Used Mercedes-Benz Viano

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz Viano

From 4 video reviews · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• Three body lengths, two wheelbases and up to eight seats let the Viano suit varied family and transport needs.[1]one source1st generation2nd generation
• Floor rails and movable, removable seats make it easy to reconfigure the cabin for passengers, luggage or leisure.[1][3]1st generation2nd generation
• Despite its size, the Viano drives and feels more like a passenger car while retaining a very spacious cabin.[3]one source2nd generation
• Rich equipment, attractive styling, good handling and a huge cabin are the model's main strengths.[4]one source1st generation2nd generation

Typical faults

• The body is corrosion-prone, especially on vehicles up to 2007; closely inspect the sill ends, sliding-door rails and tailgate.[1][4]1st generation2nd generation
• Vibration often comes from propshaft joints, support bearings, or engine and gearbox mounts; worn joints may also bind.[1][3][4]1st generation2nd generation
• The powered sliding-door mechanism may falsely report an open door; the resulting cabin light can drain the battery.[1][4]1st generation2nd generation
• OM642 oil-cooler seals can harden and leak; oil collects in the V and may emerge near the transmission.[1][2]1st generation2nd generation

  OM642 3.0 CDI

• The OM651 variable oil-pump valve spring can wear, reducing oil pressure and potentially damaging the bearings.[2]one source2nd generation

  OM651 2.2 CDI

• The M272 petrol V6 can suffer premature timing-chain stretch and balance-shaft gear wear, leading to major repairs.[2]one source1st generation2nd generation

  80 000–160 000 km · M272 3.5 V6

Which engine and version to take

• The OM642 3.0 CDI is the best choice, especially after 2010 or with documented oil-cooler seal replacement: it is powerful and durable.[1][2]1st generation2nd generation

What to avoid

• Avoid the M272 3.5 V6 without convincing timing-chain and balance-shaft repair history, as both can wear prematurely.[1][2]1st generation2nd generation
• An early OM651 without injector and oil-pump history is risky: powerful versions had troublesome Delphi piezo injectors and could lose oil pressure.[2]one source2nd generation

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect sill ends, sliding-door rails, the tailgate and early-car bodywork; fresh paint may conceal corrosion.[1][4]1st generation2nd generation
• During the test drive, check for vibration under acceleration and gear changes; it can indicate propshaft, bearing or mount faults.[1][3][4]1st generation2nd generation
• On a diesel, check cold starting, idle, injector corrections and service history; faulty injectors can damage pistons.[1][2]1st generation2nd generation
• On an OM642, look for oil around the engine-transmission joint and establish whether the oil-cooler seals were replaced.[1][2]1st generation2nd generation
• Operate each powered sliding door repeatedly, check the closure warning and confirm that the cabin lights switch off.[1][4]1st generation2nd generation
• Compare the odometer with documented history: imported examples showing 240,000 km had already recorded 500,000 km.[3]one source1st generation2nd generation

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]𝖨𝖱𝖨𝖲𝖲 | 𝖯𝖱𝖮𝖵𝖨𝖭.𝖫𝖵 — MERCEDES-BENZ VIANO W639 APSKATS (2003-2014) · ▶ video
2. [2]АВТО ПЛЮС — Что делать, если хочется премиальный автобус? Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 | Подержанные автомобили · ▶ video
3. [3]Андрей Милаш — Обзор Mercedes-Benz Viano | Интерьер и экстерьер · ▶ video
4. [4]Check Engine — Mercedes-Benz Vito II (Viano) W639 (2003-2014) problems and weak points · ▶ video

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