Taking My Broken Mercedes R350 to CarMax and More Trouble

[@Uninfluenceable]

My parents had an R350, though the gasoline M272, and it was a last year 2011 model with the update cam phasers. They drove it from new to 98k miles with pretty much zero issue and then sold it for $13k because it was a rare car, very few sold in 2011. Pretty much proves my theory of you always want to buy the last possible year (of that chassis) when it comes to any German car, they got all the bugs worked out with update part numbers.

[@chrisrios214]

Hello there, it’s been 2 years. Just bought one & It’s day 3. I believe you’re correct!

[@mercedesornothing8664]

You need to reset the adblue system with the Mercedes computer. It has nothing to do with the level sensor most likely. This service should be done at every B service at a mercedes dealership

[@kdao1007]

I love my R350 Matic, gas. Many things on your list seems normal on a pre-owned car. Light bulbs, air suspension replacement, air compressor. Sounds like you bought an R class which never got serviced. IF it was, many things would have been normally inspected. I love my R350. I would buy more. So comfortable, tons of room, big pano sunroof, steering and so easy to park. Carries tons of stuff. Roof rack system is awesome. Sound system rocks. It is a solid car. Just fix your issues and it will be fine. Not hard to fix Mercedes. FCP Euro carries tons of parts and they are lifetime.

[@raulpolicarpio887]

You must've got an unloved and neglected car by the previous owner. These cars are lovely to drive and so far have no issues with my 350(petrol)

[@OnTourWithPattiSmith]

Oh Sweetheart... you need a hug!! Road trips are million times more difficult if you're alone because you have to shoulder the full burden of adversity. Big hugs Sweetie.

[@sonikempire]

I got a 2011 r350 diesel. I have done a few things to it and it's perfect now. Emissions on this car are a big hurdle.

[@genatorbol]

I bought my 2008 R350(gas) and it’s been my daily. 154,000 miles and nothing aside from regular maintenance so far. Crazy bad luck. That sucks bro Also, I’ve no experience with the diesels

[@zairemartin4252]

I’m about to purchase a r350 2006 for 3500 is it a good deal and (gas) as well

[@CooperStation01]

@@zairemartin4252 did u get it

[@JonDoeSecure]

we definitely can hear your pain and frustration. many of us have been in that position and it sucks however, you will work through it.

[@Tart0p0mme78]

You should get a R63, for more ownership cost

[@reado33]

Sensor often wants to see a full and adblue tank a part fill even if it half way full wont clear the low warning. Try filling the tank all the way putting the ignition on without starting the car for 5mins then restart. I have had this same problem

[@DC_DC_DC_DC]

Up up

[@MusicSoundPlayer]

Somehow you’ve found yourself with the best and worst cars.

[@Marisantos917]

So sorry for everythingyou've gone through. This video is now 4 yrs old so I hope you were able to resolve issues with this car. I bought a 2006 r350 less than a year ago and at first it was the perfect car but within a couple months all sorts of things started showing: ABS/EPS, sensors, coolant, you name it. Now a camshaft issue which I've been told will cost me $3k-$5k to fix. I love the car, my 1st European car but this has been so discouraging.

[@DigitalPhysicianEHR]

We had a 2011 r350 bluetec and it ate 3 turbos and had us stuck so many times. From exploding fuel rail to suspension problems we saw it all. Odd thing was we had a e350 bluetec that never had an issue. We bought it as a CPO from Mercedes and they ended up taking care of us , which was awesome. In the end we loved the car, but I must have hated us

[@ptzish]

The DEF gauge can get clogged with crystals from dehydrated DEF fluid. Those crystals can either clog the lines or cause the float (if there's a float) to not function correctly. The easiest fix is to fill the tank all the way up. You said you only filled it partially. The new DEF will dissolve any crystals that may have formed in the presence of air. That might fix your problem.

[@vojtechdeml6211]

LOVE the intro! Your videos always find a way to surprise me. Don't ever change :)

[@stevewilson9883]

I have an ML320 and I think if you can reset the error codes you can get the number of remaining starts reset. The Bosh unit with the heater and level sensor is less then $600 and can be changed in a couple of hours.

