Is the Sprinter a Good Van to Buy?

Is the Mercedes Sprinter or Dodge or Freightliner Sprinter a good van to buy? In this video Greg Your Car Angel goes through the three generations of Sprinters. The first generation T1N which ran between 1995-2006, the second generation NCV3 which ran between 2007-2018 and the third generation VS30 which ran between 2019 and the present. From rust issues to turbo resonators to rumple strip noise is all covered on the !st gen T1N. The dreaded DPF system, the DEF fluid reservoir and the NOX sensors are all covered on the 2nd gen units. and finally the MBUX system is covered on the 3rd gen. Which is the best? Greg thinks the reliability of the OM647 is the best, even over the OM612. The rust areas are on the seams on top of the van and the body panels underneath.
These vans are some of the best to build out and up fit as van conversions.

[smk]

Why Toyota doesn't make a cargo van?
Non of the other three will sell.

[ChristianTravelers]

We have a 2011 Sprinter 3500 built out by Winnebago into an RV with less than 45k miles.. We are not handy, and this makes it very expensive for us as, with two exceptions that we've encountered, mechanics other than certain MB dealers refuse to work on Sprinters. We are on our 3rd set of NOX sensors ($1800), our DEF heater failed ($4400), struts failed at 30k miles ($1200), cab A/C at 33k miles ($500). Our maintenance services cost just under $1k because the fuel filter always needs to be replaced. At 40k miles our transmission needed servicing (another $1k). You didn't mention that MB was sued by the US gov't and California for apparently cheating on emissions tests which required an manufacturer's recall which has led to a reduction in our average fuel economy from 15.5 to 14.8 and we don't drive faster than 64. To be fair, we did get a $3675 refund and Mercedes fixed the DEF heater but that only puts a dent in our costs. Another potential problem are the wheel sensors which members of our online users group are experiencing. We've been trying to sell the RV for 6 months but all we get are low ball offers. The Winnebago build is good so we are living with the MB issues but we recommend not buying the 2nd generation from 2007-2013.

[needleontherecord]

I’d Avoid the Promaster like the plague. It’s a Fiat underneath - reliability not included.

[GlennInLaguna]

Only a half way in and can say, this review is beyond excellent!! Thanks for the excellent tips.

[Brocephus]

I’ve been a automotive technician for 30+ years. I worked for a Mercedes Dealership and other automotive brands. Now I have had my own shop for 23 years and I can tell you from experience the Sprinter, Promaster and Transit vans are over engineered and not good compared to a class c van chassis. Keep it simple folks and go with a American van chassis motor home. They are more reliable, less expensive and easier to maintain and repair.

[grisher]

I saw the title of this and immediately thought I'd tell you about my Sprinter. Haven't looked at his video. My Sprinter has 276, 000 miles on it. I have a pile of money making a camper out of the 2008 cargo van. Otherwise, it would have been gone a time ago. I've got more money in repairs and maintaining it than what it sold for new. Transmission can't make up it's mind to lock or unlock so it chatters and destroys itself. Plan on replacing it every 100, 000 miles or less. Dust covers on rear axle rust out--have to take the axle apart to replace them. The whole van rusts--started rusting as soon as I brought it home so figure on a paint job every few years. Good luck on finding anyone who can work on them other than the dealer. Allow 15¢ a mile or more for repairs and you'll be ok. Find someone who knows Sprinters and you'll be able to put it on cruise control at 100 mph.

[BundyBundeswehr]

903 trash 906 the best 907 the worst. Worked on all... 10 year factory trained MBZ Diesel tech. Mic drop. 906 is the ultimate classic MBZ easy to work on most reliable OM642 V6 made in Berlin

[time.]

I HAD a 2005 dodge sprinter for 9 years. Maintenance is key. I kept up with the maintenance and the engine and drive train outlasted the frame and underbody.
I was sad to see it go. But was quickly revived with my new to me 2015 Mercedes sprinter with the 2.1 4 cylinder and 7 speed transmission.
And no rust!!
When maintained these vans last for a long time.
With what I learned from maintaining my T1N I am confident to do my own maintenance on this new beast

[passenger]

I just want to show you some love and say "thank you"

Can we just take a moment to appreciate this guy.

