Should You Buy a MERCEDES R CLASS? (R320CDI Test Drive & Review)

[@CapnChapster]

I’ve had one since 2007. Three trans Europe trips, each lasting a month, shipping a family of six. A flawed but awesome beast, outrageous comfort pace and storage. Expensive to run. Rare and special. I love mine . It’s never going to be sold, it’s just too good.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Pleased to hear it

[@erinrife]

Why is it expensive to run? I’m in the states so we don’t pay annual taxes on our cars. Instead, each state requires you renew your license plate sticker which can cost $25 in a republican state like Kansas and $150 in a democrat state like Illinois.

[@straightausffm1495]

My dad bought a 2006 R320 Diesel back in 2012. As a 4 people family that thing was a dream and a doom. It was no doubt the most comfy car I sat in and as a family that drove from Germany to Croatia every year and to Macedonia sometimes (a 2000km drive) it was compared to the 2000 ML 320 or the 2013 C180 a real dream. You just sat in the middle row like a king. BUT that thing had some real issues at least for us. On a drive to Croatia the car went into limp mode. Waited for 8 hours for it to be fixed in the middle of Austria (I think it we paid around 3,5k for a EMS change) just for it to break down in Croatia again because of a particle filter. We did get a loan car paid by our insurance and the car was sent back to Germany to be fixed. Forward 3years and the Air-Matic had a compressor issue. Fixed it and sold it. But the Air-Matic has always been known to break down so it was a matter of time for that to happen.

[@Birdfeeder795]

Brilliant car. Mine is a 2007 R320 and it has been outstanding in the 5 years I’ve owned it. It has 200.000km on the clock and looks almost brand new inside. Cheap on fuel, pulls like a train an eats long stretches of road for breakfast. Build quality is outstanding, and it looks a bit odd witch i like. As long as you maintain it properly it’s not going to let you down. Only buy one that has been maintained according to the factory program. This car is like an S class wagon, comfortable as hell and can carry 4 adults and two children in comfort for long periods of time. If you want one, buy one!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Terje Birdfeeder I agree! Great for hauling people & belongings

[@sydjaguar]

i have the 2010 version and its an absolute tank. Diesel is the way to go.

[@tuesdaynightgaming5626]

Cheap on fuel mine ran 24.5 mpg only once it was running 460bhp at 612ftb Tourqe that it would do 45mpg

[@diyguy928]

@@tuesdaynightgaming5626 cdi ?

[@colormesarge]

@@tuesdaynightgaming5626 waaaaaaaat?

[@SQLRYAN]

We have a 2007 R350 that we bought new. What you said is spot on, nobody really knows what it is, you won't see another one sitting next to you stopped at red light. No major issues and it now has nearly 200K miles. Quiet, comfortable and it will get up and go when I make it go. Perfect road trip car.

[@charlesmalone4379]

My car service in Chicago used this car to transport us from O Hare to downtown . Since there were only 2 or 3 of us , plenty of room in the boot for bags. The ride and “ quiet “ was fantastic. Much better than a Suburban. The owner got great fuel efficiency. I really thought about buying one based on my experience. The problem was there were no used models available at an affordable price in the US. If I were in the UK would seriously consider a diesel with 100k that had been serviced.

[@jasem6311]

I love the Rclass. But I also am a middle aged American that has always been in love with the “mini van” era. I would buy one if I had the opportunity.

[@alainboukouch9530]

I got the R 500 V8 love it

[@diyguy928]

@@alainboukouch9530 bet it sounds nice

[@treclive]

I got mine on marketplace 124k miles seams to go along good .paid $2,500

[@hubertornass-kubacki2388]

3 months ago after this review I bought one from 2012, V8/Diesel. It is truly pleasant car to drive. Thank you for this and other reviews

[@HighPeakAutos]

Pleased to hear it

[@johnhaynes9910]

I never mind you having a "waffle", keep it up I like your style of presentation.

