2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Engine oil leaks2.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz R-Class

  28.8% All 2008 cars

  11.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz R-Class

  25.6% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz R-Class

  14.3% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  30% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  24% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Driveshafts and joints
  14% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?