The quality problems of the first V-Class (internal code W 638, 1996 to 2003) cannot be narrowed to one part: according to the German technical press the series suffered from several kinds of quality problem through to the end of production.
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- Widespread corrosion. On a twenty to thirty year old MPV the question is how far the rust has gone.
- Vehicle electrics, and within that the electronic level control (ENR) by name.
- The maker introduced comprehensive revisions even in 2003, the last production year, which means an early and a late car are not the same vehicle.
In its 2014 used car report the DEKRA singled out the brake system, and rated the quality of the series poor overall.
On the W638 the condition of the individual car decides, not the model.
What to check
- Go over the underbody, sills, wheel arches and rear suspension mounts on a lift: the corrosion was widespread
- Open every door and the sliding door rail: the lower edges and the rails rust first
- Try the electronic level control (ENR) if fitted: does it rise, and does it hold the height after standing