Any of you guys know Sprinters too? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

::matthew · #1 03-26-2009, 02:23 PM

Office is looking at getting one, And saw this on CL

Looking for info on durability, things to look out for, best years, etc.

We'd be looking for something outfitted basically like the one in the ad.

Thanks

TMAllison · #2 03-26-2009, 02:49 PM

Runs a 2.7L CDI engine. The MB CDI engine family came out in ~98 in Europe. Very reliable, approx 1/2 the cars on the road in Europe are CDI designs.

kerry · #3 03-26-2009, 03:43 PM

I'm familiar with the pre-Sprinter MB vans. Yahoo has a Sprinter group with lots of info. MB vans, including Sprinters, do not have a great reputation for rust resistance. Living in the salt air of Florida, I'd look closely for rust problems on a used Sprinter.
Sprinters have had consistent problems with the EGR valves and they are known for eating up brake pads. Apart from those issues I don't recall reading of any other known widespread problems.

TheDon · #4 03-26-2009, 04:20 PM

I've driven that chassis and the newest one. They handle like a car.

Plus my neighbors father in law has the new chassis and already has over 100k on it. His last sprinter randomly caught fire. He had the head replaced by Mercedes after they snapped off two glow plugs in it.

pawoSD · #5 03-26-2009, 04:35 PM

Any ideas why MB did not choose to use anti-seize on the glow plug threads when installed at the factory? Seems like at this point they would have learned their lesson...

300sdToronto · #6 03-26-2009, 05:26 PM

My brother has had one for about a year. In that time it has stranded him three times - fuel pump failure, battery failure and a dead alternator. When it runs it's a great ride and load hauler.......

Actros617 · #7 03-26-2009, 05:51 PM

I have an crazy idea, Buy that Sprinter or a rear end or side damaged sprinter , Remove the engine and install into a W123 W124 W126 Body, you how awsome will this be, VERY FAST, SMOOTH, UNIMAGINABLE GAS MILEAGE. The size of the engine should be the same with a OM61x family engine, Am I right??? But the only obstical its dealing with the eletronics, sensors that fuel system and the drivetrain

.

TMAllison · #8 03-26-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Actros617

But the only obstical its dealing with the eletronics, sensors that fuel system and the drivetrain

.

Good luck with that.

freeride · #9 03-26-2009, 06:19 PM

I had 2007 high roof CRD. I did 60k miles running interstate delivery in less than a year. It's hard to believe but spring 2008, after one winter there was rust spots showing on every side of the van.
I was lucky (mechanically) I only had center shaft bearing failure. Easy fix but try dealing with people at Dodge! Worst service ever, and they wanted me to pay few hundred bucks for the bearing and labor with vehicle being under warranty.

2007 and up have DPF, also new aluminium 3.0L V6 (very strong and quiet)

2006 is the last year without DPF, (less BS) they also have 5 cyl 2.7 liter engine that gets better mileage but only with 3.72 gears. Avoid 4.10 as they're running 3000+ rpm highway and economy is history.

I would buy it again but only in Europe with 6sp manual. Dodge is definately not a Mercedes

great site here
http://www.sprinter-source.com/

freeride · #10 03-26-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Actros617

Buy that Sprinter or a rear end or side damaged sprinter ,

Good luck with that too

TheDon · #11 03-26-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeride

Good luck with that too

I know of a severly fire damaged sprinter

(nah that was like last year so its probably long gone and most likely under insurance lock and key)

lkchris · #12 03-27-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Any ideas why MB did not choose to use anti-seize on the glow plug threads when installed at the factory? Seems like at this point they would have learned their lesson...

Same reasons it's not recommended to use antiseize on spark plug threads.

lkchris · #13 03-27-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

Runs a 2.7L CDI engine. The MB CDI engine family came out in ~98 in Europe. Very reliable, approx 1/2 the cars on the road in Europe are CDI designs.

A five cylinder version of the E320CDI engine.

The latest ones use the 3.0 V6 diesel engine, probably in "280" tune.

When this change occured, the 3.5 gasoline engine became available, too.