1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito 113 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Power steering seized at 14,000 miles.

Steering column switch unit failed 3 times resulting in losing indicators / headlights and windscreen wipers. On my 4th unit.

All 3 failing within 23,339 miles.

The alternator leads came loose at 1000 miles.

Faults nearly caused an accident on two occasions (losing headlights in bad weather conditions and wipers in the rain).

When the power steering failed it locked almost solid and when I contacted my local dealer (1.5 miles away) they told me to arrange my own way of getting the van to them.

Dealer put the blame on me for the failures and showed no interest towards my problems, and would not let me have the use of a courtesy vehicle thus causing myself to lose a days earnings. On one occasion it resulted in me having to hire another van. They did however ring their technical people to query the switch problem and were told that 1200 of the same spare parts had been issued.

I had to threaten legal action and arrange for a vehicle inspector to view the faults before they would pay for repairs. They never let him view the faults.

On the plus side the van still looks and performs better than its rivals.

My work friend with his Ford Transit much admires my van, but I have not told them of my problems as it's a Mercedes and that would be embarrassing.

Yeah those steering column switches are notorious. I've got a 112cdi with around 70k miles on the clock and have replaced them 3 times due to wiper trouble and the only ones they had were for the solid back door with no rear wiper. but if I've got my wipers on and I select reverse gear the rear wiper comes on. other things are the CV joints which I've replaced twice the alternator has been changed at 30k, the rear door struts were knacker-ed when I got the van new, the cab heater only lasted to about 10k, the immobilizer went wrong and I had to get Mercedes out to fix it while I was stranded at a customers premises and the handling isn't as good as my old transit, but on a positive note it goes like hell and is quiet and comfortable to drive and it looks not bad.

I have had a number of issues with my R Reg Vito 113, Despite only having done 30'000 miles since new both CV boots have failed and I have had to replace one drive-shaft as the boot failure allowed the ingress of damaging contaminants. (the noise was the most awful grinding noise when pulling away in first with any degree of steering).

I had this serviced outside the Mercedes dealer network using genuine parts as the time on this job makes the labour charge extortionate if carried out by MB-UK.

Passenger electric windows has also failed and this will cost £130 for the replacement motor.

113 gives disapointing performance thanks to the ratio's of the gearbox 1st gear is all, but useless (too short) I assume that it uses the same box as the diesel.

On the positive side a side swiped replacement mirror assembly was only £35 complete despite the fact that it incorporates the heated mirror, electric motors for adjustment and a complete new exterior housing. Replacement rear lamp cluster also only £30 and included a full set of bulbs!

TJ.

The rear wipers come on in reverse for a reason - so you can see where you're going! Annoying I know, but it's been designed that way.

I've also had a problem with a non-specific grinding noise when pulling away in 1st gear (I have a 112 auto) that the garage cannot locate.

Plus the heat defector plate between the exhaust and the fuel tank has come loose and rattles - garage continue to tighten bolts at every service, but they soon work loose.

Central locking tends to act up in the rain - i.e. opens and shuts at will! Not confidence boosting when you need to leave it in a multistorey car-park.

All in all though the van drives well, and (so far) I've had no expensive repairs to pay for (125000 miles and still going strong.

Mercedes Vito 113--1998.

I had enough, I'm disgusted with this van since I bought it always gives me problems, it is built very cheap everything is snapping of or braking, from mechanical to trim, today the window winder came out of its place last week the slave cylinder was dripping oil.

Two weeks before that the door opening cable snapped, the radiator thermo switch went, and before that the boot handle Broke in my hand, the drive shaft Broke in pieces, always leaking water from radiator. the gear change knob Broke to pieces my seat stitching is becoming undone, the brake disk was worn out and the brake booster had enough went to, when the van was not even 4 years old, then the muffler went and so many other things. It is built very cheap I'm not impressed at all, I always thought Mercedes as very reliable, but now I know it's not. How can I sell it to someone else, this van is only 7 years old now and I feel like dumping it before gives me more problems and cost.

