Second Hand Mercedes-Benz Vito Roof Rack

The Vito has run across three distinct generations: the W638 (1996–2003), the W639 (2003–2014), and the current W447 (2014–present), and roof racks are not interchangeable across these generations because the roof dimensions, rain channel profiles, and fixing points differ between them. Within the W639 there was a facelift around 2010 which may have introduced subtle pressing changes, so whether a pre-facelift rack fits a post-facelift van is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration. Stick to the same generation as your own van as a starting point, then let the breaker verify the exact match.

Yes, wheelbase is one of the most important factors for a van roof rack, because the W639 and W447 Vito were both offered in Compact, Standard (Long), and Extra Long wheelbases, and a rack designed for one length will not span the roof correctly on another. When contacting a breaker, give them your wheelbase variant — ideally confirmed from your V5C or by measuring your van — rather than just the year, as the year alone won't tell them which length roof you have. Roof height (standard versus high-roof) can also affect rack compatibility, so mention that too.

It does matter indirectly: while the rack itself mounts to the rain channels or roof rails rather than to the sides of the van, high-roof Vito variants have a taller, more curved roof profile than standard-roof versions, and racks are typically shaped to follow that curve. A rack from a standard-roof W447 Vito is unlikely to sit correctly on a high-roof W447, so always confirm the roof height of the donor van with the breaker. Giving the breaker your registration and roof height (standard or high) is the safest approach.

For the roof rack itself the rear door configuration — barn doors or a single tailgate — does not directly change the rack's mounting points or roof profile, so it should not affect fitment of the rack to the roof. However, if you are buying a rack with an integrated rear load-stop or overhang bar, the usable overhang length and how it clears the open doors can differ between barn-door and tailgate variants, so worth mentioning to the breaker. For a straightforward factory-style roof rack, barn doors versus tailgate is not a concern.

Trim level does not affect roof rack fitment on the Vito; the roof pressing and rain channel profile are the same across Sport, Progressive, and Premium specifications within the same generation and wheelbase. The main cosmetic difference you might notice is whether the donor van had factory-fitted roof rails, which some higher trims include, as a rack designed to clamp to rails differs from one that uses the bare rain channels. Check with the breaker whether the rack you are buying is a rail-mount or channel-mount type to make sure it suits your van's setup.

A 2012 Vito is a W639 (2003–2014 generation) and a 2015 Vito is a W447 (2014–present generation), so these are completely different platforms with different roof profiles, meaning a rack designed for the W447 is very unlikely to fit a W639. You should source a rack from another W639 van, ideally matching your wheelbase and roof height, to give yourself the best chance of a straight swap. Confirm the exact donor vehicle details with the breaker against your registration before purchasing.