[@DC_DC_DC_DC]

Up up

[@ronpinto9588]

I bought a 2007 R 350 (gas). The first thing that came up was loss of synchro between cam and crank shafts, costing me $ 3,000 to fix it. Then the radio. It turns on but there is no sound (no sound for the CD player either). Then the real cover for the sun roof stopped working. My left reverse light shows to be burnt, but it isn't. And it keeps going. Finally, there is a warning that the 6th cylinder is misfiring, and it is, I can feel the vibration, but no one can tell me why. Not, the timing fix, not the coil/spark plug, not the... I am at loss, completely.

[@TheHolyKnight932]

A GLK 350 would be a better purchase. Regular gas engine, comfortable, doesn't look like a mom-van, and pretty reliable engine (if you get one with the m272) Plus you can get it either RWD or AWD, your choice.

[@tillmanxl6914]

I have to hand it to you, you still have a positive outlook. Look at it this way the average car owner would have been out twice that much money and the car would still be at the dealership, keep us updated on your adventures home. Just (let the car run) until you get back to Canada. You have A Merry Christmas dude!

[@p_zuc]

Sorry to hear. I’ve had my 2011 R diesel 12 years now @ 300k kms. Been a great car, fantastic family and road trip car.

[@Borealis_prophet]

why not just go to a tuningshop and get them to code the adblue system out/off? many people are doing that to their cars here in Norway :)

[@BATworkshop]

this is what we did on my friends R350

[@xfmotorsports]

Probably won't meet emissions after. Then I wont be able to sell it for sure

[@BATworkshop]

@@xfmotorsports I live in grand island New York (between Niagara Falls and buffalo), in New york we have emissions inspection so all of the readyness monitors have to be set but there is not tail pipe inspection. I can help you get things sorted but it Must be before your start counter gets to 0 because of the way its coded from my understanding.

[@ejot2]

@@xfmotorsports It will meet, chiptuning it, make more boost, delete adblue system. You will see that engine is good and reliable. My E60 535d have everything off, EGR, DPF, Swirlflaps also straight downpipe and no issues with emissions at all. It's actually better than other 70-80% cars.

[@xfmotorsports]

@@BATworkshop Thanks for pointing out. I'll see how the trip goes. Will let you know if I'm at 1 start and close to Ny!

[@anan0moose]

You should look into getting a Toyota. It's not a luxurious, but at least it will reliably get you where you want to go.

[@zonta71]

Toyota? Well I guess that's a badge for other people.

[@pulsiui4003]

*Scotty Kilmer has enterd chat*

[@KrisKincaid]

Don’t Toyota frames have rust issues when they’re subjected to salty roads? I love my Tacoma but I live in the Mojave desert so it’s not an issue for me.

[@austin5806]

​@EasySolutions Not entirely true, In my 5000 miles of owning a 2000 tacoma, I have cracked a radiator tank, and there's a worn out slip yoke on the driveshaft. Also snapped a door handle off in cold weather. And the power steering idle booster snapped off. And the power steering filter got clogged. Radiator $160 (coulda used the plastic welder). Door handle $30. idle booster, a couple bolts to delete that nonsense. (would be $150) Power steering filter, 1 can of brake cleaner, and a gallon of power steering fluid $20. Also needed new shocks, the factory ones were junk (were probably junk when new too) $380 bilstein 5100s. total $600 but the car is drastically better than before.

[@mirceadm48]

Mercedes "the best or nothing"

[@gregdali1011]

always buy last year mercedes before face lift and new engines, cause they update the parts and fix the bugs on m272, the 2011-12 are the best r class, very reliable , same with ml350 best one is 2011 year

[@peterdee9776]

i wish i was here now eating my orange to help my brother out, but im back in the snow waiting for my own car to be back finally, lets all hope he makes it up from florida safely.. otherwise im off to help

[@carwerks101]

Just get rid of it, next thing up is going to be a leaking oil cooler. I work for Mercedes service , the engine is great when it’s working correctly but the ad blue system sucks, it’s the same system on most other cars, like literally the same pump unit and everything

[@HyacinthMoon]

I have a question for you I can't get my trunk open is there any way to get it open besides the buttons?

