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Dodge Sprinter

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Comments

  • punter1punter1 Member Posts: 50
    Thank you for the information.
    .
    I suspect one reason for the lack of a NAV is the strong demand for Sprinters. They do not have to try too hard to sell them. After all it is a Mercedes and Mercedes sells Navs in its USA cars which it must do to compete.
    .
    This is probably the same reason Dodge also does not offer keyless entry and slide in the USA.
    .
    Dodge should try harder because the reason for the demand is a temporary lack of genuine competition.
    .
  • rhadenrhaden Member Posts: 1
    The 06 Sprinter manual has the following statement...?

    "Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a built-in or attached
    antenna (i.e., without being connected to an external antenna) from
    inside the vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could lead
    to a malfunction of the vehicle's electronic system, possibly
    resulting in severe personal injuries and death."

    On another forum I frequent (Pleasurewayowners), which is an RV users forum, the Sprinter owners frequently use FSR's or handheld CB radios to communicate between each other when in an RV caravan. They have had no problems!

    Based upon the above statement in the sprinter manual...this would seem to be a bad practice.

    Your thoughts....??
  • surlyoldbillsurlyoldbill Member Posts: 36
    I didn't see any sliders, just the tip-out windows. I've seen full height sliders on other vans, I wish I could find the source.
  • macjeffmacjeff Member Posts: 2
    We just bought a 2007 144" standard roof passenger van with the diesel V6. Before the purchase, I looked all over for mileage info (including the German and English sprinter sites), but the diesel V6 appears to be exempt from required reporting everywhere. We bought it anyway, so here's an actual number: mileage on the 250 mile trip home from the dealer hovered just over 20 mpg on the instrument panel indicator, and we verified the accuracy of that number at the first refill. This may improve with time, but it's still better than the competition.
  • altered3altered3 Member Posts: 59
    23 mpg on my 518 CDi this is the same as the 318 CDR you have both the same engine but the 3 stands for 3.5 t and the 5 stands for 5 tonn the last wo prefexs are for HP 184
    Then again I'm hauling five ton so you will get better milage as the engine breaks in , mind you it depends on how you drive and as to using ULSD not LSD fuels or summer diesl and winter Diesel you will get a lower figure on the latter fuel and engine problems too, so add an upper cylinder lubricant for added protection
    Altered Sprinter :shades:
  • kyingkying Member Posts: 61
    I have a 2006 140 standard top wagon since new, now with 6000 miles. I usually drive it with only my wife, on the freeway (320-mile one way to visit our kids), with very little miles around town with kids and grandkids in it. I cruise about 72 mph on the freeway, only to increase to about 75 mph to pass semis (everybody else passes me on Interstate 5 from Los Angeles to San Jose). I'd followed the straight rules to break in my engines (never over 70 mph, no cruise control, variable speeds, etc.) I check my oil often and so far have addded about 3 qts of Mobile One 0W-40 (less than expected according to the owner's manual).

    The question: Why am I only getting 19.5 mpg for the first 6000 miles?! Any help will be greatly appreciated.
  • kurt6kurt6 Member Posts: 22
    Add 2-4lbs more on each tire as recommended in your owners manual.

    Use only 100% syn oil in your motor.

    Always stay under 2000RPM.

    Remember Diesel motors take as much as 20000mil-30000mil break in period to provide top best MPG.

    You should have no problems with 23-24MPG.
  • kyingkying Member Posts: 61
    Thanks, kurt6.

    I will add 3 lbs of air to the tires, and that means 63 lbs in front, and 83 lbs rear.

    I haven't had the first oil change yet, so it still has Mobile One 0W-40, and I plan to use that in the future.

    I don't think I can stay under 2000 rpm on the freeway though.

