2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz R-Class

  17.1% All 2011 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2% of all 2011 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz R-Class

  15.5% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz R-Class

  15.9% All 2011 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2011 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.

• Engine warning light2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz R-Class

  4.2% All 2011 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.8% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 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
  34% 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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  17% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Lights and electrics
  17% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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.

• Suspension
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?