Taking My Broken Mercedes R350 to CarMax and More Trouble

Two months ago I made the worst decision of my life buying a Mercedes R350. Since then the car has given me every warning message in existence and after numerous attempts of fixing it, it has not failed to come up with a new problem every time. Here's another attempt of trying to sell it and another attempt of the car trying to kill me

[@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.

[@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

[@CuttyBanks]

Where else can this be done

[@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)

[@vojtechdeml6211]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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*

[@tkrap]

Imagine doing this trip with a tacoma or a tundra :) sooo boring, nothing ever breaks on those cars, or a lexus lx470 or even better an ls400 or 430

[@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]

​@@tkrap 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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@eimantas28]

@@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!

[@MusicSoundPlayer]

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

[@bmos02]

Just jumper the level sensor?

[@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.

[@ahamedkhan232]

Lmaooo, Thoroughly enjoyed the intro.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@hashemmehyar9614]

Love the intro :D

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@tkrap]

yeah, just pee in the tank on your way back, the car wont notice a difference

[@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.

[@tkrap]

How many kilometers on the R ?

[@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

[@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.

[@donforrest3526]

Where did you buy this R350?

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@CuttyBanks]

hea not rich hes just naive

[@itskarl79]

Maybe expand your interest beyond Mercedes...

[@jesenickybajker]

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

[@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

[@Tart0p0mme78]

You should get a R63, for more ownership cost

[@CuttyBanks]

that one came out good

[@laptoprepairshop]

A proper scan tool can reset that counter

[@mirceadm48]

Mercedes "the best or nothing"

[@jeromejohnsonful]

What year is the car?

[@MiGujack3]

R is for Reliable amrite?

[@piropitiflautico]

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

[@Conservator.]

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

[@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

[@DCtropical]

Ok, ive always wondered... would an RX-7 be more reliable than this car? Im scared of rotary reliability but love it

[@clockticluis3761]

Best part I own both a r350 a 13b fc rx7 lol and both are reliable

[@Sadik15B]

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

[@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.

[@anythingbenz4005]

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

[@user-xc1sx6hp8p]

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

[@juliansimpson6636]

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

[@timoteuslind9080]

Maybe a little pre-purschase inspection would be smart.

[@marckristian81]

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

[@douglasharley2440]

0:08 LOL!...SK8215 just keepin it real. xD

[@kize32]

How about reseting the ECU by diconnecting the battery and connecting the + and - for 10 sec?

[@Conservator.]

Fault codes are stored in memory that is not erased by power loss.

[@kize32]

@@Conservator. then delete them with a diagnostic tool

[@Conservator.]

kize32 Resetting fault codes will not give you extra starts either. Google the subject.

[@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.

[@jbsmith1]

is there a local "tuner" who could disable the add blue "feature?

[@justindavis3623]

Won't pass emissions.

[@gavinhassett479]

@@justindavis3623 worry about emissions later, at least you can drive

[@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.

[@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)

[@southhillfarm2795]

Not sure what your complaining about. These issues are minor replacement parts for any brand.

[@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.

[@riadhdecdec6628]

Cool shirt 👌😎

[@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.

[@Wa1200-6]

Import a holden commodore ss or a ford falcon XR6T for the most exciting towing experience.

[@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.

[@tristanscott4118]

I thought P2 Volvo's were bad, what was Mercedes thinking... Smh

[@ochenGsUp]

Make shirts that say "Stupid Car" xD

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@Kjohn060]

Scotty warned us about these cars

[@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😂

[@arbindodutta5089]

Why don't u hire a truck to transport both your vehicle to Canada ???

[@moedalgarny]

Imma gonna stay a way from this car 😰 and yeah dont turn it off untell you reach home sweet canadia

[@suliman5121]

Search the resistance of the sensor at a half tank level the get a resistor that matches that and solder it to the wires of the level sensor and that way you tricked the system

[@Conservator.]

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. From: mbworld.org/forums/diesel-forum/702299-203d17-code-fill-level-sensor-adblue-has-short-circuit-positive.html

[@douglasharley2440]

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

[@danieleriksson1657]

Strange, I have a R320 CDI 2007, not a bluetec, since 2010 until now 2021, 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, it's a bullshit system

[@altink8823]

keep the tank full of diesel and dont shut it off until you get home lol

[@kirwinnixon7656]

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

[@TheHeretic435]

Shoulda got an BMW E39 Diesel touring.

[@morkovija]

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

[@ChadAbdulJabar]

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

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Buy a local Vancouver car and drive it back to ON. Nice clean cars on the west coast, no salt, no rust, mild climate all year.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. ✌😡🤬🙄

[@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

[@sharp7704]

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

[@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.

[@StephenJohnson-jb7xe]

Have you tried getting in touch with Alex at LegitStreetCars? He probably would have a good, money saving fix and he is sort of on your way back to Canada. To think that at one point I was considering buying an R class, I am glad I didn't. I doubt that I would buy a modern Merc or BMW second hand.

[@whodar3swins]

basically, just top up your ad blue... simple

[@a.m.9357]

$200 for light bulbs???!!!

[@Torchi0]

Go to ssptuning in NY. They will fix that for cheap.

[@dubCanuck1]

Buy a Cressida. I hear they're great for towing, lol. Seriously though. If you're planning on towing, get something BUILT to tow, such as a truck or big SUV built on a truck chassis. Yeah, lots of vehicles 'can' tow, but the wear and tear on them adds up quite quickly, reducing reliability and increasing the likelihood that you'll have to fix something (costly espeically if it's German). If you're going to put a vehicle through the stress of towing, then at least get one that doesn't cost you a small loan to fix. I'd do that after limping this POS home though.