Mercedes-Benz Vito W639.I (2004-2011)

Vito 111 CDi van-From new – This van is just that...a van for doing work. It does that well. At 80,000k the low oil level light came on...I added oil. The motor blew up...too much oil...oil level sensor was faulty.... $5000 dollars later...second hand motor fitted...so far so good. Second hand motor was complete with ALL peripherals. The glow plug warning light came… Read more

on...the dealer said $500 plus install for the relay.

Rubbish....that would have been a wste...one of the gloe plugs went faulty...multimeter shows short to ground...duhhh...the dealers have no idea...

The window winders...both...failed...someone tried to break in by sliding glass down forcibly.

Mercedes wanted $900 a side to fix...fixed for $60 a side by just buying the part that actually failed...the cable assembly....aftermarket...but who cares?

Mine is manual transmission...would never...ever...ever buy a van with auto.

What are people thinking buying a goods transporter with auto transmission?

Of course an auto will fail.

Economy is great.

Overall...an excellent buy...$40k drive away..with a $5000 dollar visa card that I promptly pulled all the cash out at an ATM on the first day.

Tax dodge extreme...the invoice still says $40k....the GST claimed was $4k the depreciation is on $40k.

Well done Mercedes Australia helping everybody rip off the tax office.

No regrets buying this Mexican built box...the previous VW Transporter was always stuffing up.

The brakes? Hahaha...the pads have a wear sensor...wooo...its a piece of wire that breaks when the pads get to 30%...You can buy the pads for 45 dollars and the sensors for 5 dollars.

All front and rear for under 200 dollars.

Even an imbecile with an allen key can change these in under an hour and a half....all four wheels.

These horror stories of huge service costs are making me smile...no...LMAO...

What will go wrong next? – Good size for nine passengers and luggage room to boot, dives economically, stable at highway speeds, cruises well at 130kmh (NT speed limit), battery lasted nine years but it has cost a fortune to keep running since warranty ran out 7 years ago. AC evaporator repair -$4700 (MB Dealer), AC compressor replacement -$1700 (MB Dealer wanted $5300),… Read more

exhaust system - $2400 (MB Dealer wanted nearly $7000), electric front windows - both failed several times costing $500 each time to repair (MB Dealer wanted much more), and its only done 125,000km (2008 model). Now it has an intermittent limp mode problem - spent $600 (3 hours labour) at MB Dealer last week with an inconclusive outcome and it might require a new turbo charger ($3800). It's the most unreliable car I have owned - such a pity because it's such a practical design for people moving - just too many sudden high cost dramas - should have dumped it when warranty ended. We have a similar aged Toyota Hilux dual cab petrol ute with 123,000km up & we've just replaced a few batteries, disc pads & a rocker cover gasket - nothing at all by comparison. I owned a Tarago for a while once - no dramas mechanically - just no luggage room when full of passengers - the Vito was the solution and remains the best design but the cost of MB parts and MB Dealer labour rates unfortunately will steer me away from further investment in European cars.

Limp mode, mine does this to occasionally and the engine light comes on and goes of – Limp mode, mine does this to occasionally and the engine light comes on and goes of. I have had it checked and the local merc specialist said it hard to find and fix an intermittent fault. The electric window on the passenger side is broken. I have put lube on the other so as not to stress the motor. The spare wheel mechanism is stuck. I… Read more

use mine for renovation work and as a stealth camper. I love it, it has done 160,000 but not hard km. I bought it with 65,000 km and I have had no major problems

It's good but it's a Benz and it should be better – 90000KMs & the transmission died. $5K repair...... 125000Kms and the electronics under the dash caught fire and the thing was destroyed. Benz, be like "it's out of warranty.. we don't care". Compared with other Vans on the road they drive like a car and if you do long trips they are pretty comfy. Tyres don't last long, brakes don't either. … Read more

That can get expensive every two years too. A nice comfortable van, but the dash is clunky. You can have a clock but not outside temp. You can have outside temp... but not a clock. This type of crap is not good enough from a marquee product.

love the the van but the but not electronics that control it – we purchased this van at an auction [ previously belonged to the health dept ] and it had only 56000 kms on it .We had about 4 years trouble free motoring then to term a phrase the wheels started falling off it was always serviced by a place that serviced ambulances,to get breaks completely replaced cost $1600 then it had serious electronics… Read more

problems which they couldn't fix and referred me to someone else and after another $1500 later it was back on the road ,6 months down the track electronics problems again only $300 this time . the bottom line is, we love the van, the leg room ,the performance& handling,the fuel consumption but the reliability and repair cost would make us skeptical about having another one.