[@carwerks101]

Hyacinth Moon from the inside you need to get to the latch emergency release

[@hashemmi24]

Love the intro :D

[@eraalta449]

I have 2006 R 350, 160, 000 miles on it. The check engine light was on when I bought it. No problems so far🤞 I have 2 panoramic sunroofs, and a cold ac. Good sound system. The best car I owned so far.

[@itskarl79]

Maybe expand your interest beyond Mercedes...

[@fordyootbling2189]

Commiserations my friend. There is nothing anybody can do for you, this is your problem to solve. All part of life's rich experience. Just keep on smiling.

[@ochenGsUp]

Make shirts that say "Stupid Car" xD

[@sonikempire]

Hey, I messaged you on IG in regards to your issues. I can help.

[@Conservator.]

Dr. AMG You’re one of the few to offer help👍 Starting a discussion helps to move your comment up and get more attention. I found the text below. Could that get him to Canada? I ended up with Empty = 1kohm reads wet Reserve = 1kohm reads wet Full = 5kohm reads dry (2.2kohm reads as wet, the cutoff was just over 3kohm on the variable resistor) I cycled displaying the values multiple times and done several engine starts and no code so far. I'll update in a few thousand miles if it's still working. mbworld.org/forums/diesel-forum/702299-203d17-code-fill-level-sensor-adblue-has-short-circuit-positive.html

[@nsininomsin]

@@Conservator. am just like this dude, I dislike this vehicle. Mercedes r350 is my greatest mistake

[@stevewilson7857]

Problem isn’t the car it’s the owner.

[@mirocabraja5128]

@@stevewilson7857 bullshit I have a few Toyota's and they are 1000 times more reliable than the ml350 bluetec I have. My Toyota Tacoma has 250000 km and all I've had to do was simple maintenance that's it not one part has been changed except for brakes.

[@stevewilson7857]

@@mirocabraja5128 no one said bluetec. That is shit. But gas is better son

[@GermanAngryBird]

Most of your problems are common on these like the airmatic system failure but if it's repaired once it won't let you down in the near future. The adblue problem is quite unfortunate I have to admit.

[@fozpringle1]

Why don't you go see tavarish and show him your manual conversion

[@xfmotorsports]

He planned everything and then bailed

[@two_number_nines]

XDD what no. tavarish is top tier clickbaiter. He got donated a unfinished project car for making a big shillpiece on the donators, then clickbaited 20 videos of 20 mins on replacing a clutch and relocating 2 turbines. Tavarish is greasy and nasty. He and his close community of youtube "friends" are doing a csgolotto type of scheme on car trading websites.

[@fozpringle1]

@@xfmotorsports thats pretty unfortunate, maybe he realised he would get torn apart for not finishing his sl55

[@peterdee9776]

@@xfmotorsports sounds like a russian thing to do, or a mixed russian thing to do LOLOL

[@anythingbenz4005]

That's what happens when you don't buy a gas V8. The CL55 would've probably towed just fine lol

[@jesenickybajker]

Build some Baja Trophy Truck from that R Class :-D

[@azazelhcs3752]

Hardwire the level sensor (completely bypass it) :) 1. It'll either require a charge to go through or none at all. 2. Figure out which... And then it'll start... At the very least you'll reset the addblue engine start countdowns. Worst case. You'll blow a fuse or two.

[@kirwinnixon7656]

Should have bought yourself a Toyota Tundra if you hauling alot of weight often.

[@danieleriksson1657]

Strange, I have a R320 CDI 2007, not a bluetec, since 2010 until now 2024, and it's working perfectly, not had one single problem with the car. But I have heard that you should avoid bluetec to all costs.

