DHL is your friend.
4x4 Sprinter, way to go, or go away?
- Thread starter IPT
- Start date
DHL is your friend.
luthj
Engineer In Residence
Basically this. I am driving a USA sprinter in Australia at the moment. Most parts are available here. I recently went to replace my front rotors. I cannot find a matching pair for a reasonable cost. Why? Sprinters in Aus only got 15" wheels, and my van iss a 16" wheel model. The difference is 10mm in rotor diameter. Go figure! Just because a vehcile is available in a country, doesn't mean parts for yours will.
Anyways, having someone that can express mail you parts will get you out of most trouble.
Obviously you live in the snow belt. Do you need absolutely need 4x4? If not, your options open up considerably.
The 4 cylinder Common rail diesel used by Mercedes has a very good reputation as far as common rail diesels go. Unlike the 6 cylinder, it was designed from the ground up to meet high emissions standards, and has no troublesome swirl valves. The DEF and catalyst system had some software and programming issues initially, but that seems to have been worked out now.
Having a espar/webasto diesel cabin heater is all kinds of awesome in the cold northern winters. Add some insulation and window coverings, and a remote start/timer feature, and your seriously up-town. Hit a button while your still in bed, and have a warm van when you get outside.
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For sure remote start and webasto heater will be there - plus insulation and window covers! Though, out plan is for a penthouse top for space and extra sleeping so a lot of heat will not stay in anyway
. Though it's got to be better than my Trailblazer I sleep in with no insulation or heat what-so-ever . I need to find what if any difference there is between after market webasto/espar and what the MB factory option provides (passenger van with comfort package).As for 4x4, yup, need it. Sometimes need it just to get out of my driveway
. Certainly to get home. My buddy has a 2wd and on occasion can't make it back up the neighborhood. I'm not going to play that game, so I am going to be stuck with the 6cyl. Guess I will be mostly tooling around in the US anyway. If and when it becomes possible for more southern trip it will likely be way down the road. By then maybe the bugs will be worked out, and there will be other options. Sounds like a good reason for an upgrade
.Thanks for all the thoughts and input!
luthj
Engineer In Residence
I would go aftermarket espar D2 or D4. Use the easy start timer with the remote+ add on for remote control. Lots of great documentation on the forums. Order from has heatso.com for the best deal, and more options.
If you have never driven a sprinter, give it a go, even the 4x4 model rides great.
If you have never driven a sprinter, give it a go, even the 4x4 model rides great.
Thanks for the info.
Actually a neighbor has a 4x4 converted by Van specialties. I did drive it and was very impressed. He's only had a short time though. My concern is more about the maintenance and reliability. We do have a dealer in town who works on them, but odds are we will be hundreds of miles from the often. If I have issues "out there", that would be a concern. Seems like there are plenty of people not having any issues with them. Guess people have issues with all makes and models so at this point I think it's just make a decision and go for it
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