[@HighPeakAutos]

John Haynes haha Thanks!

[@nigel.w]

Very interesting, especially as they are 4WD. Captain's chairs are nice, too. Just goes to show that the formula for many of the current high-end SUVs is not new. Thanks.

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, another off the wall car, it has a personality, and is not just another box on wheels.

[@jaybee5775]

I have a R500. He is right about the electoral glitches but the engine and transmission are strong as long as the sensors dont conflict with either. I love mine an original for sure.

[@jhmagna]

Greetings from Australia. Just come across this channel. What a great reviewer. Well done!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching! I've never been to Aus but do have plans to in the future :)

[@damilolaakanni]

I'd definitely recommend one of these if it has the 3.5 petrol V6. That's the same engine as pretty much the rest of Mercedes lineup. The ML, E class, E class, C class. Apart from the balance shaft failing, there aren't many issues that I know of with those.

[@SteveTolcher]

Another cracking review, pal. Great job. Really enjoy your relaxed way of presenting and you obviously know your stuff when it comes to motors! Looking forward to the next one.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Steve Tolcher Thank you! Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@David_Owsnett]

I really like these and I seriously considered chopping in my Vectra for one. But I just couldnt get over the awkward front end, even on the newer ones. I knew it just wouldnt stir me when walking away after parking and looking back as you must do with your car.

[@cristobalbarrera7461]

I brought a 2006 r350 last year. It's been the best decision ever made. And I have a 2016 Kia forte and I don't need anymore.

[@glasgowscorsese]

I had one. When the air suspension starts to go be prepared to pay out . Apart from that it was a brilliant car for a family on the open road.

[@simonupex2628]

Evening Matt I like your content you feature stuff that slips through your memory, makes your vlogs interesting to watch. Regards Simon.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Simon Upex Thanks for watching! 😉

[@plve82]

That's why I bought one, exactly the same but Silver. Suits my family perfectly 👍

[@diyguy928]

Paul any good ? Had any problems looking at getting one

[@plve82]

​@@diyguy928 Hey yea it's a great car, luxurious, spacious, practical & powerful, Perfect for my family of 5. But yes it has a few issues that require some thousands to fix, but I don't mind spending a bit of money on it, because the way I see it is, when we decided we needed a 7 seater, we could have gone & got a 40-50K loan & bought a something newer like a CX9. But we bought the R320 for 16K. & it does exactly the same thing as a 50K new 7 seater can do. & it's also So much better than any other 7 seater in the same price range & age. So I don't mind spending some thousands on it to fix a few things. The main issues I've had is the Transfer Case chain stretched & tensioner broke, requiring a rebuild & repairs. The oil cooler in the valley of the V6 is leaking oil down out the back of the engine (looks like a rear main oil seal leaking, but its not), requires a big job to fix it, its not major, but annoying. & Drivers electric window button set needs replacement, buttons broken & come off. The expanding spare tyre is useless. Removed it & just use the best Slime flat tyre pump kit in case of a flat.

[@kriscarter2226]

@@plve82 Wish I would've seen this earlier b4 I tried to go on a road trip. Long story short spare tire was useless. Left me stranded on a major highway

[@nickabbatiello828]

The Mercedes Benz R Class is the world's first grand sports tour SUV built in Alabama (MBUSI)

[@Wheelswhiskywatches]

Its worth noting that you could get a 5 seater which was slightly shorter but with a massive boot, as well as a 7 seat version

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yes thats right

[@Марк.Фетнов]

It's like the Mercedes sausage, a bit of everything in it!

[@PS-si7hn]

Love this show.... great sense of humour and great reviews....watch them all so keep them coming!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching!

[@arturforever2060]

I Have 2012 R350cdi 278BHP 7seat. Very fast and big, no problem to park this car for me. 34mpg mix driving.