    Thanks again.

    kying
  • sprinter562sprinter562 Member Posts: 3
    I just bought a Sprinter 10 passenger van. It drives great. The only things is that it has NO cruise control. The dealer does NOT know when or even if they can install cruise. I like the vehicle, but NO CRUISE is one bad mark against this vehicle.
  • kyingkying Member Posts: 61
    IMHO, three options are must-have for a Sprinter (especially in S. Cal): Cruise control, second A/C, and sunscreen glass. It would be pretty bad to go into the desert without the second A/C and sunscreen glass in S. Cal. Of course, the cruise control is simply indispensable period!
  • altered3altered3 Member Posts: 59
    I could not say it's a bad mark for the Sprinter [Cruise control] as it's an option, and clearly indicated as such, along with the rear electric powered side vented widows, controlled via a dash switch.
    The kit can be ordered but has to be dealer fitted for a DRB reset of computer assist, if you chose this option.
  • cornjoliocornjolio Member Posts: 5
    You can have the dealer adjust your spedo so it registers properly (I believe so). Did you replace the stock steel rims with steel or aluminum? If you found aluminum rims let me know..I want them on my 04 3500 duelly. How did it go? what did you have to pay for all this? thanks. Joel
  • punter1punter1 Member Posts: 50
    Dealer says no more extended Cargo 170s until 2008 model year. 2008 to begin manufacture in August and orders will be taken then as well. Anybody else hear any of this?
    .
  • kendall69kendall69 Member Posts: 13
    Yes the front air wil lkeep the "cab" cool, and maybe the first seat behind the driver, BUT after that absolutely NOT.
    I just hauled 8 kids from my daughters classlaste Friday and it was 110 and everyone from the first seat back was screaming for cool air. My rear air is disabled for the last 8 weeks due to a broken belt ( at 140 miles with no new belt installed yet - parts problem)
    So if you are hauling people in the heat rear air is a must, if it's just you and a passenger, no need fo rrear air in the heat.
  • punter1punter1 Member Posts: 50
    The 2007 Sprinter has the exact same unit in the dash as the Mercedes M-class that a friend of mine has and which has a NAV. Same buttons and dials and all. There is no excuse for Dodge to not offer the NAV in the Sprinter - especially at the prices thay are charging.......
  • vancarvancar Member Posts: 5
    I purchased a 07 Passenger Van with a high roof. I have just completed a trip from Seattle to Las Vegas with and average of 16.6 mpg....does anyone have the same problem...I am doing around 65-80 mpg with a lot of mountainous terrain.

    Tony
  • altered3altered3 Member Posts: 59
    Tony which 07 model?
    New generation 07 model Gas or Diesel?
    Old generation model 06 plated Diesel which fuel are you using winter summer LSD or ULSD bio fuel ?
    dual rear wheel with front wide hub.
    at worst you should be getting 20 MPG
    If you have the new generation v6 model with a gas engine then thats what you get, as to the high rpm range to archive max torque.
    Altered Sprinter
  • sprinter562sprinter562 Member Posts: 3
    Tony, I'm not doing any better with my new 07 high roof sprinter. I was told that I would get up to 25 mog which am no where near that figure, with my average being about 16 mpg. A real disappointment.
  • sprinter562sprinter562 Member Posts: 3
    My high roof sprinter is a diesel which I forgot to mention. Still only 16 mpg.
  • altered3altered3 Member Posts: 59
    My question is simple, which fuel are you using ULSD 15/ppm or LSD 50pp/m or winter grade fuels with Hi Kero blends not recommended for the Sprinter.
    Do you use a added upper cylinder lubricant for ignition improvement
    The V6 is specifically designed for Euro Fuels and low ash oils fuel 10/ppm Not available in the states with the exception for LA and it's not for general passenger car sales! Government use only.low ash oil 5/40w for the particulate filters, it will run on B20 Bio fuel as all European models now have this mix as standard.
    Dual or single rear wheel, speed average 65 MPH will return 22 MPG once broke in at 10 thousand miles it takes a long time for the engine to break in and stop using oils.
    Altered Sprinter
  • kurt6kurt6 Member Posts: 22
    03 RV Forest River LWB-HS 2500 60K 50-50 City-HWY consistent 26-27 MPG.
    The basic rule:Use only 100% syn oil,preform all your maitenance (specially transmission every 50K,breaks and all filters {fuel&air}). Stay under 2000RPM and add 3lbs more air to all tire as recommended by MB.
    MB recommended tire pressure is for your comfort ride not MPG.
  • tidwellstidwells Member Posts: 5
    In cold weather, my Sprinter gives "Start Error" message on dash display and refuses to start. When I blow hair dryer under the left side of the dash for 3-5 minutes, it will then start. This only used to be a problem below 30 degrees, but now it has to be above 65 degrees. My Dodge dealer wants to change out the SKREEM module for about $1000. I'm handy with soldering and trouble-shooting electronics and looking for a cheaper solution. Any idea what the cause of this wierd problem could be? Thanks.
  • 2000_valk2000_valk Member Posts: 67
    I just got 4 new Michelin 225 75R 16 M/S series at discount tire. They put the recommended pressure in, 56 front 80 rear. The first time on the interstate the van was all over the road. It has sensitive steering to begin with. Seems that when you move the wheel at freeway speeds from side to side the steering is quick to respond, but the body has lag time.It is really hard to keep a straight line, And is super sensitive. If I had to do an evasive turn, I think I could end up on my side. I am not over loaded. I dropped the front down by 8 lbs each. Seems to be a big diff. I am wondering if I am giving the tires a quick death by under inflating! Other than that they are really smooth. They better be for 829.00 bucks. Any thoughts out there, Thanks, Tom
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    On my 2004 140" Passenger I run about 50-55 in front and 65-70 PSI in rear and the improvement in ride and tracking was very good.

