Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

From 3 video reviews and 1 press test · updated 26/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The third-generation Sprinter offers an unusually broad choice of bodies, lengths, roof heights and drivetrains; W910 is front-wheel drive, while W907 is rear- or all-wheel drive.[1]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)
• The high seating position gives good visibility and, in the reviewer's experience, the dimensions are quickly mastered; the van remains stable on motorways without constant steering corrections.[3]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)
• Even the basic third-generation version was praised for its comfortable driving position, two-way steering-wheel adjustment, cruise control and speed limiter.[3]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)
• The Sprinter Classic was described as durable and suitable for DIY servicing, with better reliability on long-distance work and better body survival away from harsh metropolitan conditions.[2]one source

Typical faults

• On the third-generation OM651, the oil cooler's fine passages can clog, overheating the oil and reducing its viscosity; crankshaft and bearing-shell wear may follow.[1]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)

  OM651

• The OM642's metal swirl flaps are robust, but their plastic actuator rods can fail; crankcase-ventilation wear and intake deposits may then contribute to binding.[1]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)

  OM642

• Third-generation rear brake calipers may seize at roughly 100,000–110,000 km when a damaged dust boot admits moisture and dirt, rapidly wearing the inner pad and disc.[1]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)

  100 000–110 000 km

• Third-generation vans faced brake-hose recalls: some 2020-built vehicles had outer-layer damage, while on vehicles sold in 2018–2020 the front liner could chafe a hose until it leaked.[1]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)

  2018–2020

• On the Sprinter Classic, humidity, road chemicals and frequent door opening can accelerate severe corrosion; heavily used urban passenger vans may rust through within 7–8 years.[2]one source
• A Sprinter Classic OM646 may require an overhaul before 100,000 km: the source describes crankshaft-support wear, spun bearing shells and possible crankshaft breakage.[2]one source

  OM646

• Sprinter Classic faults include water ingress through a poorly bonded windscreen, misadjusted sliding doors, rust and cracked sealant in drainage channels.[2]one source

Which engine and version to take

• For a German-built second-generation Sprinter, the five-cylinder diesel is preferable: the source calls it more reliable than the four-cylinder because extra supports reduce crank-bearing loads; production ended in 2006.[2]one source

What to avoid

• Choose a Sprinter Classic with the OM646 only if its servicing and oil-change history is convincing: the source warns of possible crankshaft-assembly failure before 100,000 km.[2]one source
• A third-generation OM651 needs documented lubrication-system care: the source recommends replacing the oil heat exchanger every 90,000–100,000 km and also warns of oil-pump faults.[1]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)

What to check at the inspection

• Check a third-generation van against the recall database and inspect its brake hoses, front liner position and any signs of leakage.[1]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)
• After 60,000 km, inspect the rear-caliper dust boots at every service; the source recommends preventive replacement no later than 80,000–90,000 km.[1]one sourceThird generation (W907/W910)
• For a passenger Sprinter Classic, compare the seat count and vehicle category with its documents; a van-to-bus conversion must be legally recorded.[2]one source
• On a Sprinter Classic, closely inspect the windscreen bond, sliding-door adjustment, drainage channels, sealant cracks and body corrosion.[2]one source
• For an older OM611, establish whether injector seals were changed every 40,000–60,000 km and glow plugs removed about every 50,000 km; otherwise they may seize.[2]one source
• Check the air-conditioning performance, unusual noises and excess cabin humidity; the source identifies these as possible signs of a refrigerant leak.[4]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]АВТО ПЛЮС — Машина надёжная, но есть неприятные особенности. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3 | Подержанные автомобили · ▶ video
2. [2]АВТО ПЛЮС — Нюансы российской сборки Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic | Подержанные автомобили · ▶ video
3. [3]АВТО ПЛЮС — Новый Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Современные технологии в коммерческом транспорте | Наши тесты · ▶ video
4. [4]kondicio.lv — MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER - Kondicioniera Remonts ... · press

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