Are Used Mercedes Sprinters Worth It for Class B Buyers?

[Bowhill]

I’m new to this site and am currently looking to by a used class B- RV. Going over the various listings I’ve noticed a large amount of folks trying to sell Mercedes Sprinters…especially diesels. I have heard they are pretty nice vehicles / RVs but before I purchase I would like to hear some members opinions on them. I have several friends who own Mercedes sedans and all have told me that maintenance on their vehicles is very expensive and also they have experienced numerous issues with them. I’m just wondering if this also holds true for Sprinters?

 

[GeorgeRad]

Sprinters are very reliable prior to 2007/8 and reasonably reliable after about 2016. The major issue is terribly engineered, EPA regulated injection of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Malfunction of any of the DEF system components such as DEF heater, pump, NOx sensors will give owners 10 engine startups for the issue to be addressed by the dealer.

It happened to my 2013 van twice on the return route from Key West Florida to Oregon in Texas. Total cost was almost $5K which I was able to recover it (dealer didn’t honor my warranty) by communicating first directly with Daimler Benz in Germany than US. One year later I received a decent bonus with additional 4 years warranty. Since than my Sprinter works great.

Best source for information is on the Sprinter Forum. Sprinter-Source.com

 

[youngnretired]

Welcome to the forum and yes, some sprinters have emissions issues with the emissions systems while some seem to not have issues. Plus, service centers sometimes aren't plentiful, and they're not cheap. Because of these two factors, we bought an older chevy based class B. Search this forum for sprinter and start reading. The chevy, ford and Ram vans seem to have a much broader availability for service, and the current chevy express chassis has been around in the same basic form since 2003.

 

[jjrbus]

So you buy a Mercedes based RV and the dealer who works on the vans is only a couple miles away. Not all Mercedes dealers work on vans. Expensive, but money is not an issue and sometimes you have a long wait for parts but convenient.

Now you break down on a trip in the middle of no where. Happened to me with my Toyota, Hells canyon SD. Sheriff told me there was not a tow truck within 100 miles. I wonder how far away the nearest MB dealer is who works on vans? 100 miles 300 miles 400 miles. Some ERS claim they will do unlimited towing but they have to be able to find a tow driver that will take the job.

Good samaritan got me going with bailing wire and duct tape, got it repaired in the next town. MB no thanks.

 

[Jfstang]

Around my neck of the woods (Canada) diesel just rocketed up in price to $1.98 a litre. And going up more I just read this morning. Ouch. Even my son's diesel VW is feeling the pinch.
I know, First World problems. Wait... no, not going to go there lol.

 

[Bowhill]

Sprinters are very reliable prior to 2007/8 and reasonably reliable after about 2016. The major issue is terribly engineered, EPA regulated injection of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Malfunction of any of the DEF system components such as DEF heater, pump, NOx sensors will give owners 10 engine startups for the issue to be addressed by the dealer.

It happened to my 2013 van twice on the return route from Key West Florida to Oregon in Texas. Total cost was almost $5K which I was able to recover it (dealer didn’t honor my warranty) by communicating first directly with Daimler Benz in Germany than US. One year later I received a decent bonus with additional 4 years warranty. Since than my Sprinter works great.

Best source for information is on the Sprinter Forum. Sprinter-Source.com

 

[Bowhill]

Sprinters are very reliable prior to 2007/8 and reasonably reliable after about 2016. The major issue is terribly engineered, EPA regulated injection of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Malfunction of any of the DEF system components such as DEF heater, pump, NOx sensors will give owners 10 engine startups for the issue to be addressed by the dealer.

It happened to my 2013 van twice on the return route from Key West Florida to Oregon in Texas. Total cost was almost $5K which I was able to recover it (dealer didn’t honor my warranty) by communicating first directly with Daimler Benz in Germany than US. One year later I received a decent bonus with additional 4 years warranty. Since than my Sprinter works great.

Best source for information is on the Sprinter Forum. Sprinter-Source.com

Thank you for your input. Much appreciated.