Most single best video out there and it's so appreciated as I consider buying a sprinter.

Absolutely invaluable. 💯

Thanks again buddy 👍

[tosifaliyev]

Thank you so much! That was great info. I would love to hear about promaster, transit and Nissan Nv, and may be some comparison video

[DaDude]

I own a pair of rusty T1Ns. People really overblow the issue. It’s usually cosmetic and if it gets bad e.g. windows pop out, it is a low skill, low price fix to add some metal back. The engine work is much more expensive. I can get a whole lot of body work done for the price of a turbo or high pressure fuel pump. That being said, nice find on yours. I have never seen one that clean. I Fluid Film my van underbody too.

[jjackmanster]

As always a thorough analysis. My disappointment is that by doing all your own maintenance you sidestep the main reason to consider the competitors which are much less expensive to maintain. Promasters are cheaper to buy and cheaper to maintain. Getting a diesel mechanic is not easy in much of the country.

[pedrorivera]

Good video, very honest description.

On my personal experience, I own a 2007 3.0 NCV3 Sprinter.
When I bought it, it was my second diesel. I was not very familiar with the new systems on the Sprinter.
Over time I learned those systems and got confident and started working on her.

I started to do all maintenance.
Oil and filter change.
Diff and transmission service.
Coolant flush.
All hoses replacement.

At a 160 000 miles I was able to tackle the infamous oil cooler gasket replacement job, by myself.

Right after that the dpf got clogged.
This happens around every 160 000 miles.
I use molly dpf protector and believe it helps.
I also use diesel kleen.

At little over 400 000 miles, it keeps running strong.

The only issue I have to face is the dpf getting clogged at around every 160 000 miles.
Other than that is just regular maintenance. I change the engine oil every 10 000 miles.
I won't wait until 20 000 miles.

I don't need a mercedes dealer at every corner where I go. As many people claim.

I kind of sense most of the issues now a days with the Sprinter is due to the ton of technology Mercedes dumps into its vehicles, and the lack of knowledge from most of the buyers about all those systems.
It looks to me like mercedes don't want you to do the maintenance so they can do it, and kill you with the invoice.

Even after all those issues, I still believe there's no better van outhere than the Sprinter.
Is not something I try to impose, it's just a fact.

I'm not a lawyer or a doctor.
I'm just a remodeling guy.
I got to watch my investment when buying a van.
And when the time comes, I'll buy me another Sprinter.

Sincerely,
Pedro

[simonwilkinson]

The dancing oil cap. Incredible tip for a newbie like me!

[charlesharris]

Glad to see another video from you. You are one of the reasons I now have a Prius V ("alien head shape") getting 44.6 MPG.
Thanks! Also interesting that you are building a van. Maybe you'll film the build. That's pretty popular these days. Happy trails!

[rcpmac]

Good review! One exception -“Dodge produced egg shell bodies” that were prone to rust. This is simply false. In order to avoid the 25% US import tax, Sprinters were manufactured in Germany and sent to the U.S. as kits for final assembly. Sprinters in Europe have the same rust issues.

[Vilhyto]

Nice video. As a second gen Sprinter owner I agree with most of it. When my DPF got glogged my workshop sent the filter to a place where they got a machine to wash the filter. After that it has been ok. With a fraction of the cost to having a new one.

[teddyboragina]

I'm very keen to hear your transit vs promaster thoughts

[aceventuraaceventura]

Overall, for a European vehicle, it's very reliable. Of course, I am talking about mechanical reliability. Electronics is whole different discussion. It does have issues. But this is expected from a German vehicle. When you drive it though, you will know why you want to keep the vehicle. I also do my own routine maintenance. It helps me to understand the vehicle better and it seems to run better when I do my own maintenance.

[horacesawyer]

Good job. Keeps the information we want to hear, need to hear, coming without wasting time in a pleasant delivery that does not smack of salesmanship.