2005 Mercedes-Benz Boxer 60

Introduction

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz Boxer 60 is a full-size luxury SUV that was offered with a single engine and transmission option: the 5.5-liter V8 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The V8 engine produces 342 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque. The Boxer 60 is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine, but it has some reported issues that potential buyers should be aware of.

Engine

5.5-liter V8

• Intake Manifold Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold can crack or warp, causing vacuum leaks that result in rough idling, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: NHTSA ID 15V465000
• Timing Chain Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can stretch or break over time, causing the engine to skip or lose timing. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, guides, and sprockets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA ID 10V428000

Transmission

5-speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping or Harsh Shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip gears or shift harshly, especially when shifting from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th gears.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can leak air, causing the vehicle to sag or ride unevenly. This can also lead to premature tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor, lines, or struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA ID 13V546000

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge properly. This can lead to electrical problems, such as flickering lights, dead battery, or alternator noise.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater or Air Conditioning Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The heater or air conditioning system may malfunction, causing the interior to become too hot or cold.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the heater or air conditioning components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: The tailgate can rust around the hinges and latch area.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate or repair the rust.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof motor can fail, causing the sunroof to not open or close properly.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation System Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system can malfunction, causing it to freeze or give incorrect directions.
  • Solution: Update or replace the navigation system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz Boxer 60 is a capable and luxurious SUV, but it is not without its issues. The engine and transmission can experience serious failures, the suspension can have problems, and there are several electrical and interior issues that can arise. These issues can be expensive to repair, so it is important to be aware of them before purchasing a used Boxer 60.