[@Ren200Z_MotoringLife]

oh man safe travels, i have a 99 mercedes ml430 its been great towing my car to laguna seca, buttonwillow raceway and willow springs raceway from fresno ca, its gasoline , just maintenance and a few other things motor mounts,water pump, idler pulley , coil pack (my fault) widow regs, one window switch in the past 5 years. you should get rid of that one , get maybe a cummins power truck? a benz sprinter?

[@Gabson9]

be happy that it has (still) no bad o-ring in the enginge, leaving you with a complete dead car haha

[@keijokojootti7790]

What o-ring is that?

[@Gabson9]

@@keijokojootti7790 the one that caused the whole project

[@keijokojootti7790]

@@Gabson9 Ah, I see. Haven't start watching from the beginning.

[@Conservator.]

Keijo Kojootti You won’t regret it. (Watching all of his video’s)

[@eformance]

You only need to stop at a truck stop to get DEF, every truck stop has a pump right next to the diesel, and they sell the stuff inside too.

[@douglasharley2440]

the R-class had 4 more things break while i was typing this comment. :/

[@OnTourWithPattiSmith]

Sweetpea ... you're so young and beautiful... Don't get bogged down on this terrible car purchase because you have decades more of life making terrible car decisions. Hint: never buy a car that wasn't built in the country of the manufacturer. German cars need to be built in Germany. Japanese cars need to be built in Japan.

[@anroopahl]

Lmao

[@christhjian9923]

@@anroopahl +1

[@leonjohnson1824]

I owned a 08 w219 cls, a 07 w221 S550, a 03 w203 C240, an 06 w251 r350 and a 08 r350. NOW!.......the worst one was the 2006 R350, those cars had so many issues when they came out. On that car at 139000 after 7months of onwership, I replaced the transmission 4500 dollars, Intake Manifold & Mass air flow 2500 dollars, Alternator 350 dollars, Main and Aux battery's 550 dollars. Radiator 350 dollars, fuel pump 350 dollars, tune up 600 dollars and after all that work, the timing chain was stretched and needed to be replaced fault code P0016 remember that......next day i traded it in for a Toyota Avalon. I'm done with benz's.

[@MrAndrius12]

It's pretty clear old Mercedes (especially diesels) were FAR more reliable. Go with an OM606 on an old chassis and all your worries go away.

[@TheStupidlumpyhead]

I hate to suggest throwing parts at it without logic, but sometimes a weak battery and/or alternator can cause such issues to come up when there really isn't anything wrong. Is there any way to check the health of the charging system?

[@laptoprepairshop]

A proper scan tool can reset that counter

[@btrowdy100]

When you get back to Canada, I'll buy that R-Class for $20

[@cheeeky_8763]

I feel for ya man. Ship the ASL to Canada and fly to Vegas. You've got good luck coming after the brutal odyssey you've endured. Stay up player

[@ahamedkhan232]

Lmaooo, Thoroughly enjoyed the intro.

[@silverhair3933]

If you can't afford to buy a new Mercedes, that means you certainly can afford to buy a used one... Take Scotty's advice.

[@marckristian81]

And he was told that he could play his radio at his desk at reasonable volumes.

[@bmos02]

Just jumper the level sensor?

[@two_number_nines]

Ok but how did you decide on buying it in the first place? Yes it's a diesel so it has more range and the fuel is cheaper to travel, but didn't you see it comming with a modern diesel packed with "features" and plastic parts meant to last the lease period and comply with eco regulations? CL55 for a german crysler voyager big L in my book.

[@IvelLeCog]

Exactly. I know he likes Mercs but I'm surprised anybody who has ever handled a wrench would buy such a vehicle.

[@Williamkurk]

My stepdad just got this ride (2008), and the car won't start or power up. He just got a new main battery and the small accessory battery 2 weeks ago. I have no idea why he thought that would be a good buy. GEESH!

[@vicsingh6397]

If you have a bath and clean your car it will perform well. I have a R 500 with the AMG package for six years I’ve had no problems.

