What to look for when purchasing used R350
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
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R350
What to look for when purchasing used R350
I'm thinking I am going to purchase a 2007 R350 with 60k miles on it. What red flags should I be looking for? What do you wish you knew before you purchased yours?
Also, I've read a few scary reviews from people complaining about astronomical and endless repair bills. Should I treat those people like the loud exceptions or is that more of a rule for this vehicle?
Also, I've read a few scary reviews from people complaining about astronomical and endless repair bills. Should I treat those people like the loud exceptions or is that more of a rule for this vehicle?
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 55
Likes: 4
From: Montreal, Canada
2012 R350 BlueTEC
Yes, if you read the forum, you will find that people have issues with the transmission and engine. I have had some too.
The thing is that the engine and transmission is a common part for R/S/E/C class. This is my understanding that there is no particular R-class issue here.
The only particular for R-class might be suspension airbags which must be replaced at about 60K. This is normal, not a difficult job and the parts can be ordered from Arnott to save some $
The thing is that the engine and transmission is a common part for R/S/E/C class. This is my understanding that there is no particular R-class issue here.
The only particular for R-class might be suspension airbags which must be replaced at about 60K. This is normal, not a difficult job and the parts can be ordered from Arnott to save some $
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 21
From: Doylestown, OH
2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
My best recommendation is to buy as new a model as possible. At least 2008 or 2009. Lots of the earlier problems were sorted out later. My 2010 is completely trouble free and has the upgraded Command system.
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 14
From: Akron, OH
2006 R350
Hmmm.. what to look for???? One owner history with a full service record.
We have a 2006 R350.. you know horrible year.........
Bought it a few years ago with 72K. One owner local car bought from a local MB dealer and serviced there as well. Ended up at a GMC dealer because they traded it in on a GMC Acadia.
Here is my spend so far on this car..... wait for it.....
$500 to replace the rear air bags with coil springs
$450 to service the transmission at the dealer
$2500 to replace the A/C system entirely (compressor blew up on the highway) at Mercedes dealer.
Yup... that's it other than routine maintenance. It is now sitting right at 99K. No rattles, no issues... just took it to South Carolina from Ohio during Christmas. It just purred on down the highway at 80mph....
Not discounting that other owners have had issues... just I made sure when we took the gamble on an out of warranty Benz, that it was a very well maintained car.
I am so happy with it that I am considering a 2008 - 2009 E-Class.....
We have a 2006 R350.. you know horrible year.........
Bought it a few years ago with 72K. One owner local car bought from a local MB dealer and serviced there as well. Ended up at a GMC dealer because they traded it in on a GMC Acadia.
Here is my spend so far on this car..... wait for it.....
$500 to replace the rear air bags with coil springs
$450 to service the transmission at the dealer
$2500 to replace the A/C system entirely (compressor blew up on the highway) at Mercedes dealer.
Yup... that's it other than routine maintenance. It is now sitting right at 99K. No rattles, no issues... just took it to South Carolina from Ohio during Christmas. It just purred on down the highway at 80mph....
Not discounting that other owners have had issues... just I made sure when we took the gamble on an out of warranty Benz, that it was a very well maintained car.
I am so happy with it that I am considering a 2008 - 2009 E-Class.....
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 21
From: Doylestown, OH
2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
I drive the car down to Florida from Ohio several times per year. No greater touring road car exists. Comfort, speed, safety and a huge luggage area I usually have filled. My CPO warranty runs out in April, but there really haven't been much in repairs at 72k miles.
Your repairs have run a little over 10 cents per mile. That is much cheaper than depreciation or repairs on a newer car. Yes, there are some who complain about any repairs, but you have to keep it in perspective.
Your repairs have run a little over 10 cents per mile. That is much cheaper than depreciation or repairs on a newer car. Yes, there are some who complain about any repairs, but you have to keep it in perspective.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,116
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Known issues:
-Transmission valve body fails, needing full replacement ($1500)
-Front differential bearings fail, needing rebuild ($750) or new from MB ($2500)
-Airmatic fails around 80k ($500 a corner)
-R350 engines from 2006 to 2007 have a soft cam chain gear that wears prematurely and causes engine failure
(R500 not affected by this)
I wouldn't touch a 2006 R350 or some 2007s unless I know the engine has been pulled and the gear replaced.
-Transmission valve body fails, needing full replacement ($1500)
-Front differential bearings fail, needing rebuild ($750) or new from MB ($2500)
-Airmatic fails around 80k ($500 a corner)
-R350 engines from 2006 to 2007 have a soft cam chain gear that wears prematurely and causes engine failure
(R500 not affected by this)
I wouldn't touch a 2006 R350 or some 2007s unless I know the engine has been pulled and the gear replaced.
