🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

R350

Year:

2011

Market:

North America (U.S. specified in description)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Crossover SUV (or Sports Tourer, as Mercedes-Benz initially marketed it).

Target Audience:

Families seeking a luxurious, comfortable, and versatile vehicle with the brand prestige of Mercedes-Benz. Often appealed to those downsizing from larger SUVs or looking for a more refined alternative to traditional minivans.

Key Competitors:

BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX, Volvo XC90.

Versatility:

Offered a unique combination of SUV-like space and comfort with a more car-like driving experience, available with three rows of seating.

Luxury:

Reflective of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to premium materials, build quality, and advanced features for its time.

Comfort:

Designed for long-distance comfort, particularly with its spacious interior and compliant ride quality.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's manual content

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, specifications, accessories, customer assistance, safety defect reporting (U.S. only)

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by factory publication, typically 300-500 pages for a Mercedes-Benz owner's manual of this era.

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Infotainment:

Operation of entertainment systems (radio, CD/DVD, media interface, navigation if equipped)

Climate Control:

Operation of automatic climate control, A/C, heating, ventilation

Lighting:

Exterior and interior lighting controls, automatic headlamps, fog lamps

Driver Controls:

Steering wheel controls, cruise control, transmission selector, parking brake

Locks Security:

Keyless entry, central locking, alarm system, immobilizer

Seating Restraints:

Power seat adjustments, seatbelt operation, child seat installation (ISOFIX/LATCH), airbag systems

Instrument Cluster:

Gauge functions, warning indicators, trip computer, menu navigation

Engine Compartment:

Identification of major components, fluid reservoirs, basic checks

Fuel System:

Fuel requirements, refueling procedures

Electrical System:

Battery care, fuse box locations (general guidance)

Cleaning:

Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations

Customer Assistance:

Contact information, roadside assistance basics

Basic Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, driving modes, using controls

Maintenance Checks:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks

Refueling:

Correct fuel type and procedure

Tire Changes:

Information on spare tire usage and changing a tire (likely general guidance)

Safety Systems:

Understanding airbag warnings, seatbelt usage

Troubleshooting:

Interpreting warning lights and messages

Accessory Installation:

Information on approved accessories and their integration

Safety Defect Reporting:

Specific instructions for reporting safety defects in the U.S.

Depth:

Owner-level information for daily operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Not a repair manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Accessibility:

Requires PDF reader (Acrobat Reader, Foxit, etc.)

Device Compatibility:

Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original. Quality is dependent on the source scan/digitization.

Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Type:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.5L V6 (M272 engine family)

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3498 cc)

Horsepower:

Approx. 268 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Code Indication:

M272.9xx (specific suffix depends on market/configuration)

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC)

Drivetrain:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (standard on U.S. models)

Type:

N/A (7G-TRONIC was standard for R350 in this year)

Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Shift Lever Location:

Steering column stalk (selector lever)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 199.0 inches

Width:

Approx. 77.1 inches (excluding mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 67.1 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 126.6 inches

Seating Capacity:

6 or 7 passengers (depending on configuration, typically 2+2+2 or 2+3+2)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Varies, but typically around 15-20 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Significantly larger, around 40-50 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,700 - 4,800 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 6,300 - 6,400 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Typically around 3,500 lbs (check specific vehicle VIN for exact rating)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for applicable tests in 2011)

IIHS Front Offset:

Good (for the 2011 model year)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (ASR)

Braking Assist:

Standard BAS (Brake Assist System)

Airbags:

Front, front-side, side-curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX/LATCH system

💡 Technology Features

Display:

Central dashboard display for infotainment and vehicle settings.

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound. Available Media Interface for connecting external devices.

Navigation:

Optional COMAND APS navigation system with satellite radio integration.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control. Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control was an optional feature.

Parking Assist:

Optional parking sensors (front and rear) and rearview camera.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Keyless Go:

Optional Keyless-Go system for keyless entry and engine start.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving may require shorter intervals. (Refer to manual for specific ASSYST Plus service codes.)

Major Service Intervals:

Major services (e.g., spark plugs, coolant flush, transmission service) typically occur at intervals of 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the specific component and service code. The manual's 'Maintenance Information and Specifications' section details these.

Engine Oil:

MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 specification (typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic) - Consult manual for exact approval codes.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 US quarts (with filter change) for the 3.5L V6.

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G05 or similar silicate-free, long-life antifreeze), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.14 specification (ATF 7-Speed)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Spec 236.3 (Hydraulic fluid)

M272 Engine Timing Chain Sprockets:

Potential wear on timing chain sprockets, leading to rough idle or check engine light. Addressable via diagnostic codes.

Airmatic Suspension Leaks:

While less common on R350 than some other Mercedes models, potential for air spring leaks or compressor issues can occur over time.

Electronic Module Failures:

As with many complex luxury vehicles, electronic module failures (e.g., SAM units, transmission control modules) can be a concern as the vehicle ages.

Oil Cooler Seals:

Potential for leaks from the engine oil cooler seals.

Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter HU 832 x, Mahle OX 171/2 D, or OEM Mercedes-Benz A0001802609 (Consult manual or parts catalog for exact fitment).

Air Filter Example:

Mann-Filter C30020/2, Mahle LX 1027/1, or OEM Mercedes-Benz A2720900001 (Consult manual or parts catalog for exact fitment).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Mercedes-Benz is a global luxury automotive manufacturer renowned for engineering excellence, safety, comfort, and innovation.

Generation:

First Generation (W251 chassis)

Introduction Year:

2005 (as a 2006 model)

Update Year:

2011 saw a minor facelift/update for the R-Class.

Assembly Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market)

Production Years:

2005 - 2013 (as 2006-2013 models)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The R-Class, including the 2011 model, often received 'Top Safety Pick' designations from the IIHS for its strong crash test performance.

Auto Motor Und Sport Comparisons:

Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the R-Class, are frequently featured in comparative tests by automotive publications, often praised for comfort and engineering.