Mercedes R320 CDI - Is this overlooked luxury minivan worth buying? - BEARDS n CARS

The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a something of an oddball in the market. Controversial styling and market placement somewhere between SUV and minivan, and clearly intended to be the sort of luxury transport which you would typically find used for VIP airport journeys. But this is juxtaposed with an insanely over the top AMG model on one end of the spectrum, and strangely affordable diesels and even the 306 horsepower V8 R500 model on the other...
So is this large, spacious, well equipped and deceptively rapid Minivan/SUV worth picking up on the used market? - Lets review this Mercedes R320 CDI and find out...
Special thanks to Affordable Prestige Cars - Check them out HERE: affordprestigecars.co.uk/
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#MercedesRClass #BEARDSnCARS #CarReview #BeardsAndCars #HSGAutomotive #MercedesR320 #RClass #Minivan #MercedesR63AMG #Mercedes #MercedesBenz #MercedesAMG
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[@Birdfeeder795]

If you are buying one, buy from 2010 and onwards. R-class from 06 to 09 had issues. If going for 06-09 make sure the oil cooler seals has been taken care of, those will leak at some point. The R350 CDI is the one to go for, 2010-2013. That said, I have two. One 2007 R320 CDI and a 2012 R350 CDI and I love both. A car that was a bit a head of time. The 07 is all good now that I have taken care of the few issues it developed, did it all my self so it didn’t cost me that much. Have owned it for 7 years now and it has been a pleasure. Bought the R350 last year and it to has been a blast. No other car offers the same as this car does. Loads of space with the seats down for the annual IKEA run, S-class comfort on long trips for 4 adults and the towing power of a train when you need it. It’s the jack of all trades. A truly awesome car and a steal on the used car market.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one 👍

[@yakoobjunior9631]

Thank you for this very advice as am purchasing a 2012 model 🙏🏻

[@MrGman2804]

Thanks for sharing re the oil cooler seals . It sounds like a ridiculous wasted expense, and is making me think twice. I have seen a 2006 320 CDi with 90,000 miles on it. I want it to help transport my elderly parents around in, but just trying to ascertain what the risks of ownership are. I will probably only have it for a year or so and less than 10,000 miles. Do these leaks happen quickly or slowly? If it is ok now, will I get away with it, or could it happen suddenly? I am a bit sore on design failures, as just had a huge bill because the computer on my volvo went wrong disabling a car which otherwise had good engineering! I am happy about routine maintenance, it is what you expect..... but it upsets me when things like this are a time bomb. A shame mercedes don't take responsibility for it.

[@Birdfeeder795]

@@MrGman2804 If your going to keep it for just one year I don’t think that would be a problem. The seals are located deep down in the V of the engine. But there is a drain hole behind the oil cooler and if it has started leaking you can have a mechanic check under the car for leaks. The drain hole exits in the area between the engine and the transmission. It’s a slow leak, at least it was on mine. Also, check for leaks by the turbo and the air intake. The joint where the butterfly intake joins the turbo. This seal needs to be changed if it is leaking. Cheap and easy job that you easily can do yourself. If there is anything else just ask:)

[@MrGman2804]

@@Birdfeeder795 Terje, many thanks for taking the trouble to reply with that useful information. All the best. Adrian.

[@davidchongmy]

