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Expensive Mercedes-Benz R-Class repairs by problem area

Engine (28%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (24%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (27%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (13%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (2%)

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Chart based on 83 repairs.

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Mercedes-Benz R-Class repair cost distribution

$2500+ (38%)

$1000 - $2499 (62%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

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Chart based on 60 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

45000 mi US $800	O2 sensors replaced
56000 mi US $4000	Exhaust manifold and O2 sensors

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81300 mi US $1700	Main and auxiliary batteries replaced due to age.
83000 mi US $276	Warm air from ac was corrected by recharging it.

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111600 mi

C $1300

leak in [suspension] hydraulics

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72000 mi US $1013	Lock actuator is not working and was replaced. Key stopped working and had to be replaced. Suspension Diagnosis/Repair Lock actuator
76000 mi US $500	Suspension Diagnosis/Repair Levelling the car.

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29243 mi US $600	replaced passenger door lock
29450 mi US $3000	CD changer not working. Replaced entire command unit. Then EIS (electronic ignition) would not correspond with Command Unit; replaced EIS unit

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127000 mi US $700	Between 40-50 mph the transmission would hesitate shifting to a higher gear.
127000 mi US $5000	While changing out the glow plugs and relay, a cracked seal around turbo charger was discovered. They also discovered an oil leak. A TSB reported a defective oil seal between crank case and oil cooler was installed by Mercedes. 3 days later $5000 later!

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88300 mi

US $2300

New struts

131440 mi

C $2500

was in a accident. Many many issues after bodywork was completed. Insucrance after spending $16000+ they decided to write off the car. This car has mamy issues for the last 2 years starting about 160,000 km.

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135500 mi US $335	Front left wheel speed sensor failed.Dealer replaced sensor with a used unit due to lack of having new sensor in stock.
141000 mi US $250	Changed out strut coils to improve ride and handling
146000 mi US $450	Power steering pump developed a casing leak. Changed pump out and also installed new reservoir
168000 mi US $535	Replaced all 4 wheel speed sensors. Had one go bad and would not "reset"----so I changed all 4. With that many miles on the R this repair can almost be classified as preventive maint to preclude further incidents.
178000 mi US $400	Found the passenger side front strut leaking oil. Its a Bilstein strut with only 66000 miles on it. Replaced both front struts.
181000 mi US $1200	Replaced steering wheel control panels and headlight switch due to deteriorating condition (sticky gooey to the touch from poor OE materials) Replaced satellite module due to failure.
183000 mi US $200	Replaced A/C pulley/sheave. The sealed bearing was beginning to fail as indicated by the grease it was slinging into the engine compartment.
191000 mi US $500	Replaced all 4 rotors and pads. Had 165000 mi on the brakes(new at 30k mi per CPO). Evacuated A/C , did leak check,refilled with freon. Re-coded rear suspension air bag level switches. All is good. What a fine vehicle!!!
210400 mi US $500	Freon leak at condenser and wobble plate in compressor quit wobbling. Replaced a/c comp, condenser and dryer. Evac'd system and refilled
210400 mi US $250	Replaced a stretched timing chain and timing chain tensioner
220000 mi US $200	ABS code for right front wheel speed sensor. Replaced both front wheel speed sensors. cleared codes.
221300 mi US $200	Ticking sound from tensioner. Replaced tensioner, idlers and belt
224000 mi US $240	ABS wheel speed sensor on drivers side failed. Replaced both rear wheel speed sensors.

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103000 mi US $1200	Rear airmatic failed on right side. Replaced both rear airmatics.
135000 mi US $600	vacuum hoses
136700 mi US $700	Replaced coolant thermostat.
152000 mi US $3400	Power steering system leak. Power steering pump failing.

144000 mi

US $7000

Balance shaft

88000 mi US $828	Leaking power steering control head. Replaced
99000 mi US $1876	Weaping FL axle. Replaced axle (recommendation versus just replacing the boot) Driver's side passenger door handle broken. Replaced.
108000 mi US $454	Belt squealing- replaced upper + lower pulleys and belt
110000 mi US $763	Coolant thermostat stuck- replaced. Right camshaft magnet failing- replaced. Brake fluid flushed.
111227 mi US $1140	Replace wiper motor and corresponding fuse relay box
169000 mi US $1175	Vehicle would not shift out of park. Replaced intelligent servo module.
171000 mi US $625	Flat battery. Replaced both standard and starter batteries.