[@brianmorrissey554]

Lovely timing Matt. Perfect Sunday evening stuff.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Brian Morrissey I timed it to go live just after top gear! 😉

[@brianmorrissey554]

@@HighPeakAutos I see. Very clever. 👍 Those things are definitely rare. I do live in Waterford, Ireland which isn't exactly car Mecca but I've never seen one. Only 4 currently for sale on one major site.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Brian Morrissey They’re quite unusual

[@crazyfroggie6546]

Massive tank, I've always considered these to be merc's take on the Chrysler voyager. Not a fan of the few I've seen on the roads, they're almost too big for UK roads and certainly too big for the car parks.

[@HighPeakAutos]

They are massive

[@lawrencehooper4341]

I'm late to the party on this one. Thank you for introducing me to a car that I never knew existed. Its another one on the list of potential cheap runabouts. I have almost no interest in brand new cars. This channel is like a breath of fresh air (unless you are reviewing a diesel haha).

[@HighPeakAutos]

No problem!

[@garyaustin6400]

Luv this fella. Great vibes from his great reviews 👌

[@ericgeorge5483]

I had never even heard of an "R-Class" but I really like it and I don't even know why!!

[@user-pe2yx9kt4e]

The design is beautiful just looking at it from the outside... I’ve always liked this car just because the lines and proportions are so nice

[@ericgeorge5483]

@@user-pe2yx9kt4e It's something completely different and that is part of the attraction for me.

[@julianowens4071]

Your so right with the R Class,I owned a 3l model ,pure luxury but I lived of the brink of a nervous breakdown with it,my wife used the car to do the school run and I used to dread her calling me before 9,just expecting and conversation starting with"theres something wrong with the car",it was nice when it worked but to be honest there is much better out there.

[@vxrbandit2527]

I frequently read the list of comments relating to your reviews and they are always more or less 99.9% positive, which is a brilliant achievement and may I say richly deserved 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌 Kindest regards Steve.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks Steve, I've noticed that too! Cheers :)

[@b4804514]

Hey Matt is smooth as silk to listen to and makes logical points unscripted, friendly, great editing and not to long winded with a joke now and then.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Loganbay Thanks!

[@70053morayfirth]

These were made for the U.S. market but I agree with your conclusions. Our friends in Canada have one and they love it .. and cannot find a suitable replacement.

[@paulnathaniel1207]

This is where the eqs design comes from

[@54mgtf22]

Thank you, Matt. Decision made. I’ll buy an R320 as a tow wagon. 510mn of torque will pull a cottage off it’s foundations.

[@seanfenwick]

Doug deMuro loves his R63. I always heard the 320 cdi loved going through injectors

[@HighPeakAutos]

Sean Fenwick you’re right, loads of modern cars go through injectors, they’re too sensitive these days

[@ismetcanpalta6892]

You can buy 1 for 5000 yes, but the important thing is: can you pay the maintanace for the car? That is really expensive. I bought 1 for 8000 euro and payed 8000 for maintanace in 1 year

[@HighPeakAutos]

Oh no! What happened?

[@williamfence566]

Don't need the size but I like different ( I have a honda CRZ ) . Love having to explain what it is as you would with the R series. Excellent review as usual with balanced buying advice . Cheers.

[@HighPeakAutos]

William Fence I’ve never had a CRZ but I love the look. Thanks for watching

[@williamfence566]

@@HighPeakAutos had mine 3& half years and it's just sailed through mot. It's the last model with a larger battery so quick and economic. Looked to trade in last year but saw nothing better. This from a petrol head!

[@airdren4592]

I currently have the r class 2012 at looks a bit different from this one, a bit sleeker but i love it

[@MikeWaldt]

Great overview once again. Cheers Mike

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers Mike

[@lavatrip9344]

Awesome review. Not often when people review cars after they're already aged.

[@mattmccutcheon8675]

I owned one in the USA i loved it the 350 4matic got 18 mpg . It died because of a bad seal allowed water to get to the fuse box. Rip the barge.