Bought a R320 CDI L 4Matic a few years ago from its second owner. Pretty high specs as understood it was a showroom and demo model for the local Mercedes-Benz dealer. The previous owner bought it off them as a near-new (used) from what I can see from the big owner's manuals and folder. It was nearly 8 years old then and just done 70k km (44k miles) which was pretty low mileage. Still got it checked out by a Merc specialist and got thumbs up plus value buy according to them. Its LWB plus options like panoramic roof, full leather, COMAND system with rear camera, 3-zone Thermotronic climate control, Harman Kardon premium sound system with active sub in the spare wheel area, powered boot, elechromatic mirrors, electric seats with memory plus electric adjustment for steering wheel, bi-xenon headlights with washers, 19" sports wheels, 7 seats, wood trim , front and rear Parktronic sensors and two remotes. Options came close to a new Toyota Camry price. It is a superb MPV no doubt. Out on the highway can do nearly 1000km on a full tank. Easy to park with sensors and camera. Only quibble is the sunroof shade (powered) is a bit thin that allows heat from sun glare to fill the cabin. The roof can get sticky with age and the motors can be weak to move the biggest panoramic roof ever fitted. Running costs are pretty high here. The OM642 is a great unit but its weakness are the oil cooler seals that will perish with age. Even with newer ones it will still perish as time goes by according to the same Merc specialist. Parts are expensive here down under and so is labour even at the Merc specialist. In just a few years I doubled the mileage. Kept it serviced every 15k km. Other than the oil cooler seals, replaced the front drive shafts, repaired the turbo actuator and turbine. It has leaking steering column. Finally let it go last year after more problems will come eventually. Sold to an owner whose R-Class was wrecked in an accident. At least it will be in good hands. Will I get another? Only if I have unlimited budget for maintenance. Reckons it costs me nearly the same to maintain it as the purchase price in my few years of it. Of course it is still over $100k+ car when it comes to service.

[@CapnChapster]

I've had my R320 CDI since new in 2007. Without question the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned many cars. Fast, spacious, quiet, hugely practical. On three occasions I have driven around Europe for one month with my entire family (wife, 4 kids) plus luggage on board. It has continent crushing fast cruise capabilities, can carry vast amounts of kit, has the most comfortable seats ever designed, it can smoke hot hatches at the lights, and is built as if sculpted from a solid block of granite. No squeaks, no rattles, just silence. And on a cruise, it will easily do 35 mpg. Even at 100k miles it looks and drives like it's new. One thing this car absolutely is NOT is a minivan. It is though, a gem.

[@MH-uo7xc]

I love My Benz R-class 500. Bought it a few months ago from the second owner. With only 89,000 miles on the trans. $5,500 cash. Lovely Lovely Vehicle

[@allanleesmith]

I just bought a r320 with 111k miles for $4700. Super value for the money for a hauling rig

[@Driff97]

3:54 Epic sunglasses takeoff.

[@terrywin2661]

I purchased a 09 R320 because I needed something to haul my bikes around when I go out riding. I've had it for over 3 years and I drive it daily. I even had it shipped out to San Diego for a contract job that I had for a year. I've got noting but good things to say about my rig. It's comfy, spacious and reliable. As I said, it's my daily and I drive it pretty hard. I have stop and go traffic two and from work everyday, and I have to stand on it constantly due to so many big rigs and idiot drivers that come through Nashville these days. But no complaints, no break downs, and even with just over 200k on the clock, ZERO technical or mechanical issues! I frikin love this thing, and wouldn't hesitate to purchase another one!

[@anakin14412772]

I had a 2007 R350 4MATIC, which was an incredible vehicle. I ultimately replaced it with a 2012 R350 4MATIC Bluetec, which has the incredible turbo-engine. This R Class has nearly every available option. It is a great daily driver, wonderful for family trips, and with all the seats down, it easily holds all my kids stuff when I move him in or out of college. I can't ask for more.

[@drewhopkinson9610]

This is going to be my next purchase, facelifted 350 model, and at around 7-8k with good miles, great service and pricing from my local Merc specialist and a whole load of Merc engineering.....it really is a no brainer.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, it's certainly a lot of car for the money

[@dominuscircensis3645]

I remember my father having this R-Class as a test drive when it came out. We as a family had one test drive but I don't remember much of it sadly. That was back in 2005 when I was 5 years old.

[@MrGman2804]

Very useful and appreciated review. Thanks.

[@Pluna-di6vw]

Now ill be searching for it because of you , thnx m8

[@TheHarooni]

Great video. There are actually 2 versions of the R500. There's the 306bhp 5.0 V8 but there was also a revision in 2009 which had the 5.4 V8 with 388bhp! Big power upgrade and 0-60 in just 6.1! There are only 10 of these in the UK according to the DVLA and I'm fortunate to own one of them

[@HSGAutomotive]

Roundbox101 Ah very nice, an ‘R63 Lite’ 😄

[@TheHarooni]

@@HSGAutomotive Haha yes apart from that it makes less noise than a Tesla! Surprising for a V8!

