2006 Mercedes-Benz R350
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that offers a unique combination of space, comfort, and performance. It comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Other engine and transmission options include:
- 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 415 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission
- 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine producing 215 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
People like the R350 for its spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and powerful engines. However, it has also received criticism for its poor fuel economy and high repair costs.
Engine
3.5-liter V6
- Engine Ticking Noise
- Description/Symptoms: A ticking or tapping noise coming from the engine, especially when it’s cold.
- Solution: Replacing the hydraulic valve lifters.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- PCV Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the PCV valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Ignition Coil Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, and reduced power.
- Solution: Replacing the ignition coils.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
5.0-liter V8
- Cam Adjuster Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noise, loss of power, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the cam adjuster solenoids.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
4.0-liter V8
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noise, especially during start-up, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the timing chain tensioner.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Cylinder Head Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: Replacing the cylinder head gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0-liter V6 Diesel
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogging
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Cleaning or replacing the DPF.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, and reduced power.
- Solution: Replacing the fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, shuddering, and overheating.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Solenoid Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the solenoid pack.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
- Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Clutch Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, especially under heavy load.
- Solution: Replacing the clutch packs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifting erratically, refusing to shift, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the TCM.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle will not raise or lower properly, or it will drop suddenly.
- Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Strut Mount Bearing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning or going over bumps.
- Solution: Replacing the strut mount bearings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery goes dead prematurely, even when the vehicle is turned off.
- Solution: Diagnosing and fixing the electrical component(s) causing the drain.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, flickering interior lights, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sunroof Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof will not open or close properly, or it makes a grinding noise.
- Solution: Replacing the sunroof motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Climate Control Panel Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The climate control system does not work properly, or the buttons are unresponsive.
- Solution: Replacing the climate control panel.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Navigation System Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The navigation system does not work properly, or it freezes.
- Solution: Updating the software or replacing the navigation unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz R350 is a popular luxury crossover SUV, but it has a history of some serious and expensive issues. Engine problems, such as timing chain tensioner failure and cylinder head gasket failure, can be particularly costly to fix. Transmission issues, such as torque converter failure and solenoid pack failure, are also common.
Overall, the R350 is a vehicle that can be expensive to maintain and repair. It is important to consider these potential issues when making a decision about purchasing or owning one.