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.
The van drift at beginning is epic.
The dancing oil cap. Incredible tip for a newbie like me!
Thank you! Appreciate the time you took to share with us , we can ALWAYS learn from others even if we think we know it all. Blessings
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.
Thanks for sharing... I'm considering a 2019
@@joshua-the-seer8494 hopefully you'll have good luck with the improved chassis if you do buy. Note also the sticker on the inside of the fuel door that says "Diesel #2 or B5 Only". You can use higher biodiesel in an emergency according to the manual but try not to if you can.
Sounds about right the vehicles are good but the dealerships are Crooks
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.
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
you joined 5 months ago and only 1 review??? seems sketchy
The problem is technology? Failing flex exhaust? Broken injectors? Black Death? Trany leaks and York converter fail? It Al mechanical
Pedro
PEDRO ... my 2020 v6 deasel sprinter is hostage in dealers. Repairs and mantainace nightmare after . Computer tell low engine oil when it wasn't but not deep stick to check I would appreciate if you can guide me what is necessary and what is they wanting more money. They are now not wanting to be transparent and honore the recalls
I am wheeling to learn and keep my van for a long time. Sincerely. MARIBEL
Only a half way in and can say, this review is beyond excellent!! Thanks for the excellent tips.
hi Greg appreciate your videos >Packed with information, with no hype no yelling and the camera is on a tripod. keep them rolling.
Thank you very much Car Angel…. you are missed because you are thorough and professional …stay safe thank you for sharing
Super video! We're shopping used Sprinter now. Very helpful. Thank you!
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
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.
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!
How you like your Prius V? Anything dislike or common issue with it in general? I’m considering one
Thanks Greg! You're one of the reasons I'm daily driving a 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser. No rattles, squeaks or vibrations! Built like a Swiss watch. Love it. Thank you!
Swiss watches , as time pieces, are not that accurate compared to Japanese pieces. Plus, they’re often way overpriced.
@@alexnutcasio936 Not only that, a large percentage of the parts and assembly may be done in a foreign country (i.e. China) with final assembly in Switzerland. "Made in Switzerland" only means a portion of the parts and/or assembly was done in that country. I would never buy one. Japanese is the way to go. Like my Land Cruiser.
Ugh, but the fuel bill on that V8
Yup, l avoided all the junk vans offered in the states & made an RV out of a Toyota Highlander. The reliability is SO comforting! Took it on a 30,000 mile 1.5 yr trip around the country & pulled a small trailer with it; it ran like a champ! (Only one minor sensor went bad, otherwise problem free.)
Best automotive reviews on KZhead
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 👍
agreed :)
Me too. Thanks for all the great info!
Thanks for the great information, I have a2003 that I purchased new (2004) Leisure Travel van Class B conversion with about 107.000 miles on it. other than normal maintenance has been trouble free. Garage kept and is still like new and would not dream of replacing it with a newer version.
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 looooong 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.
Thank you for the wisdom, Greg.
Quality presentation. Thank-you
excellent and very informative...thanks for sharing your expertise !!!
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
Why Toyota doesn't make a cargo van? Non of the other three will sell.
AMEN to that. We have an 05 Airstream Interstate (04 T1N) and I do my own maintenance and haven't had any major issues in the 2 years we've owned it. 139,000 miles 20 of which we put on including a round trip to CA. 9 day 6500 miles. I keep saying, I need a TOYOTA RV.
Toyota Hiace
At approximately 10:25, you mention that you will leave a link in the description for a solution to the rumble strip noise, but I could not find the link. Would you please reply to this comment and let us know what the link is? I apologize if it's in your video description and I missed it. I bought a 2006 T1N with over 175,000 miles, and it runs great! It has a little rumble strip noise only under certain conditions. It's actually a Class B RV, and with all that weight I consistently get 21 - 23 MPG. The last 2 fill-ups were 23 MPG, and that's with driving hills and curvy mountain roads! Thanks for a great video, a real gem with really useful and accurate information concisely and clearly presented.
