2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Mercedes-Benz R-Class 2006

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class repairs by problem area

Engine (21%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (15%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (27%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (24%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 145 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (19%)

$1000 - $2499 (19%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (5%)

< $100 (48%)

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Chart based on 21 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Engine not specified

46000 mi hard downshifting from 2 to 1 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV

302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

49000 mi

US $178
transfer case replaced fixing shifting problem transfer case replaced fixing shifting problem; side mirror motor fixing loud clapping sound on closure; tighten steering column fixing looseness at high temp; covered by extended warranty. change brake fluid; replace bulbs; out of pocket 
144000 mi

US $1280
Wouldn't shift out of Park at airport, stranding family. Towed to dealer, diagnosed and replaced TCM. Earlier warning signs: stability control and cruise control would cut out occasionally, then function again after the car was turned off and restarted. 
transmission failure 
47023 mi

US $6290
Just a guess, but I'm certain that my vehicle has the dreaded 722.9 7G-Tronic transmission. I'm also pretty sure that it's the common transmission valve body & conductor plate issue, as I don't believe the TSB {S-B-27.00/120, S-B-27.00/120a} was ever taken care of on this vehicle. I'll be towing it to a mechanic 8/19/2018 and fielding the great news afterward, so, wish me luck. Also, for those that wish to know symptoms: - Transmission stuck in second gear. Limp Home Mode - Shifts from first to second gear then it stays in that gear. - Transmission, will not shift into higher gears. - Can not drive at speeds over 40 mph. - Check engine light is ON. - Erratic shifting of gears. - Jolting while changing gears. - Engine RPMs are high but car doesn’t move. Can't wait for this estimate ..... grand. more info ---- - https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/327554-mercedes-benz-hit-class-action-transmission-defects/ - http://www.mercedesmedic.com/must-read-722-9-7g-tronic-valve-body-conductor-plate/ 
34720 mi Transmission hard shift 2nd into 1st. Put into comfort mode to start in 2nd. Likely requires transmission valve body. 
52600 mi

US $800
Front driver outer drive shaft boot leaking. Replaced. 
59000 mi

US $2600
Front differential replaced. 
70000 mi Transmission had hard shift from 2nd gear down to 1st gear when slowing to a stop. Dealer says normal, but I do not agree - this is not in other cars. 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV

268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD

36000 mi New gears in trans for rough shifting and comp sys reflash for trans. 
58000 mi Torque retaining clips/pin(s) & sensor(s). TSB issued week prior to owner noticing problem. 
74000 mi Catastrophic failure of drive shaft. 
91900 mi

US $1200
Valve in transmission was replaced 
45000 mi Front left axle replaced 
96000 mi

US $1500
Transmission ECM failing 
62000 mi

US $2300
Right front axle leaking, replaced complete axle assembly 
55000 mi Front differential making noise and metal filings in oil 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV

177320 mi

€80
Visit to previous shop due to transmission oil change caused transmission failure. Earlier automatic transfer oil change was done with automatic machine and not controlled properly. Oil level on transmission was left too low and during last 20 000km all transmission plates were worn out. Transmission was slipping all the time when any torque was needed. Finally transmission gave in. New visit to another shop as earlier shop denied all responsibility. Total rebuild needed. Transmission fixed to working order. Software update 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD

102300 mi

€2500
Car blocked in 1st gear. Need to replace automatic transmission hydraulic block. Magnets wear identified as defect root cause. 
168640 mi

€700
Noise on transfer box during acceleration. Know problem on MERCEDES 4x4 cars due to transmission chain elongation. Due to elongation, shocks are coming on the pad creating pad support breakage. Chain manufacturer recommends replacement at 100,000 km, but Daimler does not include it in the maintenance manual, waiting for a more expensive repair. Daimler proposal was 4500 EUR for a new box or 3500 EUR for a renovated box. Real cost for me at a gearbox expert was 600 EUR, including chain replacement, pas support repair and removal / reassembly of the box on the car (total work 2.5h. This problem appears on most of the Daimler 4x4 cars (R class, ML, GL) having a similar design below 150,000 km, in spite of improvement of pad support on recent models. On my own car, this is the second failure. As this appears out of warranty, this is good money for the car industry! 

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2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Transmission Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.