SpudRacer

I'm thinking of picking up a loaded 06/07 Mercedes R500 as a family hauler and ski wagon. Anyone have experience with these? I like the ride height and looks + interior room and luxury appointments. But, they are 5 inches longer than an Escalade and I've read a bunch of comments that knock the overly large rear doors in parking spaces. They are a bit odd looking but I sort of like that.

The drivetrain seems nice. An older Mercedes 5.0L V8 (300 HP + 350 lb/ft) and a 7 speed automatic with shift paddles in a roughly 5,000 vehicle lb with 4Matic AWD. Mileage sucks but I'm not really too concerned with that as it won't be a daily driver.

Just wondering if anyone has lived with one and can share some real life experience?

Saki GT

It took me a second to even remember that truck. Never hear much about them.

suprmonky73

Wikipedia says the R500 has the 5.5L that makes 383hp. This could be the EU version since it also says there is a version that uses a 5.0L .

It also says that they didn't sell many, yet more than I would have thought since I literally never see them

Calendar year US sales
2005 4,959
2006 18,168
2007 13,031
2008 7,733
2009 2,825
2010 2,937

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_R-Class

termigni

I've driven R350, R500, and R63.

I like them for what they are. They are very solid, comfortable, roomy, and luxurious just like any MBs. the 7 speed tranny does what you want it to instantly, engines are butter smooth and the suspensions are very well damped and 4Matic works well.
They didn't sell well because no one knows what they are, but they are no doubt fine Mercedes Benz cars.

I know R63 is very rare amongst the Rs. Boy I had some good time in that car... (THE ultimate sleeper to put it simply).

mosesbotbol

A former co-worker of mine has one and he really likes it. He traded in an Acura RL for it. Personally, I think it's one of the more handsome cars of that type.

Manga_Spawn

Get the R63 Its the one minivan I would consider driving.

SpudRacer

Nah, the U.S. version used the 5.0L V8. It's an older design with SOHC and 3 valves per cylinder. And fuel economy is not stellar.

As for sales volume, I read an article that said U.S. volumes sucked from day 1 but the R series did much better in Canada and China. Go figure.

SpudRacer

No way. I already have one AMG product and the R63 fuel mileage brings back memories of a late 60's Detroit big block V8. EPA ratings are 12 City / 16 Highway. The R500 is EPA rated 14/18 but Car & Driver saw 16 average and 22 mpg highway in an actual test.

pbm317

MB World Forum

May need to look over at the MB forums for more specific details

Manga_Spawn

Lol aww come on. Think of all the people you could make have buyers remorse when your minivan blows the doors off their sports car.