🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: R-Class Model Variant: R350 Year: 2006 Codes Chassis Code: W251 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Crossover SUV / Sports Tourer Competitive Analysis Competitors: BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Acura MDX Key Features Body Style: Four-door crossover with SUV-like practicality and wagon-like comfort. Seating Capacity: Available in 5- and 7-seater configurations. Drivetrain: Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's Operations and Maintenance Secondary Coverage: Basic Maintenance, Specifications, Safety Features, Controls, Climate, Entertainment Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 300-400 (typical for this era/model) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, fuel, oil, cooling system basics Chassis: Suspension, brakes, steering (operational aspects) Electrical: Lighting, instrument cluster, basic electrical features Interior: Climate control, infotainment, seating, locks, security, interior trim Safety: Airbags, seatbelts, child restraints, driver assistance systems (operation) Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning Operation: Starting and operating the vehicle, using controls, understanding indicators Emergency: Changing a tire, using emergency equipment (if applicable), jump-starting (basic guidance) Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level operation, maintenance, and safety. Does not cover diagnostic procedures or component-level repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if factory scanned properly Print Quality Quality: Digital reproduction of factory original, quality depends on source scan. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 3.5L V6 SOHC (M272) Displacement: 3498 cc (3.5 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 92.6 mm x 86.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.7:1 Performance Horsepower: 268 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Fuel Delivery: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) Engine Compartment Engine Management: ME 2.8 (Mercedes-Benz Electronic Control Unit) Ignition System: Electronic ignition with individual coil-on-plug units 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC) Gear Ratios: To be found in detailed service data; typically includes overdrive gears. Features Shift Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes Fluid Specs Fluid Type: MB Specification 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 5057 mm (199.1 in) Width: Approx. 1922 mm (75.7 in) Height: Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 3081 mm (121.3 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2070-2150 kg (4564-4740 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: To be found in specific vehicle documentation Cargo Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up: Approx. 1453 L (51.3 cu ft) Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down: Approx. 2345 L (82.8 cu ft) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Side: 5-Star (for 2006 model year, typically) IIHS Roof Strength: Good (for 2006 model year, typically) Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Esc: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Traction Control: ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) Passive Features Airbags: Front, side, and window airbags Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters Child Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard Mercedes-Benz Audio 20 or optional COMAND APS (with navigation). Display: Central color display for audio, climate, and vehicle settings. Connectivity: Optional Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Parking Aid: Optional parking sensors (PARKTRONIC) Lighting: Standard Halogen headlamps, optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering light function. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Variable, based on 'ASSYST' service indicator (typically around 10,000 miles or 12 months) Major Service: Refer to ASSYST and Mercedes-Benz recommended service schedule (e.g., spark plug replacement around 100,000 miles, transmission fluid service). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5) Coolant: Mercedes-Benz Coolant/Antifreeze (MB Specification 325.0 or 326.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Brake Fluid: DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0) Washer Fluid: Genuine Mercedes-Benz Windshield Washer Concentrate diluted with water. Known Issues Airmatic Suspension: Potential for air spring leaks or compressor failure on vehicles equipped with Airmatic suspension (though R350 typically has standard suspension). M272 Engine Timing Chain: Early M272 engines (prior to some production updates) had issues with timing chain sprockets and tensioners. The 2006 model is susceptible. Requires careful inspection and potential replacement. Oil Cooler Leaks: Leaking oil cooler seals can lead to oil in the coolant system. Door Handle Actuators: Failure of interior and exterior door handle actuators. Part Numbers Oil Filter: e.g., Mann-Filter HU 831 z, Bosch 72061 (verify with VIN) Air Filter: e.g., Mann-Filter C 30 145, Mahle LX 1550 (verify with VIN) Refill Capacities Engine Oil: Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change Coolant System: Approx. 10.5 US quarts (9.9 liters) Transmission Fluid: Approx. 9.5 US quarts (9.0 liters) for a dry fill; partial fill will be less. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Heritage: Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering, and safety, dating...
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard Mercedes-Benz Audio 20 or optional COMAND APS (with navigation).
Display:
Central color display for audio, climate, and vehicle settings.
Connectivity:
Optional Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Aid:
Optional parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)
Lighting:
Standard Halogen headlamps, optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering light function.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, based on 'ASSYST' service indicator (typically around 10,000 miles or 12 months)
Major Service:
Refer to ASSYST and Mercedes-Benz recommended service schedule (e.g., spark plug replacement around 100,000 miles, transmission fluid service).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Coolant/Antifreeze (MB Specification 325.0 or 326.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)
Washer Fluid:
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Windshield Washer Concentrate diluted with water.
Known Issues
Airmatic Suspension:
Potential for air spring leaks or compressor failure on vehicles equipped with Airmatic suspension (though R350 typically has standard suspension).
M272 Engine Timing Chain:
Early M272 engines (prior to some production updates) had issues with timing chain sprockets and tensioners. The 2006 model is susceptible. Requires careful inspection and potential replacement.
Oil Cooler Leaks:
Leaking oil cooler seals can lead to oil in the coolant system.
Door Handle Actuators:
Failure of interior and exterior door handle actuators.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter:
e.g., Mann-Filter HU 831 z, Bosch 72061 (verify with VIN)
Air Filter:
e.g., Mann-Filter C 30 145, Mahle LX 1550 (verify with VIN)
Refill Capacities
Engine Oil:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant System:
Approx. 10.5 US quarts (9.9 liters)
Transmission Fluid:
Approx. 9.5 US quarts (9.0 liters) for a dry fill; partial fill will be less.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering, and safety, dating back to the first automobile.
Model Evolution
Introduction:
The R-Class was introduced for the 2006 model year as a new segment vehicle, a 'Grand Sports Tourer'.
Platform:
Based on the Mercedes-Benz W251 platform, sharing some components with the M-Class (W164) and GL-Class (X164).
Production
Production Period:
2005-2013 (globally), with the 2006 model being the first production year in North America.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Generally achieved good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its time.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for the R-Class were often mixed, citing reliability concerns and value proposition compared to competitors.