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76260 mi C $650	Rear shocks were replaced as they were due
87420 mi C $3000	Both front wheel drive axle shafts had to be replaced

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100000 mi US $500	conductor plate reflash; a lot of labor to remove part in order to reflash it glow plug control module
100000 mi US $1200	valve body; no longer shifting MAF sensor needed replacing light sensor control module malfunction

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106020 mi

A $6500

Turbocharger problem put engine into limp mode. Turbo needed replacing

69000 mi US $600	Complete shutdown of all systems outside of engine: no wipers, headlights, ABS, windows, locks, seat, radio, etc. Dealer could see faults, but couldn't find problem. Went through wiring harness and reprogrammed computer. $600 in diagnostic fees.
87100 mi US $1200	Pump to suspension broke

69000 mi

US $1100

Airmatic compressor malfunction, got a warning light

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60800 mi US $1800	problem: Check engine light on & vehicle will not shift. solution: R&R Trans Pan. replaced valve body w/control unit. Perform control module programming and initial startup. perform reset of adaptation drive.
145000 mi US $1500	Air suspension compressor replaced.
169000 mi US $5600	Rebuilt transmission
211000 mi US $1000	Transmission slipping.

76000 mi US $150	Steering system made unusual noises at extremes of turning radius. Steering pump and related parts replaced.
78000 mi US $395	Check engine light on. Fuel check valve replaced.
85000 mi US $1050	During Svc B, dealer found leak in steering rack. Repair covered by ext warranty. Delay was result of dealer attempting to sell a new MB part vs. accepting a remanufactured part from the warranty co.
91300 mi US $550	Chrome accents on steering wheel were coming undone. Plastic Buttons on key coming undone from repeated use(!). Replaced key with newly designed model.

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117000 mi

US $2000

REAR SUSPENSION AIR WAS LEAKING AND LOWERING THE CAR WHILE PARKED. REPLACED.

97700 mi US $400	Air matic suspension airbag
109000 mi US $10000	Car went into limp mode Suspension air bag failed Steering gear replaced Thermostat replaced Intake manifold replaced because of crack
151000 mi US $2500	Crack in intake manifold.
165000 mi US $200	Replace chain tensioner

88000 mi

US $2200

suspension went out

81000 mi US $3577	internal speed sensor defective cooling system circuit fault Passenger rear door and rear door panel assembly replaced
83500 mi US $300	rear passenger side hydraulics was not working because of a leak in the valve

59520 mi C $300	rear taillights/turn/brake lights working intermittently, needed to have a wiring harness added to complete circuit, noted as a fairly common problem
76700 mi C $1300	replaced rear shocks and front passenger wheel (boot?)
79360 mi C $800	following the last trip where the front passenger (boot?) was replaced, they found the front axle to need replacing. they credited for the original work and repair, and only charged for the additional part and a small amount of labour
86800 mi C $650	No heat, diagnose and replace thermostat

56000 mi US $200	Radiator leaking from between reservoir and radiator. Replacement of radiator was completed.
76000 mi US $250	Right Side Rear Suspension Airbag was repaired under extended warranty Moon Roof Rails and pulley system were replaced
85000 mi US $250	Lift Gate latch not functioning.
71500 mi US $4000	Both SAM units (front & rear), and both batteries were replaced.
89000 mi US $250	Passenger's rear airbag was defective.

48000 mi US $1400	replace two batteries $500
48600 mi US $1400	Replace valve body with Mercedes Benz manufacture help on parts.
48000 mi US $450	Engine light on. Car drove normal. Dealer said it was cam adjuster magnet front left worn. Replace parts.

51900 mi US $1500	Leaking oil pan gasket. Replaced brake fluid reservoir that was leaking.
59000 mi US $450	Replaced bad battery Steering fluid reservoir has slow leak. Didnt replace. Slow oil leak at the bottom oil pan. Didnt fix the leak has been there for years.

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70000 mi

£1000

Replaced rear suspension airbag Mass air flow system replaced Valve body replaced

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35000 mi US $250	Front Air Spring Replacement
35000 mi US $220	Rear driver's side air spring failure. Replaced both with new units. Entire repair took approximately 4 hours. Would have been a lot quicker had I had a lift.
43000 mi US $100	Replaced front and rear pads. Everything went smoothly.
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/

59000 mi

US $900

Front differential replaced. Replaced one of the wheels air spring compressor.