I hope they will improve the next model. Or stop building such cheap quality vans, I could have bought a less value van. Such is life more you pay more you suffer.

I have wrote this letter in 2003 to Mercedes and I got no comment. what would be the next step?

From day one I have had nothing, but problems with the voto 113 van. I purchased it new in 2000 and these are the problems that I have had.

Broken part in the accelerator and I was stranded on the first day on the road.

Sent van back 2 times to replace petrol gauge and it still only registers 1/2 full to this day.

Hand brake buzzer continually beeps for long periods without any warning and decides to stop when it feels like it.

Passenger mirror fell off while the car was parked and engine off.

Indicator fell off.

Water pump required replacing at 70 000 km cost $680.00.

Head cracked at 100 000 km cost $3,600.00.

The van is very gutless especially if the air conditioning is running.

This is the most poorly built van I have ever owned and will not recommed it to anyone. However I can say only one thing in its favour and that is that it has good looks. This alone does not warranty its purchase.

To the chap that wrote the review titled

"Mercedes Vito 113--1998."

I had enough, I'm disgusted with this van since I bought it always gives me problems, it is built very cheap everything is snapping of or braking, from mechanical to trim, today the window winder came out of its place last week the slave cylinder was dripping oil.

Two weeks before that the door opening cable snapped, the radiator thermo switch went, and before that the boot handle ##Brock## in my hand, the drive shaft ##Brock## in ##peaces##, always??licking?? water from radiator. the gear change knob ##Brock## to ##peaces## my seat ##stitches## is ##getting## undone, the brake disk was worn out and the brake booster had enough went ##two##, when the van was not even 4 years old, then the muffler went and so many other things. It is built very cheap I'm not impressed at all, I always thought Mercedes ##is## very reliable, but now I know it's not. How can I sell it to someone else, this van is only 7 years old now and I feel like dumping it before ~~ gives me more problems and cost.

I hope they will improve the next model. Or stop building such cheap quality van, I could have bought a less value van. Such is life ##moor## you pay ##moor## you suffer.

I have wrote this letter in 2003 to Mercedes and I got no comment. what would be the next step?

I would imagine that if you want to be taken seriously you should get someone to read your comments before posting them and especially before putting your thoughts down on paper and sending them into Mercedes, if I were in charge of a company and I received a letter of complaint like yours, I'd just bin it under the assumption that it had been sent in as a joke by a small child!

Sorry, but it had to be said.

On a positive note, I have a 113 for the past four years, its been a great pleasure to own, I brought it at 50000 miles and it was 5 years old. I use it for work and for everyday car use, I always get people admiring its great looks, and with a gas

conversion it cost pennys to run, very smooth and comfortable better than most cars, general repairs are expected of a working vehicle water pump, cental locking pump. but other wise great vehicle.

I am the owner of a 113 also.

All in all I believe it to be a great van. I also have a Transit connect 239 LX (top of the range). The Vito is not as fast (accelerating) but is far more pleasurable to drive, and is much more stable both round corners and at speed.

There are, but three problems with the Vito: - Mercedes, Mercedes, Mercedes.

I have never imagined that supposed professionals could be so inept. Not only are Mercedes staff stupid beyond comprehension, but they endlessly defend each others mistakes and thus prevent problems from being rectified.

I was told by a Mercedes expert that the different Petrol engines as fitted to the Vito and V-class (e.g. the 2.0l 113, the 2.3l V230, the 2.8l V280) are all in fact the same cubic capacity that have had the output reduced by the engine management software. Mercedes say that this is largely true.

I was told that it was not possible to supply a bulb for my dash panel as the panel is a complete sealed unit (A parts MANAGER said this, and had it confirmed when I said that I found it hard to believe). He charged me £300 for a new dash panel, £80 for one hours connection time to a laptop computer to set max revs, techometer etc, and another £50 or so for fitting. The software on the dash panel was not installed correctly. I returned later the same day to have it fixed and was told that the paperwork relating to the job had been misplaced and so my van could not be fixed until they had found the paperwork. I asked for the old dash panel and was given it. The bulb that had blown cost £1 from a local shop. Mercedes say that they understand my feelings in this matter.

