V6 Deisel Sprinter

**jhamlin** · 12-25-2009, 09:41 PM

Am considering a 2007 158WB Sprinter, to be used for expediting work. Could anyone report on average fuel MPG, and if the V6 engine has the same or similar problems as the older in-line 5 cylinder - ie., limp-home conditions due to turbo intake leaks, sensor and injector seating problems, etc. Or have these been successfully eliminated with the V6? Is the same transmission being used? All comments appreciated . . .

**ebsprintin** · 12-27-2009, 01:44 PM

I'm in an 07, 170 in. wheelbase van. Just approaching 200K on the odometer. I'm getting about 22 mpg. My fuel mileage is all over the chart depending on wind, and weather. The equipment I have on the roof of the vehicle takes away about 1-1.5 mpg. Can't compare it to previous models, since this is my first. There was a crankshaft sensor problem that was fixed under a recall, and I do have a leaky turbo intake, but that part is on order. The seal appears to be very soft and easily damaged. I don't see the seal getting damaged on its own, but it can easily happen during work in the area around the intake area.

The sprinter is a very delicate machine. I don't think I'd trust a used one if I didn't personally know the previous owner and know exactly how the vehicle was treated both maintenance and driving-wise.

eb

**jdcaples** · 12-29-2009, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by jhamlin

Am considering a 2007 158WB Sprinter, to be used for expediting work. Could anyone report on average fuel MPG, and if the V6 engine has the same or similar problems as the older in-line 5 cylinder - ie., limp-home conditions due to turbo intake leaks, sensor and injector seating problems, etc. Or have these been successfully eliminated with the V6? Is the same transmission being used? All comments appreciated . . .

The wheel bases available for 2007 are 144" and 170". There is no 2007/2008 or 2009 158" wheel base.

The v6 doesn't have turbo resonator problems, though there are a couple of hoses that have failed a few newer generation sprinters. There haven't been any injector sealing problems widely reported yet. The v6s use the same hold-down bold/bracket that the older inline-5s used.

The same(ish) transmission is used - a 5 speed "NAG1" The 2007+ sprinters don't suffer "RSN" like the older ones, however.

Most people, when given the choice, still elect a 2006 rather than deal with the emissions equipment fitted on all North American diesels.

The 2007+ Sprinters are more refined but harder to service that older Sprinters in some respects. There's more room under the 2007+ hood, you can get to all the engine pieces you might want to replace, unlike the inline-5 with the first injector nearly against the firewall..... dropping the transmission pan and draining the torque converter is a lot easier on a 2006 than a 2007.

Most people write a about problems, they don't write about what's working well for them. I think that for every problem reported, there are hundreds of Sprinters drivers that have never experienced the same situation.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both generations. Go look at each. Get familiar with the products. Make the best choice for yourself. You're asking the right questions. You're off to a good start.

-Jon