The real test will be whether the Sprinter van succeeds in the US or not. Someone posted statistics on the Yahoo Sprinter list stating that the Sprinter has 12% of US van sales. That seems quite good to me although those statistics don't jibe with the number I see on the road.
I don't know which engine the Sprinter has but its definitely diesel cdi.
22mpg for a large van is very good. If I was a fleet buyer, I'd be knocking at Dodge's door.

Someone on the Yahoo list recently totaled their Sprinter with over 300k miles. They got 16k from the insurance company.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I'm certainly looking forward to my 2005 E320CDI.

When I can afford one in 2025. Should be well-known by then whether its a rod bender, glow plug sticker, $1000 piezo-electric injector eating, piece of junk - or another classic like the 240D.



Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

Really? I have 102,500 miles on my "junky" Dodge Cummins. There are ZERO rattles, ZERO squeaks, ZERO leaks, and ZERO reliability issues with it. I'm still on the same tires, brakes, and clutch that were installed on that truck the day it was built. My truck doesn't even "mark its territory." It has been such an awesome performer, that it's become the first vehicle that I've ever put 100k miles on. I had a half ton V6 Dodge truck prior to this one. I didn't keep that one very long as my needs began to exceed the safe capacity of that truck, but it was also a perfect performer during it's tenure with me. My Chevy on the other hand, was the poster child as to why GM continues to lose it's market share.

If you guys want to see something really interesting, go to MBUSA and click on the Vision Grand Sports Tourer, scheduled for retail release in mid 2005. Navigate your way through all the hype to the "Performance" section. They've implemented it in Shockwave Flash, so I can't provide a direct link, but here's the text.

"The dual drive combines a state-of-the-art V8 diesel engine (247 hp) and an electric motor (67 hp) to deliver 634 lb-ft of torque, by European standards - a record for hybrid drive technology that saves 20% of fuel compared to an equivalent Diesel.

"Electronic load sharing between the two power units maximizes the advantages of each, with the zero-emissions electric motor predominating at low speeds. The energy normally dissipated under braking is used to generate electricity."

Take that, Prius!

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
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