vcci

Hi all, i spend most of my time on this site at the E class AMG forum as I own an E63 but now in need of a new car for the wife. Was looking at the GL but drove one and didnt like it so considering an R class. I found a couple of blue tec 2011's and was hoping to get some feedback from some with first hand experience. The ones I found both have around75-80k mile and within my budget. Both in good shape but beyond that I dont know anything about their reliability and/or knows defects if any. Can anyone share pros/cons on these vehicles? Seems odd that both are priced well below the R350 gas version, is there a reason why? Thanks in advance for any light you could shed.

stugilmour

Interesting the BlueTEC is less than the gas. Not real sure, but would expect the opposite here in Canada as typically diesel fuel is a bit cheaper than regular, whereas I noticed it seemed to be priced above Premium on out recent trip to CO. I really like the diesel for highway driving, although the car does feel a bit heavy and cumbersome in town with minor turbo lag from a stop. Still prefer the diesel to the gas we test drove though.

My 2012 has been essentially trouble free for 25,000 km's (~16K miles). Have had a couple of check engine lights that seem to be a loose fuel cap, and a minor adjustment to a window closure sensor (done during routine service).

The car has been an excellent family hauler, very quiet with a great ride. I appreciate the extra rear seat leg room (seems more than even the GL). One bummer was the cost of winter rims (not easily available in the after market in the R-Class offset); probably not an issue in your area?

'Known issues' I have seen mentioned here include the rear hatch motor, air suspension issues, and rough shifting. I did purchase an extended warranty based on advice here.

CedarMtn

I have a 2011 Blutec and really like it. Great family hauler as well as ski vehicle in winter and tow vehicle in summer. The only issue with mine (75k kms) was a CEL problem which never effected driving but took a while to diagnose. Turned out to be a loose crimp connection which caused a false signal (false ad blue heater failure code). I also bought an MB extended warranty when I purchased, based upon some of the feedback in this and other forums.

I really like driving this car. Fantastic road trip car, handles well (especially after I replaced the OEM Continentals) and good highway mileage for a car of this size and weight. I actually do not mind driving it in the city (but recommend the parking sensors and backup camera). I don't find it cumbersome and think the torque of the diesel does a good job of moving it. Agree though that there are certain situations where turbo lag is an issue. For me, it is not from a stop - but when I am rolling at low speed and suddenly have to punch the throttle. There's a dead spot or hesitation that you need to be aware of. In normal driving I don't really notice it. Apparently some of the tuning chips help eliminate this - but I haven't gone this route, yet.