Mercedes-Benz Sprinter NCV3 (2006-2018)

Confident car to drive – Bought 313 cdi MWB high roof new in 2017 very happy to drive van smooth and enough power to do the job great on freeway even on windy days has great control did good as a locksmith van Only did 15000 kms a year so the service timing was pricey but overall ok with me but if your driving a lot of kms would recommend more regular oil change Good… Read more

fuel in the van is a good thing no cheap diesel 3 year warranty service is not enough as it passed so quickly now they are offering 5year warranty as it should be overall quality is good compared to other van to choose from

Difficult to compare so inspect with a good mechanic – Bought the 2011 313cdi campervan, medium WB high roof 6 speed manual 4 months ago.It had previously done 275,000 km. as a courier van, & mechanically is perfect.A slight patch of rust{near the sliding door} was the only disapointment-you should check that carefully. They can have a big range of safety features, from 1{driver only} airbag,, etc etc… Read more

.If you put the VIN.into the Mercedes website, it will show the complete specs,so you know exactly what it has. Preferably have a good Merc or diesel mechanic check it over before buying.

Love my van – Use car to live in has high roof can stand up in it has so many hidden safety features like wind assist it brakes that side of car so you dont get blown all over place. Also esp and somthing that stops will spins lowers revs got stuck on gravel hill when first got it didnt no there was but to turn off so you could gun it up dirt hills spin wheels… Read more

but mecedes literture doesnt tell you about all theses things you have to find out from forums and google and trail and error great van love it well built drives awsomely but only get about 12litres per 100kilometers which i dont thinks right for little4 cylinder 311cdi 2010

Absolute p.o.s.a death trap – fuel economy ok.but cant make use of it because it breaks down consistently.seatings good.driving position & glass ok.entry exits ok steering circle good.heating.air con good.my view on this vehicle is dont buy one ! You will go bankrupt paying dealers to delete codes that pop up for no reason but put the van into limp mode or worse into neutral in the middle of the road.merc benz should be sued!!!  Show details

Which is best for Australia - Ducato or Sprinter? – I’d like to see a genuine set of comments solely on the reliability of the Ducato vs the Sprinter from real people who actually own the vehicles or operate them. It’s hard to find objective quantitative data on reliability alone, but anecdotally the FIAT experience seems terrible with people who own motorhomes being the most frequent users. And… Read more

Motorhome manufacturers use FIAT for no other reason than the clever means by which FIAT import the chassis, enabling them to import them CKD and save enormously on costs. And FIAT have become the major supplier by far to the Motorhome industry worldwide. But are the FIAT’s hopelessly unreliable or is there a campaign to discredit them? Ditto the Sprinter, where in this forum many comments savage the Sprinter for unreliability whereas we all know they are used almost exclusively worldwide for Ambulance duties where reliability I would have thought was paramount. So where lies the truth about which is the most reliable and dependable?

If they`ve been crap,Ambulance wouldnt use them – 450,000kms so far, goes and goes and goes...regular service and maintenance and No Headaches, I'm using it as a Owner-Driver 10-12 hours per day/5days per week.Great turning circle, breaks/stops like a Thunder, consumption is not the very BEST German part(Renault is more cheaper to run),drives like a luxury car, city, freeways..max speed(my… Read more

personal160km/h),for some reason bulbs are going off very often, can recommend it for every kind of industrial work

It’s Amazing! – I’ve had the 2016 Sprinter 513CDI for 12 Months. It drives like an absolute dream. My confidence in the brand has not been tested. The oil was due to be changed at 30’000 km. Like any Diesel engine the oil gets dark and I changed it at 18’000. I like to keep on top of the preventative maintenance to avoid issues. I’m not putting the vehicle… Read more

under exhaustive commercial demands, rather it’s a motorhome. It comes in at 4.5 ton and has had to tackle some steep terrain, in both blistering hot and freezing cold conditions. I can’t fault it.

