My M-I-Law fell in love with R class when shopping for Van in 2006.
She got lucky and It turned out reliable mostly but one of most unreliable out of MB stable they acquired over the years.
I have been infrequent visitor on R-class forum on benzworld and you will see 2 crowd. One who found it reliable and other who found it money pit.

If you are shopping for Van as family vehicle, go for odyssey. It is designed as family car and it's cargo space is fantastic which is must for large family.

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1) '04 S500 Gold/Beige......120k Miles
2) '93 300E 2.8...Green/Tan MBTex..........202k Miles(and going)
3) '89 420SEL...Light Blue/gray Leather....155k Miles (Retired )