So, i have read a ton of negative on these cars.

Anybody have one and still dealing with it?

Battery is dead, customer states car once or twice a week vehicle will stall at a light.

She wants $800 for the car.

I told her i was interested for my family car, but now im on the fence.


What say you oh great forum readers?

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I was was intrigued with these when we first started getting them into the shop. I was impressed by all the room. a
After working on enough of them, I now think that they're German junk. Most of my customers have gotten rid of theirs. I see the 251s in my shop about as often as I see a 124.

Any specific questions? We have a 2012 R350, 150k miles. It has been as reliable as our other German cars: one unexpected $6k repair, everything else routine (and expensive compared to Hondas).

Pros: Great road trip vehicle; eats up miles on the interstate (cruises north of 80 mph without issue) and has tons of room in the first and second rows - the second row is similar to most front row seats, reclining and sliding seats. (The third row fits adults, but cozy. If the third row is used, the luggage space is minimal.)

Cons… when we replace it, it will likely be a minivan. Minivans have more interior volume, and while the driving dynamics of the R350 are better than an Oddessy, it’s still a big honking vehicle, ie not a lot of fun. In my opinion the big engines are not worth extra money for such a large vehicle - but I’m not a straight-line kinda guy.

The car has three flaws at the moment, has sat a year and battery is dead, but starts up with good jumper cables.
Stalls randomly at stoplights, i have not seen this occur
Power steering pump leaks, and was noisy when started, she had fluid, i put it in and it quieted up.
Ive read the ps pump is a common failure point.

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Sounds like the issues are more to do with the motor, and not specific to the W251? I can't be of much assistance; I've left the wrenching on our car to our mechanic (MB specialist).

How many cars come with a bottle opener? (Between the front cupholders.)

the bottle opener gives you a way to kill time until the tow truck appears. the bmw e31 840s and 850s came with a factory phone so you could call for help when needed, which was often.

much like yugos with factory rear window defrosters. kept your hands warm when you push it.

It's not a diesel, but I imagine that if anyone can fix it, you can. That is if you have the time!

I saw this thread on Reddit. Has some useful owner & mechanics experience:
https://www.reddit.com/r/mercedes_benz/comments/18ic1nq/opinionmercedes_r500_yes_or_no/

If engine is cutting out, could be anything - fuel pump, fuel pump relay, other relays, faulty CPS etc. A good scanner should be able to locate cause of cut out. Does it not display any codes?

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5