I lost the keys to my mercedes (pop up waste in bathroom was responsible I discovered two days later). Mercedes refused to provide me with another key unless I was prepared to smash a window of the vehicle to get required documentation to present to them along with my passport and V5 document. A local crook said that it wasnt a problem, phoned up and was given the necesary codes to enable a key cutter to produce a key for £30, no passport etc required. Mercedes wanted £165. Mercedes say that tis is just policy.

I decided to change the oil on my Vito to synthetic. I drained the oil, but was unable to remove the plastic cap covering the oil filter. The cover looks identical to that on my Dads Audi and my neighbours BMW. I decided to walk to the Mercedes garage as it was a fine day. Bumped into one of the mechanics in the car park and told him that I couldnt change the oil in my van. He laughed and said that the parts section should have the tool, but if they didn't to speak to him and that he would lend me the correct tool. I spoke to the parts department who told me that almost every vehicle produced by mercedes has a different oil filter cover and that they cannot supply the correct tool without a chassis number. I told them that it's a 111.950 engine. They said that many different types of oil filter cap are fitted to this engine. I said that callipers reveal the cap to be the same as on my neighbours bmw. They said that it will not be the same. I walked out, spoke to a mechanic at the entrance to the garage section, who lead me to the back of the garage where the deputy head mechanic who I had spoken to earlier was working. I told him what I had been tol. He said that he couldnt comment on what parts section was like, but that they hear things like that almost every day. He lent me a filter cover removal tool without asking for any engine details. The drawer that he got the tool from contained only one such tool. I returned home changed the filter and drove back to give him the tool.

In my first letter to Mercedes they said that parts section was correct in that different vitos have different oil filter covers, and that my being allowed into the garage was a serious matter. I wrote back and said that it was my impression that all 113 vitos, if not all petrol vitos have the same cover. The letter that I received back said that the M111 engine range has different oil filter covers. I am sure that the C class etc quite possibly do have a different cover.

This is, but three incidents that I have had with mercedes. It is probable true to say that everything that I have required them to do, with the exception of replacing a cracked number plate has been messed up. Having reached the end of my tether with them a couple of months ago, I contacted Mercedes head office who defend the actions of their regional head office when their head office's actions are indefensible. Mercedes would be fantastic (sic) were it not for the unbelievable attitude of those who ensure that your mercedes is as reliable as folk law suggests.

Can anyone help? I have a mercedes vito van 2001 auto, after about 5 minutes of driving the temp guage reads 110 deg, but water temp is only 70 deg, causing the thermo fan to switch on and stay on is really annoying as you can imagine. have changed water pump/ and temp, sender even tested instrument cluster as I have had a good run with this vehicle would like to keep it, can some one assist?

I have the same problem and the fan is really noisy, it is quite embarrassing coming on all the time. I think it is just this model as my friend has one too and it does the same thing.

Mine has always overheated in traffic whilst it is stationary, and hence the fan comes on, and I have had it looked at and there is nothing wrong.

I love the van, but hate the noisy fan and the huge expense getting it fixed or looked at. The the parts are something else. They are sooooooo expensive!!!

I have a 1998 Vito 114, which is parked more often than been used. I have changed the fuel pump, alternator, AC compressor, bearings, etc. Now I'm told I need rear speed sensors. I've been searching online but never seem to get any information on my type of Vito. Can I get any information on this extinct brand and where I can easily order spare parts.

I have just bought a Vito 113 1998, but it does not have the owners manual with it. Can any body help me obtain one or direct me to where I can get one? As the Mercedes site requires you to be registered with Mercedes to access the site.

Thanks.

