camping

Submitted: Monday, Oct 04, 2021 at 20:08

ThreadID: 142681 Views:5461 Replies:4 FollowUps:3

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Member - Barry P (VIC)

in future thinking of buying something like an ex merc ambulance and doing a small fitout, question is which model? year,diesel etc, maybe,$20,000 or more,any ideas appreciated thanks

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Reply By: Eric d3 - Monday, Oct 04, 2021 at 22:03

Monday, Oct 04, 2021 at 22:03

Barry.
I have a range of sprinter vans if you want to test drive one. I am 50 ks south east of Melbourne. Eric

AnswerID: 638200

Reply By: Member - mechpete - Tuesday, Oct 05, 2021 at 10:56

Tuesday, Oct 05, 2021 at 10:56

think carefully about it
i worked in one of the ambulance workshops in rural victoria for many yrs
an i can say they are not a Benz quality vehicle they have some very expenisve issues
the v6 diesel has more problems then the 5 cyl they are not all made in Germany
some are made in Sth America .After workin on them i wouldn,t buy one
cheers mechpete

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Reply By: Member - Racey - Tuesday, Oct 05, 2021 at 13:38

Tuesday, Oct 05, 2021 at 13:38

Certainly not the best ride in town. Rough as guts

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Reply By: PeterInSa - Friday, Oct 15, 2021 at 11:24

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 at 11:24

We have a Long Wheel Vase High Roof ( Merc) Sprinter its a 313 (130BHP) 2004 and a manual model. My understanding it that pre 2006 models do not have the pollution gear that can cause issues, and the manual models do not have the issues of the automatics ( ie automated manual). This issues is not rocket science to resolve its just a case of problems because of length of use.

Our Sprinter is a smooth ride, since its loaded up with all the gear, compared to driving an empty van.

I think most ex ambo are 316's and are Medium Wheel base and a lot have been converted to campervans ( I would not but a 315 or 515 Sprinter)

Some more info here:
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/86186/

AnswerID: 638292

Follow Up By: Member - Barry P (VIC) - Friday, Oct 15, 2021 at 13:29

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 at 13:29

thanks for reply much appreciated,not sure what you mean about the 315 or515,does it mean not to buy?thankyou

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Follow Up By: PeterInSa - Friday, Oct 15, 2021 at 15:32

Friday, Oct 15, 2021 at 15:32

From Memory some 315 and 515 Sprinters with engines around 200,00Km or so because of big end wear along with oil pressure issues caused the engine to explode.

There are fixes that allow the owner to monitor the situation and some315/515's do not have an issue have read about some doing over 400,000Km. I have not read of 315/515 engine problems after a certain date maybe 2010? but they may not be made after 20XX, These engines are Twin Turbo'ed which may be part of the problem. I think 313's and 316's are single Turbo.

Google: 315 Exploding Engines to see more info

FollowupID: 916670