    I had noticed with the factory pressures as I got it at the dealer (65 front, 75+ rear) that the Sprinter "followed" road irregularities severely.

    I now have 30K miles on the van and no strange wear. My Sprinter gets a variety of driving and loading. just me to work and back, full of passengers around town and across the state, cargo for school activities, long highway miles loaded for vacation (4-6 people + luggage). (never have had a trailer/hitch on it yet).

    I would think that 48 lbs each in the front would be slightly low, but perhaps your new tires are very stiff in the sidewalls.

    You certainly don't need 80 PSI in the rear unless you are running heavy (not over loaded, just near the top of normal). With radial tires, you are looking for correct side-wall flex as an indicator of proper inflation.

    The front tires certainly should not look like they are "spilling" over the tread area, but they should bulge a bit (less so on Truck tires than on Car tires). The rear tires will need to stand up a bit straighter so that they may handle the extra weight of cargo on the rear axle (if loaded down a bit). You obviously should NEVER have the pressure low enough to transition over onto the sidewall during a turn but yet it is a trend toward that ability that makes a "radial tire" a 'radial'...

    Bias Ply tires of the past maintained an upright tire profile, and lifted the inside edge of the tire during cornering, reducing contact patch size, grip, and control for the normal driver. Race drivers used this reduced grip to advantage in order drift corners so that they came out of the corner pointed in the best direction for the next straight-away.

    Radial Tires roll a bit so that the inside (nearest to inside of turn) edge is not lifted so much as the tread is shifted and the tread nearest to the outside of the turn rotates down to the road surface. Modern racers use the increased grip in corners to pull higher g-force turns and steer their cars through the turns, but at the risk of wearing out the tread/sidewall junction or transition area.

    When NASCAR was transitioning from bias-ply to radial tires they had many tire failures due to the drivers pushing the new tires over onto the sidewalls in the turns/transitions on the tracks. The tracks have become higher banked, partially in an attempt to maintain tire safety.

    For example, on my dad's Ford E-350 van we run 80+ when we pull the Airstream Trailer (26 ft.) and only 60-65 PSI when lightly loaded. He is in charge of the tire pressures and I cannot remember what he runs in the fronts (a bit higher when loaded due to the load leveling arms forcing some weight transfer to the front tires, and less for comfort when empty).

    It has been a long time since I used a bias-ply passenger car tire, but I remember that it was considered dangerous to mix them with radials... If you over-inflate a radial it becomes more like a bias-ply tire stiffer and more up-right in profile and less able to shift properly in turns (both ride and drive-quality suffer). If you under-inflate a radial it obviously wears the edges too quickly, but also flexes too much, heats up, and is in danger of blowout (ala Ford Explorers with under-inflated Firestones... OK at recommended (slightly low) pressures, but too easy to drop a little lower and wear/blow fast).

