2007 Mercedes-Benz R320
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz R320 is a luxury wagon offering a blend of space, comfort, and Mercedes-Benz refinement. The R320 came standard with a 3.0L V6 diesel engine, producing around 215 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 3.5L V6 gasoline engine, as well as a 5.0L V8. All engine options were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the R320’s spacious interior, smooth ride, and luxurious features. Common complaints often revolve around the higher cost of maintenance and repairs associated with a luxury vehicle, as well as some specific issues related to the diesel engine and air suspension system.
Engine
3.0L V6 Diesel (OM642)
- Oil Cooler Seal Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common from the oil cooler seals located within the “V” of the engine. Symptoms include oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
- Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler seals. This is often a labor-intensive job due to the location of the cooler.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Swirl Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The swirl flaps inside the intake manifold help control airflow. The swirl motor, which actuates these flaps, is prone to failure. Symptoms include a check engine light, poor performance, and potential limp mode.
- Solution: Replacement of the swirl motor or, in some cases, the entire intake manifold. Some owners opt for a delete kit, though this may not be legal in all areas.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve can become clogged with carbon buildup, leading to poor engine performance, rough idling, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
3.5L V6 Gasoline (M272)
- Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear (Early Production Models)
- Description/Symptoms: This issue mainly affects early production M272 engines. The balance shaft sprocket can wear prematurely, leading to timing issues and a check engine light. Symptoms include rough running, misfires, and engine noise.
- Solution: Replacement of the balance shaft and potentially other timing components. This is a major repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: The plastic intake manifold can crack, causing vacuum leaks and performance issues.
- Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
5.0L V8 Gasoline (M113)
- No Issues Found
Transmission
7G-Tronic 722.9 (All Engine Options)
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The 722.9 transmission is known for valve body issues. Symptoms include harsh shifting, delayed engagement, slipping, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuilding of the valve body. In some cases, a software update can resolve minor issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The conductor plate, located inside the transmission, houses the electronic sensors and controls. Failure can lead to shifting problems and diagnostic trouble codes.
- Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
- Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system is prone to leaks and component failures. Symptoms include a sagging suspension, ride height issues, and error messages on the instrument cluster. Components that can fail include the air struts, air compressor, and valve block.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty air suspension components. It’s often recommended to replace components in pairs (e.g., both front struts).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut; $500 - $1,200+ for the compressor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Many owners report issues with excessive battery drain, particularly if the vehicle sits for extended periods. This can be caused by various factors, including faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or a parasitic draw.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the underlying cause of the battery drain. This often requires a thorough electrical system test.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depending on the cause.
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The SAM modules control various electrical functions. Failure can lead to a variety of issues, including lighting problems, power window malfunctions, and other electrical gremlins.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty SAM module. This often requires programming to the vehicle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust (Specific Regions)
- Description/Symptoms: Depending on the climate the vehicle is in, it can develop rust along the wheel wells, door panels, and other areas.
- Solution: Repair the rust and repaint.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per panel depending on severity.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can be prone to failure, leading to jamming or difficulty opening and closing.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz R320, while offering a luxurious and spacious experience, can present owners with a variety of potential issues. The diesel engine is particularly susceptible to oil leaks and swirl motor problems, while the air suspension system is known for its high maintenance costs. Electrical issues, such as battery drains and SAM module failures, can also occur. Transmission issues, especially with the valve body, are a known concern across all engine options. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs and factor this into their purchasing decision.