2007 Mercedes-Benz R500

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz R500 is a luxurious and versatile wagon that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and passenger space. The R500 comes equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 3.5L V6 and a 3.0L CDI Diesel V6. All engines were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the R500 for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and powerful engine, but some common complaints include electrical issues, air suspension problems, and higher maintenance costs associated with luxury vehicles.

Category: Engine

5.0L V8 Engine

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and rear main seal. Visible oil drips, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+ depending on the location of the leak.
• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, poor acceleration, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Category: Transmission

7-Speed Automatic Transmission (7G-Tronic)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, stalling, or hesitation during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed shifting, or failure to shift properly. Can be caused by wear or contamination.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Category: Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, compressor running constantly, “Visit Workshop” message, uneven ride height.
  • Solution: Replace leaking air struts, faulty compressor, or damaged air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,000+ for compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Compressor Relay Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor is not turning on.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension relay with a new relay. Some owners report replacing the faulty relay with a more reliable one from a different manufacturer to avoid recurring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20-$50 for the new relay plus labor.

Category: Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, unable to start the car, steering wheel lock malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS module and reprogram it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic draw. Common sources include faulty SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) units or aftermarket electronics.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found

Category: Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the fenders, door bottoms, and around the rear hatch. This is more prevalent in areas where road salt is used.
  • Solution: Repair the rust, either by cutting out the affected area and welding in new metal, or by sanding down the rust and refinishing the area.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500+ per panel, depending on severity.

Category: Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure, track misalignment, water leaks.
  • Solution: Replace sunroof motor, repair or replace track components, reseal sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the issue.

Category: Other

• Fuel Tank Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Fuel smell, fuel dripping under the car, especially after filling up.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel tank.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2007 Mercedes-Benz R500 offers a luxurious and spacious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of common issues. The air suspension system is a significant source of problems, with costly repairs required for failing struts and compressors. Electrical issues, such as EIS failure and battery drain, can also be expensive to resolve. Engine and transmission issues, while less frequent, can also lead to significant repair bills. Overall, owning an R500 requires a commitment to maintenance and a budget for potential repairs.