 

[Bowhill]

So you buy a Mercedes based RV and the dealer who works on the vans is only a couple miles away. Not all Mercedes dealers work on vans. Expensive, but money is not an issue and sometimes you have a long wait for parts but convenient.

Now you break down on a trip in the middle of no where. Happened to me with my Toyota, Hells canyon SD. Sheriff told me there was not a tow truck within 100 miles. I wonder how far away the nearest MB dealer is who works on vans? 100 miles 300 miles 400 miles. Some ERS claim they will do unlimited towing but they have to be able to find a tow driver that will take the job.

Good samaritan got me going with baling wire and duct tape, got it repaired in the next town. MB no thanks.

Thank you for your input. You have opened my eyes.

 

[Bowhill]

Sprinters are very reliable prior to 2007/8 and reasonably reliable after about 2016. The major issue is terribly engineered, EPA regulated injection of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Malfunction of any of the DEF system components such as DEF heater, pump, NOx sensors will give owners 10 engine startups for the issue to be addressed by the dealer.

It happened to my 2013 van twice on the return route from Key West Florida to Oregon in Texas. Total cost was almost $5K which I was able to recover it (dealer didn’t honor my warranty) by communicating first directly with Daimler Benz in Germany than US. One year later I received a decent bonus with additional 4 years warranty. Since than my Sprinter works great.

Best source for information is on the Sprinter Forum. Sprinter-Source.com

Thank you very much for this information.

 

[Boxster1971]

I’ve owned two Sprinter based Airstream B-vans. My first was a 2012/2013 model that I traveled in all over USA and Canada for over 180,000 miles. I traded it for my current 2023/2024 model with the newer OM654 4-cylinder turbo diesel motor and 9-speed transmission. It is true that Mercedes service and parts can be more expensive than a Ford or Chevy. But there are plenty of smaller independed repair shops that specialize in Mercedes vehicles. I used a Freightliner Spinter shop for most of my service needs and they are cheaper than Mercedes. Both of my Sprinters have served me well, never left me stranded and were a very comfortable ride. My newer 2023 Sprinter is especially easy to drive with newer driver assist systems like adaptive cruise control and 360 degree camera system.

I have several friends with Ford B-vans and Class-C motorhomes that are not serviceable at all Ford dealers. Only selected Ford dealers are equipped to work of Ford trucks and vans.

In my opinion the Sprinter driver cab is more comfortable than a Ford Transit or E-series van.

 

[Armygeddon]

I’m new to this site and am currently looking to by a used class B- RV. Going over the various listings I’ve noticed a large amount of folks trying to sell Mercedes Sprinters…especially diesels. I have heard they are pretty nice vehicles / RVs but before I purchase I would like to hear some members opinions on them. I have several friends who own Mercedes sedans and all have told me that maintenance on their vehicles is very expensive and also they have experienced numerous issues with them. I’m just wondering if this also holds true for Sprinters?

Welcome! I’ve had zero issues mechanically or electrically with my Erwin Hymer Carado Banff, bought new in ‘18. I opted for this over MB for many reasons, of note the Ram ProMaster 2500 chassis and 3.6L Dodge Pentastar V-6. I love that it’s gas not diesel, powerful (280 HP) and reasonably fuel efficient (15-19 MPG). I maintain it myself, but there are 10K Dodge dealerships nationwide for whatever I can’t handle. Happy shopping!

 

[Squales67]

I have a MAD 2015 MB Sprinter 3500 chassis - love it, had the dreaded emissions issue where the heater in the DEF tank quit (and its non-replaceable) but MB covered the cost ($3K) as they had a ten-year agreement after a lawsuit on the "10 second" countdown debacle. There is a maintenance A (10K miles) and B (20K miles) and if you are religious about performing them, your MB will last 500, 600K miles. You will not get that out of a gas motor. Downside - fuel prices right now, hover I consistently get 15mpg....

 

[RossWilliams]

I’m new to this site and am currently looking to by a used class B- RV. Going over the various listings I’ve noticed a large amount of folks trying to sell Mercedes Sprinters…especially diesels. I have heard they are pretty nice vehicles / RVs but before I purchase I would like to hear some members opinions on them. I have several friends who own Mercedes sedans and all have told me that maintenance on their vehicles is very expensive and also they have experienced numerous issues with them. I’m just wondering if this also holds true for Sprinters?