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 14
From: Akron, OH
2006 R350
Known issues:
-Transmission valve body fails, needing full replacement ($1500)
Mine hasn't but it is on a 40k trans service schedule
-Front differential bearings fail, needing rebuild ($750) or new from MB ($2500)
At 100k mine is fine... fluid change folks....
-Airmatic fails around 80k ($500 a corner)
I would tend to agree there. Any air suspension from Benz seems to be problematic. This is why I replaced our rear springs with conventional coils.
-R350 engines from 2006 to 2007 have a soft cam chain gear that wears prematurely and causes engine failure
(R500 not affected by this)
Not all of them. While a serious issue it only affects roughly 10% of them. Also it shows as a failure normally early on. Ours is a 2006 350 and has not had any engine issues yet, and has 100k. Also, the V8 is included. There are V8 engines in the VIN set that is of concern.
I wouldn't touch a 2006 R350 or some 2007s unless I know the engine has been pulled and the gear replaced.
-Transmission valve body fails, needing full replacement ($1500)
Mine hasn't but it is on a 40k trans service schedule
-Front differential bearings fail, needing rebuild ($750) or new from MB ($2500)
At 100k mine is fine... fluid change folks....
-Airmatic fails around 80k ($500 a corner)
I would tend to agree there. Any air suspension from Benz seems to be problematic. This is why I replaced our rear springs with conventional coils.
-R350 engines from 2006 to 2007 have a soft cam chain gear that wears prematurely and causes engine failure
(R500 not affected by this)
Not all of them. While a serious issue it only affects roughly 10% of them. Also it shows as a failure normally early on. Ours is a 2006 350 and has not had any engine issues yet, and has 100k. Also, the V8 is included. There are V8 engines in the VIN set that is of concern.
I wouldn't touch a 2006 R350 or some 2007s unless I know the engine has been pulled and the gear replaced.
Last edited by josworth; Feb 23, 2015 at 06:04 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
The M113 V8 engine in the R500 is not affected by the soft balance shaft / idler gear problem. That issue is limited to vehicles powered by the M272 V6 and the M273 V8. The common misconception is that the R500 has the M273, when it in fact has the M113.
“Applicable Models (Not Applicable to Model 164.156, 204 or 216.386): Equipped with M272 Engine Up to Serial No. 2729..30 468993 or M273 Engine Up to Serial No. 2739..30 088611. The material for the balance shaft sprocket and the timing chain guide wheel (idler) was modified on engines past the serial numbers listed above.”
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 6
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R350
I bought a 2006 model, and have regretted it ever since,
Cam chain and balance shaft replacement $2500
Front diff replacement $1200
AC module replacement $600
Rear air bags (suspension) replacement $450 (did it myself)
Door lock motors replacement $450
Front headlight aim motor $400
Map sensor replacement $250
AC vent motor replacement $200
Lots more that I can list, you get the idea.
Maybe I'm just unlucky, but many others here have horror stories.
Cam chain and balance shaft replacement $2500
Front diff replacement $1200
AC module replacement $600
Rear air bags (suspension) replacement $450 (did it myself)
Door lock motors replacement $450
Front headlight aim motor $400
Map sensor replacement $250
AC vent motor replacement $200
Lots more that I can list, you get the idea.
Maybe I'm just unlucky, but many others here have horror stories.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2002 Suburban
2007 R350 - What VINs to avoid?
Thanks for this informative thread. I am considering a 2007 R350 with 80k miles. Same owner since 14k miles. Good, up to date records from a German car facility, not dealer. So, is there a set of VINs to avoid? Thanks!
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
R350
Not sure on the VIN, but from my research after all the problems I had, it looks like all models to the year 2010 are affected.
It does seem that the earlier 2006 ones are the worst.
I bought my 2006 with 150000K's (93000M) and it has been a real lemon.
It was serviced by MB all the time by the log books and had one owner.
It now has 175000K's, and it looks like the transfer case is gone, very noisy.
And again has the timing chain issue.
It has 18 months to go on the lease, and it has been a total loss of money.
I cannot believe MB could release such a piece of ****.
It does seem that the earlier 2006 ones are the worst.
I bought my 2006 with 150000K's (93000M) and it has been a real lemon.
It was serviced by MB all the time by the log books and had one owner.
It now has 175000K's, and it looks like the transfer case is gone, very noisy.
And again has the timing chain issue.
It has 18 months to go on the lease, and it has been a total loss of money.
