto Imports is a fantastic source for MB vehicles. Here's their site: http://www.selectautoimports.net/sai/web/framex.html

I'm a happy customer of theirs. We bought an 03 SL500 and our 07 R500 from them.

JR

vegeta

My 2006 r500 has been flawless. no issues at all over the last 12,000 miles. normally I get 14-16 mpg in the city and 19-21 on the hwy. Overall, the vehicle is very quiet, smooth and feels like you are driving a car. The rear doors being longer takes some getting used to. Hope this helps. good luck on your search.

llcd

My wife has an 2007 R-350. It has a tailgate problem where the tailgate gets confused when receiving an open command from the remote. It is getting fixed right now. We love the R. It is so comfortable riding it. We also love the way it looks. I got 24 mpg last time on the freeway. Usually I get 22 mpg. I realized I was driving at speed between 50 - 65 mph that's probably why I got 24 mpg.

Lizard

JR, did you financed your cars through Select Auto Imporst too? and how are they with rates? MB of Alexandria is tempting me with their 2.9 apr for used R-class, but Select Auto Import has a used R clas that fits my need perfectly....

bigben320e

The R500 has been great for us. Good mileage, fast, and rides like a car with that S Class suspension. I have the Airmatic on it, rides lovely. It has excellent room, and the stow and go back seats are great.

I had the chance to test drive both the 350 and 500, no comparison on engine power. I picked mine up for $35K with the clear bra and option on my sig with only 11.9K on her.

Get one, and love it!

JTReeves

Lizard,
SAI gave me fiinancing through Sun Trust Bank at a rate that was competitive with my credit union. Their finance manager, Deb Debarr, advised that we could benefit credit-wise by using a bank vs. a CU.

I recommend using the 2.9% as a bargaining chip with Mahlon or whoever your salesman is.

Best wishes on your purchase.

JR

thegeneraltso

Yes. This place used to be a dump in the 90s. They even had problem with the IRS. I bought my first '89 300E from them in 1992. They have come along way because most of their vehicles seem to be brand new (1-2 years old and low mile). You might even think they affiliated with MBUSA since the majority of their vehicles now are Mercedes (two lots full). You can't beat their price.

I definitely recommend them.

thegeneraltso

Select Auto is just another used car dealership. They are not affiliated with MBUSA. MB Alexandria spuns off American Service Center so they are a full MB authorized dealership. 2.9% (probably for 3 years) is excellent but you'd would have to take into account the difference in prices and APRs (I assumed SAI goes with current bank loan rate - 6-7%) between the two dealers to see what the total cost is for 3-5 years.

05BSZHP

12K on our 2007. Great car. Bought it as a 'left-over' (new) and paid about $15K under sticker.

We have had two issues that I have not seen on any forums.

1. Check Engine light twice in the first two months of ownership. (Very small evap system leak was the code). Taken in twice, nothing done initially (typical). On second visit, ECM was updated with latest code...voila, no more codes since.

2. We had the climate control freak out on a road trip. If you turned the temperature dial to a lower temp, it would not go to a higher value. (a real ***** in the winter) Again, HVAC computer was reflashed/reset and haven't seen that issue. (did have one time where the A/C would not turn on and blow...pulled over, restarted car, never happened since)

I come from the BMW world, and was worried about MB quality. (known several unlucky owners of various MB models)

We love the car, and after our initial issues were worked out, we wouldn't trade the car. (even with the low-end gas mileage )

Someone mentioned the 2007 having the center console between the captains chairs...nope, not on mine.

rosswell

My first Benz is the R350 - you seriously don't need the R500 - I test drove one before I bought the R350. (Yes they still make the R550 up here in igloo-land). My all aluminumn V6 coupled with the 7 speed auto is all you need for the kind of driving you'll be doing when you're my age. AND if you shop wisely you can option out your R350 the same or better than any R500. In Europe they've gone to an R280 - and the diesels are taking over. If I could afford - probably would trade up to an R320. I love ART - and the design of my R.

puranm

There are some 2007 new R500 at dealerships. You can get it for about $45K depending on options in it. I got fully loaded for $47K ($63K MSRP).

NRealm

I just bought 06 R350 4Matic from Great Lakes Auto in Ohio..... best experience and got an unbelievable price for a mint unit with only 17k miles on it. I just spoke to them yesterday and he told me they just got in 4 more R's...... Tell them Chris from Jersey sent you Ask for Devan

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ksid=p3907.m32