An interesting forum. I also have bought a Mercedes Vito year 2000 petrol 5 speed, it was a no goer and parked on the side of the road with a council tow away sticker. I approached the owner who could not get rid of it fast enough for $1000.00. I thought bargain; wrong... I had the motor looked at and the head was blown, Mercedes wanted $4,500.00 to repair the motor, but would not guarantee that this was the end of the problem, and there could be other things wrong, but they would not know till the car was running, so it was a matter of stump up $4,500.00 and hope it goes.

I pulled it out of the Merc shop and went to a local repair shop, and they fixed the motor for $750.00. The van would not run properly, it would idle and rev to 1200 rpm and no higher, mechanic mystified and mumbling bloody Mercedes, get a normal car like Toyota or Nissan with a minimum of electrics if you want a reliable car, Mercedes think they have built the better mousetrap, live in a fools paradise.

I was told the computer was the problem. A search around found a company to reprogram the computer for $650.00. That done, I could not fit it as the note with the computer said there was no warranty with it unless I replaced the throttle body as it showed a fault in the computer when it was tested, crap... I sent the throttle body to the UK for testing/repair as no one in Oz wants to work on Vitos, even Mercedes themselves, they quote ridiculous prices to shift you on to someone else so they look good. They blame you for being cheap ass about a work van.

Got the throttle body back repaired and looking good; cost about $350.00. I decided to do the air flow meter to be sure, and bought an after market unit from China approx $100.00aud, fitted everything and running sweet. I road registered it and the instrument cluster packed it in only hours later, sent for repair to the UK, the technical report was irreparable, crap... bloody Mercedes.

I have never in 47 years of driving had an instrument cluster go dead, and most certainly have to wonder why any company would make them non repairable. Your speedo should be mechanical or individually replaceable as it is the most important instrument in you car/van, try driving through a speed camera without it?

I may update this blog when I find a reasonably priced solution to this latest setback, I have been quoted new $1400.00aud for a new instrument cluster, supposedly discounted, and then it has to be programmed by Mercedes another $350.00. You idiots, why do this to yourselves, it's a damn speedo, anyone should be able to fit it. I am resisting the urge to swear, but honestly Mercedes has lost the plot.

Mercedes.. a quick message to you... get your head out of the sand, the jungle drums are beating and you are going to be the loser. The word is out, courier drivers are a tight bunch and they are withdrawing from your product in droves. I notice the deals are being offered to taxi cab (lime) companies and Australia Post and rental companies, in fact any fleet sales you can lay your pen to because private buyers are scared of your product, your product is too expensive to maintain, it's being treated like Mitsubishi was, last choice not first choice. If you think you can defend yourself I am happy to talk technical to you, just write back and prove you care, bet you don't.

I have a Mercedes 110 cdi and a V280, and they are a good van I think. The one problem is Mercedes "stealers" as they are known. Through trial and error I have fixed many thing that went incredibly wrong on these vans. Like the instrument cluster, bahh, Mercedes wanted 600 Euro for a new cluster just because my speedo stopped working. And they wanted 200 more Euro to reprogramme too. I opened up the cluster very carefully and noticed that a two penny bloody plastic cog had broken, so I fixed it with super glue. If the lights go on the digital display, just spray the connections with electrical solvent! Over here in Sweden there's a whole market dedicated to fixing clusters. It's crazy... no hope for the future with all this service industry surrounding us, the consumer idiots. I got myself WIS CDs on Ebay; they are crap really, but you can figure out a thing or two. I also want to buy a Chinese rip off of STAR if I can get one, I'll delete all the bloody codes for the many things I have fixed, and get clues about other things... good luck all. Long live the spirit of the renaissance.

I have a Vito 108 year 2000. The battery went dead on the van one week ago, and the dash went dead with a clicking noise coming from the rear of the dash. I have now installed a new battery, however the dash panel is still dead and the clicking noise is still there? Does anyone have any suggestions. I have checked the main fuses, but could not find any blown.