2017 Mercedes-Benz Paradiso 1800
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Paradiso 1800 is a high-end luxury touring coach primarily used for long-distance passenger transport. While specific engine and transmission options are often customized based on the buyer’s needs, it commonly features Mercedes-Benz diesel engines paired with automatic transmissions. Performance figures vary depending on the specific engine chosen, but typical diesel engines in this class produce around 400-500 horsepower and 1300-1600 lb-ft of torque. Owners appreciate the Paradiso 1800 for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and advanced safety features. Common complaints usually revolve around the high maintenance costs associated with commercial vehicles and the complexity of the onboard electronic systems.
Engine
Mercedes-Benz Diesel (Specific model often varies based on customer order. Assume OM471 for Example)
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, loss of power, excessive smoke (black or white), and potential engine misfires. Diagnostic codes related to fuel injector circuit faults will be present.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injectors. Proper diagnosis is essential to identify the specific injector(s) causing the issue.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ per injector (including labor)
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, increased exhaust smoke, and a whining or screeching noise from the engine. May also trigger a check engine light.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement or rebuild (if possible).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+ (including labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Poor engine performance, rough idle, increased emissions, and potential stalling.
- Solution: Replacement or cleaning (if possible) of the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (including labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
ZF Automatic Transmission (Specific model varies, assume ZF AS Tronic for Example)
- Shift Issues/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifts, slipping between gears, and difficulty engaging gears. Can trigger transmission fault codes.
- Solution: Diagnosis to determine the cause (e.g., low fluid, worn clutches, valve body issues). Repairs may include fluid change, valve body repair/replacement, or transmission overhaul.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $8000+ depending on the severity and required repairs.
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at certain speeds, especially under load. May also exhibit slipping or stalling.
- Solution: Torque converter replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ (including labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sits lower than normal, takes a long time to level out, or fails to level at all. The air suspension compressor may be excessively noisy or not run at all.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor. Check for leaks in the air lines and struts as well.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ (including labor).
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Spring/Strut Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, sagging suspension, hissing sound from the air springs/struts.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking air spring/strut.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut (including labor).
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Multiplex Wiring Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic behavior of electrical components (lights, HVAC, entertainment system), communication errors between modules, and potential battery drain.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of wiring harness issues. This often requires specialized diagnostic equipment and expertise.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the severity and location of the wiring fault.
- Recalls: None Found
- CAN Bus Communication Errors
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent failures of various systems, warning lights, and trouble codes related to communication errors between control modules.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the CAN bus network to identify the source of the communication issue (e.g., faulty module, wiring issue, connector problem). Repair may involve replacing a faulty module or repairing the wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ (highly variable).
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Door Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Doors not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises. Can be related to faulty actuators, sensors, or control modules.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the automatic door system. This may involve replacing actuators, sensors, or control modules, or adjusting the door mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2500+ per door (including labor).
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC System Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent temperature control, weak airflow, unusual noises from the HVAC system, or failure of the system to operate at all.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the HVAC system to identify the cause of the problem (e.g., refrigerant leak, faulty compressor, blower motor failure, actuator problems). Repair may involve recharging the refrigerant, replacing the compressor or blower motor, or repairing or replacing actuators.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on the issue).
- Recalls: None Found
- Entertainment System Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Audio system malfunctions, display screen issues, navigation problems, or connectivity problems.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the entertainment system to identify the source of the problem. Repair may involve replacing faulty components or updating software.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3000+ (depending on the issue).
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Paradiso 1800, while a luxurious and comfortable coach, can experience issues typical of high-end commercial vehicles. Engine and transmission problems, especially with fuel injectors, turbochargers, and shift issues, are major concerns with repair costs potentially reaching several thousand dollars. Suspension and electrical gremlins can also contribute to the overall cost of ownership. These issues, while not necessarily widespread, should be carefully considered by potential buyers.