Considering Mercedes R350 Blue TEC-Opinions and Advice?

[ianmcc]

Well the family DD Ford Flex is looking like it needs replacing so been looking at replacements. One that kinda ticks off the boxes we are looking for (AWD, 6 passenger, not a minivan or station wagon, diesel) is the Mercedes Benz R350 BlueTEC.
Considering the 2010-2012 but I can't find a lot of anecdotal reviews online. More than anything we are looking for reliability as our first year Flex is giving us a lot of issues as it ages.
How is the R350 diesel for the home mechanic to work on? How does the BlueTEC rank for reliability? I do all of the service work on our fleet aside from warranty/recall work. I wonder how they age (up to 300K).
Pic for reference.

[dj_rice]

Get ready to replace these items if your gonna own it

AdBlue Tank Heater
AdBlue Tank Pump
AdBlue Injection Nozzle


And probably the rear suspension airbags.

[nismodrifter]

Intake manifolds
PCV system
Swirl port motor

Once you sort those out, install a catch can, shes good to

[ianmcc]

Nothing I see here I can't tackle myself.
Recommend a place to have one inspected prior to purchase?

[guessboi]

I have one of the last 2013 model that seats 7 with the sport and premium package.
No issues for the 3+ years - mind you I only have 15K on this vehicle since I bought it new.