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2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
I only drive a 2010, but have not heard of any new common problems. I think the only common issue still remaining is the replacement of the rear gas air bags at 70k to 100k miles. My local German indy shop did it for around $350 (for one). Since you already have a Benz, you know maintenance will run high.
My dealer has said he can't get enough good used R Class cars to meet demand.
I recently purchased a 2008 R350 with 110k from auction with only seeing pics and no record of service history. I paid $6250.00, after shipping and fees I was in it for $6700.00. Right off the bat it needed rear air springs ( I replaced with arnott), front struts are leaking (on to do list), p.s. resivoir seal to pump was pouring out fluid ($15 in seal and fluid), last but not least I am getting the dreaded p2016 & p2017 codes for check engine. For the check engine I replaced cam magnets and codes went away for a bit but the light will come on go off every few days. I scoped the balance shaft gear and it looks good, looks lo have some wear but don't know how much more than any other 110k mile motor. Looks like it is probably a streched timing chain ($350ish in parts and this one ill let the dealer do ~$500 in labor)
I used to work in a MB service department and am very very familiar with the R, I also currently work at a shop with access to a lift and tools.
With all of that being said I really really love these vehicles and plan to drive it for quite some time. I have to say though unless you can do some work on these, or come across one that has had litterally everything repaired up until the moment you bought it I would not suggest owning a pre 2010 unless you like throwing $100 bills at shops and mechanics.
Hi Bryan~ welcome to the R family :P
i had thought that the 2008+ R's were safe from the 'dreaded' balance shaft issue, you should do the vehicle vin / engine search and confirm ?
And I'm new to the R as well ... loving the vehicle, wife more so because she doesn't want to drive a minivan or suv... and my R500 with 112k, all major works I read/knew about had already been carried out within the last 20k ... (front airmatic, compressor, power steering etc) confirmed with paperwork so I'm hoping to keep up her maintenance and enjoy for a few years... (move through to the last of the series by then?) ...
And it seems a shame that they've stopped producing them for NA and Europe!
Thank you. My wife loves this "sports tourer" aka. not a minivan. I was originally looking for 06 R500 with the Sacks Edition when I bought my E500 wagon.
The 08's are supposed to be un affected by the balance shaft, but after doing research is seems to be a possibility, that is why I inspected the gear. The more common issue on 08-09 is a streched timing chain which can throw the same codes.
03-27-2016, 10:54 AM