[@icebergbodybuilding]

Awesome i got one too, love driving it, i also enjoyed the 63.

[@yakoobjunior9631]

Very nice review and thank you for sharing 👍🏼

[@HSGAutomotive]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed!

[@juniormeghji2551]

I have a few mercedes with the OM642 engine and as a former tech for mercedes and diesel specialist. I'd highly recommend deleting and programming the ADblue, SCR, EGR and dpf system out of the car. Do that and you'll be problem free for many many miles/kms. Being a former Mercedes tech I can hold heartedly say even those techs don't know how to properly diagnose the DPF system. Getting rid of that system only helps the engine. You'll get better gas mileage. Diesel engine are not engineered to incorporate emissions systems. The DPF system can only regen so many times. The EGR can only handle so much soot build up etc.

[@debbywaln299]

How difficult is it to turn all that off? I bought a 2010 E350 CDI last year with 78k miles for $12K. I love this car!! I am having an issue with a hesitation at takeoff when the trans is switching from 1st to 2nd gear. It's intermittent. It acts like it's not getting gas. Have you seen this?

[@juniormeghji2551]

@@debbywaln299 yes, there is a TSB regarding the symptom you just described. Are you also getting a slight vibration in the lower gears for a brief period of time? Mercedes and Dodge released a TSB that helped with that. It was a modification that had to be performed on the valve body in the transmission. But if you're feeling a loss of power and find that the vehicle is performing more regens that usual - than your egr and more specifically your dpf filter may be starting to get clogged. To eliminate the SCR, AddBlue, dpf and egr is pretty straightforward.

[@johntimmins1393]

i had a petrol '06 R350 but i got rear ended and now have a '07 R320 CDI I liked the first one but the turbo diesel is far better, not had much trouble and i love them!!

[@danielmorgan190]

I bought a r320 cdi a few years ago, mainly because in the United States it is the only option for a diesel minivan. I unfortunately bought one that was very neglected and took a long time to sort. But then MB got in legal trouble and had to replace the whole bluetec emissions system that is now under warrantee for a few years.

[@doczu14]

This is such a great review, really liked it! It made me sure i was doing the right thing choosing the r-class. Just got a second kid, my Opel Astra got too small and we really travel a lot. I was thinking about getting some "EU minivan" but saw that for the same price you can import a r500. Yes, a bit olde .but i found one with very good mileage and the quality difference is just insane. I wish to keep mine asna youngtimer, so i opt to invest to keep it going for a long time.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it, and yours!

[@icebergbodybuilding]

Awesome video, really wished you could have shown all the models, they are very nice cars, i have had most of them from the 320 to 63amg

[@HSGAutomotive]

I'd love to drive the R63, but we rarely ever see them in the UK

[@ambulancekidd]

I've owned my 2013 R350 since 2016 & wouldn't change it for anything else. Faults are rare, parts are very cheap & it's easy to work on. Its THE THINKING MANS LUXURY EXPRESS. 265BHP & around 38mpg, what's not to like?

[@jackstonehouse9320]

Great Vid. First

[@johnbee7729]

Pricing is a tad more here in Canada. Am looking at a 2010 R350 with the diesel. 185000 KM. Asking price is $12,500 CDN. Am considering it as I want a comfortable tourer. I have a 2001 ML320, but its my tow car for now

[@midealautoclub]

Just picked up an R500 after this video. I myself have a first gen Touareg (3.2V6) but needed something to haul a family of 6 around.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one

[@midealautoclub]

@@HSGAutomotive I'll post a review video of mine after I have owned it for a bit.

[@F1Kamel_1992]

The Merc R-Class to me is a bit like an E-Class estate molded into the suspension geometry of an old Vaneo MPV

[@martinsvensson6884]

No, comfort and suspension wise its more like an S.

[@who8dapple]

Looking to purchase a used 2008 R320 CDI with 200k on the odometer. Asking price of $3,800 and in mint condition. I'm interested in purchasing for my father, but hesitant in buying a Pandora's box! What are the major ownership issues and cost associated with this particular model in the U.S.? Thank you in advance!