[@joemalone9380]

matt, just so you know the link for the sales course turned out to be deemed "not secure" by my isp. great video. doug demuro calls it a minivan.

[@johnholmes6176]

I Always get exited waiting for your next video love your channel so much thanks once again keep up the amazing work.:)

[@HighPeakAutos]

John Holmes Thank you! 👍🏻

[@hroedwolfs9051]

Car service destryoed my Insignia and so I am looking for some preowned family car. Was deciding between X5, Q7 and R. Thanks to your review (and owner's comments here) I just decided to go for MB R. (Yeah I was always bit mad when it comes to cars anyway)

[@davewatts7444]

Great review as usual and it was educational, well it tought me a lesson old luxury cars, still make sense. So I've bought an E class coupe will let you know how its going as it was one you recomended

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good stuff! Hope you like it :)

[@raine231278]

Need weekly videos now buddy! You ve had good practise haha! Come on put the effort in lmfao! 😂

[@HighPeakAutos]

raine231278 Haha that was always my intention, I’ve just had a busy month so not had the free time

[@SunnySingh-rj2ei]

Absolutely love your videos. Keep it up

[@HighPeakAutos]

Ess R Cheers!

[@glitterkittensreid5079]

MB The Best or Nothing is not said lightly or just an off hand boast. The vehicles speak quality. Even strange ones like the R class. Seen them going for $3000 CAD for the R320 Gas version. Looking for a CRD version if I don’t grab an E250 or E320 BlueTEC with the 4MATIC system.

[@AdeL-bn2ts]

Doug Demuro reviewed the R63 AMG. It was a quick old bus, but it's a very fugly car though.

[@bumbleo8993]

Your style of presentation almost made an r class appealing. Almost.

[@dontknowanymorenames]

My Marmite car - even after all these years, I can't decide if I love it or hate it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Dont Know after driving it for a few hours, I still can’t decide either

[@naseerulkabir1504]

These cars had multiple problems

[@borjarezola6302]

@@naseerulkabir1504 just like you

[@stevie007]

Hi Matt, my day off today so taking my missus out for the day down to Cornwall. Please don`t do anything silly like uploading a video while I`m there because the single is crap and I won`t be able to watch it 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 I get back about 6.30 this evening so that will be perfect 😜😜😜😜😜😜 Thanks, mate. Steve.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha I'll have a couple more vids on this week hopefully :)

[@duckbeneathpigeons]

Often wondered about this car. Nice video, thanks 👍🏻

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching :)

[@georgmurmann5407]

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to be a brilliant funeral vehicle. The client does not notice its ugly shape, but inside, double packed in a coffin and a luxurious interior, he might have got his last nice drive.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Georg Murmann You could be right

[@martingibson5636]

@@HighPeakAutos get on the blower to unsworth he will buy it haha

[@rikkee5157]

Actually i have seen some R-Class funeral cars here.

[@nebulaforest7284]

Nice review, funny as I saw one for the first time in years today & was looking them up on eBay earlier. You should try a review on the Bmw E60.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Nebular Forest Yeah ill try and get hold of one

[@dadedraak]

I love these things! The AMG version is crazy!

[@EagleArrow]

Ingenuity ended in the 1960s of beautiful craftmanship and functional cars ended. I like the design of the R350.

[@flyme195]

Always wondered about the odd ball that was the R-class and yet, despite its looks, found it appealing in a weird way.

[@kudatagwirei370]

More videos please. Love your reviews

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Didnt know this existed. Quite like it.

[@AndyC2_]

Awesome review as always Can honestly say, I’ve never even heard of an R Class - my bad 🙈 Looks quirky though !!

[@RickFishUK]

Another top vid. I really enjoy the reviews of the slightly odd and forgotten models. How about a review on the Toyota FJ Cruiser?!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Rick Maloney I’ll try and get hold of one

[@RickFishUK]

Out of interest have you ever driven one?

