I'm in the process of purchasing a Mercedes Sprinter van.
It's a 2004 Sprintshift 6 speed auto/manual, LWB high roof version...with only 65,000 ks.
I would be interested to hear from any owners (or previous owners) who can offer me an opinion or a review of their experience.
I've heard some negative comments about the sprintshift gearbox, and mercedes mechanical issues in general,
but it's like everything...there always seems to be someone with a negative view, and there will also be those who have had positive experiences...
...but all info is helpful, and I would be grateful to hear what people think.
Thanks from a new member in Adelaide, SA
Sharke said
02:30 PM Sep 12, 2014
Yes you will always find positive & negative review. In queensland the ambulance service uses Mercedes vans and if I was researching I would talk
to the ambos. Does the south Australia ambos use Mercedes.
cheers
Jeff
Big Gorilla said
02:44 PM Sep 12, 2014
Welcome to the Forum Peter. I'm sure you will glean considerable information here, as I have.
I purchased an Iveco in 2010 and at the time I was looking at various types inc. Mercedes Sprinter. I can't recall what put me off the Mercedes, it was a mechanical issue, could have been the transmission, I can't recall. I'm sure there would be a Mercedes Sprinter Owners Forum which you should check out. Do a search on Google for it. I just typed into Google "Mercedes Sprinter owners Forum" and several sites came up including Forums and comparisons with other types inc. Ford Transit. Go for it....
Mobi Condo said
04:02 PM Sep 12, 2014
marinepics wrote:
Hi folks....
I'm in the process of purchasing a Mercedes Sprinter van.
It's a 2004 Sprintshift 6 speed auto/manual, LWB high roof version...with only 65,000 ks.
I would be interested to hear from any owners (or previous owners) who can offer me an opinion or a review of their experience.
I've heard some negative comments about the sprintshift gearbox, and mercedes mechanical issues in general,
but it's like everything...there always seems to be someone with a negative view, and there will also be those who have had positive experiences...
...but all info is helpful, and I would be grateful to hear what people think.
Thanks from a new member in Adelaide, SA
If this is any assistance - I have experience with similar vehicle through work (it was a manual) and it was a lovely vehicle and most of the guys also loved it and commented on the suitability for a motor home. We used it to take heavy scientific instrumentation out into the field and it handled the work superbly.
Then some friends have actually done so! Made one they bought into a beautiful Motor Home, that is! Hopefully the following will come up as a link to their BLOG.
Wherrol's Traveler Profile - TravelPod. Of course if it does not act as a link (which it has not) a Google search should assist I hope.
They are CHUFFED to say the least with their new toy.
Vic41 said
04:19 PM Sep 12, 2014
Sharke wrote:
Yes you will always find positive & negative review. In queensland the ambulance service uses Mercedes vans and if I was researching I would talk to the ambos. Does the south Australia ambos use Mercedes. cheers Jeff
WA Ambo service also use Mercedes.....
jetj said
06:35 PM Sep 12, 2014
I've done lots of research on the Mercs. 2004 would likely be a TN1. I think the pumps tend to be a problem on the sprintshift, how much of a problem I'm not sure. I believe the 2.7 5 cylinder TN1 achieve a huge mileage.
No actual experience here though. A great source of information is http://sprinter-source.com/forum/ There is an Aussie section with some very knowledgeable people who post.
The ambulances do get thrashed according to some ambos I spoke to.
Clare46 said
10:43 PM Sep 12, 2014
Vic41 wrote:
Sharke wrote:
Yes you will always find positive & negative review. In queensland the ambulance service uses Mercedes vans and if I was researching I would talk to the ambos. Does the south Australia ambos use Mercedes. cheers Jeff
WA Ambo service also use Mercedes.....
NSW uses them too
Glenelg said
06:52 AM Sep 13, 2014
Hi Marinepics. welcome to this great forum, i'm a South Aussie to , so you would know the ambos here have Sprinters. sorry i cant help as i have Toyota van for work retired now.
good luck with your search.