    Thanks,
    KenB
  • surlyoldbillsurlyoldbill Member Posts: 36
    I suspected that the new motors would not do as well as the old 5-cyl with MPG. I just got back from a 2000 mile trip and averaged 26mpg. 2003 140shc passenger, about a thousand lbs of people and cargo, mostly 75-80mph interstate miles, with about 300-400 miles on dirt roads in the Cascade mountains.
  • vancarvancar Member Posts: 5
    Hi Altered Sprinter,

    I purchased a brand new diesel 2007 V6, 10 passenger van with a high roof, model 2500, rear wheel drive.

    I took a round trip from Seattle to Las Vegas, to Disney Land, back to Las Vegas, and back to Seattle. The total mileage was about 3500 miles. I put in about 185 gallons of Ultra low diesel fuel, not any biodiesel yet. My average is about 18.9 mpg. This included mostly on high way. I carried three adults and four kids, younger than 6.

    I hope that after my engine broke in, I can get up to 22 mpg. The first week when I bought this Van, I have a small problem with a digital fuel gauge. It did not show the tank was full even though I filled it up to the top. I took it back the my dealer and had it looked at. The machenic plugged it in his computer and read 17 mpg. He told me that he recalibrated it to 22 mpg.

    The fuel gauge still did not indicate the correct reading, and I got three miles short of the expectation.....

    Tony
  • altered3altered3 Member Posts: 59
    Hi Tony
    First off which final drive axle ratio have you in the back of the van 4.1 0r the optional 3.9 ratio
    Second do you have the standard dash instrument package or the hi line package optional
    There is a program that shows both MPG and KLMs this is for fuel and MPH.
    The problem we have is the way the Dodge site has it's figures on the V6 Engine and it's final drive axle ratios
    This is a major mistake. On the V6 you have a genuine 184 hp engine@3800 rpm
    Max torque 400 Nm @1600-2600 rpm
    You need to go back to the dealer and specifically ask which final drive ratio you have for your model automatic the engine and class to your 3500 should be 4.364 Gas 4.182 Manual which you do not have is exclusive to the six speed manual at 3.923
    get him or her to sort it out and don't let the sales rep play games your Dodge and Freightliner site is flawed, in part it may have a lot to do with the Vin number for protection against theft
    Hi tops will Give a slightly less Millage say 20 MPG low top sprinters 22MPG and that is at its worst.
    you need to know which EGR system you have have with the injectors 1600 PSi this covers LSD fuel not ULSD fuel 2000 PSi covers ULSD this will turn up on your 08 Sprinter if all states can produce and supply the said fuels at 15 ppm or 10 ppm CA has it for government vehicles but not yet available for public use.
    It takes time for the Sprinter to break in after your first designated oil change use the new 2.29.51 low ash oils only this increases your MPG by a further three percent, use the recommended fleece paper oil filter, for the same oils and this allows for a further 1 percent increase on MPG
    Also obtain the final ratios for the Automatic 5 speed and I will see if they are matched to Mercedes Specifications.
    There are no options for the optional final axle ratio with an automatic in your class of vehicle with the Passenger van.
    Engine based on the OM 642/32/DE/30 LA No one is qiute sure which engine you have or which EGR system is being used :confuse: PS if you were up high in the MPH range say 80 MPH plus , then that's to be expected My figures are based at 65 MPH no more low rpm at just under 3000 rpm
    Look at the back of your diff on the top bit of a tight fit, the maunufacture has the axle ratio on it .what are the numbers saying?
    Altered Sprinter
  • vancarvancar Member Posts: 5
    Hi Altered Sprinter,

    I was told that the axle ratio is 4.1, and I am clueless about the EGR system. My instrument cluster is very simple. It does not have any MPG. The funny thing is it gives me a digital reading of my speedometer which I can also see it on a regular analog speedometer. In a way it is a duplicate of the speedometer.

    You have mentioned something about a lubrication for upper valve...can you tell me more about that. It sounded like an additive that I need to buy and add into the tank at any fill up...

