Mercedes Sprinter - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Parrot of Doom · #1 03-08-2008, 04:19 PM

Do you guys have Sprinter vans in the US?

I recently drove nearly 3000 miles in one. Very comfortable, quiet (as vans go), powerful, and diesel.

Pics (ps I'm taking the piccies so it isn't me in the shots)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/soundman/collections/72157604061974536/

Its an excellent van, it had 8000 miles when we collected it, its now well over 10,000 in less than a week

The exhaust was rattly (loose cat perhaps) but other than that it was great. It was however a relief to get back into my W210, which after all those miles of driving felt like a feather bed with a silent electric engine

Matt L · #2 03-08-2008, 04:29 PM

We have lots of them over here that say "Dodge" on the badge, but "Powered by Mercedes-Benz" on the side. It's also called a Sprinter, and is pretty much the same thing. I don't know if they still make them, now that the company is not D-C.

TMAllison · #3 03-08-2008, 04:30 PM

We got them about 3 years ago I believe, with the 2.5l engine.

They've gotten popular as light duty delivery vehicles and in some construction trades such as ressidential plumbing, electrical and HVAC where they need to carry around lots of lil pieces and parts, etc.

#4 03-08-2008, 04:53 PM

We have it but only with the 2.7L I-5 CDI. The model refresh last year changed that to the new 3.0L V6 CDI.

Its very popular with the shipping companies (UPS, FedEx, etc).

kerry · #5 03-08-2008, 04:56 PM

They've been here about 6 or 7 years badged as either Dodge or Freightliner. The models available are far fewer than the Europeans get. There are no standard transmissions available here and only one engine. There are however, a variety of differently weighted chassis options. They are also designated with different model numbers in the US. UPS and FedEx use them as fleet vehicles.

TMAllison · #6 03-08-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

We have it but only with the 2.7L I-5 CDI. The model refresh last year changed that to the new 3.0L V6 CDI.

Guess I've only ever noticed the 2500 model and assumed that was engine cc, not axle rating. I'd have bet money they were 2.5's.

Bio300TDTdriver · #7 03-08-2008, 05:08 PM

I believe they were available here in 2001 as a Freightliner. Then in 2003 as a Dodge Sprinter. This year you can get the V-6 diesel or the 3.5 V-6 gas engine.

#8 03-08-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

Guess I've only ever noticed the 2500 model and assumed that was engine cc, not axle rating. I'd have bet money they were 2.5's.

Yeah, 2500 is just the model/wight range, they also have a 3500 range with duals on the back axle. Both the 2.7 and 3.0 are derated to 154hp.

Quote:

This year you can get the V-6 diesel or the 3.5 V-6 gas engine.

I believe the 3.5L was axed this year.

Chadahar · #9 03-08-2008, 05:18 PM

I saw a MB Sprinter Camper/Motor home Van here in Acton, CA. just a week or so ago. It lives across the street from one of my clients. It is a silver Gray color and is for sure MB badged. Looked great for that type of vehicle. The lady driver gave me the thumbs up when she saw my 126. I returned the favor.

Bio300TDTdriver · #10 03-08-2008, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Yeah, 2500 is just the model/wight range, they also have a 3500 range with duals on the back axle. Both the 2.7 and 3.0 are derated to 154hp.

I believe the 3.5L was axed this year.

That could be, I may be thinking of last year. I know they offered a gas engine after years of just offering the 2.7 diesel.

Or maybe if I throw enough out there, I get it right once in awhile.

Two Mercedes-Benz engines are available for the 2008 Dodge Sprinter: a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel with 154 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that makes 254 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque.

freeride · #11 03-08-2008, 05:25 PM

Our Dodge Sprinter with Mercedes engine is far from it's european brother. I have 2007 model 3.0 common rail, bought new last summer, now pushing 60k miles. I am ready to get rid of it and would NOT recommend it to anyone, too many problems, too many issues. Visit Sprinter forum for NCV3 (that's 2007 and up) and You will find terrible stories. to pick just a few

- center shaft bearing failed in many, many vans, there is "waiting list" for part at dealerships but no recal
- EGR valve clogged all the time, power lose, turbo hose loose
- most vans came with terrible 4.18 rear end causing 3000 RPM@70 or 2400 RPM @60 and giving poor 16-18 MPG! mileage

Bad service by Dodge, lack of knowledge at dealerships. No manual transmissions, Auto with triptronic ONLY.

Seems like US fuel is trouble maker here. It is ULSD now but not strong enough. European diesels are running on 51 cetane fuel. While MB requires 45 cetane minimum, we only get 40 here in US.

There is much longer list of problems that makes DODGE Sprinter not a good choice with main reason of bad fuel consumption. Cursed DPF - diesel particulate filter dosn't help here either.

And finally, I just found two rust spots! on vecicle not even 1 year old! Before first winter is over, that's unacceptable. STAY AWAY, so not worth 40 grand.

suginami · #12 03-08-2008, 08:48 PM

I had an electrician over last week, and he was driving one of these vans.

He needed to replace his Chevrolet truck, and a new truck with the Duramax diesel motor was about $45K, and found he could get this van for much less.

pawoSD · #13 03-08-2008, 11:52 PM

99% of what I have heard about them has been positive....we got a "Free rental" certificate recently from Ryder. So we will have to try one out sometime soon.

I think the biggest complaints I have heard about them is front brakes wearing fast....thats it. Brakes are cheap. so whatever. Fuel is not. 12Mpg Chevy Express or Ford Econoline vs 20-25mpg sprinter. Easy choice. Not to mention how much better designed it is.

kerry · #14 03-09-2008, 12:03 AM

They've had EGR problems from their introduction to the US. The Yahoo Sprinter group is a good source for info.
I thought the lower gear ratio went along with the dual rear wheels and the single rear wheels had higher gear ratios.

pawoSD · #15 03-09-2008, 12:07 AM

I agree, I would bet that only the "towing package" equipped models have a higher ratio rear diff....obviously for an advantage when towing. People that order those are probably more concerned with getting the stuff their pulling to its destination than the mpgs they get while doing it.