I’m not going to break any land speed records but for reliability it’s 10/10.

perfect van, wouldnt buy anything else – 643.000k and still going strong. yes we do over 100k per year in all our vans. Hyundai's, Crafters ( which we also own ) are NO match for the Benz. I will NEVER EVER buy another VW even if it were given to me IT WONT DO MY JOB. Now the Sprinter, one seized power steering pump @ 550k. dual mass flywheel 590k and an exhaust sensor @ 620k. 1 set of F… Read more

disc pads and front shocks. . . Preventive maintenance every 300k new belts and pulleys. Since warranty ran out I service it myself, complete oil and filter change including air cleaner every 33k. ( GENUINE filters only - vectron oil ) it doesn't use oil between changes and we service the mining industry in central OZ so 10% dirt roads. Fuel consumption is on par with the Hyundai's and less than the crafter. I only use the best quality diesel, BP and the likes. Poor quality fuel and oils can and will lead to early particulate filter and injector failure. so look after your Mercedes and it will give you years and many Ks service.

New Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 Clunks like a Junker – my preordered optioned out $$$ 2016 sprinter 4x4 developed Terrible drivetrain clunk's after 10,000 kms Took it in 3 times to 2 dealerships and was told it was normal after break in period by both dealerships including the regional sales manager because Mercedes engineering told them so over the phone. Thanks a lot for the fuhk around! I feel… Read more

like a whipped dog after this humiliating experience and tremendous waste of time, patience and money. And yes its that bad.

CANBUS system the big headake. Does its own thing on a regular basis. Indicates errors that dont exi – Driving experience excellent with aftermarket shocks. Interior is as good as we need, all well positioned. Electrical system hopeless. Battery flat in a week. Standby current one amp! Should be nearer 259ma. Intermittent srs fault. Check engine light more on than off with mostly long trips. (motorhome). Front bulbar running lights faulty,… Read more

globes perfect. Key battery went flat now all record of mileage lost. Latest is check engine cannot be reset and DPF will not clear. This makes the vehicle useless. Cannot afford huge repair bills. There are 5 computers that stop connecting. Brake fluid is sometimes empty but actually full. Top Gear was correct about Mercedes.

In 1973 I was on the team for and built a new car plant. Prepared rally cars for WRC events.

November 6th 2018 Update: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter NCV3 Computer Problems

Specifically an ambulance conversion bought at auction. Local MB dealer not interested as they service the local QAS units and know how hard they are to sort.

In desperation went to Euro Car, 30 Maud Street, Maroochydore. In the workshop was a sprinter motorhome from Tasmania getting sorted. Apparently the word gets around. Having experienced the most severe limp home mode ‘black death’ where the vehicle just goes, no dash, no lights at all except brake lights, no clue as to how fast you are going, serious help was needed. These gentlemen work with MB who recommended replacing the emergency vehicle specific computer and supplied a new standard one. Unfortunately not a simple plug in. The other 4 computers had taken strain and needed coding. Euro Car have a contact in Germany. With his help errors were eliminated one by one. The radio, distance recorder, abs brakes, door locks, blown light bulbs dash warning with globes perfect, tyre pressure warning, indicators flashing too fast and many more.

Three camping trips later now going like a dream. Very good cruiser with the optioned ambulance seats, good direct steering, firm brakes. RWC reqd new shocks which are German aftermarket. I now know why they are a top seller, well built body, engine just run in at 350k, no oil showing in the crankcase breather pipe to the turbo inlet. RWD means does not bog on campsites as easily as the other Euro vans. Nothing like this is cheap but still way ahead on buying any standard dealer van.

One caution:- do not let battery voltage drop below 12V! This can confuse the computers. Can discharge in less than a week as the computers have a high standby current.

