Mercedes-benz Sprinter 906 problems

Common Mercedes-benz Sprinter 906 problems

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 906 is a popular van used in various industries, including package delivery, service industries, and camping. However, like any vehicle, it comes with its share of common problems. This article will discuss some of the most frequently reported issues with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 906, based on complaints from owners.

• Broken Exhaust Flex Pipe: This is a common problem for the 2007 or 906 chassis with the V6 OM642 diesel engine. With 2007 to 2009 models, this is a part of the catalytic converter, but with 2010 and newer models, it's a part of the Diesel Particular Filter. Leaks from the exhaust, coming from the flex pipe, can melt the nearby wiring, causing the engine to shut off, not restart, and start the counter.

• No Start Countdown (Dep-Counter): The Sprinter 2010 and newer models with Bluetec will start counting down any remaining start cycles if there are issues with the DEF level or Nox sensors and other components related to the DEF/Adblue. If the countdown has started, it's strongly recommended to have your van diagnosed before it gets to the last few remaining start cycles.

• A Clogged DPF: The Diesel Particular Filter (DPF) in Sprinter's grabs soot from the exhaust to prevent black smoke leaving the exhaust. The DPF will gather soot until it reaches a level to perform regeneration. During regeneration, the ECU will cause the DPF to reach a very high temperature, approximately 1,200F, and burn the soot. If the ash builds up inside the DPF, it will not burn out if you are using the wrong engine oil. The DPF can clog and restrict exhaust flow. If the content of ash is too high, you can manually force DPF generation with SDS Start Scanner. If that fails, your only option is to replace the DPF.

• Issues That Can Prevent DPF Regeneration: Faulty temperature sensor, Swirl flap motor, EGR valve, and running issues can prevent the DPF from performing its regeneration. If not properly corrected, the exhaust will have severe restrictions. The van will lose power as the clogging increases.

• Reduced Power / Limp Mode: Sprinters have a Limp Mode, a safety feature to protect the engine from damage. It can be activated if you push the engine too hard to its limit. When MIL illuminates or the check engine light starts flashing, that is an indicator of Limp Mode. It's trying to lower engine power to prevent any further damage to affected components.

• 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. Because reaching it can be difficult, the oil cooler can be expensive to repair. The turbocharger, intake manifold, and other parts have to be removed to gain access to it.

• 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. There is a special tool to drill out and extract the glow plug without removing the cylinder head. Pricing can vary on glow plugs, depending on the engine and year.

• 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 over time. This can cause combustion gasses to escape, leading to the accumulation of black tar and coal-like material over the fuel injectors. Removing and/or replacing injectors are usually required to fix this issue.

These are some of the most common problems reported by Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 906 owners. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

Are Mercedes-Benz Sprinters reliable?

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is considered a dependable workhorse and one of the most popular vans by drivers. The Sprinter van runs on a diesel engine and can run over 300,000 miles. As long as you stay up on regular maintenance, this van will last you for a very long time.

What year is a 906 Sprinter?

Second generation (2006–2018, NCV3)

How many miles will a Mercedes Sprinter engine last?

250,000 to 300,000 miles

Sprinter vans, with proper maintenance and best-driving practices, last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles. However, depending on your driving habits, routes, and how diligent you are with routinely servicing your Sprinter, this estimation can dramatically decrease or extend.

What is considered high mileage for a Sprinter van?

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is considered a dependable workhorse that runs on a diesel engine and it's very common for Sprinters to be going strong at 450,000+ miles. From our personal experience, we have been full time van lifers for 4+ years now and our van (T1N 2006) is going strong at 340,000 miles.