Review: Mercedes-Benz W639.I Viano (2005-11)

Overview

Released in July 2005, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Series I (W639.I) Viano was a luxury people mover with seven seats (in a 2-2-3 configuration), although six and eight seat configurations were also available as options. The Viano was available with either a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (the 2.1 CDI variant) or a 3.7-litre V6 petrol unit (3.7 V6). The rear-wheel drive Viano was also fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission – with a sequential shift function – as standard.

Manufactured in Spain, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano had two large sliding doors on each side of the vehicle which could be independently locked or unlocked by remote control. Inside, the second- and third-row seats were anchored to guide rails and had quick-release locks that enabled them to be positioned at 25 mm increments throughout the cabin. Furthermore, each seat had armrests, an integrated three-point seatbelt and four-position headrest.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The Viano Ambiente editions were further equipped with front side airbags.

In April 2006, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz  Viano was extended to include front side airbags and the Ambiente was fitted with front curtain airbags (i.e. for the driver and front passenger).

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2008 Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano 2.2 CDI Trend – equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.66. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

For post-2006 Ambiente variants fitted with curtain airbags, ANCAP awarded a five star adult occupant protection rating due to an additional pole test in which an additional two points were conferred.

Features: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano Trend

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano Trend included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tinted windows, roof rails, a trip computer and immobiliser; the 3.7 V6 variants were also fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Viano Ambiente was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, self-levelling rear air suspension, a six-disc CD changer, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, courtesy lights and burr walnut interior trim.

In April 2006, standard features for the W639 Viano were extended to include an Audio 20 sound system, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Review: Mercedes-Benz W639.II Viano (2011-14)

Overview

Released in March 2011, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Series II (W639.II) Viano introduced a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, revised suspension, additional features and styling changes. The range was also revised as the Trend and Ambiente editions were discontinued, leaving a single 3.0 CDI variant.

In addition to the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, the W639.II Viano introduced a range of fuel-saving measures (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘BlueEfficiency’) including battery management, low rolling resistance tyres and an on-demand power steering pump. Visually, the W639.II Viano could be identified by its new front bumper and grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, redesigned tail-lights and alloy wheel design.

Features

Compared to the W639.I Viano, standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W639.II Viano were extended to include Mercedes-Benz COMAND system with satellite navigation system and an in-built hard drive, MP3/WMA compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights, power-operated sliding doors, folding door mirrors and front and rear sunroofs.

November 2011: Viano update

In November 2011, standard features for the W639.II Viano were extended to include auxiliary audio inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod) power adjustable front seats and a reversing camera.

2013 Mercedes-Benz Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde

In August 2013, the Mercedes-Benz Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde was released. Compared to the standard Viano, the Grand Edition Avantgarde added 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, unique leather upholstery and walnut burl interior trim. Visually, the Grand Edition Avantgarde could be identified by its blacked-out grille and chrome grille surrounds.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano (February 2011)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W639.II Viano (September 2010)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano (July 2012)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano Grand Edition Avantgarde (December 2012)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano (August 2013)
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz V-Class (W639)

Recalls: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano

• In August 2006, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano vehicles due to a possible software fault in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit which could prevent the generation of a crash signal in the event of a rear-end collision (PRA 2006/8684).
• In March 2008, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano vehicles with the 3.7-litre V6 engine due to a potential fuel leak or hose detachment at the connection points between the fuel supply line from the tank and the engine (PRA 2008/9911).
• In January 2009, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano vehicles fitted with curtain airbags and manufactured between 24 June 2008 and 15 October 2008. In these vehicles, complete unfolding and inflation of certain curtain airbags could not be guaranteed – this would compromise the effectiveness of the airbags and place occupants at additional risk of injury (PRA 2009/10570).
• In August 2009, a recall was issued for W639 Viano models manufactured up to 15 April 2008. In these vehicles, the retaining mechanism for the underslung spare wheel could fail and allow the wheel to detach from the vehicle and pose a hazard to other road users (PRA 2009/10963).
• In February 2010, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano vehicles manufactured from October 2005 and December 2005 and from March 2006 to April 2006. In these vehicles, the adhesive between the left and right rear vent windows and their forward mounting hinges may be insufficient. As a result, the window pane could unexpectedly detach from its mounting point and pose a hazard to other road users (PRA 2010/11456).
• In October 2010, a recall was issued for W639 Viano vehicles because the air conditioning fan relay could fail in extreme weather conditions due to localised overheating; the chassis numbers for the affected vehicles were in the range of 378470 to 562988 (PRA 2010/12073).
• In November 2010, a recall was issued for W639 Viano vehicles with serial/chassis numbers in the range 177393 to 257781. In these vehicles, the adhesive between the left and right rear vent windows and their forward mounting hinges may have been insufficient, as per the February 2010 recall (PRA 2010/12120).
• In June 2011, a recall was issued for W639 Viano models fitted with the 2.1-litre turbo-diesel (OM646) engine and manufactured between June 2007 and October 2010. In these vehicles, the alternator wiring harness may have been incorrectly routed and could contact other components – at worst, this could result in a short circuit (PRA 2011/12660).
• In February 2012, a recall was issued for Viano models fitted with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel (OM642) V6 engine and manufactured from August 2010 to May 2011. In these vehicles, the fuel filter could leak and the fuel could a fire or skid hazard (PRA 2012/13036).
• In March 2012, a recall was issued for W639 Viano models produced between 1 February 2011 and 31 July 2011. In these vehicles, the ‘A’ pillar trims may dislodge from their mountings if the window airbags were deployed during an accident, potentially striking the occupants (PRA 2012/13070).

Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

OM651 timing chain and tensioner wear

For the 2.1-litre OM651 turbo-diesel engine, there have been reports of wear of the simplex timing chain and/or chain tensioner at higher mileages. Since the chain is installed on the transmission side of the engine, access is restricted and replacement is expensive.

Released in July 2005, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Series I (W639.I) Viano was a luxury people mover with seven seats (in a 2-2-3 configuration), although six and eight seat configurations were also available as options. The Viano was available with either a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (the 2.1 CDI variant) or a 3.7-litre V6 petrol unit (3.7 V6). The rear-wheel drive Viano was also fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission – with a sequential shift function – as standard… Read full Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano review

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Images: Mercedes-Benz W639.II Viano (2011-14)

Released in March 2011, the Mercedes-Benz W639 Series II (W639.II) Viano introduced a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine, revised suspension, additional features and styling changes. The range was also revised as the Trend and Ambiente editions were discontinued, leaving a single 3.0 CDI variant. The Mercedes-Benz W639.II Viano could be identified by its new front bumper and grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, redesigned tail-lights and alloy wheel design.

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Euro NCAP: 2008 Mercedes-Benz W639 Viano crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, a 2008 Viano 2.2 CDI Trend – equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.66. For more information about this testing, please see the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.