Scary info – I am lucky to know a mechanic who works on the ambos for 20years. He said since merceedes put maintainance to 30.000 km, he’s seeing new motor replacements needed at round 300.000. A replacement motor cost is round $20,000 My merceedes sprinter 2011 - Yearly service 13.000 to 14.000 per year. My sprinter with only 82000. Mechanic said “I… Read more

have things going on mine van which he’d only ever seen in vans with much higher klms.” Now that’s scary thinking of what he’d said regarding motor.

2015

Several engine oil leaks - Merceedes Goldcoast fixed under warrenty.

2016

* Coolent - leak common place at fuel holder. Hard to see. Easy fix.

* 70,000 New Tyres (

stop building intimidating vehicles its sadistic for no reason other than conseet because its a merc – handles ok, interior ok, very bad sound system. can be a reliable vehicle if computer wasnt set up to drag you to the dealer every other day.your identification in badge section is for engineers not us! when working on these vehicle trying to tell the scanner what your working on is difficult.  Show details

Man in Van for a Day – Anyone out their taken a third class train ride in Vietnam? Then you know where Mercedes got the prototype for their seating for this van, just cover the bench in a little artificial slippery fabric and that is done. The drivers seat is so flat, lacks any support of any kind, I hated the vehicle from the moment I sat on it (Sic). I am in the… Read more

market for a van and the Sprinter is in my market segment, but after a day of a little suburban and mostly highway driving I have concerns, oh and then I read the other reviews on product review and these concerns have grown.

I tested a 2016 313 CDI from a hire company. 31,000 ks on the clock.

20 kms into the journey on a quiet country back road the first problem struck, BIg Red Warning light on the 1960's design dashboard said I needed to get oil out as the engine was overfull. Stopped immediately and rang the hire company, they said "Oh its just what Sprinters do, their a little bit sensitive", really! I should just drive on and ignore it, "yes", OK . The warning light with a beep came and went all day long.

Twice the engine just turned off, yes that's right, just moving along and no power train, Pulled to the side of the road, turned it off and on and it seemed to fix itself. I think this Van has mental problems and on these three incidents alone I have ruled it out of my buying process.

Now what do you get for $60K?

Let me be positive before I harpoon this whale in the last few paragraphs.

Its got lots of space, everywhere. So lots of air contained in a white tin box.

On good tarmac it is smooth and handles surprisingly well.

Light and easy to drive

Its little engine (2.1lt) is able to keep up in traffic and on the highway/expressway, no problems at all

The Auto gearbox is smooth and does the job without any concerns.

The drivers position is panoramic and the glass goes on forever, which makes looking around at the scenery a pleasure, like sitting on a bench in a lovely park

7.1 litres to the 100kms actual driving result without trying is remarkable for a vehicle this size,

Lots of cup holders and storage pockets

Cruise control

Rear reversing camera and sensors

The rest of it is CRAP, and I don't use that term lightly.

On your little hard bench you are surrounded by hard cheep ill fitting plastic like they made Boombox recorders out of in the 1980's. Brittle, grey and slab like, its inhuman. Think cheep Chinese/Korean van of 20 years ago

Pocked just out of drivers reach are heaps of buttons and the radio, no concession to any man in a van here

Hard to see dashboard, you have to peer through the steering wheel and wobble your head around.

No where to put your elbows, maybe Germans don't have them, I must look next time I meet one. BYO slings from the First Aid Kit at work.

Hit chopped up pavement going around a bend at 70 K's both front wheels leave the road the Van continues to go straight ahead until the tarmac become smooth again and the wheels get a grip. It tried to kill me.

Turns itself off at will (not yours)

Now read the other reviews, as I have just done, and weep. Discount the five stars reviews as they all seem to only have one review in the system, dead give away for dealers who need to move this expensive junk out of the yard.

No love lost with this Fraulein when I gave her back.

So ended my day as a man in a van, I thought I would celebrate my survival with this little essay.

