Mercedes Sprinter

Damon · Member

Mercedes Sprinter

moamajohn · Guru

Hi Damon.Welcome ! Now I know nothing of motorhomes but my mate has one and he gets a wealth of info from cmca.net .au Cheers John

-- Edited by moamajohn on Friday 2nd of November 2018 08:53:12 AM

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Damon, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I have a aluminium teepee so not a big deal of help however, there are heaps of the Sprinters around so can't be too bad. Have you thought of maybe a Ford Transit. Should have no problem getting parts and services etc done with one of them. Also heaps of them around. There are a few other similar vans around so maybe take a peak at them while at the thinking and looking stage.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

PeterInSa · Guru

I think Sprinters make great Campervans, I would only purchase a Sprinter that is a CDI ( modern Technology)unit ie made after 2000, Sprinters 2000-2006 have less anti pollution gear than post 2006 and to me have less problems. Would try and purchase a unit under 150,000Kms and would not purchase a 315 CDI model as could have engines problems over 200,000Km. Have seen 313 CDI Sprinters still going with over 400,000Km on the clock.

A lot of Sprinter Campervans are converted mid wheel base Ambulances, although, I prefer LWB (long wheel base), high roof Sprinter campervans for the extra space.

I think Coasters, a low Tech vehicle compared to Sprinters (10Lt/100Km) , can be repaired my any mechanic and parts are readily available, but are now only available in the long wheel base model as the short wheel base manufacture ceased in around 2000. But the long wheel Base Coaster needs a higher licence for the heavier vehicle.

If you go ahead with the purchase I suggest you join:
sprinter-source.com/forum/forumdisplay.php

Members on this forum are very supportive and welcoming.

Peter

Tony Bev · Guru

Welcome to the forum Damon

I do not have a Mercedes Sprinter, but have seen plenty out there, decked out as motorhomes
I am also interested to find out how good/bad they really are

I have a Fiat, which I find service centres, and parts, are few and far between

A brother has a Ford Transit, which is a better drive than the Fiat, and parts are easily obtainable, plus any mechanic can work on them

Damon · Member

I don't have fond memories of Ford Transits - mine kept breaking down. It was a long time ago, so I will look into it, thanks

Damon · Member

Thanks for everyone's contributions. I have plenty of food for thought and I'm looking forward ta lot for your comments and advice. A bit more research may be necessary before I can hit the road

Damon · Member

"A lot of Sprinter Campervans are converted mid wheel base Ambulances, although, I prefer LWB (long wheel base), high roof Sprinter campervans for the extra space"
I will certainly consider this, thanks

Chocoholic · Veteran Member

Hi Damon I bought a 1999 Ford transit a few months ago I just did a trip from Brisbane to Nelligen in NSW -about 1500km and I'm very happy with it It's a LWB - NOT diesel!! The brakes had a shudder and i just had it repaired at Doc Ford in Batemansbay. Overall happy with it Goodluck in your search - it's worth getting your local mechanic to check before buying if you can Susan

Jaahn · Guru

Damon wrote:
"A lot of Sprinter Campervans are converted mid wheel base Ambulances, although, I prefer LWB (long wheel base), high roof Sprinter campervans for the extra space"
I will certainly consider this, thanks

Hi Damon smile

Sprinters can come from the factory in three wheel bases(lengths) and two heights. But some combination are not common here. The ambulance service in various states had their units converted by various body builders who often used a different fiberglass roof on a low roof for more height or for top accessories. They are usually a mid length. So they can be confusing. Different states/areas used different suppliers so there are lots of variations with ex-ambo vans fit outs.

The only extra long vans with the high roof and windows all round were mini busses. There are commercial vans with some or no windows and no lining. These are available in 3 ton and 4 ton capacity, the 4T ones have dual wheels at the back. EG a 312 model or a 412 model have the same 120HP engine with the different suspension and wheels.

The ex-ambos are decomissioned by butchers who rip out the stuff inside and the electrics controls etc and send them to auction. Again done differently in different areas. But if the buyer/converter of them after, does not do a good job it may be less than optimal in the future. hmm

Go to the Sprinter forum as recommended. I have an ex bus 2000, 312D, auto and am happy with it and have a simple conversion home done. There are also manuals and autos and automated manuals available over the years. Manuals are more reliable. The basic shape and basic specs changed at >2006 to the newer look.

Jaahn

-- Edited by Jaahn on Saturday 3rd of November 2018 10:57:26 AM

Landfall · Guru

Sprinters and VW share the same body and some mechanical components but offer different engine/gearbox set ups.

The early Sprinters pre 2007 had issues with the so called automatic, otherwise reliable.

Later Sprinters and VW Crafters both have issues with electronics, this is a hit and miss problem. Some get it and others don't.

BUT the big issue with both these vehicles are RUST. They originally are built to commercial vehicle standards and painting them was not a priority it would seem, or rather preparation before painting. Look for rust around windscreen and along any seams in the roof and rear of vehicle. Also our friends MB Sprinter is rusting out above the sliding door.

As for driving comfort, ease and economy? They are excellent, most owners in the motorhome club we belong to get 10l/100.

We are delighted with our VW LT35 which is a 2006 model, 350,000kms on the clock, manual and runs like a dream. Pre CDI engine which is what I wanted as we had had a MB ML270 CDI previously which drove us insane with electrical and pollution problems all due to CDI.

Good luck with your venture.

Bas + Eve · Senior Member

We have had a Sprinter for 8 yrs and have never had an ounce of trouble. The secret is to keep them serviced regularly, being common rail diesel another fuel filter is advisable.

Damon · Member

Thanks for all your advice. Making the right decision seems to be more complicated than I first thought.

Maybe I'll just buy a bicycle and a small tent smile

daffyfrancis · Senior Member

Hi Damon,

Might still be complicated ie: what brand of bike & tent to chose?. smile

Our 2002 Sprinter has done 200000km & is still excellent to drive & overall condition. As with most vehicles these days parts & labour can be expensive - during the last 30000km we have replaced the high pressure fuel pump & auto/man (sprintshift) pump etc. but at 16 years old was not unexpected but the associated costs were.

When purchasing I suggest you also consider some form of 'Road Side Assistance' package - ours was very stress relieving when the high pressure fuel pump failed out from Monto QLD - a long way from our home here in Tassie. cry - RACT arranged & covered the $1500 towage /accommodation costs incurred in getting us and the vehicle to Bunderberg for repairs.

David

Philw · Senior Member

Damon. We have had our Sprinter for 6 years. It awesome. We have the 519 6 cylinder carrying a Jayco Conquest. Its rear wheel drive so heaps of traction. Itdrives like a car. Is well sprung and has been very reliable. It is the most common delivery vehicle in Oz and al, the ambos use them. Never a problem with parts.

2 olestiffs · Member

hi, are you saying too install an extra filter on the fuel line . ole stiff

-- Edited by 2 olestiffs on Tuesday 2nd of June 2020 10:59:49 PM