R-Class
Mercedes-Benz R-Class: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditGenerations and technical specifications
Mercedes-Benz R-Class – Mercedes-Benz R2004–2017
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | W251 (SWB) / V251 (LWB) |
| Production | August 2004–September 2017 |
| Model years | 2006–2013 (worldwide) 2014–2017 (China) |
| Body styles | 5-door estate |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four-wheel-drive |
| Platform | W164/V251/W166 |
| Engines | 3.0 L M 272 V6 3.0 L M 276 V6 3.5 L M 272 V6 3.5 L M 276 V6 5.0 L M 113 V8 5.5 L M 273 V8 6.2 L M 156 V8 3.0 L OM 642 V6 diesel |
| Transmissions | 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic 7-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,980 mm LWB: 3,215 mm |
| Length | SWB: 4,922 mm LWB: 5,156 mm |
| Width | 2006–2008: 1,922 mm 2009–2017: 1,958 mm |
| Height | SWB (2006–2008): 1,674 mm LWB (2009–2017): 1,661 mm |
| Kerb weight | 2,130–2,375 kg |
| Class | Mid-size luxury MPV |
| Assembly | United States: Vance, Alabama (2005–2014) Mishawaka, Indiana (AM General: 2015–2017) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010, 2012–2013 | 3.5 L, 6 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2010–2012 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Four-wheel drive | Diesel |
| 2008, 2011 | 3.5 L, 6 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2007–2009 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Diesel |
| 2006–2009 | 3.5 L, 6 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2006–2007 | 5.0 L, 8 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2007 | 6.2 L, 8 cyl | 7-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010, 2012–2013 | 3.5 L, 6 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Four-wheel drive | 13.1–14.7 L/100 km | 14.7–16.8 L/100 km | 11.2–12.4 L/100 km |
| 2008, 2011 | 3.5 L, 6 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 13.8–14.7 L/100 km | 15.7 L/100 km | 11.8–12.4 L/100 km |
| 2006–2009 | 3.5 L, 6 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 14.7 L/100 km | 15.7 L/100 km | 11.8–12.4 L/100 km |
| 2007–2008 | 3.0 L, 6 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 11.2 L/100 km | 12.4–13.1 L/100 km | 9.0–9.8 L/100 km |
| 2006–2007 | 5.0 L, 8 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 16.8 L/100 km | 19.6 L/100 km | 13.1–13.8 L/100 km |
| 2007 | 6.2 L, 8 cyl · 7-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 19.6 L/100 km | 21.4 L/100 km | 15.7 L/100 km |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2013 | Petrol | 5461 cm³ | 285 kW (387 PS) | 2255–2325 kg | 306–311 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2011–2013 | Diesel | 2987 cm³ | 140 kW (190 PS) | 2185–2240 kg | 199–208 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2011–2013 | Diesel | 2987 cm³ | 155 kW (211 PS) | 2340–2380 kg | 223 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2011–2013 | Diesel | 2987 cm³ | 195 kW (265 PS) | 2250–2330 kg | 223 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2011–2012 | Petrol | 3498 cm³ | 200 kW (272 PS) | 2180–2270 kg | 271–279 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2011–2012 | Diesel | 2987 cm³ | 165 kW (224 PS) | 2270–2330 kg | 253 g/km (NEDC) |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Standard SUV, SUV |
| Model years in EPA data | 2006–2013 |
| Powertrains | Petrol, Diesel |
| Engine displacement | 3.0–6.2 L |
| Cylinders | 6, 8 |
| Transmission types | Automatic |
| Drive | Four-wheel drive, Rear-wheel drive, Four-wheel or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium), Diesel |
| Configurations listed | 18 |
| Forced induction | Turbocharged (on some versions) |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 396 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 4,191 L |
| Powertrains (EU) | Diesel |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 2,987 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 140–195 kW (190–265 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 2,185–2,380 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,980–3,215 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2006–2013 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2006–2016, 2019, 2021–2022, 2025 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 64 | 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Engine and cooling | 60 | 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Airbags | 44 | 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Electrical system | 38 | 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 29 | 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Brakes | 29 | 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Seats | 26 | 2006, 2007, 2009 |
| Steering | 23 | 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Lights | 15 | 2006, 2007, 2008 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 10 | 2006, 2007, 2008 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2006–2012: 289 complaints, 6 with a crash and 21 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.