[@HighPeakAutos]

No, never

[@vailydragon]

The quality bench mark for Mercedes is the E class. The S takes it up a couple of notches on quality and ride characteristics. Every thing else below uses the badge to hide behind on poorer quality and ride. My Mrs has a A class CD. She loves the colour and image. It works, although the build quality is just OK and ride and engine noise lets you know your in the economy slot in the range. Just saying!!

[@mudskipper0075]

It’s an answer to a question nobody asked...going for low money at the minute ,suspect running costs will high and it’ll be one of those cars where even the MB dealer will be clueless as they didn’t sell many....

[@paulnewton1410]

Thank you . I wouldn't get one, agreed not sure what bracket they fit into. Interesting to see though. Keep em coming cheers Paul

[@HighPeakAutos]

Paul Newton Thanks for watching

[@sajidbashir8899]

Another great review pal keep them coming

[@HighPeakAutos]

Sajid Bashir Thanks for watching 😉

[@AndyDento21]

Believe it or not as crazy as it sounds you can wet sand Alcantara down to make it smooth again! It’s a fact as I learned it from an automotive Upholsterer

[@HighPeakAutos]

Interesting

[@AndyDento21]

@@HighPeakAutos plus furious driving used the same technique on his Land Rover freelander and the Alcantara came up a treat. Yeah you use a more agressive grit to remove the scraggly bits and then a finer grit to smooth off

[@rabit818]

The R63 AMG is the one to have, a whale of a unicorn.

[@gauthierloyer3525]

Mine has 650 000 km and runs fine aome anoying light on the dash board but its still a top tier car for utility and performance wise

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s impressive

[@johntimmins1393]

i am into my second one and i love them!!!

[@colechapman6976]

The only R class I would buy would be the R63 AMG minivan with 500 horsepower

[@andreaslarsson3999]

Cool cars!especially the r63

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

gosh i didn't know mercedes sold a rebadged version of the rodius

[@Icaughtyou719]

Excellent Informative Video

[@kingoneeyed3433]

I actually looked at buying one of these a couple of years ago but I couldn't justify it on the grounds that i would only end up taking the dog to the beach in it because the wife thought it was a tank and the kids have now flown the nest.

[@jerryhollis8155]

I owned an R320 and I absolutely loved it and miss it. However, we live in Greece and the state of the roads always seemed to trigger an electric or computer failure that always seemed to cost €500 to fix.. It had to go.. I always loved the look of it.. Thought it looked a bit like a Gangster’s idea of an estate car..

[@chrisali2173]

I prefer the looks of the LWB version and looked at one, but couldn't find one with a sunroof, so went with a GL.

[@chrisali2173]

As my knees are shot; so struggle lifting a 36Kg lab into the GL, I got a Zafira Tourer as a dog car, but that was a move too far (down), so I'm now looking at an R class again as I see at as its bigger brother. Still want a LWB (why wouldn't you?) and sunroof and will prefer the facelift.

[@ididntsaythat]

I feel like car reviews are annoying to watch cause they only talk about the parts of the car I don't care about. I want to see the back. Do the seats fold down? If so do they fold completely flat? Can you remove the back seats? Is it long enough to sleep in? Can you change your own oil?

[@NigelMarston]

I think the 1st gen R class was an awkward-looking machine, especially from the front but the 2nd gen looks great from most angles. The concept makes a lot of sense if you don't want an SUV but you do need reasonable snow-capabilities in a large estate or 6-seater. I was always surprised these didn't become the main choice for taxi drivers, or maybe airport transportation.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Nigel Marston That’s true

[@andi-ih3jj]

The problem is the trunk, if you take five passengers on board you don't have enough room for the luggage and if you drive it with only three passengers i don't think you can make enough money

[@patrykperonski5459]

The only Mercedes I would love to have.

