XLWB30V6639
New Member
Hello,
Decided to join after a 3yrs if Merc ownership.
Bought this V6 XLWB in 2020 and it has taken us across Europe a few times now.
An absolute joy and makes up for the usual niggles these come with (torque converter, rattling/ intermittent electric side doors, swirl flaps etc).
Close to 100k miles now, of which I’ve done about 30k.
I was thinking about upgrading to a newer 7sp or 9sp V class for more refinement, the electric tailgate and better dashboard etc.
But the prices are just too much for used VClass - this Viano was around £20k.
A similar model vclass is £40k plus.
And they stopped doing the triple sunroofs on the XLWB V class - we love them as it brightens up the interior on long road trips.
Just don’t think the newer VClass is worth double the outlay (and I’m a dinosaur that like the fact this is running a V6!)
So the decision has been made to keep it and invest in a few modernisations/maintenance to keep it fresh for at least 5 more and retrofit a few things like:
360 deg camera
Modern infotainment with Apple car play
Refresh speakers
Custom build out of boot side pancakes to store tools (I travel with a proper trolley Jack, breaker bar, and tools- the space could be utilised in the side panels of the boot fit and secure these items properly freeing up floor space)
‘Starlight’ ceiling with leds to mimic night sky - for a bit more luxury and serenity in the back.
If it makes a difference- additional sound deadening/insulation for lower road noise
Bigger brakes - this is a fast bus that is used loaded with 5/6ppl and luggage.
The brakes are adequate but not to my standard (I’m used to 4 pot AP’s and the like).
They don’t inspire confidence and get hit quickly going over the Alps for for example.
So am looking at big brake kits.
Tarox did one for the the previous gen Viano but not for this one sadly.
The new V class still only has tiny 300mm discs and single piston calipers but they fit multi piston calipers and big discs to little B class diesels with half the power…really don’t get it!
Body work refresh and most important I think - rust proofing/cleaning treating areas that are showing signs of corrosion.
Seems to be very clean under there as it’s post the bad era of Merc and rust I believe but UK winters do kill our chassis long before engine/gearbox gives up!
I’ve already invested in:
Fresh front suspension (Bilstein shocks, OEM springs)
Air suspension at the rear is still good but collars getting rusty so will need fresh bags in a year or two I expect.
Gearbox and torque converter rebuild to sort TC vibrations
Annual oil changes regardless of mileage and keeping on top of worn bushes, exhaust brackets etc- basically whatever it needs it gets and is of OEM or better quality parts only.
Anyhow, thought I’d say hello before getting stuck in old threads and starting new ones.
Hoping there are few other Viano / Vito / VClass owners about?
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