Families seeking luxury, space, and versatility with premium brand appeal.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX
Key Features
Vehicle Features:
Spacious interior, optional third-row seating, advanced safety features, premium materials, all-wheel drive (4MATIC) as standard on many models.
Manual Value Proposition
Value:
Provides authorized diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, and specifications, enabling accurate and efficient maintenance and repairs, reducing reliance on dealership service.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
North America
Regional Variations:
Details may vary slightly for non-USDM models.
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (as it's software, providing an exact static page count is less relevant than its comprehensive digital nature. Assume equivalent to multiple large print volumes.)
Full Electrical Schematics, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Infotainment System, CAN Bus Communication
Auxiliary audio input, optional Bluetooth integration, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors (front and rear).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control).
Lighting:
Bi-Xenon Headlights with Active Curve Illumination, LED Daytime Running Lights (optional).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (as indicated by the 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicator).
Transmission Service Interval:
Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (check manual for specific interval for 722.9 transmission).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (based on OEM recommendations for M272 engine).
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
MB 236.3 (typically a Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Coolant Specification:
MB 325.0 (Blue or Green Antifreeze/Coolant)
Known Issues
M272 Engine Issue:
Timing chain tensioner wear, balancing shaft sprocket wear (leading to timing issues and DTCs like P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019).
Transmission Issue:
Valve body issues, conductor plate failures in the 722.9 transmission, leading to shifting problems or no communication.
Suspension Issue:
AirMatic suspension compressor failures, air strut leaks, sensor failures.
Electrical Issue:
Issues with the teleaid module, window regulators, door lock actuators, and various sensor failures (e.g., O2 sensors).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Heritage:
Founded in 1926, Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and innovation in the automotive industry.
Model Evolution
R Class Introduction:
The R-Class was introduced globally in 2005 as a 'Grand Sports Tourer,' a segment created by Mercedes-Benz to blend SUV, minivan, and wagon characteristics.
W251 Generation:
The W251 is the first generation of the R-Class. The 2008 model year represents a refinement of this initial platform.
Market Reception:
The R-Class had a unique market position and faced challenges differentiating itself from traditional SUVs and minivans, impacting sales volumes.
Production
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Years:
2006-2012 (for the W251 platform)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Award:
IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2008
Ward S Auto World Award:
Not a direct recipient of a Wards 10 Best Engines award for the M272 engine specifically in the R350 application, though similar engines received recognition in other Mercedes-Benz models.