2008 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 problems

General information about Mercedes-benz-Sprinter 3500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a light commercial vehicle (van) built by Mercedes-Benz Group AG of Stuttgart, Germany as a large van, chassis cab, minibus, and pickup truck. In the past, the Sprinter had been sold under the Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, and Freightliner nameplates. In the U.S., it was built from complete knock down (CKD) kits by Freightliner. Re-badged and re-engined Sprinters were also sold by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as the Volkswagen LT and the Volkswagen Crafter. They are now primarily marketed by Mercedes-Benz.

In the Mercedes-Benz van lineup, the Sprinter is the largest model offered, followed by the mid-size Vito (aka Viano, V-Class, and EQV) and small Citan.

First generation (1995–2006, T1N)

Europe

The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated T1 Transporter van dating from 1977. Compared to the T1, the Sprinter had reduced the aerodynamic drag and moved the engine 290 mm (11 in) further forward to increase cabin space. It was the first Mercedes-Benz product to carry a name rather than an alphanumeric designation. It was released with four-wheel disc brakes equipped with an antilock braking system and was driven by the most powerful diesel engine in its class, with a power output of 90 kW (120 hp). The Sprinter was voted International Van of the Year for 1995.

The styling was updated in 2000 and 2002, accompanied by technical changes that included standard electronic stability control (2002).

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Common 2008 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 problems

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 2008 is known for several common problems that owners have reported. Here's a detailed analysis of these issues:

Glow Plug Failures: Glow plugs in T1N Sprinters can seize into the cylinder head, making replacement a major repair. The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the glow plugs and can issue a fault for glow plug problems. However, glow plugs should not be replaced just upon the ECM fault codes, as these are often false.

Harmonic Balancer Issues: This problem is common in 2001-2005 models and can be hard to identify correctly. Symptoms include a rough-running engine, lots of engine vibration that varies at different RPMs, damaged sensors, leaking crankshaft seals, and more.

Drive Shafts and Universals: Ensure that a mechanic checks the drive shafts and universal joints. Problems in this area can be fairly expensive, unlike many domestic vans.

Turbo Resonator: On heavily-loaded 2004-2006 Sprinter RV conversions, the plastic turbo resonators often failed, at least until the Q5 resonator. A new plastic OEM resonator is around $50.00, and a Riordan aluminum replacement is about $140.00.

Heater Fan: If the heater fan only works on high speed, the heater resistor has probably failed. The heater resistor is about $40, and you can easily replace this yourself.

Fuel Line Clips: Check the fuel line clips to make sure they are still holding the fuel lines in place. If the fuel lines are unclipped, they can wear through and begin leaking, causing starting problems.

No Cold Air from the A/C: If the air conditioning won't blow cold air, there might be a hole in the condenser. The condenser on T1N Sprinters is close to the ground, making this a common issue with older T1N Sprinter vans.

Remote Door Locks: Make certain they are all in working order. You may just have to clean the door contact units.

Wiring Harness Wear: On some T1Ns using the OM647 engine, three bundles of wiring cross a bracket next to the fuel filter and then are routed into the cabin. If the insulation on any of these bundles becomes worn through from rubbing across the bracket, it can cause random engine power loss or electrical problems.

EGR Valve: There may be a black oily film over the driver's side of the engine. If so, don't panic, this may just be from the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve – an EGR valve drips oil. However, it should be replaced every 70,000 miles (about $500).

Oil Cooler Leaks: Oil cooler leaks are common on the 2007 to present models with the OM642 engine. The oil cooler seals are where most of the engine oil leaks take place. As of late, Mercedes has updated the seals with a better material made from Viton which increases their life.

Glow Plug Problems: Just like all diesel engines, the glow plugs and modules in the Sprinter will not last forever. Sometimes the plugs will break off in the cylinder head.

Injector Issue or Black Death: Another problem usually called "Black Death" is the copper seal ring which is located in the middle of the injectors and deteriorates, causing combustion gasses to escape. This results in the accumulation of black tar and coal-like material over the fuel injectors.

2008 Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercedes-benz Sprinter 3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are: