Segment:
Luxury Crossover SUV / Sports Tourer
Competitors:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Acura MDX
Body Style:
Four-door crossover with SUV-like practicality and wagon-like comfort.
Seating Capacity:
Available in 5- and 7-seater configurations.
Drivetrain:
Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Operations and Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Basic Maintenance, Specifications, Safety Features, Controls, Climate, Entertainment
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 (typical for this era/model)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel, oil, cooling system basics
Chassis:
Suspension, brakes, steering (operational aspects)
Electrical:
Lighting, instrument cluster, basic electrical features
Interior:
Climate control, infotainment, seating, locks, security, interior trim
Safety:
Airbags, seatbelts, child restraints, driver assistance systems (operation)
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, using controls, understanding indicators
Emergency:
Changing a tire, using emergency equipment (if applicable), jump-starting (basic guidance)
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and safety. Does not cover diagnostic procedures or component-level repair.
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 SOHC (M272)
Displacement:
3498 cc (3.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92.6 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Management:
ME 2.8 (Mercedes-Benz Electronic Control Unit)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with individual coil-on-plug units
Length:
Approx. 5057 mm (199.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1922 mm (75.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 3081 mm (121.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2070-2150 kg (4564-4740 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
To be found in specific vehicle documentation
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 1453 L (51.3 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 2345 L (82.8 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Side:
5-Star (for 2006 model year, typically)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good (for 2006 model year, typically)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esc:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Front, side, and window airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard Mercedes-Benz Audio 20 or optional COMAND APS (with navigation).
Display:
Central color display for audio, climate, and vehicle settings.
Connectivity:
Optional Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Aid:
Optional parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)
Lighting:
Standard Halogen headlamps, optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering light function.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, based on 'ASSYST' service indicator (typically around 10,000 miles or 12 months)
Major Service:
Refer to ASSYST and Mercedes-Benz recommended service schedule (e.g., spark plug replacement around 100,000 miles, transmission fluid service).
Engine Oil:
Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W-40 (MB Approval 229.5)
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz Coolant/Antifreeze (MB Specification 325.0 or 326.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)
Washer Fluid:
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Windshield Washer Concentrate diluted with water.
Airmatic Suspension:
Potential for air spring leaks or compressor failure on vehicles equipped with Airmatic suspension (though R350 typically has standard suspension).
M272 Engine Timing Chain:
Early M272 engines (prior to some production updates) had issues with timing chain sprockets and tensioners. The 2006 model is susceptible. Requires careful inspection and potential replacement.
Oil Cooler Leaks:
Leaking oil cooler seals can lead to oil in the coolant system.
Door Handle Actuators:
Failure of interior and exterior door handle actuators.
Oil Filter:
e.g., Mann-Filter HU 831 z, Bosch 72061 (verify with VIN)
Air Filter:
e.g., Mann-Filter C 30 145, Mahle LX 1550 (verify with VIN)
Engine Oil:
Approx. 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant System:
Approx. 10.5 US quarts (9.9 liters)
Transmission Fluid:
Approx. 9.5 US quarts (9.0 liters) for a dry fill; partial fill will be less.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering, and safety, dating back to the first automobile.
Introduction:
The R-Class was introduced for the 2006 model year as a new segment vehicle, a 'Grand Sports Tourer'.
Platform:
Based on the Mercedes-Benz W251 platform, sharing some components with the M-Class (W164) and GL-Class (X164).
Production Period:
2005-2013 (globally), with the 2006 model being the first production year in North America.
Manufacturing Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
