Mercedes-Benz R-Class (2006 - 2012) R350L CDI Grand Edition 5d Auto Owner Review

I bought this car through a dealership as the second owner. First impressions were ‘Wow’ big shiny and very smart. It had been serviced through the Merc dealership so I continued with that and they are very thorough (and expensive) but I wasn’t too bothered as it also covers you for road assist etc. Driving is fine although the turning circle is huge. It is the only car I have ever driven that I felt reasonably OK after very long drives. Heated seats are nice in cold weather and when ‘The Beast from the East’ hit us it never faulted even going up steep snow covered hills ( passing several 4X4 s that were stuck) I felt so secure that I took all of my grandkids to school rather than risking their parents cars. HOWEVER – the ‘Linquitronics’ system is very poor and unresponsive and you can’t link your phone music to the speaker system although the Bluetooth works ok when you make a call. Sat Nav is outdated. SO electronic assist etc. poor Storage is inadequate with loads of wasted room and no cup holders in second row although two in third!! Failed its last MOT on break pipes and leaking velocity joint gaiter at a cost of £1200 when I complained that a five year old car that has been dealer serviced and not done 70K miles should not be failing on its break pipes they accepted and as good will reduced the price. My worry is that this was a quality of product issue. As Mercedes will be using the same type of piping in most of their cars the quality of the metal is poor (as is the quality of the seal on the front joint) I feel this is a recall issue how many Mercs are driving with leaking break piped???? One month later the front windscreen wiper fell off!!! I’ve now noticed a knock when I turn corners so there is a bearing or joint gone somewhere. Interestingly, when I complained to the engineer at the dealership he admitted that Mercedes is now concentrating on the bulk market and is no longer interested in the quality of its products – he replaced the pipe with a copper one as he admitted the metal of the original was poor. I’m nearly 70 and have been driving since I was 17. I replace my cars every three years approximately so I’ve owner a lot of cars. My worst car was in the 70’s when I drove a Fiat Strada which fell to bits.. This is my first (and now only Mercedes) and I’d rate it not far behind the Strada. Buy one for comfort but make sure you know a cheap mechanic.