UPDATE:
Thank you to everyone who provided data-- 13 owners (including myself)! I wish we had more data to look at but here is what I have so far:
The bad news: Almost everyone reports a problem with their vehicle (although some are minor). The R classes are certainly nowhere close to Honda or Toyota in initial quality. Of the 13 who posted, only 3 (23%) reported problem-free cars. The really bad news: 4 out of 13 (31%) reported what I characterize as a major problem -- the vehicle is in the shop for multiple days or there is a potential safety issue.
The good news: So far, the 2007s appear to be more reliable than the 2006s indicating that Mercedes is probably addressing these problems. Many people who have problems (60%), have problems that can be characterized as minor. They are fixed by the dealer in 1 visit or the owner decides they are not worth bothering with. It also appears that most problems are correctable in the first year (I really need more data to prove that), indicating these are more due to assembly glitches than anything else.
The chronic issues: (1) squeaks/rattles (23% of all reports), (2) transmission shift quality (23% of all reports), and (3) tailgate issues (38% of all reports). Personally, I wonder if the taligate issues are more due to a system that is "easily confused" rather than a truly atrocious design. Like many owners with the tailgate issues, mine acts up only occasionally. I also have not personally had the transmission shift issues addressed because it is also an infrequent issue and more an annoyance than anything else (I'm also waiting for them to develop a permanent fix).
IF YOU WANT TO POST DATA:
Please post in reply to this message: (1) the year of your R class, (2) the model, and (3) what problems have you had. If you've had NO problems, let me know that also, otherwise we will end up with biased data. If you've had a problem, post a reply to this message as to what was the problem, approx what mileage it occcurred, whether your dealership was able to fix it under warranty (as opposed to being out of pocket), and whether they were able to fix it on the same day that you had it in for repairs or whether your vehicle was off the road for more than a day waiting for parts or a diagnosis. Please don't post issues that would be considered normal maintenance or wear and tear (e.g., brakes, tires) just abnormal situations.
06`R350 with 26200 miles. the first six months was the early shifting when in slow run and that was fixed. And also, minor prob;em with my center video system some were fixed and were not.
__________________
Quote 4 da` day : MODDING is very essential to make your ML very SPECIAL
We have a 2007 R320 CDI. It is by far the most comfortable long distance car we have ever owned and we have owned several MB's from the 240D to the E320 CDI. It also has great utility for transporting objects. It is also much easier to get into and out of than much lower sedans and much higher seating SUV's. We have 12000 miles on the car. Have only one minor glitch. The power rear liftgate fails to open perhaps one out of every 100 times. Dealer has not solved this one with one try. We live nearly 2 hours from the dealer, so we have not pressed this minor issue. Otherwise only routine "A" service and tire rotation. 28 mpg on a trip at high speeds. I expect that the mileage will improve after 20-30000 miles. Wonderful car!
2007 R CDI here. ~5500 miles. Brought it in for cluncking noise in rear windows due to lose bolts in the regulator. Sometimes downshifts are abrupt and makes it difficult to brake smoothly. Haven't brought it in for that because I'm not sure if it's the just the nature of this tranny. Very nice torquey engine and good utility and comfort otherwise.
Vehicle: 1985 280GE, 1995 E320 Wagon, 2000 e320 and 2006R350
Location: Waban, MA
Posts: 18
I have owned a 2006 R350 for exactly one year and have found it to be very reliable. Other than routine A Service, I have had two problems both of which were readily repaired by dealer under warranty. I had a failed power steering pump very early on. About a month ago, the car developed a subtle, but annoying, rattle in the front suspension. It turned out to be a bad rubber bushing in the stabalizer bar assembly, a very minor issue. Otherwise, the car drives brand new. I feel this is a really well built and reliable car despite these two little issues. The car has 9000 miles.
1) Upon taking delivery of the car, found that the rear a/c blower motor was broken. Was at dealer shop for 3 days
2) Rattles from passenger window glass and dash. Fixed by dealer on same day.
3) Rattles have reappeared. Taking to dealer next week
4) Power liftgate fails to open once every 10 times
The issues I see with MB are mostly related to fit and finish - something that I admire Toyota for (have owned two Camrys, current one has 32,000 miles with zero defects or rattles).
I have a 06' with 9698 miles. Well we had a few problems that has put us out for service for some time.
Issues
1. The rear lift tail gate would open from the inside, but not open by pressing the remote. It took 2 effort from 2 dealer dealers to fix the problem. The issues were
a: failed left gate pump - replaced.
b: leaking seals in and around the lift gate - replaced.
c: latch and lock malfunctioned - replaced.
d:new key with remote - replaced.
All fixed under warranty.
Coincidently, one of the dealers cause some damage when the vehicle was left over night for servicing for the above issues. Two deep scratches and few dings were on the right rear door, probably caused by one of the dealerships.
The dealer will fix the damage on a later date.
Otherwise, the R is a wonderful family vehicle. It is reliable so far, and It has not left us broken down. I have to say, for the price and options we received, it was the great deal for us. We will probably by an extended warranty...
We have a 2007 R320 CDI. It is by far the most comfortable long distance car we have ever owned and we have owned several MB's from the 240D to the E320 CDI. It also has great utility for transporting objects. It is also much easier to get into and out of than much lower sedans and much higher seating SUV's. We have 12000 miles on the car. Have only one minor glitch. The power rear liftgate fails to open perhaps one out of every 100 times. Dealer has not solved this one with one try. We live nearly 2 hours from the dealer, so we have not pressed this minor issue. Otherwise only routine "A" service and tire rotation. 28 mpg on a trip at high speeds. I expect that the mileage will improve after 20-30000 miles. Wonderful car!
I own a 2007 R-350 around 13 K miles on it. So far so good except the power tailgate. Sometimes it gets confused and would lock instead of open. Overall I love this car.
7000miles - alignment
12,240 miles - Bad Code, Travel sensor has an electrical fault, and Brake Booster replaced
17,265 miles - Crank Shaft Position sensor needed to be coded
R-class Reliability: Please post your experience! 
Linear Mode
