Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

2007 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1995–1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Daimler AG (2008–present Mercedes-Benz & Freightliner)
Production	1995–present
Assembly	Düsseldorf, Germany Buenos Aires, Argentina Ladson, South Carolina, United States Tai'an, China (Xinkai Auto) Juiz de Fora, Brasil (MCV)
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz TN
Successor	Ram ProMaster (USA)
Class	Light commercial vehicle, Full-size van (USA)
Body style	4-door minivan 2-door pickup truck 4-door crew cab 4-door minibus
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Related	Volkswagen Crafter Renault Master

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a full-size van, built by Daimler AG of Stuttgart, Germany as a van, chassis cab and minibus, and sold as a Mercedes model, except in the United States where it is built from complete knock down (CKD) kits and were sold by Freightliner, or by Chrysler as the Dodge Sprinter, prior to the Chrysler divestiture. The are now marketed again by Mercedes-Benz. Rebadged and re-engined Sprinters are also sold by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as the Volkswagen LT and the Volkswagen Crafter.

First Generation

First generation (903)

2000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Also called	Dodge Sprinter Freightliner Sprinter Mercedes-Benz Transporter T1N
Production	1995–2006 1996–2011 (Argentina)
Engine	Phase I 1995–2000: 2.3L I4 OM 601 79 hp Diesel 2.9L I5 OM 602 102 hp Turbodiesel 2.9L I5 OM 602 129 hp Turbodiesel 2.3L I4 M 111 143 hp DOHC 16v MPI Phase II 2000–2006: 2.1L I4 OM 611 82 hp CDI 2.1L I4 OM 611 109 hp CDI 2.1L I4 OM 611 129 hp CDI 2.7L I5 OM 612/ OM 647 156 hp CDI 2.3L I4 M 111 143 hp DOHC 16V MPI
Transmission	5-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Related	Volkswagen LT

2003-2006 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 CDI, Australia

Europe

The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated Mercedes-Benz TN van (dating from 1977). It was voted International Van of the Year for 1995.

The second generation Sprinter was introduced in Europe in 2006. It was voted Van of the Year 2007 and again in 2008 by Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine. 2012 Information and Fuel Consumption Figures http://www.vantrader.org/Pages/MercedesSprinterModels.aspx.

North America

The first generation (VA Chassis) North American Sprinter was launched in 2001 in the U.S., and originally branded as a Freightliner. Units sold to the rest of North America were badged as Mercedes until 2003 when they received Dodge branding. Units in the United States and Canada, but not in Mexico, could be purchased as a Dodge or Freightliner brand from 2003. The product was launched and supported by DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC, a small division based out of Huntersville, North Carolina. Key individuals from DaimlerChrysler Commercial Vehicle Division and Freightliner Trucks were selected to spearhead the effort and made up the bulk of the division. DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC retained sole responsibility for the North American Sprinter market until the sales, service and parts support responsibilities were absorbed by Chrysler Commercial Vehicle Division in 2004. Nearly all of the original staff were retained, though the base of operations shifted from North Carolina to Auburn Hills, Michigan. The remainder of DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC remained active in Huntersville as an engineering, upfitter certification and safety compliance resource in support of the Sprinter.

Dodge Sprinter (US)

For 2003, DaimlerChrysler introduced a Dodge-branded version of the Sprinter to the North American market. It was identical to the Freightliner Trucks version except for minor styling details and badging. Rather than redesign the aging Dodge Ram Van which used the same basic body and layout since the 1970s and was discontinued in 2003, DaimlerChrysler chose to replace it with the Sprinter.

From 2001 through 2006, the cargo van versions of the Sprinter were manufactured in Düsseldorf, Germany, partially disassembled and shipped to a facility in Gaffney, South Carolina where they were reassembled. The cargo versions, classified as light trucks, are subject to the 25% chicken tax if imported as a complete unit, which is avoided by the disassembly and subsequent reassembly. Passenger vans were not subject to the same tax classifications, and were imported as an assembled unit through Mercedes at the Port of Jacksonville, Florida.

The second generation (VB Chassis) Sprinter debuted in early 2007.^{[citation needed]} The cargo version of this model is re-assembled at a plant in Ladson, South Carolina which was previously used as an American LaFrance factory. Like its predecessor, the passenger version is brought in as a complete unit. The previous reassembly facility in Gaffney, South Carolina continues to be used by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation. The second (North American) generation Sprinter is a complete redesign from the prior model, with the W5A380 transmission being the only significant carryover part from the earlier generation.

Japan

The Sprinter van was sold as the Mercedes-Benz Transporter T1N due to Toyota using the name on an upgraded Corolla.

