Used Mercedes-Benz R320

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz R320

From 5 forum threads · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The R320 CDI excels on long journeys, combining a comfortable ride, effective cabin insulation and confident road manners.[5]one sourceW251
• In the long six-seat version, adults can sit comfortably even in the third row; folding the rear seats creates a large, flat load area.[4][5]W251
• The 3.0-litre V6 diesel is described as quiet, refined and flexible, while the seven-speed automatic shifts smoothly in comfort mode.[5]one sourceW251
• Owner reports show that consumption depends heavily on use: under 10 l/100 km is possible on longer trips, while short winter journeys can use much more.[1][5]W251

Typical faults

• Rear air springs were reported as needing replacement at about 150,000 km; another owner repaired both rear units over five years.[2][4]W251

  150 000+ km · diesel

• Reported V6 diesel trouble spots include an oil leak at the boost pipe and failure of the intake-manifold swirl-flap actuator.[2]one sourceW251

  V6 diesel

• A reported failure involved material breaking away from the sheet-metal exhaust manifold and damaging the turbocharger.[2]one sourceW251

  V6 diesel

• A 2008 R320 CDI suffered an electronic turbo-actuator fault: the engine light came on, revs stayed below 2,000 and power loss returned after the code was cleared.[3]one sourceW251

  2008–2008 · R320 CDI

Which engine and version to take

• The R320 CDI's 3.0-litre V6 diesel suits long-distance use particularly well, praised for flexibility, refinement and quiet operation with the seven-speed automatic.[5]one sourceW251

What to check at the inspection

• Before buying, have an experienced specialist run Mercedes Star diagnostics and inspect the mechanical systems separately; the scan tool alone cannot reveal mechanical faults.[2]one sourceW251
• Check whether the air suspension sinks while parked, inspect the rear air springs and verify that the compressor operates correctly.[2][4]W251
• On the V6 diesel, look for oil around the boost pipe and use diagnostics to check the intake-manifold swirl-flap actuator.[2]one sourceW251
• During the test drive, apply full engine load and watch for lost power or limited revs, the symptoms reported for a failed turbo actuator.[3]one sourceW251
• Given the vehicle's size, test the front and rear parking sensors and the reversing camera, where fitted.[5]one sourceW251

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]motor-talk.de — wieder mal Kaufberatung R-Klasse (280/320/350 CDI 4matik) · forum
2. [2]mersuforum.net — Mercedes-Benz R 320 CDI (missä voisi käydä ... · forum
3. [3]clubmercedes.ro — Probleme cu motorul la R Klass 320 CDI 2008 · forum
4. [4]forum.onliner.by — Mercedes-Benz R-class (W251) - отзывы, эксплуатация, ... · forum
5. [5]forum.autobazar.eu — Mercedes-Benz R - recenzia - Auto-moto fórum · forum

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