Mercedes-Benz / V6 Sprinter Question

[Bob Denman]

Mine doesn't have a DEF gauge, and I keep wondering if tjere is some sort of aftermarket alternative...

[Laco]

I don't know of any after market DEF gauges, but it seems strange that Sprinters are so inconstant, as far as some having the DEF gauge and some not. Mine is actually a 2016 chassis, though its a 2017 RV, and the dealer seemed almost surprised that it had the DEF gauge. I also added a scan gauge, since there is virtually no engine or transmission telemetry displayed on the dash, only Oh God lights. Its nice to have all the engine and transmission temp telemetry, as well as all the other stuff the scan gauge has, including gallons of fuel in the tank, to the 10th of a gallon.

[paulwadley]

My 2018 Siesta built on a 2017 mb chassis does have the DEF gauge. I have to scroll through the dash display to see the DEF level.

[Bob Denman]

2018 Chassis, with a 2019 coach...
If it's in the menu somewhere: I'll have to dig a bit deeper...

[TMD]

Our MB dealer says at 20,000 we'll see a message on the dashboard saying oil change needed.

[Laco]

On mine, for DEF display, one button and the fuel gauge changes to a DEF gauge for about fifteen seconds.

[Hooligan2]

Again 2015 Sprinter chassis- No DEF gauge. I Consistently get 1700-1750 mpg for DEF, I can add a 2-1/2 gallon jug of DEF at about 4300 miles. Easy to keep track of and I don't purchase DEF until it's needed. It does have a shelf life--

It is not a good idea to run DEF level to where you get a warning light or a starts remaining countdown. Technically it should clear when you fill the DEF tank but if it doesn't you need a dealer reset..
The 1700 mpg is my unit YMMV

[Laco]

According to the dealer, never let the DEF get to the point that you start getting warnings. They tell me the reset mechanism is not all that reliable, and they gets lots in that need to be reset, a service they do not give away.

[Dabobo]

Good to know cause I'm pretty sure it not cheap

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Laco

On mine, for DEF display, one button and the fuel gauge changes to a DEF gauge for about fifteen seconds.

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1573649360

[Ejohn2317]

I just completed my first year owning a 2012 Thor 24sa. w/68000 miles. It drives and tows my jeep great. I just experienced my first 2 check engine lights ( ie money lights). Glow plug #2 fail and exhaust recycle. My research found MB will want to change all the glow plus and the EGR valve . Quote $2200. I removed the EGR and cleaned with carb cleaner. I also changed the #2 glow plug and upgraded to a new glow plug control module [$160]. These can be very easy repairs. Going forward I will clean the EGR along with the oil change. Mine was extremely gummed up, I notice an improvement over the already excellent performance. There are many You tubes showing how to do these. I have never done an easier oil change. Don't fall for the MB myth that you have to be a rocket scientist to do basic maintenance.
Five take aways so far:
1: Weather you are in warranty or not finding an MB dealer for repairs is tough. Next time your camping Google MB repair near me. Pray you don't break down outside a major city. Some Freightliner dealers will repair sprinters. My local is two hour minimum diagnostic for sprinters. $160 per hour. My DPF value change cost over $400. A 20 min job. It took longer to make out my invoice.
2: Buy an OBDII scan tool. This way you know if a CEL is BS of an oh my god issue. You can also clear BS codes with out going to MB.
3: Buy a small 3/8 torx socket set and allen key . Get an extension and joint The T10 socket will take apart 90% of a Sprinter.
4: I am very impressed with the Sprinter. I'm a Ford/ Honda guy. Parts on the Sprinter don't just kind of fit , they exactly fit.
5: 18 mpg w/o toad 13 mpg with. The major test was the entire length of the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah NP. I was very impressed.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for this valuable info!

[Smokeater1]

Thank for the post ! So far my issues have not been MBZ related, good info on the EGR thanks!
I had my dealer add a heavy duty rear sway bar, but my one complaint is how bad the unit sways at very slow speed when going over small bumps like the low curb going into our driveway. We tow a four door Wrangler which is just below the Sprinters max allowed, but so far other than really steep hills, it’s not been an issue.
Have you had any transmission cooling issues? Given the Jeeps weight I was considering adding a xmsn cooler.
Thanks..

[Bob Denman]

Try dding Sumo Springs at each corner...

[Smokeater1]

Interesting, I had recently looked into those. Do you have them installed ?

[Bob Denman]

I have them on mine, and they help a heckuva lot!

[Gyamin]

Originally Posted by paulwadley

Hi Steve and Rebecca
I am on my 2nd Mercedes Benz sprinter chassis motor home. I first had a 2016 Winnebago that we bought back in 2015. We drove it to/from Albuquerque from Anaheim Ca. a couple of times as well as all around the local areas putting about 15,000 miles on it. I had to get the oil changed once since it is scheduled for 20,000 miles. The 1st one is just an oil change (14 quarts) and filter. At the MB dealership it runs about $225.00. The 2nd service is a bit more expensive if you go to the MB dealership (they say about $700) for the oil change, filters and valve adjustments. My first one I only had the 1st oil change and then traded it in for a larger 2018 MB chassis class C Thor Siesta. The first one had no slides and no overhead bunk which made it more aerodynamic getting about 18 mpg in diesel. Now my current 2018 Thor Siesta, I average 13-14 (I drive above 65 most of the time). We went 6700 miles back in mid April returning the end of May across 13 lower states from Ca to Florida and up to Kentucky and back. As far as power, it has no problems climbing grades and going downhill. We then took 2 trips to Tombstone Arizona (1,000 miles each rt), then off to Yellowstone National Park (2600 miles rt) and then to Salt Lake City and back. I think I go through about 4 gallons of DEF every 7500-8000 miles. It is very easy to drive and park. I had little to no problems driving and parking in Yellowstone National Park this past July. It seems easy to drive above the speed limit and some of the areas we were able to set the cruise to 78 mph with no problems. I did a couple of mods to it to improve ride and comfort. I added Sumo Springs that replaced the factory bump stops. It cut way down on the side to side sway and they were easy for me to install myself. I also had a rv shop install The Equalizer Hydraulic Leveling System to level it out when we park. Makes sleeping, sitting and walking around inside much better. The motor home did come with electric stabilizers but they only "stabilize" it when parked not level it.

Plus my wife wanted something she felt comfortable driving in the event she did drive it.

Paul

r

Thank you Paul.

I have same miles/gallon data
Really interesting to install Equalizing Hidraulic Leveling system.
My motor home came without electric stabilizers.
Can you advise me more about cost of instilling Equalizing Hidraulic Leveling system?
What kind of RV shop did you use for instillation ?

Also do I need special tools to add Sumo Spring to my Sprinter?
Did you replace 4 or 2 Bump Stop?

Thank you
Gregory

[Smokeater1]

Thanks for this info. I also interested in the a sumo spring setup...
Mine is. 2018 Four Winds on MBZ 3600 Sprinter chassis. However one shop has told me the rig is actually a 2016 chassis.
Now do I order Sumo for a 2016, or 18 ?

Thanks

[Bob Denman]

If the chassis is from 2016: that's the one to order.

[Smokeater1]

Just wanted to be sure!
Thanks..