Maintenance Cost History
Curious about others' experience with maintenance and repairs on the MB R350 series? They no longer make it, just wondering if it was because of high costs to own.
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2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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No matter what Mercedes-Benz tries to tell you, the R-Class is not a “sport-touring” machine. It’s a minivan at worst, an SUV at best. But more importantly, it’s also not ugly anymore, thanks to a mid-cycle refresh.
The R-Class has suffered since its introduction. No one knew what it was supposed to be, and regardless, they didn’t like what they were seeing. In an attempt to revive what is clearly a dying model, Mercedes has given its 7-passenger midsize SUV a visual refresh to more closely resemble its Bavarian brethren. The grille has been increased in size and structure for a flatter appearance, allowing for a hood that has much less angle to it. This has alleviated a lot of the W.C. Fields effect that was noted with the previous model. Quad-fogs grace the lower fascia, and new headlights seem to connect bumper, grille, and hood in a way that was obviously ignored previously. Astute fans will also notice new LED daytime running lights and a slight redesign of the mirror-integrated turn signals. Rear bumper and taillights have also seen attention, including LEDs, but the changes are far less dramatic. The most obvious change out back is rectangular exhaust tips replacing the old oval units, and it works well.
For the interior, changes are much more subtle. Getting in, it’s obvious that something’s been done, and the changes are good, but what they are isn’t immediately evident. Look closer and you’ll notice some new trim, a new dash top, and some additional wood on the steering wheel. As said, they're not monumental by any means, but they're good changes and fit the exterior changes well.
Each of the two trims has its own standard engine, a naturally aspirated or turbodiesel V6. The base R350 starts with a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6, and it’ll certainly get you around with its standard seven-speed automatic transmission. However the real story is in the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that comes with the R350 BlueTEC trim. Also mated to the seven-speed automatic, it offers 210 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque as well as an 18/24 mpg rating as opposed to the R350’s 15/19, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The BlueTEC trim also comes with run-flat tires.
All R350s come with a 2+2+2 arrangement, although an optional second-row bench can be swapped for the rear buckets to give a 7-person capacity. Safety is taken well in hand with standard stability and traction control, six standard airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and the PRE and POST-SAFE systems.
Will this be enough to take up the slack of almost 40,000 unsold units per year? Mercedes certainly hopes so. All we can say is that they’re on the right track, but it’s still not a sport-tourer.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
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by Anonymous
Oct 29, 2023
Great purchase. I’m very proud to say I love my r350.Oct 29, 2023
by David K
Sep 01, 2022
Cargurus encouraged me to provide an opinion on the r class. I do not own one, so this is based on my research and desire to own one. Very few r class Mercedes have high mileage which is concerning. Such a high quality vehicle to have lots of kms. I think the issue is maintenance costs. No doubt the first owners of these vehicles wouldn’t concern themselves with maintenance costs since the r class was quite expensive and only owners with deep pockets bought or leased these cars. The diesel Bluetec is most concerning. Mercedes as well as many other brands have had very expensive issues because of emmisions regulations and now with the class action law suits that Mercedes has to pay out and correct, proves that the diesels are a contentious issue at least in North America. I don’t know if the remedy Mercedes has to apply to existing diesels will make them anymore reliable. There are some experts that say no. I love these cars for their high end practicality and of course the fact that Mercedes galvanizes their sheet metal is a big deal for my area. The R class is still on my list as I am still shopping but I pray it’s not a mistake to own one. Reliability is very high on my list of requirements and I don’t want to make a costly decision. Sep 01, 2022
by Elizabeth T
Nov 14, 2021
This is my 3rd Mercedes, the oldest one I’ve ever bought. But even though it’s 10 years old, the interior has held up so well it looks brand new inside. The features of Mercedes is unmatched…heated steering wheel, pano roof, heated seats. The room in this R350 is great for families! The captains chairs in the back are my kids favorite. While it’s not a big tall SUV, still plenty of head room (I’m 5’10’). Super happy I purchased. Nov 14, 2021
What users have asked
Maintenance
I love my 2011 R350 Blu Tec Mercedes Benz. But the maintenance on this vehicle has been high. What is other's experiences with this car? They stopped making them maybe the maintenance was an issue. Just curious what other R350 owners experienced.
48 views
Selling logistics through CarGurus
When we sell our car through you guys at CarGurus, how does the process work? Here are my questions: 1) Do both seller and buyer complete title transfer (bill of sale) form and submit to our DMV? Or do you assist? 2)How does the payment get processed by the buyer? Do you provide an online payment service or does the buyer give me a certified check? We are working to finalize this by Friday, 1/10/20.
49 views
Alternator and Upper Idler Pulley
At my last service appointment, the service technician said "your Alternator is making a whining noise. New/installed price is $849.44 plus tax. Also the Upper Idler Pulley is making a noise, belt tensioner worn as well, vibrating more than normal" No price. What would you do? Replace now or wait for these things to quit/stop? How long does an alternator usually last? Help please.
34 views
Takata Air Bag Recall
MB only replaced the drivers side airbag with the recall. Why did they not replace the passenger side also?
23 views
Top Comparisons
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2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Pricing
Original MSRP
$50,240 to $51,740Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 4GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: auxiliary audio/video input
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: one-piece · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · MP3 auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 4GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Rear audio: rear volume control · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: one-piece · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent