2007 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a versatile van popular for commercial and recreational use. In 2007, it was offered with two engine options: a 2.1L Inline-4 Turbo Diesel producing 154 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel producing 154 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Sprinter for its spacious cargo area, high roof, and fuel efficiency (especially the diesel models). Common complaints include relatively high maintenance costs, some electrical issues, and rust concerns (depending on the climate).

Engine

2.1L Inline-4 Turbo Diesel

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke from the exhaust, whistling sound from the turbocharger area.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, poor fuel economy, difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify faulty injector(s) and replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per injector (depending on if it’s a single injector or all of them)

3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel

• Oil Cooler Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, often seen around the oil filter housing or the front of the engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler and associated seals/gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
• EGR Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, poor performance, excessive black smoke.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, difficulty shifting, slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
• Valve Body Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, delayed engagement, failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging/Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, particularly in the rear, poor ride quality, clunking noises.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, loose steering.
  • Solution: Replacement of ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per ball joint.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Glow Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting in cold weather, excessive smoke on startup, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty glow plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, malfunctioning lights, sensors not working correctly.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of damaged wiring, replacement of wiring harnesses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depending on the severity and location of the damage. $100 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical issues of all kinds, no power, vehicle won’t start.
  • Solution: Replacement of the SAM Module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on body panels, especially around wheel wells, door seams, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Rust removal, body repair, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable depending on the extent of the rust. $100 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, binding, or sticking.
  • Solution: Adjustment, lubrication, or replacement of door rollers and hardware.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor not working or only working on certain settings, unusual noises from the blower motor area.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, while offering great utility and space, can be prone to certain issues. Engine problems, particularly with the turbocharger and fuel injectors in the 2.1L, and oil cooler leaks and EGR issues in the 3.0L, can be costly. Transmission issues like torque converter problems can also be expensive to address. Suspension components, particularly leaf springs and ball joints, may require attention over time. Electrical problems such as glow plug failure and wiring harness issues are also common. Rust can be a significant concern in certain climates. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in potentially high maintenance costs when considering this vehicle.