    Thank you so much for your help.

    Tony
  • altered3altered3 Member Posts: 59
    Hi Tony basically an upper cylinder synthetic lubricant is a
    Diesel ignition fuel improver.
    Not to make this complicated it helps to clean and lubricate the injectors, pumps and rings, cleans the fuel and prevents water from getting into your fuel increases your MPG, best of all after a few tanks latter the engine runs a lot smoother
    Where this product works is with poor or suspect fuels less carbon emissions saves on your DPF
    There are many products to be found some good others not recommended MB does suggest to use the products but Dodge won't say it;'s OK, go to any MB franchisee and they will sell the same product but with a MB label Amsoil is one We use Red Line RL-2 and RL-3 for winter fuels.
    use only ULSD fuel 15/ppm or if in CA LA try and find where to get hold of 10/ppm the government utilities have this fuel so search it out if your near this location Shell BP both have it and add extra additives but the fuel costs a little more a few extra cents a gallon , it's worth it.
    Richard
  • busrusbusrus Member Posts: 1
    Can you give me a little help? Where is the oil filter housing and what does it look like, how big is it, etc? I have not been able to locate it as yet. I have had the dealer do my first two oil changes but $200 a pop is a bit much.
    Thanks
  • earlwearlw Member Posts: 8
    Look just to the right of center of the engine and just behind the radiator. It is black in color and about one inch tall and three inches across. It looks more like a oil fill cap and requires a different type of oil filter wrench to remove it. It is a cartridge type filter and cost vary but usually around $18.00. Mobile 1 oil is around $6.50 a quart and most places charge around $90.00 for service including some Dodge dealers. Paying more than that and we are being ripped. And I was ripped before I learned that there are dealers that are more honest and not just taking advantage of the specialty of the vehicle.
  • toddh2toddh2 Member Posts: 3
    I am wanting to put a window in the panel opposite from the sliding door in my 02 sprinter (140WB tall boy). I know there are some aftermarket windows with a partial slider (lower 1/3 of window) available but I prefer the unit the dealer can order. It is a full slider with a factory tint and all the seals - but they cannot guarantee it will fit or provide the exact dimensions. Anyone out there know if a factory window will fit and be as easy to install as the aftermarket ones? One local glass guy said stock windows may be difficult to install.
    Thanks!
  • dbpopsdbpops Member Posts: 2
    hi
    i hope they bring back the short 122" wheel base next year
    2008. not all of us need 144"wb. my needs are small.
    anyone know if they're going to bring 122'wb to USA? :shades:
  • minicoopersminicoopers Member Posts: 26
    Greetings to all.
    I have driven both the gas and diesel versions of the '07 Sprinter I plan on ordering for '08. I'll post my list and then ask a couple of questions regarding my selections that my dealer cannot answer yet. Perhaps some of you have these options and since I'm a few months from delivery I can attend to details.

    VB2L17 2500 High Roof Van 170 WB Extended
    24A Package
    EG2 3.5L V6 Gas
    4.72 Rear Axle
    DGZ Five Speed Auto
    PDR Graphite Metallic
    APA Monotone Paint
    *F7 Black Cloth Bucket Seats
    -AA Gray
    ADA Light Group
    AHT Trailer Tow Group
    AMH Window Group IV
    BAJ Alternator - 220 Amp
    BCY Battery - 95 Amp Deep Discharge
    CDD Luxury Bucket Drivers Seat
    CDY Luxury Bucket Passenger Seat
    CK7 Front Overhead Storage Bin
    CMP Half Fiber Board Cargo Panels
    CS1 Sliding Door Assist Handle
    CSQ Assist Handle - Right Rear Door
    CSZ Assist Handle - Left Rear Door
    CW1 Cargo Lashing Rails - Floor
    CXG Hinged Lid for Center Stack Bin
    CXQ Window Trim
    GAE Sunscreen Glass
    GXK 2 Additional Keys
    GXQ Side Sliding Door-Two Stage
    HGM Insulation - Front
    HGR Insulation - Rear
    JAV Instrument Cluster
    JJN Drivers Seat Base Power Outlet
    JKP 12V Rear Aux Power Outlet
    LCQ Rear Convenience Lighting
    LNJ Fog Lamps
    WNB 16x6.5 Aluminum Wheels
    XCB Rear Spring Damping
    XCF Parametric Special Module
    XZL Side Entrance Protection Strip
    YDH Customer One Owner Loyality Mailing
    YEP Manuf Statement of Origin