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.
Very very informative. Always liked Sprinter Vans. Ours was mostly a work truck.
I really love your videos. Can you make more often?
I love all your videos I enjoy it thank you for sharing
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.
Your reviews are excellent. I have purchased two cars with help of your reviews - a PriusV (killed my back) then a 2014 Volt. Volt also killed my back, but I fixed the seat with a pillowcase filled with 25# of split peas and a lumbar cushion. Wish I'd figured it out with the PriusV, but I do love the Volt. Now I need a small cargo van, Transit Connect or Promaster City? Not ready for a big one yet.
Great video !
Thank you this was so insightful
Good to see vans.
great video after 6 sprinters 3 of them went bad on transmission that's my only flaw, but im moving on to promaster or transit this year. sprinter prices are too dam high now days.
There are several differences with engines and trans as well as the things you covered. I've been driving these for decades now and the new Sprinters have the most issues by far.
dude your a Genius man im a huge fan.
I wish you had gotten more into the maintenance issues with the VS 30 like the EGR valve that clogs so easily. Anyway, thanks for the video!
Great video well explain
Thank you for this video 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks for the video 🤗
2003 sprinter, original owner , 375,000 miles and drives like the day I bought it. It does have the rumble strip vibration since new , even after the DARF mod.
👍👍 thanks for sharing this information.
our library system purchased 2 of these 2014 Sprinters. Farber converted them into bookmobiles. -The Death Triangle is real, especially since these have high idle times. Since 2020, the vehicles have had 2-3 "DEF" events per year. I don't know the amount of money that has gone to fix these issues, but i want to estimate it at about $5K per incidence. These DEF issues, along with part shortages, accounted for us being down close to 8 months in 2021. But I gotta say when they run, the turbo engine and great turning radius do make it a fun drive.
I’d Avoid the Promaster like the plague. It’s a Fiat underneath - reliability not included.
The work van I had for a couple of years was the Promaster. Never had an issues but that 3.6 always smelled like antifreeze. Same as the wife's Jeep. The plastic oil cooler will crack. Thanks Fiat.
Fiat is owned by Stillantis, which only manufactures POS vehicles. Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep are owned by Fiat / Stillantis. I don’t think Fiat has ever built anything with quality.
FIAT: Fix It Again Tony!
@@bah5310. You can replace that plastic oil cooler with a metal one.
@bah5310 3.6 Pentastar, the auto transmission and it's oil cooler are 100% Chrysler. The fiat equivalent would be a diesel, almost all of them manual tranny
Well, the Greg is a good bloke to watch.
The best van ever, Mercedes sprinter 2500 v6 or v4 🔥 I drive them every day.
Hi Greg, i liked your video, its a good introduction for a first time buyer, thank you. You mentioned a link for the rumbling noise, could you please pass it on, as it doesn't seem to appear in the dialogue box.
I have a request that you do more car series. Like van series such odyssey, serria,, caravans.
We have nothing but issues with sprinter vans 2019-22 and the 2022 has been in the shop 15 times for the DPF system. Once the warranty expires we will trade them all off.
I'm considering a 2019 for HVAC work. $38k 64k miles
@@joshua-the-seer8494junk. Run away
Delete that garbage emissions
My 2014, 4 cylinder is giving me 24mpg. Thats better than my minivan. I bought it with 158k miles and it had a few gremlins to work out. These included nox sensor and a hole in the top of the fuel tank from when someone drilled through the floor. Runs like a top now. Also it has the highest sitting position of the three vans. Great visibility!
Good understand car model Sprinter .Thank you.
Best Presentation 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👏👏👏
Looked at a second hand 2015 Sprinter 315 here in Portugal. I performed the oil cap test and it danced! The van drove well and was otherwise nice. I wanted to confirm that this behavior is a sign that the engine may need replacing? Thank you for the video and great information!
Helpful, thanks
I performed the death triangle repair on a 2014 Sprinter. OEM parts at a bargain from Auto Haus were 4k
Great video..... now I know.
Greg- I just acquired my first sprinter diesel van and aside from anti-gel for the winter, what other products and or chemicals would you recommend please??
Parts availability, since Covid, seems to have become a real issue with older vehicles. Inventory has run low and it’s unknown if they will start making those repair parts again.
its the best van to buy, i had two 2004 sprinters one 2014 sprinter and loved it, now i got ford transit Not happy with it will be going back to sprinter probably next year
I got a new Ford Transit van company vehicle. Three times in shop first year. Kept thinking I should just keep the worn out E350 service replacement van.
I was on my way to the store to get a box of Frosted Flakes, after watching this video…I made a U Turn to buy a Sprinter!!!
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.
there is nothing like the t1n reliable,strong,peppy and fuel efficient
Hello from Europe, the info I've received is that the white vans are the worst for rust. I appears those speced with 'upmarket' colours are better protected, which certainly matches what I see. Have also heard it is critical to replace the oil pump @ 100k miles, but this may only apply to the 2.1 turbo diesel which is very popular in Europe. This small engine is very impressive matted to the manual box, leisurely lugging a fully loaded xlwb Sprinter @ 70/80 mph on the freeway.
You mentioned a rumbling while decelerating the T1N and leaving a repair link. Can you provide?
Hi there I'm looking at a older one perhaps swb. What engine will you recommend. Currently looking at 316 auto, 208 manual, and 2.8t manual? Thanks Rus
Beautiful 👍
When i was looking for my van i only considered Chevy and Ford. Both every mechanic can work on them and any auto parts has their parts.
nice vid
Excellent.... 👍
As an ex delivery driver it was mostly mass air sensors that got us into limp mode .
I would like to know which Euro5 van you would recommend for a camperbuild. Reliable engine, not much Rust and not to expensive. Renault Master?
I'm very keen to hear your transit vs promaster thoughts
That would be great
Stay away from both, especially the Promaster
i always wondered how these vehicles held up compared to their car counterparts. well, now i know.
Same s**t.
I'm considering purchasing a Mercedes-Benz 2500 passenger van gasoline engine. What is the reliability on the I4 engine?
can you make a video about the new 2024 sprinter ? Can't find any reviews about the new 4 cylinder turbo they use
can you add the link for the rumble strip fix? thank you
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.
E350 or E450
Iveco Daily is better
Hmm, nice informative video. .However that the early NCV3s 07-09 US model years had neither Nox sensors nor DEF fluid. Also anything related to emissions is not associated with limp mode but rather "derate mode" .... easy way to remember this is that limp mode = engine issue, emergency mode = transmission issue, and derate mode = emissions issue. dpf filters are post cat,
I thought this was true. So is 2010 the first DEF sprinter year?
@@demonhogo yes. The earlier years were simpler. I currently own a 07 08 and 09.
Did they start out with DEF in 2007 with the chassis or wait till 2010-ish like the trucks did?
Shopping a 2016 with low miles, 4x4, and a few modest camper upgrades. Any way to bypass the DEF triangle? Possible to delete it all together?
I wish you talked more about the 2019.. looking at getting one $38k 65,000 miles. I heard there's recalls tho, and I don't wanna get trapped with something that has serious underlying issues
I think the issue is that it’s new enough that not enough people have put enough mileage on to make a conclusion on reliability. There are recalls, unfortunately that’s normal for most new cars within the first few production years. Doesn’t necessarily mean the car will have long term reliability problems.
I just hit 265k on my 2.1 4-cylinder 2014 sprinter. Honestly it’s been the most maintenance free vehicle I’ve ever owned. Regular maintenance, water pump and alternator are the only things I’ve done. I live in the southwest where rust isn’t an issue, so engine, trans, and dpf all look and run like the day I bought it new.
Same for me. Quite surprised at all the issues people report on forums. Even getting into 4x4 is straightforward and there is no end of complaints.
