The Mercedes Metris van, known for its versatility and practicality, has garnered attention across various industries, from commercial fleets to personal use. While praised for its maneuverability and fuel efficiency compared to larger vans, real-world experiences reveal a spectrum of reliability concerns that potential and current owners should be aware of. Based on firsthand accounts from Metris owners, particularly those who clock significant mileage, a pattern of common repairs and maintenance needs emerges.
One owner, sharing their experience after putting a substantial number of miles on their Metris Mercedes, highlighted a series of issues encountered. Initially relying on dealership service during the warranty period, the frequency of repairs escalated as the van accumulated mileage, leading to a shift towards independent shops. This journey revealed not only recurring mechanical failures but also challenges in finding competent technicians familiar with the intricacies of the Metris Mercedes.
metrisforum_com_profile
Among the reported problems, electrical glitches appeared, such as a blank instrument cluster requiring a hard reset to resolve. This temporary fix suggests potential underlying electrical sensitivities within the Metris Mercedes system. Another relatively minor but noteworthy issue was a loose coolant hose at the overflow bottle, leading to coolant loss – a reminder of the importance of regular fluid checks.
However, more significant repairs became necessary as mileage increased. The owner listed a comprehensive array of replaced parts, painting a picture of the components most susceptible to failure in a high-mileage Metris Mercedes. These included:
- Engine and Drivetrain Components: Turbo, fuel injectors, transmission, transmission “plate” (likely referring to the conductor plate or valve body), fuel pump, and alternator. These are critical components, and their replacement indicates potential weaknesses in the powertrain’s long-term durability under heavy use.
- Electronics: Beyond the instrument cluster, issues extended to the passenger side sliding door motor/electronics/lock assembly, rear wiper motor assembly, and fuel tank sending unit. These electronic failures point to potential vulnerabilities in the Metris Mercedes’ electrical system and component quality.
- Wear and Tear Items: As expected with high mileage, multiple sets of brakes and tires were consumed. However, the frequency and cost of these replacements, in conjunction with the more substantial repairs, contribute to the overall ownership expense.
A recurring theme throughout the owner’s account is the struggle to find competent mechanics capable of accurately diagnosing and repairing the Metris Mercedes. Experiences with parts swapping and misdiagnoses at one shop led to seeking second opinions, revealing instances where simpler fixes, like replacing injectors, were initially misattributed to more complex turbocharger issues. This highlights the importance of choosing repair shops with proven expertise in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and specifically the Metris model, to avoid unnecessary costs and prolonged downtime.
Currently, the owner faces a new set of repairs, including a new turbo, catalytic converter, potential transmission or transmission “plate” replacement, and a suspension overhaul. These ongoing issues underscore the reality that while the Metris Mercedes offers practicality and utility, owners should anticipate a potentially higher maintenance burden, especially as mileage accumulates. For commercial applications or owners expecting to rack up significant miles, careful consideration of these real-world repair experiences is crucial in assessing the long-term cost of ownership and reliability of the Metris Mercedes.
