merc. sprinter

Average build quality. Our mechanic does not speak highly of them. I would not buy one with the intention of keeping it long term. One of ours at work did a motor and transmission (at different times) before it hit 80000. Terrible ergonomics, it is not possible for most people to get comfortable behind the wheel.

Trevor.
The sprinter is a very good vehicle on smooth roads, the suspension is deigned to carry heavy loads so when emty they are rough on dirt roads. Reliability is good if the fuel is clean, they are designed for the much cleaner fuels of europe. Fuel consumption is low about 10L / 100k at 80k/ h rising to 12l/100k at 110 k/h. I recomend them to experienced drivers, they can be lethal in the hands of a teenager as they go so fast and are very tall. The only problems I am aware of are noisy diffs and alternator pulleys. the diffs can be fixed for about $200 plus labour, the alternator pulley can be replaced for about $150. I find the driving position very good if you have cruise control. Eric.

Didnt Raymond buy one and kitted it out with 40000 tons of gear?
have a search, I think it was one of them

We were managing a motel in Rockhampton last year and at 10.00 a.m, took a reservation from a travelling rep who was in Emerald...around 3 - 4 hours drive from Rocky. He was having engine trouble with his Sprinter and was backtracking to get to Rocky to the Benz dealer.

He said he would be in late afternoon as the Sprinter woldn't go over 75k's/hour.

He arrived at 3.30 a.m not p.m as intended, and spent the next week at the motel until the Benz dealer got the thing right again.

He hated it and was close to setting fire to it and claiming the insurance.....

Hope this helps
Rick & Julie

hi trev. As i work on these sprinters 316 CDI 2.7lt 5cly turbo model. we have a fleet of them (200+).The reliability of these vehicle is very poor.Have done head gaskets 80,000- 120,000km. Gear boxes with sprintshift system (semi auto/no clutch pedal)hydralic pumps fails without warning which controls gears and clutch. Fuel system,pump,injectors,pressure regulators are all very costly when they fail.Rear & side door hinges dont last at all,the guide rails bent out of shape. the performance of these engine are quick of the line ,but run out puff at top end.Not sure on the fuel comsumption,but has reduce the fuel bill to half for the company.
At the end of the day I would not buy one and if i did i would be 1 very unhappy customer..
p.s the only good thing that mercedes have is roadside assistance.

cheers..

Dont do it to yourself you dont need the agro !!!. I drive one daily (well almost, spends lots of time in workshop) mostly electrical issues & RATTLE.

gee, thanks for all that imfo, no positives about the merc, is there any van's,ford,fiat, ivaneco,,,,,,,,,any good?
trevor d