this is perfect cause we are big family – Mercedes benz vito is comfortable and it it very nice vehicle especially when you have a family,even much enjoyable for the long journey and kids can stay comfort too when I'm driving. And one thing I like about it is it has enough space .And every body in the family crazy about it.  Show details

will never buy another vito – Purchased from a dealer in January 2006, 4000km, has now done 155000km and serviced as per specifiactions. Interior "appalling quality", but worse of all the airconditioning does not work if temperature is 33c+, blows hot air,had taken back to dealer during and after warranty between 25 and 30 times, they could not find anything  Show details

Problem couldn't be fixed – Purchased new, everything was great, except instrument panel was acting erratically but this was fixed under warranty. Once I hit 120,000Km it was all downhill from there. Been in & out limp mode on many occasions. Driving along one day when all of a sudden there was no power. About 60-70% power loss. No warning light. Turn engine off, then on… Read more

again, back to normal. Was happening 1-2 times a week. Then more frequently. Then went into limp mode. New egr valve ($1700). 6 weeks later limp mode again. Dealership reset. 1 week later problem back. Been into local mechanic & dealership 12 times in 8 months. Spent over $6000 at dealership, another new egr valve, O2 sensor, still not fixed. MB with all their tech & backup support still can't fix it. Only good things I can say is comfortable to drive & excellent fuel economy. Moving into a new Hiace.

Nothing more than wear and tear – 2004 has now done 420,000 ks and still going strong. Only replaced tyres, rear shocks, window sliders and other consumables. Central locking plays up now and again, doesn't always lock all doors, probably a poor contact due to wear. Do most of my own services as MB are nothing but a rip off, or I take it to the loacal mechanic. Bought filters,… Read more

pads etc. from Ireland when dollar was good and saved around 50% including freight. Might have to source locally now, but still way cheaper than dealer. Hunt around for parts - don't buy from MB dealer.

Love the drive of this vehicle, really comfortable and roomy, and it goes like the clappers compared to my old Transit van - which was a complete piece of crap by comparison, and unreliable to boot.

Economy is 8 to 8.5 litres per 100ks, so this is good.

Few issues after 208,000km – 2005 W639 Viano Trend Diesel, 8 seater. Bought new. Comfortable long distance travel for 8 genuine adults plus some luggage. Tows well, though turbo lag at low revs is noticeable. Have had both front window winders fail, poor design of plastic bits, did a home grown repair the second time. Fuel leak at fuel filter, replaced filter and O rings,… Read more

suspect the previous filter change did not include the o rings. Slow leak in aircon, needs top up every couple of years, started when under warranty but unable to find the leak.

Front suspension link pins wore in 3 years, replaced them myself. Tires last well once I empirically added a small amount of toe out from factory specs. Long service intervals good, Rear wiper parking erratic, poor design of electrics, a water hose goes through the housing with the contacts, any small seepage results in contact corrosion. The factory rear shocks are too soft. Like the package size, will fit in most car parks and turning circle is good. Electronic differential control is not a patch on a real mechanical LSD.

NVH is reasonable, recently drove a 2015 W447 Valente and it is considerably quieter. Ability to move seats in small increments great, particularly like seat belts built into seats.can remove them totally and get a good low floor van, but hard work single handed. Unable to get a decent workshop manual. Dealer servicing was expensive but no real problems. Once out of warranty have done service work myself except auto transmission and aircon services.

Disappointed replacement W447 is not available as a 4wd in RHD nor are there any engine options on the Valente which is already pretty expensive, and going to a new V class is heading towards $100k! Can't find a suitable replacement, must carry 8 adults and luggage, tow 2000Kg or more, would really like it to be under 1900mm tall, diesel and would like 4wd, so I intend to keep it for now. Not sorry I bought it.

Update July 2019, in the last 4 years have repaired the following: 1 failed glow plug, not that important in Australia but replaced anyway. Intermittent crank angle sensor, replaced. Auto Transmission conductor plate failure, stuck in 2nd gear, originally intermittent, $880 parts and labour. Inside of cat converter loose and rattling, yet to be replaced. All repairs done by non Mercedes mechanic, regular servicing, oil, filters brakes done by myself. Still happy with the unit, might consider a used W447 Valente as a replacement.