I cannot believe MB could release such a piece of ****.
Last edited by gusandpam; Feb 28, 2015 at 05:50 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 938
Likes: 53
From: Montreal, Canada
2005 C240 2011 R350
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 179
Likes: 20
From: Southeast Florida
06 SLK55 AMG, 12 R350
This has been a really helpful thread. Thanks to everyone.
Personally I'm looking at the post face lift, and leaning toward the 2012 to get the 300 hp motor (and extended warranty).
I read there were only a few thousand made in '12. A few were designo possibly?
Does anyone have a list of available options for the 2011-2012's they can post so I know what to look for (and perhaps options to avoid)?
Personally I'm looking at the post face lift, and leaning toward the 2012 to get the 300 hp motor (and extended warranty).
I read there were only a few thousand made in '12. A few were designo possibly?
Does anyone have a list of available options for the 2011-2012's they can post so I know what to look for (and perhaps options to avoid)?
Last edited by Lioninstreet; May 3, 2015 at 11:05 AM.
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 14
From: Akron, OH
2006 R350
The options are up to you... the more you get the more can go wrong.. ours is pretty standard... in fact the only real options are heated seats, leather instead of MB-tex, and conventional power moon roof. The only ones I wish were on it are memory seats since my wife is so much smaller than me.. and bluetooth phone.
The lack of equipment may be why our 06 has been pretty solid despite another repair needed since my last post. The power steering pump has gone bad... but it is only a couple of hundred for a rebuilt pump and some work on my part. Pretty simple job.
Here is a link to the 2012 brochure...
http://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/...Class_2012.pdf
The lack of equipment may be why our 06 has been pretty solid despite another repair needed since my last post. The power steering pump has gone bad... but it is only a couple of hundred for a rebuilt pump and some work on my part. Pretty simple job.
Here is a link to the 2012 brochure...
http://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/...Class_2012.pdf
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 179
Likes: 20
From: Southeast Florida
06 SLK55 AMG, 12 R350
Thanks for the input. Nice find on the auto brochure web site btw.
You mentioned seat heaters. Are the heated seats on the w251 as failure prone as on the r171? It seems that almost everyone with a r171 has at least one of the four seat heaters dead.
You mentioned seat heaters. Are the heated seats on the w251 as failure prone as on the r171? It seems that almost everyone with a r171 has at least one of the four seat heaters dead.
Last edited by Lioninstreet; May 3, 2015 at 10:12 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 21
From: Doylestown, OH
2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
No problems with seat heaters on my 2010 and I really don't recall posts here complaining about them. Really, all of the options on my car have been trouble free.
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 14
From: Akron, OH
2006 R350
to be honest the two major options I wanted to stay away from at all cost were the 4 wheel airmatic suspension and the panorama roof. Very glad we did. Other that I am leery of is the power lift gate... the struts appear to be a pain to change, I couldn't imagine having to get at a motor in there.. but again, we don't have that to worry about.
A few months after getting ours the rear springs were replaced with coils, eliminating any sign of air suspension.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 21
From: Doylestown, OH
2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
I don't think there is any major problem with the pano roof in the later models. It is unclear if there was really a wide spread problem in the earlier model years.
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 14
From: Akron, OH
2006 R350
I am on more than one forum, so some of the scary stories may be on them. Mostly, stories of failure to open or close, leaks, squeaks, rattles, and in one extreme case, the panel blew out of the car.
Some of the above listed issues can also appear with a standard roof, but I can fix a standard roof... so standard it was.
Some of the above listed issues can also appear with a standard roof, but I can fix a standard roof... so standard it was.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 166
Likes: 5
2012 S550 4MATIC, 2007 R-350
I bought 2007 R350 brand new.
It has presently 169,000 miles on it.
The tailgate was one of the problem I had with the car.
The sunroof motor failed.
I didn't have airmatic but the valves for the air spring failed.
All of these has been repaired.
We like taking long trips with the R-350. We took a 10 hour trip from San Diego to northern California at one time and the R350 delivered us to our destination in supreme comfort.
I am planning on keeping this car until it falls apart. I will buy another one when opportunity presents it self.
It has presently 169,000 miles on it.
The tailgate was one of the problem I had with the car.
The sunroof motor failed.
I didn't have airmatic but the valves for the air spring failed.
All of these has been repaired.
We like taking long trips with the R-350. We took a 10 hour trip from San Diego to northern California at one time and the R350 delivered us to our destination in supreme comfort.
I am planning on keeping this car until it falls apart. I will buy another one when opportunity presents it self.
