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12-08-2018, 10:20 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 80
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How hard is it to get service on a small class C with a MB sprinter diesel?
Seriously considering a couple of the smaller diesel class Cs (approx 24ft) that use the MB diesel. One of my reservations with this choice is that I hear the diesels are more expensive to maintain and that it’s hard to find someone to work on them. I was hoping that maybe these smaller diesels would be easier/cheaper to maintain. Can anyone comment on their personal experience with this type of RV?
Thanks
Lori
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12-08-2018, 10:50 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Appalachian Campers Mid Atlantic Campers Coastal Campers
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 321
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lstyles
Seriously considering a couple of the smaller diesel class Cs (approx 24ft) that use the MB diesel. One of my reservations with this choice is that I hear the diesels are more expensive to maintain and that it’s hard to find someone to work on them. I was hoping that maybe these smaller diesels would be easier/cheaper to maintain. Can anyone comment on their personal experience with this type of RV?
Thanks
Lori
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Alternator $1500 plus versus $350 for a Ford is one example of the difference in costs. I ran a fleet of Sprinters with the MB engine, but wouldn't do it again.
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12-09-2018, 12:08 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 454
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I have had my 2013 MB Sprinter for over 2 years and put 28k miles on it... Oil change in the Spring when it comes out of storage has been $150, but only one per year.
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Diane & Murray
2013 Thor Citation 24SR
Spring Hill, KS
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12-09-2018, 05:06 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Where we park it!
Posts: 13,145
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We had our 24ft MB sprinter for 18 months and one oil change at a MB dealer was $150.
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momdoc
2018 Tiffin Allegro RED 37PA
2020 JEEP Trailhawk
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12-09-2018, 07:52 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 4,040
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Sprinter problems are, thankfully, far fewer than house problems. The 3.0L diesel is very easy to maintain as long as you follow Mercedes recommendations for oil and service intervals. The diesel engine is very simple mechanically and about the same level complexity electronically as a gas engine.
You might want to find other forums and read through them to get a broader picture of the Sprinter chassis motorhomes and B class vans.
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Roger & Mary
2017 Winnebago Navion 24V (Sold)
2014 Tiffin Phaeton 36GH (Sold)
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12-09-2018, 09:00 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Forest River Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego County, California
Posts: 875
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MB is expensive with parts & repairs! There is no skating on this it’s just expensive ...
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Steve & Leslie
Forest River 2018 Forester 3011DS
Honda 2010 CR-V AWD "Toad"
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12-09-2018, 10:04 AM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 80
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Thanks for the input! I figured parts etc would be more expensive because it’s a MB. Is it difficult to find locations that can service a class c with a MB engine?
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12-09-2018, 03:20 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 599
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I assume that MB is like Ford dealers, not all service them. I have a Ford and have been turned down by two different Ford dealers. I had a MB car, they are more expensive to service specially when it is more than an oil change. Ask how I know?
__________________
2016 Leprechaun 311 FS
Enjoying retirement
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12-09-2018, 05:47 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 277
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I think the biggest expense with the price of diesel fuel compared to gasoline. Here in Texas and Oklahoma about 85 cents per gallon. I don't think the difference in MPG could make up for that plus the additional cost for the Diesel engine. Just my opinion
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12-09-2018, 08:22 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pensacola
Posts: 2,728
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Warranty/ Repair/ and routine Service for the Mercedes Sprinter is available at some Mercedes dealerships and some Freightliner shops. Outside shops also do repairs but may not have MB specialized equipment. I have 39,000 miles on my 2016 Sprinter RV. I do some of the required maintenance,but have also had dealer service to insure warranty items are completed.
Oil change interval is 20,000 miles and the cost was +- $400.which Includes check & inspect items, retorque rear axle bolts and update computer..
My MB dealer here has a shop dedicated to Sprinter service with trained techs, special lifts and alignment equipment.
Diesel fuel costs are offset by the Sprinter RV consistently getting 15 to 16 mpg at 65-70mph.
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Hooligan, Pensacola, Fl -U.S. Coast Guard 1956-1985
2016 Thor Siesta Sprinter 24ST diesel -1972 Moto Guzzi
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara TOAD
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12-09-2018, 09:15 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Canyon Lake, TX
Posts: 209
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How hard is it to get service on a small class C with a MB sprinter diesel?
I have owned my MB based RV for 18 months and 10,000 miles. Zero issues. Oil change every Spring for $199 which includes a full check of all systems. My MB dealer has a special RV garage dedicated to servicing MB based RVs. When I wait for my oil change it’s usually less than 90 min. No complaints.
I get about 15 mph pulling a Honda CRV. I understand a Ford based gas C gets 6-8 mpg, so fuel cost is cheaper even with diesel costing 60-90 cents more. The turbo diesel has a lot of torque. I climbed Colorado mountain passes on cruise control without slowing down.
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2021 Dynamax Isata 5 30FW
2014 Honda CR-V
(Formerly 2017 Isata 3 24FW)
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12-10-2018, 02:55 AM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 14
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Bought a 2012 Winnebago View/MB diesel with 62k miles. Engine Waring light issue on two trips. First was a sensor for $900. Second time was Def injector pump, another $900. The thing is when the engine light comes on you have 15 engine stats remaining. I live in Michigan. Last problem occured in the UP. No one would touch it, only certified Mercedes mechanics. There are very fee in Michigan, not sure nation wide. I loved the mileage but not the repairs and dependability. The mechanic tells me fleet MB aren't so much a problem but an RV that sits can be. Sold it and now getting a Cummins. Good luck.
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12-10-2018, 07:01 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 2,748
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Im my opinion, it all comes out in the wash. Pay more for the MB in service, but get better mileage. Ford service cost is much less, but the mileage is poor. I guess it comes down to :
a. how much space do you want/need?
b. how much actual driving do you anticipate doing?
c. towing capacity and CCC.
The Sprinter/MB models are short on living space and storage. But over the long haul mileage-wise IF YOU DO A LOT OF TOURING, will probably be more cost effective than the Ford.
On the other hand, most people buy Class C's for vacation and weekend use, not so much for extended travel and full timing. In this case, the Ford is probably a lot more practical from an economic perspective. Easier to work on, easier to find service (with exceptions), and mileage is inconsequential if you're only taking a two week trip and using it on weekends.
Our 2005 Aspect gets about 8.5-9 towing our Subaru (on a good day) and 9-10 without a tow.
That's my take on it, FWIW.
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Burns & Diane
2005 Winnebago Aspect 26A/2012 Subaru Impreza toad
Illinois! - Where the politicians make the license plates......
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12-10-2018, 08:09 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Florence, Oregon
Posts: 313
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It sounds like a lot of respondents in this thread are comparing the MB Diesel to the Ford V10 gas engine. They should be comparing the MB to the Ford Transit Diesel. Our 24’ Winnebago Fuse gets an easy 16+ mpg towing and 18-20mpg not towing, and it’s a lot easier to find Ford service than Mercedes service. Plus, it drives like a dream.
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Ed & Lynn on the Oregon Coast
2018 Winnebago Fuse 23A
2006 Scion xA toad
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