I have a 2015 Sprinter based RV. I have nothing to compare it to but it has been a great travel vehicle. But you do pay more for the comfort it provides.

Some people report trouble with the DEF sensors, but we haven't had any problems in over 100,000 miles. We regularly fill with DEF rather than waiting for the sensor to go off. You need to add a gallon of DEF for every 50 gallons of gas.

Mercedes dealer service is expensive. But a lot of things don't require a dealer. If you break down in remote areas getting service can be a problem regardless of brand.

Fuel prices are out of control at the moment, but diesels get better mileage. That translates into a longer range which can mean avoiding the much higher prices charged in remote areas.

 

[cyagel]

I’m new to this site and am currently looking to by a used class B- RV. Going over the various listings I’ve noticed a large amount of folks trying to sell Mercedes Sprinters…especially diesels. I have heard they are pretty nice vehicles / RVs but before I purchase I would like to hear some members opinions on them. I have several friends who own Mercedes sedans and all have told me that maintenance on their vehicles is very expensive and also they have experienced numerous issues with them. I’m just wondering if this also holds true for Sprinters?

I am in the same boat as you. I am about to buy a class B, but I have already decided the Ford Transit is my chassis of choice. There are three primary reasons

First, the initial cost and maintenance cost of the Sprinter is simply prohibitive, At my age, even the simplest basic maintenance that I've always done (such as oil and filter changes) is difficult, and I'll have to let a dealer handle it. Based on location, even an oil change in a Sprinter can be as much as %500. !!!!! Most Ford dealers will service their vans, and Ford service is costly, but not THAT ridiculous

Second is the availability of service. I live in North central Florida - definitely not in the "boonies", but the nearest Mercedes dealer is more than 40 miles away. The simplest malfunction that prevents driving would require significant towing charges. The nearest Ford dealer is about 20 miles. And if you're travelling out west, for instance, you could be stranded overr a hundred miled from the nearest MB service

Third - and most diffficult to quantify, I simply do not respect or trust MB control philosophy. They seem to fall back on the old hierarchical mentality of old Germany. They feel obliged to protect all us "stupid" users from ourselves by using absolute interlocks preventing usage for even the smallest infraction or potential safety problem. As an example(and it's only from second-hand information), I understand that the sprinter has an interlock that will not let you shift out of park if you have a burned-out stoplight!

Daimler Benz makes magnificent machines, but I do not feel that I need to pay the inflated price and inflated maintenance for a camper van

Just my opinion

 

[zzfranczz]

We have had a 2014 sprinter and have gone through 3 10 counts to death. Since we had it recalled and repaired in 2021 we have had no issues and it has worked perfectly. I live in California and have found it hard to find Diesel #2. I notice a power and economy reduction if I use bio diesel of any sort. Since the last maint from a Mercedes dealer it even runs better. On our lasts trip I was getting 19.0 mpg, where typically the best was 17-17.5 and with any sort of bio 16. I have noticed that since the maint it does not use as much Blue Def as well. Since I do not have a gauge I keep it topped off. Overall it is great vehicle to drive but the Blue Def is an annoyance but since we had the recall performed I feel confident in it again.

 

[GeorgeRad]

.......................... Since I do not have a gauge I keep it topped off. Overall it is great vehicle to drive but the Blue Def is an annoyance but since we had the recall performed I feel confident in it again.

Indeed, no DEF gauge which I think is ridiculous. I am adding DEF every other fuel fills for which I use an European style Add Blue bottle to prevent any spill of this extremely corrosive fluid. They were available from MB dealer for decent price but now are absurdly priced, so I reuse these bottles. BMW, VW, AUDI, MB, JAGUAR Genuine AdBlue DEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid 1.89L T4N12112 4046934000149 | eBay UK

 

[Chris2Rock]

I’m new to this site and am currently looking to by a used class B- RV. Going over the various listings I’ve noticed a large amount of folks trying to sell Mercedes Sprinters…especially diesels. I have heard they are pretty nice vehicles / RVs but before I purchase I would like to hear some members opinions on them. I have several friends who own Mercedes sedans and all have told me that maintenance on their vehicles is very expensive and also they have experienced numerous issues with them. I’m just wondering if this also holds true for Sprinters?

