Mercedes Sprinter Van Good or Bad

[johninsd]

Originally Posted by TXROADR

If I remember correctly, MB warranty is 5 yr/100,000 mi from purchase date...

There are many variations on the emissions warranty - for example in California it is 5 yrs and 100k miles or 7 years and 70k miles and there is some other variation that extends to 8 years 80k miles - and now there are more extensions on certain parts following the AEM recall - if you have an honest dealer available that is likely your best source but as Reagan said - "Trust but verify" -

[Unplanned Tourist]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Thanks for the replies.


Still considering options, but at least knowing that these model years are covered under recall is good.



FWIW. I noticed that my neighbor, who is a HVAC just bought a new MB Sprinter so I went over and looked at it. He is a car nut and done his research and decided the MB Sprinter was the best option for him. Price was good but I'd doubt I'd buy new. But if I found a gently used one I guess I'd consider it. Unfortunately now is not the time to buy used.

IMO the Sprinter is a great work van platform. They get used lots and that's what they need to keep the DEF system functioning properly.

In a RV application, there is a lot of sitting, and that is where the problems start.

DEF crystalizeses with evaporation, causing blockage in the very small injection nozzle. This will cause a engine warning code to come up, and then a shutdown of the engine, or in the case of MB, a count down of starts, then a no-start.

If you understand and are comfortable with that, then a Sprinter may be right for you.

My 2 cents.

[jacwjames]

Good point on an RV application. This is a good point on any type of emission system and proper application. Probably one of the reasons they have resorted to a regeneration system that forces high heat to the diesel particulate filter (DPF).


Back in 2006-7 I was involved in restarting some mines that had been shut down. The equipment on site did not meet current emission standards so we had to install DFP's on them. Some of the equipment that was run hard worked with the DPF. Others not so much as they never got hot enough to burn off the carbon build up, we had to monitor the restriction and when it got plugged we'd pull the DPF, bake it in a high temp oven while at the same time have it on a vibrating table that would sake the carbon off.

[TXROADR]

Originally Posted by Ljwt330

Curious.


When you had issues with the DEF system, did you go into limp mode? If so was there a warning of any kind?

Just once did it go into count-down mode. Having read about 'limp' mode, I made SURE to get to an authorized repair shop before that happened (I think it was down to about 8 re-starts). The problem was with a sensor (crystalized), which they replaced. Local TX dealer mechanic recommended to top off DEF before low light comes on. I have been doing so at about each 1,000 mi. So far no problems with that issue, however, recently had the whole mechanism replaced due to heater element malfunction (at 100 degrees in Texas...go figure...). Under warranty. Only solid yellow check engine light came on.

[Paul_D]

As part of the emission class-action lawsuit, the emission warranty on the 2010 to 2016 Sprinters was extended to 10 years 120,000. You can check the status with the VIN, Check before you buy a used one.

https://bluetecupdate.mbvans.com/home

From my VIN lookup.
This vehicle had an emission modification performed on 2021-03-30 and mileage at 36319 miles. This vehicle has an extended warranty of 10 years/120,000 miles from the initial sale date or 4 years/48,000 miles from the date of installation of the Emission Modification.

[SteveNSue]

We have a 2017 Jayco Class C that we purchased in early 2018. So far, it has had recall work performed on the emission control system and the brake sensors but no mechanical issues other than that.


I would have to comment on the amount of discussion regarding the engine. What you didn't hear was about how the vehicle drives. We've have taken ours on long road trips that have ranged from desert and high plains trips, and across the mountains with 12,000 mountain passes. The turbo diesel kicks in and you will not be wanting for a larger engine. The cab is spacious and quiet with no "dog house" to climb over and you can hold a conversation at highway speeds. We cruise at 62 - 65 mph and get 13.5 mpg. Our vehicle has the over-cab storage area that likely reduces the aerodynamics but you can't beat the storage space.


The Sprinter sized RV are the closest you can get to a pickup truck. We can weave through city streets and pull into parking lots without having to fight for space. Width of a truck with a longer length.



We towed a 14 ft double axle utility trailer across country and it was as if it wasn't behind us. Have another trip this spring to pick up our daughter's household good for a move.



Maintenance has been oil changes and we just completed the fuel filter change. Oil changes are a snap if you ignore the price of oil. Fuel filter is easy and just something you need to research first and then just jump in. We have 39,000 miles and have taken short trips recently since we are building a house next door for our kids so time has been limited but we hope to get to Maine after this summer, once the tourist leave and kids are back in school.


I wouldn't shy away from the MB Sprinter.