Worst vehicle I've ever owned! – I've owned 8 vehicles, mostly new like the Vito, or demonstrators and the Vito has had more issues than the other 7 vehicles combined! Appalling quality, and the Benz owned Melbourne Australia dealership can't even fix some of the faults after 4 years! Buy any other van, rather than a Vito. I can't wait to offload this one in a few months time and I'll never touch another Benz.  Show details

Good car, really LOVE it – I only had 2 problems with my 2004 115 2.2 cdi and never one major problem. Its parts was real cheap if you take what you get out of the car. But i won't buy it new, the car's value will fall with about half in the first year so its much cheaper to buy secondhand. On its feul economy i would recomment it, much better than any in its class. Have… Read more

done more than 982098 km on mine but probebly need a new one now an will buy mb vito again!!! It is very relaible and never left me standing in the middle of nowhere.

Once broke a universal joint(my own fold, driven up a bad mountain road) Once broke a door handle and struggeld for 2 weeks because I couldn't get one, at least found one on a scrapyard.

2004 CDI 115 Vito Auto 5 seats – Have 320,000 Klms with no engine problems HAve serviced myself or a friendly Mechanic as dealer wants to charge Min $400 for everything Wanted $400 to replace one shocky got a pair of Bouges from spare parts shop $172 Window winders replaced wanted $400 each bought from MB spares Fishwick ACT and did myself same with D rubbers Oil and fuel Filters… Read more

Dealer $60 & $90 Spare parts shop Bosch Oil filter $16 Fuel Filter $35 same with brake pads. Fantastic vehicle but Dealer service is terrible. on Highway running i use less than 8 litres per 100 klms if no road works ect Ballina to Rockhampton 60 litres.

Terrible van – Numerous quality issues, both power windows went, had to replace window regulators, Would no longer recognise the key - needed a new EIS $1500, Clutch jammed needed new clutch and flywheel - $2000. Parts are horrendously expensive regular service base is $700 but usually ends up being $1000. Now the diff is making bad noises.  Show details

115 Cdi lwb 2006 8 seater – I have done 228,000kms have not had any major problems with it at all just little things like brake pads,rotors, but then again it done a lot of driving too, it's sad to read sll these complaints as it is a great reliable van for me and my family.. We Also have a great mechanic if anyone lives in Brisbane and wants his number let me know, my… Read more ·  2

parents are just about to buy 3 more for there business..

I will admit Mercedes service bad they say they do things and you find out later they didn't.. Once again we have an awsome mechanic that has saved my parents heaps and atleast you know the jobs been done and properly..

Mercedes customer service is pathetic which is such a shame

Terrible – Updated review. OK, I need to clarify something. I have been misinformed. The gearbox wasn't the problem. It was the engine. My apologies to the gearbox but I'm still not happy with the build quality of this vehicle. I actually told the service people that I was unhappy about how the engine and the gearbox were working together as a unit.… Read more

I didn't single out the gearbox but apparently they spent a lot of time searching in the gearbox for the fault. The bill for the service was $4000 but this wasn't just the gearbox. There. I was just blase about a $4000 service bill. They replaced the front brake rotors which is at least $1000 and this van just CHEWS them up because they are of soft metal for best braking performance. Yes, they are good brakes but at a cost.

Anyway the motor burns oil at low Km's and degrades the oil to such an extent that the motor really loses performance within the service intervals and even though the engine is supposed to have clever technology that adjusts the service intervals as required it still doesn't pick up the need for fresh engine oil.

Can you tell that I'm still not happy. Many other minor quality issues that you don't expect after forking out such money. My advice hasn't changed. Look elsewhere. Performance. Poor build quality.

Mercedes Vito 115 Lwb – 2005 109 vito LWB I've told that dust in the electric window guides felt can load up window motors and stop operation clean or lubricate with silicon spray also that dealers don't look that far and fix by replacement which is two many $$$$$. I am the 2nd owner of a 2005 115 LWB Vito Mexican build 262,000K in 5 years, has had 2 sets rear shocks… Read more