[@edmonddebourbon8543]

These are cheap in Canada and US as they spend more times in the shop for transmission problems and they are non rebuildable. I met one person who owned one for a year and Mercedes gave him a 100% refund on a new car

[@oriancunningham]

I have one of these, I love it

[@capn_shawn]

We owned our R-Class for 9 years. By FAR the best car we have every owned. Without problems, no... but nothing very bad. Lots of room in every single seat and a real experience to own. We replaced it two years ago with a GL450 Twin Turbo which as has proved to be a step down in usefulness and comfort. Just another SUV made by committee.

[@bhoomeerg8045]

Thats interesting. How is it a step down in usefulness? I'd expect the big GL to be more spacious than the R-class?

[@capn_shawn]

bhoomeerg the GL may be slightly larger, but every single seat is smaller by a lot. The GL has a 2nd row bench, which is ridiculous compared to the captains chairs of the R. Also, the GL has an absolutely claustrophobic rear row, but I (6’3”) could sit for hours in the 3rd row of our R Class. Yes, the GL has more power, and both are fool proof in the snow. Wish they had bothered advertising it, I can’t think of another vehicle like it. Remember, the R is a true RWD/AWD... not a car crossover.

[@bhoomeerg8045]

I see. Thanks for your insight.

[@aayansiddique2497]

Which model you had?

[@capn_shawn]

@@aayansiddique2497 2006 R350. It finally died at just over 200k (miles) We currently have a GL450. It is faster, for sure, but I’m still not convinced it is better on any level

[@CorentinHarbelot]

I had one. Loved it. Hate the reliability.

[@68tonyn]

I've been in one being used as a taxi in Berlin two years ago. Didn't realise they sell it in the UK

[@HighPeakAutos]

They're quite rare over here :)

[@68tonyn]

@@HighPeakAutos I'd not seen one before but the guy who owned it had done over 250000 kilometres in it and said it was very reliable. Diesel of course

[@omsh4939]

Ur views are amazing.

[@GenerationalWealth_GW]

Hi Matt thanks for your videos they're very informative. If is is possible could you review a Mercedes ml350 between 2010 and 2012. Thanks again keep it up.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hi, thanks! Next time I get one I will :)

[@ionutluca7211]

What do you think about the r500 , with 260000km , for less than 8000€?

[@annkeville8355]

May look for one of these seven one local for 6 grand 08 plate 10008 k

[@thelundstram4394]

Brilliant just curious bo you do reviews on vans

[@HighPeakAutos]

I haven't done one yet. Its not often that I get vans in stock

[@simoping]

Another great vid.... and a real enigma of a vehicle.... want one yet I don't .... keep it up.... 50K subs before you know it on this form...

[@HighPeakAutos]

SiJRa Thanks for watching!

[@sinemetu9037]

I think it looks ok... and at that sort of money it’s a lot flash for little cash.

[@franktsang5027]

Been toying with the idea of growing up and getting a 7 seater SUV, never even knew the R class existed! Question is, an R350 or a Q7? 2010-ish for around 10 grand...are there better options around?

[@HighPeakAutos]

They're both not bad options for £10k. Or a GL maybe

[@BugattiONE666]

How long before he mentions the version with a 6.2 litre V8 with 450bhp.....

[@2.3_44XD--]

Ideal car for a crazy ev conversion

[@MrLadeside]

I'm looking right now at an R on a 09 plate.........anything in particular I should be looking for ie Transmission Bearings, Leaking Back lights etc???

[@craiglyon9502]

Have you ever considered doing a review on the GL420 ? Cheers

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yes but they’re quite rare. I’ve not had one in stock for a long time

[@craiglyon9502]

@@HighPeakAutos Hi, yeah you don't see many I've heard good things about the gl420 and they seem pretty capable no range rover of course 😁

[@9186SZ]

Nice review on a rare motor

[@Tahvyy]

🤔It’s like a decent looking mini van , but without being called a mini van 🤯.

[@christianzapata4708]

I call our R320 a "Mercedes Minivan" and they don't believe that Mercedes made a minivan, haha.

[@castrolgtx5064]

Thanks for sharing👍