    1)What floor if any would come with this configuration?
    2)What roof panels if any would be supplied in the rear cargo area?
    3)Is front and rear insulation included with any side wall panels?
    4)Mechanically, what is "rear spring damping" option XCB?
    5)What is 2-stage door option GXQ?

    Thanks
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I am not sure about all your questions. I am sure you will be lucky to get 15 MPG from that gas engine. I would not buy another Sprinter that was not Diesel. My 2006 Sprinter RV was a 5 cylinder diesel and never got under 20 MPG. I think the new V6 diesel is less about 18 MPG.
  • altered3altered3 Member Posts: 59
    Question why a 2500 in Gas! and loaded with options your not going to have much left for final weights to play with. That V6 Gas unit needs lots of RPM to get it to move at 5600 rpm as opposed to 3800 rpm on the Diesel 184 HP unit
    Rear axle dampering is just a little assist for comfort softens the bumps out , unless you order the next second set of springs or third with the dampener in between the differential with damperners left and right between the second and third spring.
    Gas is not returning past 18 miles to the gallon , Diesel is running between 22 to 25 MPG once broken in.
    On the gas unit the final axle ratio of 52:11= 4,727 is the answer to poor mileage. Altered Sprinter
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    1)What floor if any would come with this configuration?

    sounds like the wood composite (with floor rails for the tie-downs running length-wise.

    2)What roof panels if any would be supplied in the rear cargo area?

    I don't see roof panels mentioned in your write-up (insulation might only be in the side-walls behind the half-height panels...) Dealer question...

    3)Is front and rear insulation included with any side wall panels?

    No, not even in the passenger version with cloth/vinyl side-panels.

    sorry, don't know about these two:
    4)Mechanically, what is "rear spring damping" option XCB?
    5)What is 2-stage door option GXQ?

    Thanks,
    KenB :shades:
  • minicoopersminicoopers Member Posts: 26
    Okay guys and dolls,
    Had my local dealer do a nationwide search today on any Sprinter in any color except WHITE and he came up with 2 in STEEL BLUE and a couple in BRILLIANT SILVER METALLIC and that's it for the entire nation. So help me out here if you can, I'd like to see an actual photo (not a publicity or
    brochure shot) of your factory painted 2007 Sprinter in any of the following colors, if they exist:
    BLACK BLUE (option code P09)
    BLACK GRAY (option code P06)
    CARBON BLACK METALLIC (option code P09)
    GRAPHITE GRAY (option code P19)
    . . . and especially
    GRAPHITE METALLIC (option code PDR)
    Thanks
  • minicoopersminicoopers Member Posts: 26
    Thanks KenB for the input.
    Forgot to ask on my list if you have to get the High Line package just to get a fuel gauge and tachometer with an actual needle?
  • punter1punter1 Member Posts: 50
    and that right there is one of the reasons why it is so hard to shop for Sprinters. You have to see the colors in person to appreciate them. The only colors you will see on the lot are white, a grey and maybe steel blue. How are you supposed to choose between something like Jet Black and Graphite Black?
  • minicoopersminicoopers Member Posts: 26
    punter1:
    Have you ever seen any other color besides white, silver, and now the blue that the dealer emailed me a photo of? I went to my local Mercedes dealer today to look at the auto colors that might match the Sprinter and had no success. Guess if I order a 2500,Graphite Metallic, 170", high top, gas, fully insulated with all the sunscreen glass and chromed factory aluminum wheels, I'll have the only one like it in the country? Lots of luck stealing it and getting away with it?
  • woodjoewoodjoe Member Posts: 1
    I see that you installed a backup camera on your sprinter.
    What kind of system did you get?
    Does it work while driving on highways or is it just for backing up vehicle?
  • kenbakerkenbaker Member Posts: 239
    The dealers have no imagination, so WHITE is the SPEC color if they are just ordering to have some on hand... perhaps MB or DC has a say in such matters?