replaced until after market specially built ones fixed the problem was used for transporting cane furniture with trailer on back both long distance and short.Has knocks rattles from front suspension on rough road surfaces OK on smooth (ANY IDEAS!) I think this is a common problem but many repair places know the problem but are reluctant to tell you what specifically it is!! (I am told drag links on steering and maybe front struts.( Front sway bar mounting rubbers do wear easily checked ) Blower fan stopped due to front brush wearing twice as much as rear one and fouling the motor commutator steering wheel and dash removed to access and fix by cleaning commutator saved $$$$, blower motor dropping coils/ resisters in fan body can be accessed thru top of dash by removing parcel shelf ( clips into ths fan cover ) if required ,ABS LIGHT HAD TO BE RESET $65 a lot of places will help you out at no cost ( not the dealers), rear upper tailgate LED brake lights fixed by cutting out back of plastic surround with dremmel cutter and fixing dry joint on wire for power joining 2 circuit boards (this faulty from manufacture) saved $$$$.Front brake pads replaced ( aftermarket)$135 ( (all pads are overpriced compared with more common vehicles) and bled to cancel warning light. Front disks could do with replacing in the near future $260, Front Sway bars rubbers worn replaced with poly ones. (aftermarket) $65. Spare tire dropped off unbeknown to driver at some stage in cars life I think there was a recall or service bulletin on this problem. Traction warning light on instrument panel is on at present (ABS, ASR,ESP) reason unknown other than on board voltage at control unit must be below 10 Volts. Control unit contains 6 relays I'm told ( can they be repaired???? other than by replacement to many $$$$$ ). THIS vehicle has good power,Like the vehicle but you need long pockets to own one and buy genuine parts I don't think the dealers are providing cost effect solutions, parts and servicing. Do they have an EXTENDED warranty option, would be Advisable before buying one if dealers will honor it ?? I read in the paper years ago and it showed the price of a vehicle out of the factory and to customer Triples X3 in price and that a THIRD of the price is Distributor and Dealer charges As a commercial vehicle with so many options available it is Overpriced and generally poor build quality, Toyota are much more reliable, Hyundi are good value for money. Any other common problems with Vitos and solutions should be discussed and commented on the internet to every ones advantage. Nothing beats communication between owners and (owners and repairers).

With computer analysis of Vehicle for faults Can anyone comment on capital F faults and small f fault (Fail) readouts, are the small f's advisory faults not requiring immediate attention and just how good are they at breaking down the faults further even though the vehicle may appear to be running fine!!!!!! Power, looks,space, walk thru Expensive to buy and maintain, poor warranty and build

does the vito have an inherent auto transmission problem? – Same problem with auto transmission twice within 165,000 kms Both electric window motors replaced and now rear window wiper wont work safe,good braking and comfortable for a van inherent auto transmission problem,both side electric windows replaced Show details

Terrible – I would never buy another Mercedes product. For a company that has been making vehicles for so long, they have goofed this one. The best looking van on the market. I bought a crewcab 115 diesel new in 2004. Noisy - very little attention given to noise suppression, considering vans are on the road more than cars. Poor build quality, poor panel fit.… Read more

Lots of squeaks and rattles. Crewcab seat very heavy and awkward to remove and replace. Broke down three times in 2 years and needed towing. Indifference from Mercedes head office. Clunky gearbox. Not easy to open or close sliding doors.

Rather have a Toyota – Have had vehicle since new, had new shocks all round, had both windows repaired apparently its the plastic slider that goes, its gone again so have decided to make my own slider a bit more robust have just spent $7000 having auto gearbox rebuilt, apparently the sprag clutch in the box slips allowing the clutch plate roots to wear away the central… Read more

hub and fill the box with aluminium dust. Have replace the sway bar rubbers with poly ones, the transmission cooler was holed by a stone(unfortunate) but replacement cooler was costed at $1000 so replaced it with an after market one for $100. Thats why I want a Toyota. Great engine, very economical and powerful for a 2.2 turbo diesel, comfortable to travel in Expensive to maintain

Good – I have had an early series 2 and a later series 2. Early one had problems with scrubbing the front left tyre. This, I believe was due to a "tight" diff but that is my opinion. They have solved the problem. I did 250000km in my first and only issue was a wire chaffed thru and near the ned the air cond comp broke. Great highway van. Zero low down… Read more

touque in diesel.Goof economy. Very safe. Drivers ergonomics a bit to be desired. Seats too hard. The latter one had a more powerfull air cond. Early one struggled.Longer periods between services means less down time. Low hight means fits under most carparks. Rear shocks are pathetic.Would replace with after market ones out of warranty. Have also had a few front struts fail under warranty in our fleet.Auto is good. The series one auto tranni failures was due to insufficent fluid changing.No rattles. No problems with this one at 70000km. Factory fitted barrier is good.3 seater is good but very cramped legwise for centre person. Like the auto shift lever.Tows okay but low torque below 1800 rpm. Handels well in the mountains.Cruise control very easy and convenient.Maintains 1km plus or minus. Traction control works well Safe. Great highway van.Quiet.Lamp failure indicator.Good turning circle.Good economy from diesel.Easy to fill at bowser...can use hiflow pump. Little very low down torque. Central locking doesnt always lock first go but if you check the blinkers it's ok. Hard seats.Speedo error.New digital display layout poor.