Buying new Freightliner Sport Chassis

[The House]

I'm in the market for new FLSC & I'm looking for feedback from current or past owners.

Can decide whether to go with the 8.3l Cummins or the 12.8l Mercedes.

Any comments on witch is more reliable?

Thanks for your input!

[tnance]

I had a choice of Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Cat and Mercedes when I bought my truck new. I chose Mercedes. I am very happy with the choice. Either engine will give you excellent service. In the six years I have had the truck I have only had to buy oil and fuel filters. The Mercedes oil filters were cheaper than my Ford pickup filters. Go Figure.

If you go with the Allison auto transmission the Mercedes engine with the exhaust brake and or engine brake interfaces with the Allison. Set the speed control for what speed you want to go and they all work together. Makes for a relaxing drive.

[Bobsbeatter]

I'm surprised that the 12.8L Mercedes is still available. Is it a current year model & is it the MBE 4000?

At any rate, I have the 12.8L Mercedes in a 2005 Columbia tractor and am completely satisfied with it's reliability and performance. At nearly 600,000 miles it is not using any oil and as strong and fuel efficient as always. Ive never used any fuel additive and have never replaced an injector, unit pump or turbo. Under warranty I've had 2 EGR coolers replaced as well as 1 head gasket. ( the Mercedes has 6 individual heads). Compared to other motors of the same vintage, the MBE 4000 is the most fuel efficient and trouble free of them all. I would buy it again.

[The House]

Thanks to both of you for the info it's greatly appreciated. I've definitely been leaning that way mostly because of the pulling power difference.

[The House]

Anyone have any other input as far as the Freightliner Sport Chassis goes...

Like braking (hydraulic), fit & finish, drive ability.

The reason I'm asking these questions is that I'm located in Vancouver BC but the closest Sport Chassis dealer to me appears to be in Salinas CA 1670 kms away from me. I don't want to fly down there & be disappointed once I see & drive one.