[@roboman2444]

The adblue level sensor might be only slightly broken, or needs to be re-calibrated. You said in the video that your level was slightly over half. Maybe try topping the tank off? Also, you can always "hot refuel". It isn't terribly safe, but it sure beats being stranded in another country with a car that wont start.

[@paial]

Buy a truck (F150 or the like) tow both to Canada. Import the the truck, sell the MB.

[@puvid3]

You got some huge balls taking the R-class on a long road trip man lol

[@juliansimpson6636]

This was a really funny "rant" video, no more, no less, but funny as :)

[@michaelkovac7073]

A(ll) M(oney) G(one) Mercedes Benz - best or nothing. I guess you got nothing:)))). Anyway great video, keep them comming.

[@ttiization]

The R class is not a AMG

[@VS666]

this was my mom's experience with every used MB she ever owned. you'd think after 4 of them almost bankrupting her she would have learned her lesson...sure as shit taught me never to buy one!

[@fila1445]

@You Wish I'm a car mechanic and I've decided to stick to old Peugeots :p

[@monkoosbob0]

If you're looking for something to tow with under $10k, maybe consider a Tahoe or an Expedition. You can find 4wd mid 2000's models under 100k miles for less than $10k all day.

[@size1985]

Can be worse .. Had problems with the DSG Transmission on my Audi TT. Paid 3200USD (2800€) to replace the mechantronics... No clutch was changed, nothing

[@turbo97semax]

Sorry to hear about your troubles ... frankly I would have bypassed the adblue stuff as soon as I got the car nothing but trouble on those adblue systems. Both Mercedes and BMW have all kinds of issues. I love my old W211 OM648 ... just keeps running. I have heard that Sometimes the counter needs to be reset by DAS ... did you bring one with you?

[@user-xc1sx6hp8p]

Thanks for saving me a headache I always liked these but nope

[@TheKeenMechanic]

This car definitely qualifies for the top 5 worst cars of all times. Buy yourself an old VW Passat B5.5 from 2001 to 2005 and you will never have any issues

[@keijokojootti7790]

The rear sub-frame... Not so great. Those will tear through. Especially when rust involved from winter driving.

[@TheKeenMechanic]

@@keijokojootti7790 You are right. May be an suv or a pick up truck Something older and less complicated.

[@ThiloD23]

The R-Class is a great car as long as it’s working, otherwise it’s a complete nightmare! It probably got neglected by the previous owner in terms of servicing the car properly. Many people start butchering these cars once they come to realise how much they actually have to pay, just to maintain them properly. By this time it’s probably better to just put the R350 on to the trailer and to tow it with the E55😂

[@austin5806]

Toyota makes pickup trucks, and they do work. They also make suvs, they also do work. They also make lexus versions of the suvs, those also work.

[@IAM963HZ]

I have a r500 its a reliable wagon but my panoramic roof is not opening dont know if its a fuse or needs a motor

[@Sev_Auk]

While "burn it to the ground" sounds awesome... you have to recoup some of that investment :) Like someone else said, Toyota. Get a Tundra or Tacoma. With your lifestyle, you need a truck! One fun summer daily car, one hauler truck / winter daily, one race car - perfect.

[@bunnysaf]

ask hoovies where he buries hes cars..need to bury this one asap

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

He buries them on the Wizard's acreage/farm in Kansas.

[@OnTourWithPattiSmith]

Go to Miami Beach and get a guava croissant... Le Chic Bakery 1043 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

[@juliendonn]

It’s a shame that your car is so unreliable. I have a R350CDI since 2010 and it has been extremely reliable, absolutely no issue but it’s a pre-adblue car, the one with 265hp, so it may be one of the reasons.

[@ChadAbdulJabar]

I was out after about 30 seconds. The only person who speaks faster is an auctioneer.

[@morkovija]

Thank god my old ass truck doesnt have this fancy-shmancy stuff

[@TDG2654]

Get a Skoda Octavia with the 2.0 TDi, buddy of mine has one. Those things are indestructible. Edit: just realized Skoda doesn't sell cars in North-America, so that's not really option. A Passat should work well.

