potential new sprinter owner

**kennyp** · 08-26-2009, 12:48 PM

I want to buy a sprinter. I was told to buy a 2006 or later model but am on a budget and need to buy a used one. So, I have found a 2004 and 2005 model that seem like ok deals. Were there any issues with these years sprinters? I want the mid size one, empty to customize myself. Any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks

**jdcaples** · 08-26-2009, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by kennyp

I want to buy a sprinter. I was told to buy a 2006 or later model but am on a budget and need to buy a used one. So, I have found a 2004 and 2005 model that seem like ok deals. Were there any issues with these years sprinters? I want the mid size one, empty to customize myself. Any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks

The generation of North American Sprinters from 2002-2006 is unofficially referred to as the Dodge "VA" body style or the Mercedes-Benz T1N.

I don't know all of the "issues," but here are a few.

Rust: Look on this board for a thread titled "Rust, Rust and more Rust."

Rumble Strip Noise: The transmission makes a vibration sound similar to tires rolling over bumps found the edge of the road lane, which can alert a sleepy driver that it's time to pull over and take a nap. This is "normal," if annoying. There's no "fix," and it doesn't seem to adversely impact transmission life.

Turbo Resonator failure: The conduit that carries fresh air to the turbo can spring a leak. It's a plastic housing that can leak on a manufactured seam. The latest revision is marked with a "Q5" and that seems to be the "fix," after several tries.

Mass Air Flow and Air Intake Temperature sensor failures: These sensors feed information to the Sprinters' Engine Control Module (ECM). Failures of these are somewhat common - as well as other sensors - and can wreak havoc with drivers' nerves, forcing the Sprinter into a reduced power (limited velocity and limited torque) state called "Limp Home Mode."

Fuel injector seal failure: The injectors are not "screwed" into the the head. Instead, they are tightly fitted into the head, held in place by a flatish clamp and a bolt. The seal is below the surface of the head, in the injector bore. If that seal fails, combustion waste - fuel, soot etc - can shoot up past the injector and form a black goo around the clamp and top of the injector-meets-cylinder area. Fouling can be extensive and while it can be repaired, most dealerships just want to sell you a new head, injectors, lines, glow plugs etc to get the Sprinter back on the road ASAP.

Check for injector seal failure by removing the engine cover and looking at the areas around the injector bore orifices.

This condition is documented as "black death." If you use google as a search engine, type in "site sprinter-source.com black death" and you'll find a fair amount of info on the situation, and the contact info for someone that can repair cylinder heads cheaper than they can be replaced.

Other than that, I can't think of any major headaches. In my experience most, if not all used vehicles require some repair/maint. I would expect to discover something to fix in the first 3,000 miles.... then I think you'd probably know for certain if you have a lemon, something you can live with or something you'll really, really, really enjoy. Most people love their Sprinters and don't post about how wonderful their Sprinter is on websites like this.... so don't let the horror stories dissaude you. Pay attention to the horror stories, but don't let them carry too much weight in your decision. They're good vans.

-Jon

**sonic1** · 07-08-2011, 01:36 AM

Thanks for the info Jon!

**Ken** · 07-11-2011, 11:13 PM

Rust...the newer ones have the same problem...to some extent...

RST....I know the 07/08's have it as well....

injector seals? Had 1 go about 400,000 miles ago.....32 bucks....

The pr e07's get far better MPG...