Question MB Sprinter, lemon or not?

[Stéphane]

Hi! This is my first post here.

I'm looking to convert a used commercial van into a camper.

I've spotted a very clean 2017 MB Sprinter 3500 (3.0 l, V6 turbo, dual wheels in back). It had one owner and had an impeccable service record.

The issue is that it has 320,000 km (200,000 miles) on it. Now everything could be fine for many more miles. But what would be the worst case scenario if the drive train (engine & transmission) is about to give up the ghost? How much would it cost to rebuild the drivetrain?

Importantly, in your opinion, is purchasing this vehicle worth the gamble?

Thanks!

 

[mjeds]

I will preface the following by saying all vehicles have issues, and a 7 to 8-year-old vehicle is likely to develop issues due to age and mileage. Some or none of these may apply to the VIN you are looking for; these are general complaints and issues noted over time and thousands of owners. NHTSA records complaints if more than 10% of the ownership of a given make/model have filed complaints. As the sprinter van is a fleet vehicle it has total sales of 353,420 units from 2014 to 2019, so 10% is 35,342 units.

I worked as an ASE tech for over 20 years for Daimler-Chrysler and GM, nothing below surprised me or is out of the ordinary, just information for you.

there doesn't seem to be anything indicating major engine/transmission failures for the diesel version (the gas version is a different story). IMO a well-maintained motor can last forever. Keep it property serviced and don't abuse it.

the sprinter forums have many members with 200,000+ miles on the diesel v6 motors, see many threads with 500,000 plus miles on them. Even one user with 1,899,991 kilometers (1.18 million miles) VERIFIED.

The real problem models appear to be the 2005-2009 models that were being built by Diamler-Chrysler (Dodge) and not Mercedes-Benz, when MBZ took over in 2010 they improved dramatically.


NHTSA lists the following complaints filed on 2014 - 2019 models (no mention of specific model or year, just general known issues)

Fuel System issues
Air bag issues
Electrical issues
Wheels/Wheel Bearing/Hub issues

recalls include driver seat recline and return failure.

technical service bulletins include:

TSB #LI54.21-N-071993​

Malfunctions in vehicle in connection with parameterization special module. Errors in PSM may cause faults.

TSB #Launch NCU - 202​

Mercedes-Benz AG (?MBAG?), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain Model Year (?MY?) 2013-2017 B-Class, C-Class, CLA-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, GLA-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, GT-Class, M-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, and SLK-Class (117, 156, 166, 172, 190, 204, 205, 207, 212, 217, 218, 222, 231, 242, 253, 292, and 463 platform), the software for the PASS control unit does not meet current series production configuration and therefore the possibility exists that a correct GPS position cannot be determined in the control unit for location based services, and an incorrect vehicle position may be displayed. Please note the E-call feature is not impacted by this issue. What We?re Doing MBUSA will conduct a Service Campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the PASS Control Unit Software

TSB #LI82.10-P-062051​

Fogging headlight plastics

TSB #Launch NCU - 202​

Mercedes-Benz AG (?MBAG?), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain Model Year (?MY?) 2013-2017 B-Class, C-Class, CLA-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, GLA-Class, GLC-Class, GLE-Class, GLK-Class, GLS-Class, GT-Class, M-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, and SLK-Class (117, 156, 166, 172, 190, 204, 205, 207, 212, 217, 218, 222, 231, 242, 253, 292, and 463 platform), the software for the PASS control unit does not meet current series production configuration and therefore the possibility exists that a correct GPS position cannot be determined in the control unit for location based services, and an incorrect vehicle position may be displayed. Please note the E-call feature is not impacted by this issue. What We?re Doing MBUSA will conduct a Service Campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the PASS Control Unit Software



other filed complaints with the NHTSA on 2014 - 2020 models include the following:

Broken Flex Pipe​

The Sprinter van’s exhaust flex pipe is known to breakdown and cause engine trouble. The pipe develops a hot exhaust leak and melts the flex pipe wiring. The hot exhaust can also melt the DEF nozzles and, sometimes, the DEF lines. This results in engine shutdown until such time as the flex pipe is replaced.

Clogged Diesel Particulate Filter​

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) filters exhaust particles to prevent black smoke from exiting through the Sprinter’s tailpipe. Foreign particulates can clog the DPF and interrupt the exhaust flow. If the exhaust is not exiting the engine, you’ll end up with performance issues and possibly a total shutdown.

DEF Failure​

If you get a check engine warning while you’re on your delivery route, the Sprinter van might be telling you that the DEF heater has failed. The DEF heater works with the DEF/AdBlue tank, which can freeze up without the heat supplied by the DEF heater. Freezing usually only occurs during the cold winter months.

Faulty Glow Plugs​

The Mercedes Sprinter diesel van uses glow plugs instead of spark plugs to fire up the engine. These plugs wear down and fail over time just as spark plugs do, or they can be broken. The nice thing about glow plugs is they last much longer than spark plugs because they only fire up when you start the van.

Oil Leaks​

Oil leaks, specifically oil cooler leaks, are common on Sprinter vans. The oil leaks commonly occur at the oil cooler gasket, and replacing the gasket can solve the problem. It’s important to have oil cooler leaks repaired right away, however, as the oil seeps out of the gasket and onto the engine’s cooler seals.

“Rumble Strip” Noise​

If you’ve ever driven over rumble strips, you know what the Sprinter “Rumble Strip” noise problem is. Low or incorrect transmission fluid can make it sound and feel as if you’re driving on a rumble strip. The more common cause, however, is a worn-out torque converter clutch, which can be rebuilt.

Start Countdown Failure​

Aside from freezing up in cold weather, the DEF/AdBlue system can also cause a startup countdown prematurely. This is how many times you can start the Sprinter’s engine again. Once the countdown reaches zero, you won’t be able to start the van. Faulty DEF and NOX sensors also cause this problem.