Engines

1995–2000

models	engine code	configuration	displacement	max. power	max. torque
208 D 308 D 408 D	OM 601	inline four 8v SOHC	2,299 cc (140.3 cu in)	79 PS (58 kW; 78 hp)	152 N·m (112 lbf·ft)
210 D 310 D 410 D	OM 602	inline five 10v SOHC	2,874 cc (175.4 cu in)	102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp)	250 N·m (184 lbf·ft)
212 D 312 D 412 D	OM 602	inline five 10v SOHC	2,874 cc (175.4 cu in)	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)	280 N·m (207 lbf·ft)
214 314 414	M 111	inline four 16v DOHC	2,295 cc (140.0 cu in)	143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp)	210 N·m (155 lbf·ft)

Dodge Branded North American sales

Calendar Year	Sales
2008	14,600
2009	7,154

Uses

Second generation (906)

2008 Mercedes Sprinter
Also called	Mercedes Benz Sprinter Freightliner Sprinter Dodge Sprinter (2007-2010)
Production	2006–present 2007-2010 & 2012-present (Argentina)
Engine	2.1L I4 OM 646 CDI 3.0L V6 OM642 CDI 3.5L V6 M272
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Related	Volkswagen Crafter (LT3)
Designer(s)	Laurent Boulay

The Sprinter is designed primarily for business, not private users, although recreational vehicle (RV) conversions are available. In the United States, the first generation Sprinters (2001–2006) were offered solely with the Mercedes-Benz 2.7 litre straight five cylinder turbocharged Diesel.

Companies such as Apple Inc. are replacing van conversions with wide bus bodies — with Sprinters with side-facing benches and tall right-side doors — as campus shuttle buses. Limited numbers of complete "wagons" (passenger vans) are being produced in Germany and shipped complete to the United States market for mostly individual and church van uses. Typical Sprinter Wagons accommodate 8 to 10 passengers, and have glass in all of the normal positions that windows can be factory installed. Vans shipped to the United States on-spec (speculation to sell by dealer/distributor) are mostly sent in Arctic White color, but many standard and a few special colors are available on these passenger vans. The Dodge dealer network for Sprinters is limited to certified locations (known as "Business Link" certified dealers, usually only awarded to "Five Star" certified dealers), and dealer knowledge is still limited in both sales and service. Special orders typically take one to three months for delivery, and may stretch out even longer, due to the assembly and dis-assembly in Germany, and exporting of parts to South Carolina for re-assembly; the exception is passenger van models, which are assembled in Germany and exported assembled.^{[citation needed]}

Dodge Sprinter 2500 (US)

In North America, most Sprinters are sold as cargo vans to expediters in the United States. Such expediters are similar to truck drivers, except they take smaller loads and will wait in a town indefinitely after unloading, until dispatchers find another customer nearby to transport goods. The advent of the Sprinter van with its cargo space of 13-1/2 feet (4.1 m) has allowed van expediters to take three 48 x 48 in (1.22 x 1.22 m) skids or pallets, where previously they were confined to two. A Sprinter is capable of hauling approximately 3000 lb (1360 kg) of cargo.

The vehicle has been adopted by the police in Hong Kong, and as an ambulance by countries in Western Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, and New Zealand. The 515 CDI has become the standard ambulance for use by the National Health Service (England)|National Health Service]] (NHS) in the United Kingdom.

Another market in which Sprinters are gaining ground is as van conversions and recreational vehicles. Conversions include RV's, limousines, family and luxury vans, office vans, wheelchair accessible vans, and golf vans. Sprinter RV conversions can also be called Sprinter campervans. Sprinter conversions have been produced by several RV and coach manufacturers.

Despite not being marketed as a family vehicle, a custom-modified Dodge-branded Sprinter was used by the ten-member Gosselin family, the subjects of the TLC reality series Jon & Kate Plus 8.

The 906 (second generation) was produced in Argentina only for export markets — except Mercosur markets (Brasil, Uruguay and Paraguay) — from 2007 until 2010, but in 2011 announced the new production of the second generation in the Centro Industrial J. Manuel Fangio, in Buenos Aires with the brand new OM 651 engine (also local made) and exported to the rest of America (including Mercosur markets). Since 2012, it's manufactured for the Mercosur and 40 other countries.

In Colombia, the Sprinter is the most popular van for intercity transport. The Sprinter was famous for the case of son of former President Julio Cesar Turbay, Julio Cesar Turbay, Jr. in public employ like "Contralor of Republic" had an Scandal for bought a Mercedes Sprinter with luxury accessories.

A Mercedes Sprinter is also the vehicle used by Mike and Frank on The History Channel reality series American Pickers.