[@coolomino]

My favourite AMG ngl

[@HSGAutomotive]

Coolomon Tetris Certainly a unique one

[@MH-uo7xc]

Oh, and on my owners manual. ML and R class Light truck

[@Angie-sb2vq]

Any major issues with rust? I’m looking at a 2007 R320 CDI 4Matic. Or any major issues with this model year. Thanks in advance for any information.

[@PhatClouds907]

I juss bought a 09 R350, not one spec of rust, Goodluck!

[@user-hs3uo7ts3i]

ihave a 2011 350cdi 4 matic this car is just fantastic agreat purches

[@Rezah6]

I had an R320 a few years ago and it kept going into limp mode. Mechanics coukd not figure out what the issue was. Had the turbo replaced and still went into limp mode. Was still the best vehicle i owned. Jyst cost me too much to resolve the limp mode so i sold it.

[@HSGAutomotive]

That's a shame to hear, but I can definitely see the appeal of owning one. Rare, great spec, very low prices

[@ej2425]

Was reading 3rd brake light could cause this. Wiring was shorting out on the body. Just a thought....

[@Rezah6]

@@ej2425 Really??? I traded it in fir a c class 2 years ago... Damn

[@Alloyd876]

The r63 actually does 0 to 60 in 4.4 sec. Am actually planning to get a r350 at the moment and I'm in Jamaica

[@HSGAutomotive]

Wouldn't surprise me, Germans almost always undersell what their cars can do ;)

[@Britain1961]

I just bought a used 2008 R350 got it for 4500.00. It seems to be in good shape. It has 150k miles but rides well I bought it because I needed a vehicle that I could transport product for my business but in style. So far the only thing I had to buy was new tires and a headlight. I’m considering replacing the alternator and water pump just based on the mileage what is your recommendation. My name is Britain living in USA Atlanta Georgia

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one, I have no idea on intervals for parts on these off the top of my head, but definitely worth checking out owners groups etc to see

[@gregorycoleman2149]

How has it treated you since then? Thinking about picking one up.

[@Lego___]

Will there be a new video talking about GTSPORT by any chance? tbh its kinda worrying PD hasnt added any new content aside from the Mazda RX-Vision, and doesnt seem like theres any car leaks or silhouettes to look at.

[@HSGAutomotive]

The Human Rat Probably not anytime soon tbh, unless something interesting happens

[@Lego___]

@@HSGAutomotive Oof I dont expect a video then. Other than TAG Heuer splitting from GTSPORT not much has happened lol

[@YRN3]

They are obviously focussing more on GT7 at this point

[@Lego___]

@@YRN3 True, but thats not entirely a valid excuse for them to completely abandon GTSPORT.

[@YRN3]

@@Lego___ Yeah I agree, at least update the game every once in a while

[@buyuni1]

Mine is almost 2 months will post review after six months in sha Allaah, but loving it so far.

[@JohnDoe-sg7uh]

What's the 3 month progress review? 😊

[@buyuni1]

@@JohnDoe-sg7uh had to work on the susspensions and air compressor, as they had defects when I bought, other than that, I LOVE the machine it's a beast on the road and although its 16 years old, people with new 4x4 toyotas are always asking about this machine ma sha Allaah, so far No regrets alhamdulillaah

[@johncarl5505]

This is not related to the video, but im just reminding people that Jim Hall is still unrecognized in the racing world.

[@HSGAutomotive]

john carl Absolutely. He’s one of the very few people in the automotive world who I consider a personal inspiration.

[@demioxdtouring]

*with gun pointed to head* tHis is not a minivan, this is a tall wagon/Estate, do not calL it a minivan, they do not like you mocking it, Perhaps you MaybE should help them.

[@HSGAutomotive]

It's a minivan.

[@demioxdtouring]

send help mercedes has taken me hostage help they're gonna make me eat a smart car help

[@graygray2444]

we (uk) wouldnt call it a minivan

[@HSGAutomotive]

Gray Gray I (UK) would call it a people carrier. Minivan is just the US market word for it

[@graygray2444]

@@HSGAutomotive exactly why i was wondering why you would call it that?

[@HSGAutomotive]

Gray Gray Because the majority of my audience is American

[@graygray2444]

@@HSGAutomotive fair enough 👍