[@fila1445]

But they are soooooooooo booooooring :(

[@TDG2654]

@@fila1445 well the r350 wasn't exactly exciting to begin with

[@fila1445]

@@TDG2654 you've got a point there sir

[@keijokojootti7790]

@@TDG2654 exicitement of what will break next :)

[@HerrJordel]

Lol! Taking the Hoovies garage path in this one I guess. Pd: Please get better audio quality dude. Love your videos!

[@randylee2549]

Absolutely export to the USA! use the exchange to work for you, in Canada, Autotrader and Kijiji is flooded with R class, do it! if you have not already!

[@randylee2549]

Then buy in Canada your replacement

[@randylee2549]

A Check engine light does not cause a vehicle not to pass a safety, nor does a glow plug or alignment.....wrong, very wrong....

[@SunnyS3506]

LOL I really wanted to buy an R Class but I guess I wont be doing that. Cheers for information.

[@winstonbrown1516]

Hmmm.., look at this vid as I did yesterday: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqi6haildsxgjtU I too like the car and as my Kia Sorento is about to implode (oil leak in engine bay, Diff clanking, heater cold only, ABS light on with scraping sound on hub, SMOKE when car goes more than 10 miles, then won't accelerate) I'm looking at an R-Class in the next few days.

[@chevydyall7619]

Go analogue mate. I'm so over computerized cars. This is the problem I see in 20 years how many of these cars are going to be on the road. People just aren't going to be able to fix them. I know you don't buy a new car with plans of it breaking but it's going to happen

[@madhatterjc532]

Its a lemon... burn it to the ground

[@donforrest3526]

Where did you buy this R350?

[@samkelly9784]

First time I've noticed an R class the other day because of your videos and guess what, it was leaning to the right.

[@ccacace1]

With all due respect to you, you refer to the car as "the stupid car..." IMO that reflects bad on you. It's been 4 years, I hope you came to a happy resolution.

[@sharp7704]

These are actually very reliable! You just bought an unkept lemon

[@AraCarrano]

Send it back to the RUST belt.

[@richardwallinger1683]

too much technology if you ask me .. at 75 years old I dread owning a modern computer controlled nightmare .

[@BitKing_Ross]

This family van is designed to kill you lololol

[@rickstevens6787]

Should have bought the r500. I have one and I love it.

[@imastarrglamstudiollc306]

I have one now and it’s stalling when I’m driving and the RPM is high HELP PLEASE

[@nicofonce]

Reliability is by far the number 1 criteria for me. I would totally lose my shit with all this crap.

[@timoteuslind9080]

Maybe a little pre-purschase inspection would be smart.

[@Kjohn060]

Scotty warned us about these cars

[@josesibrio9959]

Germans think owners of Mercedes are billionaires

[@Conservator.]

7:27 For a moment I though you said $ 2,000 just for the fluid level sensor.

[@johndeerman2105]

I feel your pain. I own an Audi Allroad. The germans just can't seem to build a reliable car. Way to much junk on them that goes bad and leaves you stranded and broke. To bad really. If you want to race then you need a lot of cash to throw away that's for sure. ✌😡🤬🙄

[@clementmuhirwa]

But all of the costs you said are normal apart from the Airmatic Bags, whenever i buy a used Mercedes I am expecting to spend at least $2,000 to bring it to its new state. if you buy a mercedes at $12,000 just think as if you bout it at $14,000. but paid $12k in cash and the $2k you will pay soon or later. it is a mercedes the number one luxury car on the planet remember that.

[@egjr2722]

Good ol’ pete and his dirty laundry and oranges.

[@peterdee9776]

its not even dirty just clothes i didnt end up wearing and couldnt fit in my duffle on the plane

[@egjr2722]

Peter Dee all good man! Better than those extra baggage fees.

[@peterdee9776]

@@egjr2722you got it bro!

[@Sadik15B]

Its not the sensor you have to fill up the adblue till top no half fill you have to fill it like 95%