638 Vito corrosion advice...?

[CB1100R]

Hi - I'm new here and this is my first post as I want to 'pick' the collective brain power on here...:bannana:

I have a low mileage 2000 108 Vito travelliner with a wheelchair ramp modification in the rear that is absolutely great for loading and unloading my collection of motorcycles. I've had the Vito now for 5 years and it's still only done 70,000 miles.

When I bought it from Edingburgh (nasty corrosive salty atmosphere) it was tidy but after a matter of months the rust started to creep through - judging by the overspray someone had done a smart cosmetic rust disguise job. I spent a lot of money having the rust treated and repainted - but alas it's looking again like a right rust bucket - wings, doors etc. It's also quite noisy (ambient cab noise) - was from when I first had it - replaced both front wheel bearings and that did make a big difference.

Sooo my question to the assmbled Forum expertise in here is...

1) Should I just cut my losses and scrap it / sell it on for 'spares', and look for a more modern 'viano-ish' replacement ( what price might I get..?) or,
2) Try again to stem the tide of rust and see what I can do to get it quieter..?

All input & advice appreciated..

Cheers.. Glenn

 

[BTB 500]

Hi and welcome

The 638 had a serious rust problem, along with many other M-Bs of that era. You would certainly be better off with a 639 - these are much better vehicles (completely different to the 638 ... rear wheel drive rather than FWD) and had galvanised body panels from around 2005 onwards (with moulded front wings up until the most recent facelift). All depends on budget really.

We've had a 639 Dualiner for 6 years and it's been great so far. If you can stretch to it the V6 CDI version we have is powerful and refined ... great for long runs (we go to Germany and back in it at least once a year). The only downside is fuel consumption - average 25 mpg, up to 30 on a long run. That's 'making good progress' though ... you could probably improve on that a bit with a light foot.

The optional 'comfort pack' includes full roof and side lining, which reduces noise. Also includes rear speakers. The Dualiner layout is very versatile with a middle row of seats that flip/fold/remove MPV-style, and an empty 'cargo bay' in the back.

There are three lengths - Compact, Long, and Extra Long. I would avoid the Compact as you have to store the spare wheel inside (there's no space behind the back axle for an under-slung spare wheel carrier). The Long is the same wheelbase but is extended behind the rear wheel arch. The Extra Long gets another extension in front of the rear wheel arch.

Click on the picture of mine in my signature (below) to see pictures of it.

 

[Marku]

Why not go for the Viano? For one thing you get glass all round plus lots of extras which on the Ambiente are standard and a good level of trim. It also has air suspension which is self-levelling and more often comes with COMAND and air conditioning. Lots on the market including a lot of trade vehicles "executive travel" at reasonable prices but high mileages. The engines have a higher rating than the Vito, we have the 2.2CDI which has good performance which I find more than acceptable. Have used it to tow heavy loads without problem and it turns in 33mpg always. Used to have a Vito and have absolutely no quarrel with them but if you want a bit of luxury it is the Viano. It is the most useful vehicle that we have ever had and used for everything from family outings to fully loaded with all the seats out. Best combination is the LWB 6 seater that has a folding table in back. Cost new £42000 but as I said many on the market. Have had the 3.0L Avantgarde which really goes but the downside is fuel cost I never got more than 24mpg. So go for the Viano everytime!

 

[BTB 500]

Viano is a good option but the OP wants to carry motorbikes in the back so carpet, leather seats, etc. may be a bit OTT.

Before the Vito I had people carriers and always had back row seats stacked up in the garage, interior carpet covered up with matting, etc. A Viano would have been cheaper (the Vito 120 had only just come out so there were no secondhand ones), but the Vito Dualiner comfort was perfect for what we needed.

 

[BTB 500]

The engines have a higher rating than the Vito

The 2.2 in the Vito was rated at 95/116/150 bhp depending on model - AFAIK the Viano just had the 150 version? And I'm pretty sure the V6 is rated the same in both Vito and Viano (i.e. 204 bhp originally, 224 bhp now).

 

[StMarks]

I have a Vito 2001. Mine is nice & solid, largely rust free (which seems a bit of a rarity as has been explained above)

I brought it to take my bikes to trackdays, I thought.

However it appears that my engine is stuffed. I would be very interested in where yours goes to if you decide to scrap it mate, please.

Where in the country are you mate, & do you take your CB1100r to track then.?

 

[nick mercedes]

The 638 had a serious rust problem, along with many other M-Bs of that era. You would certainly be better off with a 639

If you're sick of having a rusty van, don't buy a 639 Vito, if anything they rust even more than the 638 Vitos.

Consider a Vivaro, or just patch up your Vito.

 

[BTB 500]

Ignore the Troll and talk to people who actually have experience of the 639 Vito/Viano. Or just use your eyes, there are enough of them about to see what condition they are in. As mentioned, avoid very early ones (even if they look OK) as they weren't galvanised.

 

[CB1100R]

Hi - I do track the R occasionally but to be honest I'm a 'fair weather' biker so for long trips, Germany Switzerland, IOM TT etc it's far more civilised to take the car in the back - along with the kitchen sink etc....

I am seriously thing of scrapping the Vito right now and going for a Viano as many have suggested above - nice to have small luxuries like elec windows/Air Con/central locking etc. I'm in Staffordshire if you want to discuss - the rear ramp makes loading and unloading such a big bike a doddle for one too

Thanks to all for the input guy's..

Cheers.. Glenn

 

[developer]

Vans pah!

Lets talk bikes - here's mine and a few others (possibly yours too).

 

[BTB 500]

I am seriously thing of scrapping the Vito right now and going for a Viano as many have suggested above - nice to have small luxuries like elec windows/Air Con/central locking etc.

Got all those in our Vito ... plus auto gearbox, cruise control, heated seats, auto lights, auto wipers, phone pre-wire, CD changer, multi-function steering wheel & computer, colour-coded bumpers & side mouldings, front/rear parktronic, comfort seating, 17" alloys, etc.

So don't think it *has* to be a Viano, unless you actually need 6 seats!

 

[Mercfix]

Hi, i would advise you to buy a 639 Vito after 2006 , obviously there are good and bad in all model vehicles , depending on who and how the vehicle has been run, I'm a diagnostic technician at a Mercedes main dealer and had lots of experience with both models , Just have a good look before you buy! But there are so many out there I'm sure you'll find a nice clean straight 639. Happy hunting .

 

[nick mercedes]

Last man who wanted a Vito....

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/149878-any-non-tradesmen-vito-drivers.html

 

[CB1100R]

Stable mates...

Yup I was at the Mallory meeting too... But here's the beast at the TT... and one of my other'toys'....

Cheers.. Glenn

 

[shorty]

wow an RC 30 , dont see many of them nowadays .Ive a friend with an RC30 and RC45 in his bed room . The RC30 is a full HRC bike and was used as marshals bike in japanese moto gps back in the 80s

 

[CB1100R]

As you say - a lucky chap...

 

[clashcityrocker]

one of my friends has the 638 and has had a lot of probs with rust

 

[CB1100R]

It does seem to be a recurrent problem with the early Vito's - now I know. I've decided to fit a couple of new wings and treat the rust on the doors now so at least I'll get another year out of it I guess, until I can find a more decent Vito/Viano. But I'll sure miss hat great ramp in the back door.. :-(

Thanks to all for the advice and input.

Cheers... Glenn