Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

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Other names

From 2001 to 2001, Sprinters were sold in the United States under the Freightliner Sprinter name.

Specifications

Curb weight	4,696 lbs.
GVWR	8,550 lbs.

T1N Sprinter

Florida Van Man - T1N Sprinter focused, with events and online community

Sprinter

(external image) The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been sold under many nameplates: Dodge, MB, Freightliner, etc. It was the first of the modern eurovans sold in the US. Perhaps because of the head start it is the dominant high-roof camper conversion platform in the U.S., both DIY and commercial Class B.

The Sprinter is famed for huge cargo volume and for the fuel efficiency of the diesel engines which can get 20+ MPG.^[1] They are also the largest vans available, with the Extended Body option on the 170" wheelbase extending to a full 24 feet long.

The "super high roof" and (discontinued?) "mega roof" appear to have fiberglass roofs, though panels are reported to mount to them without issue.^[2]

alternator

[[https://img.mousetrap.net/misc/thumbs/alt_Sprinter-220A_curve.jpg (external image)]]

See this discussion on which Sprinters have "smart" alternators (E33 in Sprinter-speak). Single-voltage alternators appear to run ~14.1v.^[3]

Alternators may include:^[4]

180A (T1N?)
200A (4cyl OM651)
220A (6cyl OM642)^[5] -- see output curve on the right
250A (code M60) optional

By 2016-2017 regulation was being managed by the ECU:

>> The alternator regulator is equipped with a LIN (Local Interface Network) interface. The characteristics of the LIN alternators are fixed in the engine control unit^[6]

Solar mounting

> T1N flat roof area measurements are approximately 52" x 168" -- DesertAdventures

2007+ Sprinters have roof holes punched (sealed from the factory) for mounting racks or rails. video | article with pictures

Known issues

In general, the (before 2010) T1N models are simpler and often preferred for field maintainability.

Body rust issues until 2017 (?) - Metallic colors may have received better clearcoat.
2008+ diesel emissions control:
- AKA ["fatal flaw"].
- 2008-2018 model years are particularly problematic due to the location of the components. They are very tightly packed and there isn't much airflow in the area, leading to heat buildup that eventually cooks the DEF tank/heater and exhaust particulate filter. This is made worse when subjected to long periods of idling.
- The tight packaging makes the system very difficult to access for repairs/replacement, requiring sometimes dozens of hours of labor. Repair bills can easily run into the thousands.
- For the 2019 model year, the system underwent significant redesign and anecdotal reports have been generally positive, with increase reliability and easier to access components. However it will always be an achilles heel of any modern diesel.
fuel injector ["black death"]
T1N: glow plug seizure in cylinder head
pay close attention to M-B specs for engine oils. Which spec goes with which engine.
Service may be difficult to locate; not all M-B dealers can work on the Sprinter vans and some do not work on any vehicle over 10 years old.
Parts and hourly rate are expensive, particularly at M-B dealerships. Many repairs (especially regarding the emission systems on 2010+ vans) are locked behind proprietary computer systems that are only available at a dealership.