You got lucky... thats it thats all.
@@razor6888 i also have a girlfriend with a boob job and a tan, so lucky is my middle name 🤣
Have you ever used b20 biodiesel? Added 15 gallons to mine today and now I’m wondering what I’m in for
What type of undercoating and what Companies do you recommend 😊
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 Crew Van has this issue: and P0087 (fuel rail system pressure too low). Is the low fuel pressure fix is a major repair? It's a 5 cylinder diesel uses a very high pressure fuel injection system. How expensive coukd it be to fix?
13:20 , Greg, you’re inaccurate in describing the DPF issue. The issue was one of interrupting the regeneration more than once before it completed. If you interrupted it while regenning and then didn’t let it complete the second time while it was regenning, it created the triangle of death to which you refer, the CEL. Problem was and is, it didn’t let you know when it was regenning unless you closely watched the fuel mileage while regenning ( it dumps fuel into DPF and dramatically reduces mpg while regenning.) .
WOW, what a useful thing to remember out there! We send love to both Greg and Alex. Two wise men for teaching today, that will help some one reading your pots.
I heard they did a recall on it and fixed them. Is it a good buy right now after the recall?
What happens if you accidentally add a tankful of b20 biodiesel to the Sprinter?
I wished they offer something that competes with Delica D:5 :)
I have a 2008 ncv3 under a Coachmen RV, and it doesn't have a def system (which is why I bought it).
"Gas station attendant" 😅🤣😂 Haven't seen one of those in 35 years!
I see you’ve never been to Oregon.
@@YourCarAngel Only in an OTR truck...about 30 times. I drove long haul for 10 years, about 1.6 million miles. I didn't say they don't exist, only that I haven't seen one since 1988. I know they still have them in NJ and NY, too. It was just very odd hearing them mentioned.
Im a mechanic in a bus company. And we have 85 sprinter gen 2 and 3. I have replace so many nox sensor and adblue heating hoose. And drive haft.. 😅
Which gen or one is worthy or are they just not worth it?
@@adamf1944 both gen 2 or 3 are good sprinters. Cant say about gen 1. I would say the most command fails we see is driver errors. Simply they dont check their cars. They just jump in and turn the key. We just for some gen 4 and they use oil 🤗. Out cars drive between 40000 and 70000km a year. The gen 4 All of Them have under 10000km and used 2 liter oil 😅
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.
Did the VS30 model correct the death triangle?? I have a 2020 v6 and am paranoid that it may idle too much. (Would love to be able to let it idle to charge my lithium batteries)
Following for reply... I'm looking at a 2019
With all the reviews I’ve watched on KZhead seems like these Mercedes vans are a status symbol with a very high price for the customer and you actually have to become a mechanic in order to know the knowledge or stupidity behind it.. I wanted to upgrade my van, but I’ll stick to my VW vanagon I know it won’t cost me $100,000 and then some just for taking it back-and-forth to the dealership for issues and everything else that Mercedes named comes with! Thanks for the review!
Not really. I’m not rich by any means. Got one of these beasts for 20k and it has over 400k miles on it and have had zero issues.
Just go for a Iveco Daily if you guys have those in the US.
Gen1 also sold as Volkswagen Grafter Saw a 10 year old rusted to dust but had nearly 900k miles on it! DEF fluid is called AdBlue here in Europe
Does 2019+ have the ‘death triangle’ of the ncv3?
Best van ever
How are the gasoline sprinter vans?
I think that Peugeot Manager and Renault Trafic are better option, both are cheaper and reliable. Also, Nissan Urvan is very reliable, but safety scores are very poor. VW Krafter is good, but emissions are awful. American vans like Transit or Express are crap, especially those with stupid automatic transmission. Nice video Greg, greetings from México.
Unfortunately those aren't sold in the US or Canada, so these are the only options they get.
With my sprinter I have been unable to keep it on road 1 year of work on 5 years of ownership and don't expect anyone to work on it
What is the link for the rubbling issue?