Segment:
Luxury Crossover/SUV
Target Audience:
Families seeking luxury, comfort, and advanced diesel technology.
Competitors 2011:
BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX.
Distinctive Feature:
BLUETEC diesel engine offering improved fuel economy and torque compared to gasoline counterparts.
Vehicle Type:
Four-door crossover/SUV with available all-wheel drive and three-row seating.
Powertrain:
Engine (BLUETEC diesel operation, oil, fuel, air filter), Transmission (operation, general information)
Chassis:
Brakes (operation, warnings), Suspension (general operation), Steering (general operation)
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, Lighting systems, Battery, Electrical accessories
Interior:
Climate controls, Seating and safety restraints, Locks and security, Entertainment systems
Driver Interface:
Driver controls, Instrument cluster operation, Indicator lights
Routine Maintenance:
Engine oil checks and refills, Air filter inspection, Fuel information (DEF/AdBlue for BLUETEC), Battery maintenance
Operation:
Driving instructions, Using climate controls, Operating lights, Understanding driver controls, Locking/unlocking procedures, Seat and restraint adjustments
Safety:
Safety restraint usage, Understanding safety systems, Reporting safety defects (U.S.)
Cleaning:
Vehicle cleaning and care
Depth:
Owner-level understanding and operation; basic maintenance guidance; does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
3.0L V6 Turbodiesel (OM642)
Displacement:
2987 cc (cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
17.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Fuel Type:
Diesel fuel, with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) / AdBlue for emissions control.
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 3400 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
398 lb-ft @ 1600-2400 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI)
Turbocharging:
Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)
Def Capacity:
Approximately 7 gallons (26.5 liters) - check manual for exact capacity
Diesel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 21.1 gallons (80 liters)
Length:
200.9 inches (5103 mm)
Width:
77.0 inches (1956 mm)
Height:
67.2 inches (1707 mm)
Wheelbase:
116.1 inches (2950 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
14.7 cu ft (416 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
42.0 cu ft (1189 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
87.1 cu ft (2466 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,927 lbs (2235 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 6,447 lbs (2924 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional towing package.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not readily available for this specific model/year in this format, but generally Mercedes-Benz vehicles achieve high ratings.
IIHS Ratings:
Check IIHS.org for specific crash test results.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esc:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, driver knee airbag (standard configuration).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation).
Display:
Central color display for navigation, audio, climate, and vehicle settings.
Audio Options:
AM/FM radio, CD/DVD changer, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Optional Features:
Distronic PLUS (adaptive cruise control), Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC), Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free communication, optional Media Interface for iPod/USB.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection (check manual).
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Typically every 10,000-20,000 miles or 1-2 years (check manual).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Diesel fuel filter replacement is critical for longevity; consult manual for interval (often around 30,000 miles).
Def Refill Interval:
Dependent on driving conditions and DEF consumption; warning lights will indicate when refill is needed.
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.51 or MB 229.52 (Low SAPS synthetic diesel engine oil, SAE 5W-30 recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or MB 326.0, typically a blue/green silicate-free coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB approved).
Common Diesel Issues:
Potential for clogged DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) if driven solely on short trips, injector issues, EGR valve problems, and AdBlue system faults if DEF quality is poor or system malfunctions.
Common Suspension Issues:
Air suspension compressor failures or leaks (if equipped), control arm bushings.
Common Electrical Issues:
Various sensor failures, issues with COMAND infotainment system, door lock actuators.
Oil Filter Example:
A 642 180 00 09 (Consult manual or parts catalog for exact fitment)
Air Filter Example:
A 251 830 04 18 (Cabin filter) / A 272 090 00 00 (Engine air filter - consult for diesel variant)
Brand Reputation:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering, safety, and innovation, particularly in diesel technology.
R Class Introduction:
The R-Class was introduced in 2005 as a 'Grand Sports Tourer,' blending elements of an SUV, minivan, and wagon.
Facelift:
The 2011 model year represented a significant facelift for the R-Class, with updated styling and technology.
Production Plant:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Production Years:
2006-2012 (R-Class)