We hired a Maui van in N.T built on the long wheel base Sprinter. It was a great van to drive, lots of room in the cabin, love the room and how you can get into the van from the driving cabin. Great van , went well and fun to drive.
marinepics said
12:06 PM Sep 14, 2014
Thanks for your input everyone....it's a big purchase for me, since I've never spent a great deal on motorvehicles before. Not a big fan of their depreciation rate, I guess. And yes...I knew the Ambos use them...I figured they must be ok...not sure what gearbox they choose though.
Anyway..it's nice to be part of a camping community...hopefully make a few new friends.
Welcome Marinepics, my Winnebago is a 2004 sprinter, sits on 120ks perrrrfectly, only prob i had was worn rubber seal on the relay wall, with the right Mercedes people looking after her was fixed in 2 and half hours, I love my "Athena" good luck- happy travels
marinepics said
03:27 PM Sep 26, 2014
Hi Franjipani...what about a picture of your Sprinter ??
Hi folks....
I'm in the process of purchasing a Mercedes Sprinter van.
It's a 2004 Sprintshift 6 speed auto/manual, LWB high roof version...with only 65,000 ks.
I would be interested to hear from any owners (or previous owners) who can offer me an opinion or a review of their experience.
I've heard some negative comments about the sprintshift gearbox, and mercedes mechanical issues in general,
but it's like everything...there always seems to be someone with a negative view, and there will also be those who have had positive experiences...
...but all info is helpful, and I would be grateful to hear what people think.
Thanks from a new member in Adelaide, SA
to the ambos. Does the south Australia ambos use Mercedes.
cheers
Jeff
Welcome to the Forum Peter. I'm sure you will glean considerable information here, as I have.
I purchased an Iveco in 2010 and at the time I was looking at various types inc. Mercedes Sprinter. I can't recall what put me off the Mercedes, it was a mechanical issue, could have been the transmission, I can't recall. I'm sure there would be a Mercedes Sprinter Owners Forum which you should check out. Do a search on Google for it. I just typed into Google "Mercedes Sprinter owners Forum" and several sites came up including Forums and comparisons with other types inc. Ford Transit. Go for it....
If this is any assistance - I have experience with similar vehicle through work (it was a manual) and it was a lovely vehicle and most of the guys also loved it and commented on the suitability for a motor home. We used it to take heavy scientific instrumentation out into the field and it handled the work superbly.
Then some friends have actually done so! Made one they bought into a beautiful Motor Home, that is! Hopefully the following will come up as a link to their BLOG.
Wherrol's Traveler Profile - TravelPod. Of course if it does not act as a link (which it has not) a Google search should assist I hope.
They are CHUFFED to say the least with their new toy.
WA Ambo service also use Mercedes.....
I've done lots of research on the Mercs. 2004 would likely be a TN1. I think the pumps tend to be a problem on the sprintshift, how much of a problem I'm not sure. I believe the 2.7 5 cylinder TN1 achieve a huge mileage.
No actual experience here though. A great source of information is http://sprinter-source.com/forum/ There is an Aussie section with some very knowledgeable people who post.
The ambulances do get thrashed according to some ambos I spoke to.
NSW uses them too
good luck with your search.
sprinter-source.com/forum/forumdisplay.php
Best to know the model number eg 316
Peter
Thanks for your input everyone....it's a big purchase for me, since I've never spent a great deal on motorvehicles before.
Not a big fan of their depreciation rate, I guess.
And yes...I knew the Ambos use them...I figured they must be ok...not sure what gearbox they choose though.
Anyway..it's nice to be part of a camping community...hopefully make a few new friends.
Peter
Welcome Marinepics, my Winnebago is a 2004 sprinter, sits on 120ks perrrrfectly, only prob i had was worn rubber seal on the relay wall, with the right Mercedes people looking after her was fixed in 2 and half hours, I love my "Athena" good luck- happy travels
Hi Franjipani...what about a picture of your Sprinter ??