Mercedes-Benz W251

Mercedes proudly presented its new vision for a true family car in 2005. Mercedes R-class (W251) with a high and massive body resembled at the same time a minivan, a large station wagon and a little crossover.

Model history

Mercedes proudly presented its new vision for a true family car in 2005. Mercedes R-class (W251) with a high and massive body resembled at the same time a minivan, a large station wagon and a little crossover. Technically, the W251 is very close to the Mercedes ML and GL 164 series. The concept was supposed to be revolutionary, but the R-Class never gained popularity. The Germans expected to sell about 50,000 cars annually. However, even in the best years, the sales ceiling did not exceed 20,000 copies.

The R-Class’s failure is largely due to its appearance. The body lacked sharpness and brightness. Stylists created a lot of awkward lines and uninteresting accents. The lack of creativity in the design of the model causes great confusion. At the beginning of the new millennium, the company’s stylists were quite capable of creating truly beautiful forms. After two facelifts, the manufacturer in 2013 still removed the unusual car from production. However, for the Chinese market, the assembly continued for several more years.

Interior and exterior

The W251 is a mix of various elements from other models with a star on the hood. It is obvious that the stylists drew inspiration from the Mercedes ML and E-Class. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. Everything turned out conveniently and ergonomically. The interior of the Mercedes R-Class has only two remarks. First, the quality of the finishing materials could be a little better. After all, it’s the premium segment! Second, beware of the fire, like the fire, of the tree. She looks too pretentious here.

The bloated body of the Mercedes R-Class is too bulky, making parking in the city difficult. But it does attract the amount of internal space. In the cabin, no passenger will complain of a lack of space in the legs or shoulders. In addition, you can choose an extended modification with an increased wheelbase. There are also different configurations of the cabin - for 5, 6 or 7 people. The ideal option is a 6-seater salon. In this case, each traveler gets his own individual seat. The trunk with three rows is ready to accommodate 324 liters, with two - 888 liters, with one - 1950 liters.

Engines

V6 3.0 L (M 272 / 231 HP and 272 HP) – R 280

The family car has a fairly large variety of engines. The most reliable is the 5-liter gasoline atmospheric M113, installed in the R500 from 2006 to 2007. Its characteristic defects against the background of other power units are insignificant: the destruction of the damper of the crankshaft pulley and problems with the ventilation system of crankcase gases. The petrol M 272 and M273 suffer from premature wear by chain-type timing system drive (wear of stars and chain stretching) and drive of intake manifold valves. In the first and second cases, you will have to spend about 50 000 rubles. In addition, the 273rd engine with a large mileage can present a very unpleasant surprise - bullies in the cylinders. For major repairs will need about 200-250 thousand rubles. The Mercedes R 320 CDI is one of the most attractive options. The car comes with a 3-liter diesel V6 with a capacity of 224 hp, and is the most reasonable purchase, given the burden of tax legislation and dynamics. Acceleration to the first hundred takes only 8.7 seconds, and the maximum speed is 215 km / h. Things are a little worse with fuel consumption. In the urban cycle, more than 12 liters per 100 km will be needed, and outside settlements, the consumption never falls below 7 liters. However, the diesel V6 has some unpleasant disadvantages. First, the injection system does not tolerate low-quality “solar”. The cost of one nozzle is about 25 000 rubles. When operating mainly in the city, in the near future, the particulate filter will also cause problems.

Transmission

The W251 engines were aggregated exclusively with a 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-Tronic series 722.9. Problems with the machine (slippers, tremors, delays, hovering) occur after the first 100,000 km, and for repairs it takes about 50 000 rubles.

Mercedes P class can be both all-wheel drive 4MATIC and rear-wheel drive. The latter option is less common.

Walking

The running gear is organized on a set of levers with mandatory air suspension at the back. At the request of the first owner, the R-Class was equipped with a full-fledged airmatic system Airmatic. This suspension is very effective smooths out irregularities and is ideal for comfortable movement on Russian roads. But the speed turns of the minivan are given a little worse.

While the main suspension elements withstand large runs, air suspension components are given away much faster. Among the outsiders are pneumoballoons and a pneumocompressor. Replacement of these two elements is not cheap: the restored pneumoballon can be purchased for 20,000 rubles, and a new compressor for 40,000 rubles.

Electrician.

Sometimes Mercedes R-Class forces to deal with minor malfunctions in the operation of electrical equipment. But that doesn’t mean they’re cheap to eliminate. The perfect example is the ubiquitous control blocks. Any of them can be "spoiled." Restoration of working capacity is almost always associated with the purchase of the original part and its "prescription", and therefore the high final cost of repair. In addition, often "barachlit" central lock and electric windows.

Interior and exterior

• The W251 is a mix of various elements from other models with a star on the hood.
• Second, beware of the fire, like the fire, of the tree. She looks too pretentious here.

Engines

• Its characteristic defects against the background of other power units are insignificant: the destruction of the damper of the crankshaft pulley and problems with the ventilation system of crankcase gases.
• The petrol M 272 and M273 suffer from premature wear by chain-type timing system drive (wear of stars and chain stretching) and drive of intake manifold valves.
• For major repairs will need about 200-250 thousand rubles.
• When operating mainly in the city, in the near future, the particulate filter will also cause problems.

Transmission

• Problems with the machine (slippers, tremors, delays, hovering) occur after the first 100,000 km, and for repairs it takes about 50 000 rubles.

Walking

• Replacement of these two elements is not cheap: the restored pneumoballon can be purchased for 20,000 rubles, and a new compressor for 40,000 rubles.

Electrician.

• Restoration of working capacity is almost always associated with the purchase of the original part and its "prescription", and therefore the high final cost of repair.

Cars with a star on the hood have never been cheap. This is also true for the Mercedes R-Class. The new family van in the basic version was estimated at about 53,000 euros. But it was worth swinging at the engine stronger and a couple of branded options, as the price tag immediately exceeded the bar of 70,000 euros. Fortunately for domestic buyers, the secondary market ruthlessly treated the German minivan. Today, cars of 2005 or 2006 can be bought for 500 000 rubles, but the youngest copies are still much more expensive - almost 2 000 000 rubles. With age, Mercedes loses much in price, and the cost of operation only increases.

The market took Mercedes’ plans rather painfully and quickly concluded that it didn’t need the R-Class. The German minivan lacked charm and reasonable price. Who would use such a car? First of all, those who want to own a car of a leading manufacturer, need a spacious interior, prefer to avoid mainstream clichés and are willing to pay for maintenance.

• Model history: Mercedes proudly unveiled its new vision for a true family car in 2005.
• Interior and exterior: The W251 is a mix of various elements from other models with a star on the hood.
• Engines: Its characteristic defects against the background of other power units are insignificant: the destruction of the damper of the crankshaft pulley and problems with the ventilation system of crankcase gases.
• Transmission: Problems with the machine (slippers, tremors, delays, hovering) occur after the first 100,000 km, and for repairs it takes about 50 000 rubles.
• Replacement of these two elements is not cheap: refurbished pneumoballon can be purchased for 20 000 rubles, and a new compressor - for 40 000 rubles.
• Electricity: Recovery is almost always associated with the purchase of the original part and its “prescription”, and therefore high final cost of repair.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.