2011 Mercedes-Benz R350

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 is a luxury minivan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive. The R350 offered two engine options: a 3.5L V6 producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L diesel V6 producing 210 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the R350 for its practicality and car-like handling, while some criticized its styling and perceived lack of prestige compared to SUVs.

Engine

3.5L V6 Gas Engine

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and potential stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks under the vehicle or on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking valve cover gaskets and/or the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets ($200 - $400+), Oil filter housing ($400 - $800+)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Diesel V6 Engine

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine power, frequent regeneration cycles, possible DPF clogging.
  • Solution: Attempt DPF regeneration, clean the DPF, or replace the DPF.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Cleaning ($200 - $500+), Replacement ($1500 - $3000+)
  • Recalls: None Found
• AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, “AdBlue” warning message, potential for limp mode due to DEF system malfunction (e.g., faulty NOx sensors, DEF injector issues).
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the specific component failure within the AdBlue system (NOx sensor replacement, DEF injector replacement, pump repair).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: NOx sensor ($300 - $700+), DEF injector ($200 - $500+)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (722.9)

• Torque Converter Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during acceleration, especially at low speeds.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in gear or unable to shift, limp mode. Often accompanied by stored fault codes.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, compressor failure, leaks in the air springs.
  • Solution: Replace faulty air struts, compressor, or repair leaks in the air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air strut ($800 - $1500+ per strut), Compressor ($500 - $1000+)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic electrical behavior, failure of various systems (lights, wipers, etc.).
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (including programming)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, clicking or grinding noise.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Liftgate Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear liftgate will not stay open and slowly falls down.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty liftgate strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezing, system reboots, navigation errors.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software Update ($100 - $300+), Replacement Head Unit ($500 - $1500+)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350, while offering a comfortable and practical driving experience, is prone to several issues, particularly related to its engine, transmission, and electrical systems. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for sensor replacements to several thousand for major components like the DPF or air suspension components. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase. The diesel engine, in particular, presents more complex and potentially expensive repairs related to its emissions control systems.