2014 Facelift

For the 2014 model year the Sprinter gets an updated, more stylish grille with LED running lights. In an effort to make the Sprinter's fuel economy more competitive, North American models will get the 2.1L engine formerly only available overseas; while the 3.0L will remain as an option. The 2.1L engine will be mated to a new 7 speed automatic transmission. A gasoline engine will also be added to the North American models. The 2014 Sprinter will add several new driver assistance technologies including: standard Crosswind Assist, optional Blind Spot Assist and Collision Prevention Assist, as well as Lane Keeping Assist and Highbeam Assist. Air suspension will be available on the 3500-series model.

Sprinter City

A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter City 65 minibus

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter City minibus variant of the Sprinter has been in production since 1995 and is marketed through EvoBus. There are three sizes, Sprinter City 35, 65 and 77, which seat from 10 to 16 passengers and with standing passengers can take total loads of from 22 to 40 passengers. The 77 variant has a low floor throughout and a third pair of wheels at the rear.

Engines

For its engine choices, the Sprinter is currently offered with inline four and V-six cylinder diesel engines; V-six cylinder petrol/gasoline; or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. In North America, only the six cylinder 3.0 litre turbodiesel and six cylinder 3.5 litre gasoline engines are offered. In Brazil, between 1998 to 2002, are used a Maxion/Rover HSD Diesel engine, with 2,5Lt. The versions are 310D with 95PS (Turbo Diesel) and 312D, with 115PS (Turbo Diesel Intercooler).

An electric hybrid version has been tested, but is not currently officially part of the Sprinter range.

2000–2006 (2002–2006 USA)

models	engine code	configuration	displacement	max. power	max. torque
208 CDI 308 CDI 408 CDI	OM 611	inline four 16v DOHC	2,148 cc (131.1 cu in)	82 PS (60 kW; 81 hp)	200 N·m (148 lbf·ft)
211 CDI 311 CDI 411 CDI	OM 611	inline four 16v DOHC	2,148 cc (131.1 cu in)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)	270 N·m (199 lbf·ft)
213 CDI 313 CDI 413 CDI	OM 611	inline four 16v DOHC	2,148 cc (131.1 cu in)	129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp)	300 N·m (221 lbf·ft)
216 CDI 316 CDI 416 CDI 616 CDI	OM 612 / OM 647	inline five 20v DOHC	2,685 cc (163.8 cu in)	156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp)	330 N·m (243 lbf·ft)
214 314 414	M 111	inline four 16v DOHC	2,295 cc (140.0 cu in)	143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp)	210 N·m (155 lbf·ft)

2006–present (2007–2010 USA)

models	engine code	configuration	displacement	max. power	max. torque
209 CDI 309 CDI 509 CDI	OM 646	inline four 16v DOHC	2,148 cc (131.1 cu in)	88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp)	220 N·m (162 lbf·ft)
211 CDI 311 CDI 411 CDI 511 CDI	OM 646	inline four 16v DOHC	2,148 cc (131.1 cu in)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)	280 N·m (207 lbf·ft)
213 CDI 313 CDI	OM 646	inline four 16v DOHC	2,148 cc (131.1 cu in)	129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp)	305 N·m (225 lbf·ft)
215 CDI 315 CDI 415 CDI 515 CDI	OM 646	inline four 16v DOHC	2,148 cc (131.1 cu in)	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)	330 N·m (243 lbf·ft)
218 CDI 318 CDI 418 CDI 518 CDI	OM 642	V6 24v DOHC	2,987 cc (182.3 cu in)	184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp)	400 N·m (295 lbf·ft)
224 324 424 524	M 272	V6 24v DOHC	3,498 cc (213.5 cu in)	258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp)	340 N·m (251 lbf·ft)

The Sprinter is also available as the 316/416/516 NGT - Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

In 2010, Dodge lost its contract to sell Sprinters in USA/Canada and a subset of Mercedes-Benz dealers gained that franchise, and the OM646 4-cylinder diesel engine was replaced by more powerful OM651 4-cylinder diesel engine.^{[citation needed]} Despite the brand change, Sprinters sold in the United States still lack many popular options that are available in Europe, including 4 wheel drive, Command Navigation System,electric sliding doors, and keyless entry (which senses the presence of the key fob and automatically opens a sliding door).

Sprinter model range

The model designations for the first generation Sprinter are W901, W902, W903, W904 and W905, depending on the gross weight rating.

• Passenger van
• Conversion van
• Cargo van
• Minibus
• Cab-chassis

Media

The Sprinter can be seen as a background vehicle in the Disney-Pixar movie Cars 2 The Dodge Sprinter was the van used in Joss Whedon's series 'Dollhouse.' Mike and Frank from American Pickers also have a Sprinter 2500.

External links

• Official Mercedes-Benz UK Sprinter Van webpage