Gen1 Sprinter 2.7 turbo diesel engine - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmasteller · #1 09-05-2019, 03:03 PM

Hi. I'm considering the purchase of a first generation (probably 2004-2006) Sprinter RV camper van. These had the 2.7 liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel, I think they're OM612. Since these aren't in the US cars, they're not discussed much here. Does anyone know if they're typical M-B diesel engine quality? Any long-time owners out there with feedback? Obviously, this is pre-bluetec, and I believe they are CDI. When shopping, anything specific to ask owners about? Thanks.

engatwork · #2 09-05-2019, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Does anyone know if they're typical M-B diesel engine quality?

They should be real similar to the inline 6 CDI. When you open hood remove the engine cover and see if there is any black looking "goo" under there which is indicative of a fuel injector seal leak. Pretty easy fix in the E class. Not sure about the RV.

GregMN · #3 09-05-2019, 08:30 PM

Ask for maintenance records.

I have a 2006 with 432k (records from day one). Fleet maintained. Does not burn oil, does not leak oil. Starts on first cylinder hit. Purrs.

4 water pumps
4 belt tensioners
3 glow plugs

I have a 2007 LT Serenity (2006 chassis ). Got 20.38 mpg on last 1200 mile trip. Plenty of power.

dkr · #4 09-05-2019, 08:34 PM

They're great engines. I have heard if they have electrical issues they can get very expensive to troubleshoot.

Dkr.

rmasteller · #5 09-05-2019, 11:42 PM

Thanks everyone. Looking forward to more comments from experienced owners. Also, I'm registering for some Sprinter and RV forums to continue my research.

mytimeyet · #6 09-06-2019, 10:10 AM

Lots of good stuff here http://sprinter-source.com/forum/index.php I had an interest in getting a sprinter as a replacement for the family mini van when we had some transmission troubles, worked out to just do the repair and put the sprinter idea on the back burner.

rmasteller · #7 09-06-2019, 01:42 PM

Greg, How many miles on that LT Serenity?

MyTimeYet, Thanks for the link. I've registered there, but can't post yet. Looks like a terrific forum, with specific sub-forums for each RV conversion company.

GregMN · #8 09-06-2019, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmasteller

Greg, How many miles on that LT Serenity?

28k

t walgamuth · #9 09-10-2019, 08:00 AM

Sounds pretty good!

RobertFini · #10 09-11-2019, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmasteller

Hi. I'm considering the purchase of a first generation (probably 2004-2006) Sprinter RV camper van. These had the 2.7 liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel, I think they're OM612.

The OM612 was only in the early (2001-2003) T1N; the 2004-2006 had the OM647, and then they switched to the NCV3 with the OM642 in 2007. Quality is rock-solid, performance is amazing and fuel economy is outstanding: I get ~20 MPG in my 2005 Pleasure-Way fully loaded for a week's worth of camping running at 75 MPH all day long.

There is the "Black Death" (leaking fuel injector seals) to watch out for, as mentioned by engatwork, and the turbo resonator is prone to splitting a seam every 50k miles or so wherein the engine management system disables boost and severely curtails power output when it senses pressure leakage, so it's recommended that you keep a spare on board or install an eliminator tube. Also, there's a speed limiter that kicks in around 83 MPH, so be ready for it.

I absolutely love mine and highly recommend them.

Best Regards,
Rob

rmasteller · #11 09-11-2019, 08:46 PM

OM647 - Learn something new every day!

2004-2006 OM647's were fitted with turbo resonators that are known to crack at the seam and will cause the vehicle to go into Limp-Home Mode. The latest version of turbo resonators have a "Q5" on a small white sticker on the underside.
https://sprinter-source.com/wiki/index.php/T1N_Turbo_Resonator

A good site: https://sprinter-source.com/wiki/index.php/Sprinter
A common characteristic of the NAG1 automatic transmission is a rumbling or vibration that occurs during light acceleration and coasting. An ingeniously designed fix for this noise and vibration can be ordered privately from a Sprinter-Forum member by searching "Rumble Strip Noise Cure".