I'm 71 years old, and that's all what I owned all my life is Mercedes Benz, right now I have GL450 we almost 100,000 miles on it never any issues, and 2021 Coachman buy it new FYI. After a yearly retirement in 2017 purchased Canadian made Roadtrack based on Sprinter 3500 XD 4x4, now since 2021 I own a Coachmen Galleria l i3 based on Mercedes Sprinter 3500 XD 4x4.
Didn't have any problems either one of them, matter of fact I didn't have any promise with any of my Mercedes starting with 560 in 1980s. Maybe I was just lucky.
I have to admit that Mercedes take care of in their stuff, there are always numerous recalls to take care of little things. My GL450 is 2014, and still receive a recently recall I don't remember what was for but just like software update or something. My 2021 Coachmen just had a recall for software update for emission. So I believe what it comes to, is how old is your vehicle when you buy it. All my previous Mercedesys when I was younger, I will buy it when they are two three years old with less than 30k miles. I do most of the maintenance by myself, like oil changes etc So if you are capable of doing stuff like that, I recommend you buy it, but if you are not capable of doing stuff like that and will depend on Mercedes dealer, stay away. Oh, so, I don't know if you noticed, most of Mercedesis for sale, are the little ones, shorty ones, with two liter engines, the V6s, diesels they last forever with no problems, they are extremely hard to find used just few years old. Keep in mind they stopped making v6s and 2023. Never own it the 2 l diesel motorhome, but I did drive them when visiting Europe, when going to Europe on vacation I will rent one in Germany or Poland. Never had any problems with the rentals either.

 

[TravelingCOWs]

We have a 2016 3500 4 cylinder 170 WB extended body with 138k+ miles. We've had no major issues. I add DEF within 50-100 miles from the notification and do all the scheduled maintenance.

 

[Chris2Rock]

I am in the same boat as you. I am about to buy a class B, but I have already decided the Ford Transit is my chassis of choice. There are three primary reasons

First, the initial cost and maintenance cost of the Sprinter is simply prohibitive, At my age, even the simplest basic maintenance that I've always done (such as oil and filter changes) is difficult, and I'll have to let a dealer handle it. Based on location, even an oil change in a Sprinter can be as much as %500. !!!!! Most Ford dealers will service their vans, and Ford service is costly, but not THAT ridiculous

Second is the availability of service. I live in North central Florida - definitely not in the "boonies", but the nearest Mercedes dealer is more than 40 miles away. The simplest malfunction that prevents driving would require significant towing charges. The nearest Ford dealer is about 20 miles. And if you're travelling out west, for instance, you could be stranded overr a hundred miled from the nearest MB service

Third - and most diffficult to quantify, I simply do not respect or trust MB control philosophy. They seem to fall back on the old hierarchical mentality of old Germany. They feel obliged to protect all us "stupid" users from ourselves by using absolute interlocks preventing usage for even the smallest infraction or potential safety problem. As an example(and it's only from second-hand information), I understand that the sprinter has an interlock that will not let you shift out of park if you have a burned-out stoplight!

Daimler Benz makes magnificent machines, but I do not feel that I need to pay the inflated price and inflated maintenance for a camper van

Just my opinion

You heard some stupid stories about Mercedes, if I was you, I would not repit it, make you look bad.

 

[MiddKid]

A couple notes. My 2018 Galleria (2017 3500 chassis) bought used at 50,000 miles has been very reliable through another 50,500 miles. No DEF issues. Fuel mileage 15 mpg+ average at least, it can push 20 mpg driven gently, meaning hold 62mph on highways. Estimates of 15-17 mpg average are realistic. Diesel is more expensive but offset by greater energy density than gas. It's a rare class B gasser that can touch that.