Sprinter...good van or POS? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Warden · #1 01-08-2005, 05:26 PM

Hello!

I went to the San Jose Auto Show yesterday, and finally got my first close-up look at a Sprinter van. I know some think it's ugly, but i actually thought it looked pretty nice...and certainly a good basic passenger hauler or utility vehicle.

While there's no way in Hades I could afford one even in the somewhat distant future, I'm still curious about them. I haven't heard anything about reliability or longevity, except from someone on the Ford who's a mechanic for FedEx who thinks they're junk.

Has anyone heard anything good or bad about them?

I figured this was an appropiate place to ask, since they're basically M-B's...

Thanks!

AlexTheSeal · #2 01-08-2005, 05:53 PM

I don't own one but have thought seriously about getting one, so I have done a lot of research. I can't imagine why anyone could think they're junk. The chassis has been around for many years in Europe, certainly long enough for M-B to work out the bugs. The engine is basically a 602 (like in the '90-'92 300D 2.5) so it has a proven record.

pawoSD · #3 01-08-2005, 06:06 PM

I have heard very good things about them, my dad is very interested in getting one someday for use as a hauler or camping vehicle....

Smooooth · #4 01-08-2005, 07:18 PM

Our Company uses them and Loves them!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mileage is great - Maintainence is Low

I rode in one from Syr, NY to Nashville, TN and back over a period of 3 days. From Nashville to Syr was done in One VEEEERRRRYYYYY Long Day. The ride was great and so was the handling..............

Stephen

Mark DiSilvestro · #5 01-08-2005, 09:54 PM

Last week, I talked to a guy that was driving one for the Heat/AC company he works for. He liked the ride & handling. Said the mileage on the 2.5 Diesel was much better than the previous vans the company had, but that traction was poor on slippery roads.

Happy Motoring, Mark

DslBnz · #6 01-08-2005, 10:13 PM

The Sprinter uses a 2.7 liter 5-cylinder electronically modulated common-rail diesel fuel injection system.

I like the utility aspect of it. Always wanted a Mercedes van.

kerry · #7 01-08-2005, 10:28 PM

My 409d is an earlier version of the Sprinter. Mine has the 617 with a 5 spd. It's too bad that they don't offer the full range of engines and transmissions in the US Sprinters that they do in Europe. My van is a blast to drive. I think it has a tighter turning radius than the MB sedans.
There's a Sprinter group at Yahoo. They have had problems with the EGR's. I think this year's model EGR is liquid cooled.
The biggest drawback I see to the new Sprinter's compared to mine is the computer controlled systems. My van is even easier to work on than the sedans. The only vacuum is the shut off valve.

JamesStein · #8 01-08-2005, 10:35 PM

I would love to get my hands on one with a 617 in it. Not to knock the 602. But I love the simplicity of the 617. Plus the IDI injected engine is perfect for WVO.

DslBnz · #9 01-08-2005, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesStein

I would love to get my hands on one with a 617 in it. Not to knock the 602. But I love the simplicity of the 617. Plus the IDI injected engine is perfect for WVO.

It can't be a 602. I think it is either an OM612 or OM647.

kerry · #10 01-08-2005, 10:52 PM

They've put lots of different engines in their vans over the years. I'm guessing they have put most of their diesel engines in their vans. They put gas engines in them in Europe also, although I think most were produced as diesels. I know for a fact that some of the pre-Sprinter shape vans, like mine, had engines other than the 616 or 617. The final digit in the European van model numbers is the horspower. The 207 or 209 were the 616 and 617 engines respectively (70hp and 90hp). I know they also sold 208 and 210 models and I'm assuming they are 4 and 5 cylinder models of a newer diesel engine than the 616 and 617.
The US model numbers are completely different than the European ones and they only sell the one engine here. The 2500 is the single rear wheel model and the 3500 is the dual rear wheel model, whereas in Europe the single rear wheel models start with 2 or 3 (2 or 3 ton chassis capacity) and the dual rear wheel with 4 (4 ton chassis capacity).

rwthomas1 · #11 01-09-2005, 11:33 AM

UPS and FedEx are the most successful in their industries. I think they know a thing or two about reliability and the costs of maintaining a fleet. There is no way they would have started using Sprinter's if they were crap. I can guarantee that feasibility studies were done, probably several times before adopting a new vehicle. RT

phidauex · #12 01-09-2005, 12:17 PM

Sprinters are worthy of your lust, they are great vehicles.

Plus, they are coming out with a diesel/electric hybrid version of the Sprinter later this year.

The Diesel/electric Dodge Ram just came out too.

peace,
sam

inbanshi · #13 01-09-2005, 05:46 PM

I always talk to their drivers at fill ups when I can, and I have heard nothing but compliments. Many small business owners are buying then as well as the big fleets.

The Warden · #14 01-10-2005, 07:21 PM

Thank you all for your responses.

It's interesting to see that everyone here who has an opinion on them likes 'em, while everyone (only one or two) people on the Ford site I frequent thinks they're garbage. Please take a look at the other thread and let me know what you think.

Thanks again

kerry · #15 01-10-2005, 07:45 PM

Lots of opinion in that thread, not a lot of evidence. Someone commented on their tendency to tip over. I'd sure like to see some support for that claim MB has been making tall skinny vans for decades and I've never seen any documentation of a tendency to tip over. I had one converted into a large class A motorhome and have my current van conversion. I have experienced no instability whatsover, even with the large motorhome on single rear wheels.