Bye for now

We are finished with Mercedes - Benz Sprinters!! – We had a 2006 Pleasure Way Class B and now a 2013 Winnebago Era and will never buy another Mercedes Diesel. Spent a couple vacations at Dealers waiting for failed sensors with the 2006 but the 2013 has far exceeded that. Nearly every trip we've taken in this Era has included a day at a dealers - Atlanta, GA, Nashville TN, Savannah GA, Scarborough… Read more

ME, Gainesville FL - to name a few. Sensors won't talk to each other, DEF sensors fail, and on and on. So much for thinking we could travel the ALCAN highway. We won't even try Route 66! Another problem is finding a MB dealer that can service our RV. There are only 3 in our state, the closest being 175 miles away. We thought Mercedes Benz would be a reliable ride. We would never advise anyone to even consider these vehicles.

The Best Discision I Ever Made In My Life – Second To None ,comfortable to drive big and high cargo compartment.It's like you're living in a different world.Handles heavy load pretty well.One good thing oil and filter change in every ten to fifteen thousand km instead of thirty thousand km's recommended by the dealer.When you look after it ie service in time, drive to the speed limit, road… Read more

and weather condition it will in return reap you reward as far as running cost is concerned. Very reliable vehicle.

We all though Mercedes Benz meant quality!!!!!!!!!!!! – We all though Mercedes Benz meant quality. I am interested in collecting owner information of those individuals or companies who have had major expenses & Faults in maintaining Mercedes Benz Sprinters, who would be interested in being included in a class action law suit again Mercedes Australia. David 0429 999 958 Only 6 of the 275 Sprinter… Read more

owners I spoke to so far would recommend to buy a Mercedes Sprinter van again. They are Poor quality Sprinter van. I am on my 2nd “Lemon” Mercedes Sprinter! My first van had been towed 10 times during the first 8,000 kms. And this was my fifth harmonic balancer to be replaced and would take another 4 days?! When I purchased a brand new Mercedes Sprinter van I was immediately faced with continuous faults, break downs and issues with the engine and the mechanical working of the vehicle. After months of Cricks mechanics working on my vehicle and replacing parts constantly due to many different mechanical issues. Sprinters have a bit of a reputation for rust, Although lots also attribute the Sprinter’s pockmarks to thin, water-based paints? What are we paying for.!!!!!

December 29th 2016 Update: Limp Mode

"Limp Mode"

I am trying to ensure that Mercedes Australia fix their Sprinter vans, before they kill somebody. I was talking to one of your drivers, [name removed] (Sunshine coast) which has one of the latest Sprinters and like I am, he and many others are very concerned about one of the major problems with Mercedes Sprinters. The problem is that is randomly switches into Limp Mode, without any warning at all. Similar to [name removed], I drive all day, every day in my Sprinter van on the highway, suburbs and around smaller streets with the van deciding when and where it has full power and when it doesn't giving no warning at all to the driver this is a very dangerous fault and I have been caught on the highway without any power at all, not able to move out of the way of heavy traffic. Mercedes dismiss this problem as being a major issue, however unless you have driven in limp mode you do not realize just how bad it can be. I believe someone will die or be severely hurt, it is just a matter of time if not already. [name removed] was telling me of two examples of many. One, he was going to turn at a set of lights, when he started to turn the other vehicles on the other side were quite a way off and he should have had plenty of time to make the turn, however the vehicle randomly went into limp mode and he had no power what so ever! The vehicles coming towards him, saw he was struggling and they slowed down. This time everything was okay, however it will take just one driver to be distracted and someone will die, due directly to the problem of the Sprinter van randomly going in to limp mode. I do tolerate this every day! The second example [name removed] was going up a step drive way and the van went into limp mode again, having no power on a step driveway and started to roll back which would have been very freighting, not having control of the vehicle. These safety issues are my immediate concern however I also need to mention the wasted time I endure every time the vehicle goes into limp mode, as you have to stop and waiting up to 20min to turn the van off and back on again. This problem has increased as my van has aged and is now switching 3 to 6 times a day. My van has only done 140,000km and I purchased it new. I can't count the number of times I have nearly been hit while driving due to this problem, sometimes only cms and nobody would ever know it was due to a fault in the vehicle and nothing that the driver was doing. Mercedes have a duty of care to all their customers and it seems they put their profits over safety. I believe this problem will also cause additional problems with the mechanical working of the vehicle later on. One particular incident that I will never forget, with my first lemon van was when the van just stopped turned off in the middle of the DAguilar Highway and a truck almost hit me at highway speed, narrowly missing me - an extremely frightening experience and this is why I so persistent that this problem needs to be rectified! Another experience I had was when I was going through an intersection and my van went into limp mode and a vehicle coming towards me, did not slow down until she got close enough for me to see she was texting, I had to beep and she swerved at the last minute to just miss me.

