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MERCEDES R-CLASS (2011)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,578 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,235

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3495cc Diesel

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £2235/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Diesel3495cc15 years old1,578 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3495cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 3495cc

£735
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200
Total per year£2,235
Per month£186/mo
Per week£43/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 15 years old, 92% of MERCEDES R-CLASSs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,578 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,749 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 cars74th of 615(top 12%)
Rank among MERCEDES models466th of 1,408(top 33%)
vs national average+10%(82% avg)
vs 2011 cars average+15%(77% avg)
vs MERCEDES average+5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,749

Average miles

vs

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2011 MERCEDES R-CLASS has 103,749 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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MERCEDES R-CLASS by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201382%368103,868 mi
201283%622108,424 mi
201192%1,578103,749 mi
201080%474125,353 mi
200976%389118,747 mi
200882%563118,299 mi
200774%615129,577 mi
200678%648130,199 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2011 MERCEDES R-CLASS

The 2011 MERCEDES R-CLASS is a performance with a 3495cc diesel engine. 1,578 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 2011 cars for reliability.

With an average of 103,749 miles at 15 years old, MERCEDES R-CLASS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 MERCEDES R-CLASS Fuel Costs

The 3495cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2011 MERCEDES R-CLASS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,235 186/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

MERCEDES R-CLASS Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES R-CLASSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2011 MERCEDES R-CLASS

At 15 years old, the MERCEDES R-CLASS is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2011 MERCEDES R-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 104k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2011 MERCEDES R-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES R-CLASS(2011)92%£1245£735Grp 35-50£2235
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2012)87%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£335
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2012)84%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£335
MERCEDES E(2009)80%£1245£250Grp 35-50£1900-£335
MERCEDES ML(2011)82%£1245£250Grp 35-50£1900-£335

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Related Mercedes Models

Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes R-class.

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