88040 mi

C $2000

Front Air Shocks were leaking and vehicle dropped down overnight. Dealer estimate was $4800+tax. Installed remanufactured shocks by Arnott and cost me just under $2000.

100000 mi

US $1200

ABS repair. I DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO HAVE PROBLEMS ANY TIME I CRANK UP!!!!!!!!! BAD INVESTMENT. TOO MANY PROBLEMS. THE REPAIRS ARE OVERPRICED AND MOST ISSUES CALL FOR TRIP TO THE DEALER.

33480 mi C $1500	Engine tick on acceleration. Dealer checked normal engine characteristic. :( Passenger side climate control dial broken. Broken ventilation system on ignition startup. Fan noise.
34100 mi C $600	Blower motor electrical short. Water intrusion from reed valve/ cabin air filter.
37200 mi C $500	Shifter column rotating when hot. Electrical malfunction puts transmission into limp home mode.
39060 mi C $500	Driver's side keyless go broken.

144000 mi

US $1280

Rear struts need replacing. Front air suspension struts need replacing; fourth time in 88,000 miles 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.

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58700 mi US $1200	AC compressor ceased working
64000 mi US $600	Leveler sensor
76000 mi US $800	Leveling system sensors and leveler replaced. Update in April: this problem has tended to reappear every two months, but so far has remained fixed.
79000 mi US $1800	Balance shaft, timing chain replaced,

53700 mi US $6875	Replaced balance shaft in engine and transmission conductor plate.
67000 mi US $370	Parking brake handle came off in hand when trying o release parking brake.

100800 mi US $150	Replaced intake manifold. Would have been $1,500 w/o extended warranty. Picked up car after intake manifold repair, had to bring the car back to dealer w/i 10 minutes due to lack of power and a backfire. 4-5 days later I was told that the balance shaft needed to be replaced. Known problem. Would have been $7k w/o warranty.
115000 mi US $1124	Rear air springs

51460 mi C $8000	New intake, cam follower bearing, head machining, valves, steering pump.
103540 mi C $4000	Replaced idler pulleys. Also new brakes and rotors, new windshield, new wipers. Main battery replacement. Still love the car. Gets half time duty now with a 1995 s class.

91900 mi

US $1200

Valve in transmission was replaced

77080 mi C $1300	Rear air suspension failed and had to be replaced
78120 mi C $460	Cam Sensor failed

102000 mi

US $2600

Cam sensor failed

80000 mi US $2000	Had to replace intake manifold and cam sensors. Out of warranty.
84500 mi US $3000	Had to replace balance shaft, timing chain, etc due to bad sprocket. no warranty coverage. MBUSA agreed to provide free parts and dealer half of labor (supposedly). Well known problem for this car. Total cost estimaed at 9800. I paid 3000.

62000 mi US $2300	Right front axle leaking, replaced complete axle assembly Seatbelt for L/R middle row seat broken, needed to be replaced.
63000 mi US $135	Transmission intermittently disengages. Determined it was an electronic issue, but not serious enough to repair.

84500 mi US $1800	rear suspension airbags required replacement replaced steering pump
90000 mi US $943	Thermostat failed, had to be replaced. Also replaced cam plugs and oil separator cover due to leak.
96000 mi US $1500	Transmission ECM failing
116000 mi US $4800	power steering rack and pinion replacement

109700 mi US $1300	Hydraulic lifter adjuster solenoids replaced, Coolant sensor replaced after only one year.
114700 mi US $450	Intake manifold required complete replacement due to broken control arm and flaps. Replaced drivers side rear suspension air bag

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176700 mi

€5200

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.

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102300 mi €2500	Car blocked in 1st gear. Need to replace automatic transmission hydraulic block. Magnets wear identified as defect root cause.
121800 mi €1800	Leakage of air suspension creating severe dissymety left/right
158100 mi €500	replacement of rear shock absorbers
163680 mi €1500	Lost of power and accélération. À lot for alarms. Replacement of motorisée air inlet valve..
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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Expensive Mercedes-Benz R-Class repairs by problem area

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