At 370,000km Plus 2010 Mercedes Sprinter 416 (906) – HI Guys Thought I might share my experience as a driver in Sydney NSW. I bought my Sprinter brand new 2010 automatic high roof, MWB, 416 which is the super single. over time this is what I had to change, PROS- Overall I enjoy the driving experience, but durability it is ok, I still think Toyota van are more durable and $$$ better. CONS-… Read more

repair cost , it will get expensive to maintain. I think Mercedes expect you to change or upgrade vehicle in a few years. Another issues is finding a good mechanic that want to work on the van and charge a decent price. A lot prefer not to work on the vehicle or charge higher price because of the Mercedes badge.

5 speed - updated version 7 speed is better

@ 370,000km

Under Warranty 3 years or 100,00km

new computer, new engine sump,

After Warranty

2 front shocks had to change twice, $1000 and one time

Alternator changed twice $1000

water pump $1000

Drive Shaft $2700

These prices included labour

Also

There is the usual maintenance, which Mercedes recommended 30,000km oil change

after warranty I change the oil every 15,000km

Transmission fluid

Change of timing belt

diff fluid change

power steering fluid

oil, air, cabin filter changed

brake fluid changed

Cost $$$$

changed the brake pad and rotors probable 5 times cost $1,200 at one time.

&

Regular insurances cost every year

Windscreen changed due to crack from flying rocks- make sure you have insurance for this.

U need a high paying job to look after yourself, earning just average wage as a driver won't work,

Take care of your Sprinter! – Hi folks) As a man who drives so many cars I can say that Sprinter is a pretty good choice if you know how to take care of it! Since I used to drive long distance I try to check it every 6 months without looking at the number of miles. It's like going to a doctor regularly LOL). Generally speaking the car is reliable. But honestly, I'm a big… Read more

fan of Germans!

Running costs would also go down if you do your regular checks. I could write a long review, but I'd better point out one of the most important things in my opinion.

Do check oil more frequently and make sure you know how much you need.

It all depends on ur model, year and engine.

For ur convenience u can find some sort of table in the Web.

I use the one on this site for instance:

http://cararac.com/engine_oil/mercedes-benz/sprinter.html

Oh, I've almost forgotten my fav part about mercedes that stands out among others - is soundproofing!

Germans are the best!!

Poor Quality – I have a 2006 Sprinter motor home. The transmission failed the day it crossed 30,000 miles. These vehicles do not have a transmission temperature gauge nor a dipstick to measure the fluid level. There is no way you can tell if there is a leak in the transmission until the damage is done. The first scheduled transmission service is not until… Read more

40,000 miles. $4,000 and the cost of a week in a motel down the drain. Also note that Mercedes is totally unprepared to make this repair if you use their remanufactured transmissions. It has to be shipped from Germany- 2 weeks minimum. No Mercedes dealer in the Northeast had one in stock. It drove well and get good mileage Transmission failed at 30,000 miles. A Chevy Vega would have been more reliable.

