Just a reminder that the R-class is a wagon. But maybe also a van?

"AMGtech - now with more recalls!" (amgtech)
12/20/2019 at 10:30 • Filed to: None

With a length/height ratio of .32 it appears to be more wagon than some actual wagons. And in true PNW fashion, I will be trying to lift mine tomorrow. And install oversized AT tires when they arrive at the shop. Will post pics if successful.

You can thank HHFP for inspiring this post:

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DISCUSSION (22)

OPPOsaurus WRX > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 10:46

if someone can do this a tro city then I’m sure you can pull of f something

Kinja'd!!!

Land_Yacht_225 > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 10:48

I thought lifting old Benzes was fairly straightforward: some witchcraft with the computer, trick the ride height sensors, and the Airmatic lifts or lowers the car to your desired #stance.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > OPPOsaurus WRX
12/20/2019 at 10:50

Why did you make me look at that?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Land_Yacht_225
12/20/2019 at 10:53

Mine only has rear air. Bought it that way on purpose because I don’t ever want to buy new air struts. And no one makes any sort of lift kits or devices for these. I feel like someone would for 164, but I can't find anything that work.

OPPOsaurus WRX > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 11:17

Kinja'd!!!

look at the horror

Textured Soy Protein > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 11:19

The R-Class is actually a Toyota Venza.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 11:24

I always forgot about these. Are they any fun to drive? And are they reliable?

They are basically a RWD minivan/wagon thing, so it definitely piques my interest.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Textured Soy Protein
12/20/2019 at 11:38

I wish they were that reliable!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/20/2019 at 11:42

No and no. I have one of the most reliable iterations and I don’t recommend owning one of you’re not a Mercedes mechanic. Mine is fine, but I was extremely selective when I bought it used. And it still is probably worse than most people would want to deal with.

However, it is amazingly comfortable for 6 people and amazing in snow. Having a V8 in such a mom-van is fun too. It’s not a good handler and it doesn’t get great gas mileage. But it handles mountain biking, snowboarding, group trip, boring commute (when not on a bike!) duties wonderfully.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 11:47

That’s a bit disappointing to hear. Good information to have though.

Future next gen S2000 owner > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 12:44

Wouldn’t that put you out of a job if Mercedes were reliable?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/20/2019 at 13:02

Yeah. And don't get me wrong, I love the thing. And so do a couple other techs I know. Another owns one also. But again, techs, that work for Benz. Not super DIY friendly either, possible, and seems easy, but most that are maintained by their owners are trash.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Future next gen S2000 owner
12/20/2019 at 13:02

Nah, maintenance is still a thing!

Cash Rewards > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 13:36

I can’t find the thread, but there was someone who bought one and had the engine die immediately after and Mercedes refused to honor or extend the warranty, and he went and rebuilt the engine himself. It was a loooooong thread

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Cash Rewards
12/20/2019 at 13:48

Grassroots garage or something like that. It was a 63. I went on a long tirade about how that guy fucked himself over six ways from Sunday. The dealer was also dumb, but covering their asses. The car was older and used. Way out of warranty. Point is, guy was a fucking idiot and went way overboard on everything he did and made some bullshit claims. My assumption is that he did it for the clicks. I am 100% certain that I, or many other competent Mercedes techs, could’ve fixed that car for under $10k, worst case, without going any further in than taking the heads off. Engine didn't need a rebuild or removal. I need to go back and find my tirade and save it for quick reference. I get asked about that guy frequently enough.

Aero > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 14:21

That should be a sweet rig for getting to the trails. The 4matic system is actually really impressive.

I finally got my E500 raised up and put the largest ATs I could fit under it. At this point it needs the struts spaced down so I can get the wheel travel back. I think I’ll space the subframes , trans mount, and driveshaft carrier down so I can lift it some more while keeping all of the shaft angles acceptable.

Kinja'd!!!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Aero
12/20/2019 at 14:34

It’s already great for mild trails and snow if it’s not too deep. Just need some ground clearance!

Nice! Your front upper control arms are body mounted, so spacing the subframe down will screw up your front geometry in a different way. I'm not saying it won't work, just watch out. What size tires did you go with?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Cash Rewards
12/20/2019 at 14:46

Found it. My tirade is in the comments.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-tale-of-the-57k-engine-repair-1791114047

Aero > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 15:25

They’re 225/ 60R 17 Continental TerrainContact AT . Super grippy and actually really quiet on the highway.

I know the upper control arms may be an issue, but the difference is subtle enough that I think I can get away with it. My biggest hurdle is the rear shock upper mounts, they’ll require a machined spacer in order to get some more travel.

I really wish MB would have just sold an Allroad competitor on this chassis and saved me the trouble, but it's fun playing around with it.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Aero
12/20/2019 at 15:49

I thought about those but ended up going with the Cooper discoverer at3's.

I wonder if you just find longer shocks that fit? With more appropriate valving for what you're doing.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/20/2019 at 20:53

I’ve always thought of the R Class as a factory chopped minivan with RWD . Never appealed to me but pretty interesting nevertheless.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
12/20/2019 at 23:19

RWD based! Many (most?) a re AWD. Almost identical underneath to the GL.