Mercedes sprinter 4wd

nn · Member

Mercedes sprinter 4wd

PeterInSa · Guru

Hi Nicole.

Is the vehicle a 315 Series?

This important with that number of Kms.

Peter

nn · Member

Hello Peter thanks for replying. no it's a 316CDI 2004 165000km, mwb 5cyl 2.7l diesel turbo 5sp man, bull bar, class 4 haymen (something) tow bar, a/c ,cent lock ,power steer mag wheels, very straight, owner is mechanic, passenger and drivers side sliding door, sunroof, hatch, heavy duty vinyl floor covered by carpet, basic camper fit out, double bed, external water tank, sink, stove, tinted window, opening sliding rear windows, tyres 75% good, passenger seat turns around, good curtains, solar screens for cabin, 2000kg tow capacity, disc brakes all round, not sure about abs etc.. Nicole.

PeterInSa · Guru

My understanding is that Sprinter 4wds are a sort after unit, I would think that a mwb base is probably an ex ambo unit. When the ambos are de commissioned some of the ambo cabling is sometimes left in a mess and can create problems but the owner being a mechanic has most likely sorted this situation out correctly.

I have seen a number of Sprinters and personally I would purchase one with a combo shower and toilet, You would probably be also looking for a sola panel or 2 with a say 120ah/hr deep cycle for the motor home lights 12v TV etc etc.

To me the 316 is a better unit than the 315

If you have time I would ask the question here

sprinter-source.com/forum/forumdisplay.php

a search on the forum will suggest what to look for in a second hand sprinter, but made need some technical knowledge to understand.

There is a person on this forum who I believe is one of the most experienced Sprinter owners in Oz and he readly gives advice. and if in/around Melbourne may/could/would do an inspection

If you purchase the vehicle I would join the CMCA for Ken Tame insurance and join the RACV for ( to me)the best breakdown cover in Oz.

Do you really need to pay extra for 4wd, as sprinters are also 2wd and are by far the most common on the road.

Peter

-- Edited by PeterInSa on Monday 23rd of March 2015 10:59:45 PM

-- Edited by PeterInSa on Monday 23rd of March 2015 11:00:51 PM

nn · Member

Wow that's excellent info. thanks for the website. I don't absolutely desperately need a 4wd but I would prefer it as it gives you more options. I am still pondering over.If I get this van i intend to keep it for a very long time and maybe even end up living in it with my 3 chihuahuas. Since dogs are not allowed in national parks I intend to take them with me to state forests and do some exploring/hiking etc.. where dogs are allowed and quite often a 4wd is needed for these roads. I did own a suzuki 4wd years ago and had a lot of fun in it but it was a pain locking in the hubs all the time. I don't need solar at this stage, I have led lights and headlamps,gas, 3 way fridge and i can shower with 2x1.5L bottles of warm water heated by the gas stove that's not a problem for now. I just realised it comes with a 12 volt shower but not sure on the heating situation. Unfortunately I have broken my ankle for the second time in 6 months so have not been able to inspect the merc yet but hope to do so next week. Do you know why is the 316 better than the 315? Thanks for the info you supplied. Nicole. smile

PeterInSa · Guru

Nicole, Am not a mechanic, and have no experience with either the 315 or 316, But have read that there is a problem with some 315 engines above the 200,000 to 250,000Kms with oil getting to the main bearings, and members on the Sprinter forum have come up with a solution.

nn · Member

Ok i'll note that and ask about it when I check out the viechle. i have been getting all the info I can on possible problems so I am afraid he might find me annoying with all my questions. Thanks Nicole.