junk – Shortly after buy started having problems, def light coming on, they say that was normal, didn't matter if the fluid was full or not. Just replaced particulate filter $2400, cdi computer box. $2200, engine light stays on they want $1000 to fix it but I can drive with it on. Don't buy or you'll be sorry

Numerous problems on delivery – I thought paying the extra money would get me a quality vehicle. Not so. This is a 4x4 519 2014 Sprinter van. There has been a noisy transmission since new and it just get ignored by the dealer. So loud only when warm that it causes headaches. Diff has already been "fixed" and drive shafts "balanced". Both front seats are to be replaced at… Read more

7000km as they are coming apart at the stitching. The rear barn doors leaked water and had to be fixed by a local repairer as MB said the new vehicle needed a new rubber seal. Took the repairer about 20 minutes including a lot of testing with a high pressure water hose. The MB fitted tow bar distorted the plastic foot step which then jammed the rear doors such that we could not open them. Turns out they left out some spacer things. Everything takes 2 days at the dealers and then they tell you they are waiting for parts. Cannot recommend MB at after having had several other brands. Thought I was unique, but when I started to talk about the problems, I found many others that were worse than mine. Not worth the extra money and certainly not the quality that they used to be. Oh yes, because it is a Sprinter 4x4, they don't have roadside service. You have to pay extra for that.... And you need it.

There is something to be said about servicing times and warranty – Our 2011 sprinter has been a good car until now it has 260000 Klms on it , 60000 Klms out of warranty, first service for the gearbox should have been at 320000 Klms . It did not make completely shatter the flywheel,clutch plate, presure plate and the gearbox stuffed completely. There was no warning signs. Always have been service every 15000 Klms… Read more

,all long distant highway work, driving along bang jumps out of 6 th gear and had to be towed from Longreach back to Brisbane. Contact MB for some sort of assist with repairs that cost $13000.00 , ummm sorry no. We also have 2 VW Crafters cannot go pass these vehicles price $30000.00 cheaper than MB, warranty 3 years unlimited Klms. Yes they do breakdown at times like all cars. But hey no worry we will fix it. Flywheel shatted, starter motor yes we will fix it. And this vehicle has got 420000 Klms on it. Yes you heard me 420000 Klms VW all the way. We are a courier business and with Klms our vehicles down, our trade ins are every 5 years and VW will always have our business and MB on way in hell will we every buy another one, not even if they paid us to take one.

No Problems – I drive a 2008 309 medium wheel base manual It has done a little over 200000km had have had no major problems other then general ware and tare. The van itself is nice to drive unfortunately the 309 has a single turbo and is is quite gutless, Would recommend spending a little more on the twin turbo more powerful diesels. i have driven just about… Read more

all of the other vans on the market and apart from the power none of them drive as nice as the merc does and when it comes time to replace i think i would have to go another sprinter. Things to watch out for, EGR valve will go they get clogged up and there is no getting around it in any new diesel motor from any manufacturer, that costs around $2000 fitted. I replace the oil every 15000km myself (piece of mind). Replace the the fan belt pulleys (including belt tentioner) every 160000km -18000km as the bearings go in them and can seize and disintegrate. Clutch has shuttered from day one and i have driven a couple of other manual sprinters and they all appear to do the same thing its not bad and doesn't do it every time (i am still on original clutch and it doesn't seem to be like it will go anytime soon). Other than that its been a great van and would highly recommend. Reliable, Great to drive. Price is a little on the high side, Other then that nothing.