    You've probably heard the term spec-home... built on specs (specifications) and to the common denominator of sell-ability. In the post-war years, it meant liberal amounts of particle board, cardboard wall panels, minimal insulation, even using manufactured housing parts in a supposedly craft-build home.

    For automobiles, think vanilla... nothing to offend or keep the majority of buyers from considering the vehicle to buy... except, none of the really great options (no rear speakers in by passenger van? puhh-leasssse!). Also a safe bet that the dealer won't be stuck with a high-value product that they can't get sold off the lot. Not alot of call for safety-yellow vans (unless you really need one), so some colors are just not likely, but Arctic White only is pretty bad selection.

    I get the feeling that this great van is an item for which the US market is competing against the rest of the world for availability and production volume... being across the big pond puts us at a disadvantage as well. Our one advantage may have been remaining on the second generation for a few months longer while the european union countries broke in the new version and our supply kept coming (probably from an existing factory line).

    I am lucky to have wanted a white van... unlucky to have wanted rear speakers. Otherwise, the van I got had a good array of options for our climate.

    Did you look at the MB dealer in your area for the colors (they should be MB colors, not Dodge colors).

    KenB :shades:
  • ddaileyddailey Member Posts: 5
    In April 06 I ordered a Flame Red 2500, took delivery in October 06. Six month delivery time, but I picked the options I wanted instead of the dealer picking for me. Factory red was around $352.00, dealer said they could paint for $2500.00. Now have 16K miles.
  • 2000_valk2000_valk Member Posts: 67
    Woodjoe,

    I got it on ebay. Just type in backup camera and it should go to it. If not, It is by a company called Intercept Investigations. (1-425-313-1776) The 5 inch color monitor will accept 2 cameras. You only get one. It has sound and what I think can hook up to a DVD. It has night vision also and will light up real nice with your backup lights. I use it every day. The second best thing I got for the van except for GPS. I paid 247.49. Tom
  • minicoopersminicoopers Member Posts: 26
    ddailey,
    Perhaps you could share a photo and option list since you ordered it? I always order my vehicles too, so this time won't be any different.
  • surlyoldbillsurlyoldbill Member Posts: 36
    Actually, more than 90% of these vans are sold for commercial use, and white is the standard color. I looked for 6 months to find a non-white used passenger van with low miles. Ended up buying a '03 140 shc 2500 with 20k for $26k. It wasn't my first color choice, but piedmont red is better than plumber white!

    Ford has a VERY similar product that it sells in Europe called the Transit, and I'm surprised that they aren't testing it on the US market yet. Nissan and VW also have similar products. Look up UK vans and see what's available over there, you'll be shocked when you see that the Sprinter ISN'T the best thing going.
  • purplehaze2purplehaze2 Member Posts: 2
    Anyone out there ever see a Sprinter with air bags, the kind needed to make a kneel down van. I have a Sprinter with a wheelchair lift and am considering replacing the lift mechanism with a kneel down system, using a ramp rather than the lift. Anyone using such a system yet?
  • altered3altered3 Member Posts: 59
    FULL air suspension VB certified ISO compliant Mercedes Sprinter can be used .
    The question is are you prepared to commit to approx six thousand dollars fitted.
    Side ramp electronic available from the UK rear is too awkward to arrange for the US sprinters as too a major cut and shut of metal work on the Sprinters due too live axle rear ends, as opposed to Ford and Fiat which have front wheel drive. Rear air suspension involves spring changover as well this is the only unit that will enable you to have full ESP capabilty.
    Richard
  • purplehaze2purplehaze2 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the information. Who could I contact if I am willing to put the money into such a side lift system? I have resources in Germany, if I know what to ask for. Installing such an air/hydraulic system would eliminate the need for a lift, also costs about $6,000. Using a ramp with the kneel down system would also be safer. Yes, if you have a point of contact for such a system, please provide. Or give me a product name to search in Europe for a source. Thanks again.
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