I though Mercedes Benz meant quality – EGR valve problems, Transmission failed at 245,000K little bits keep on brakeing, engine light is always on dealers says thats normal with these. Now the SRS light keeps coming on $400 for a new seat belt to fix it, now the front end has a bad knock in it, and needs new struts where will it end I am a courier and need a reliable vehicle. time to change. Spacy get to my friends I drive a Mercedes Always something going wrong

Best vans by far – My 2010 sprinter is my second sprinter,first one 2001 did 410,000kms before i sold it,having spent normal maintennace repairs ie brake pds,fan belt.my 2010 unit has now clocked up 100,000kms,with similar results so far.these units are great for long distance driving,low maintennance,low fuel use,great comfort.my units are on a mix or long… Read more

distance,and short hilly city type of work comfort on long runs,great fuel economy only real critisysm i have is that in both models i have had 1st gear is too high a ratio for hilly starts.

Poor quality sprinter 2012 new problems avoid – Got a new mercedes 313 Cdi lwb it leaks water under dash when raining, the side loading door is a very poor fit big gaps and lets in water. Bad turbo lag dangerous trying to over take runs very poorly. Gateshead hunterstar merc don't care. They reply with we will look at it at its first service by then your 2004 sprinter which we have had in with… Read more

a melted piston due to faulty new injectors we supplied might have a replacement engine by then (2 months later nothing so far) Load space and that's all. Expensive, leaks water in dash , leaks water side door, engine poor bad turbo lag mercedes aftercare rubbish don't care

Good – This model looks better and has more room but lacks in performance. There is much more storage and features in this model than previous. So far (4000Kms) reliablity has not been an issue, except passenger window would not go down, but was soon fixed. I prefered the previous model to drive, this one better to look at. A biger vehicle than previous… Read more

and the seating is an improvement with more leg space up front and nicer saets. This model, 2007 is very slow of the mark, feels like you are driving with the handbrake on. Previous model had much more get up and go.

Terrible – vehicle was delivered new with these problems, 90lbs pressure in left tyres and 40 lbs in right tyres to make it track straight, took it back to have these problems rectified and mercedes refuse to fix them. thought by spending an extra 15 grand on german built would get me quality. 29 calls to mercedes service, hung up on 26 times after being… Read more

left on hold for more 15 minutes each time, no return of calls or messages, long waits in reception , no ore m.b.'s for me space, fuel economy, storage, tyre wear, drive line vibrations, clutch shudder, terribly bad brakes,abs not working, air con stops working in conditions over 33%, rust, cheap and nasty plastics inside,

Bad – I drive a 311 CDI, the diesel is more expensive than petrol, it doesn't run more efficiently, the turbo lag is negligible, although if you are having issues with power, maybe consider the twin turbo rather than the single turbo ... it's size and carrying capacity, also, that it is better than some of the other vehicle options out there - with the… Read more

same size and carrying capacity, the gearbox is pretty good compared to other makes and models of almost the same van with the same carrying capacity and size. the fuel efficiency, the handling, the interior, other than the fact that it's a mercedes benz every thing else about this vehicle is pretty bad, if you read the other reviews there seems to be a consensus

Excellent – The best van on the market by far margin! Don't waste your time with others When you run a business you need something reliable and this is it! Bought new in 2007 after trading in the worst van ever Renault Master.This van is so reliable that it's never been back for anything.I have done 157,000 no problems at all Will definitely update to another mbAuto is the way to go Need to get more powerful van Show details

MB Sprinter Van is the worst vehicle we have ever bought! Had it 4 months and has been towed 4times – Most unreliable van ever! - we are forced to make repayments on a vehicle that sits in the workshop being repaired. Garry Crick Maroochydore the Dealership that sold us the van do not reply to our complaints, cannot give us any help or assistance. The van's engine cuts out when running at low rev's, ie. when entering the highway slowly the… Read more

engine will shut off completely. Dealership is repairing vehicle in warranty times, while my business is slowly dying due to this defective vehicle. Our family life has been completely upset and our health has been directly affected by this vehicle continually breaking down and being so unreliable! Most unreliable vehicle ever! Do not recommend it! Continually breaks down! Unsafe and Dangerous! Unreliable, continually breaks down, towed to workshop 4 times in 4 months - brand new vehicle- ridiculous!