2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a versatile van known for its spacious cargo area, fuel efficiency (especially with the diesel engine), and robust build. Engine options for the 2008 Sprinter include a 3.5L gasoline V6 producing 254 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 producing 154 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Sprinter’s tall roof, making it easy to stand inside, and its overall cargo capacity. Common complaints include higher maintenance costs compared to domestic vans, and some reliability concerns, particularly with certain diesel engine components.
Engine
3.0L Turbo-Diesel V6 (OM642)
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogging
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, illuminated check engine light, DPF warning light, and potential for “limp mode.”
- Solution: Forced regeneration of the DPF (often requires a diagnostic scan tool), or replacement of the DPF if regeneration is unsuccessful.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, black smoke from exhaust, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Whining or screeching noise from the turbo, loss of power, black smoke, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger or repair of associated components (hoses, actuators).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Cooler Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valley of the engine, visible oil drips, low oil level, potential overheating.
- Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler and associated seals. This is a labor-intensive job due to the cooler’s location.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
3.5L Gasoline V6 (M272)
- Camshaft Adjuster (Actuator) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, engine misfires, check engine light (related to camshaft position errors).
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Tumble Flap Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, poor fuel economy, check engine light. Broken tumble flaps can be ingested into the engine, causing significant damage.
- Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold. Some aftermarket solutions offer upgraded manifolds to prevent future failures.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (NAG1 / WA580)
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Hard or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, erratic shifting behavior.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, stalling, poor acceleration.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Sagging/Breaking
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, poor ride quality, reduced load-carrying capacity.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
- Front Strut Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
- Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts and potentially the struts themselves.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Glow Plug Module Failure (Diesel)
- Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the glow plug module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Wiring Harness Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as malfunctioning lights, sensors, or other components. Can be difficult to diagnose.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of damaged sections of the wiring harness.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the severity and location of the damage)
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues including, but not limited to, problems with lighting, wipers, door locks, and power windows.
- Solution: Replacement of the SAM unit and associated programming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sliding Door Roller Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, grinding noises.
- Solution: Replacement of the sliding door rollers and/or hinges.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, or inconsistent airflow.
- Solution: Replacement of the blower motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Swivel Mechanism Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty swiveling the front seats, or the seat becoming stuck in one position.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the swivel mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, while a capable and practical van, does have some common issues owners may encounter. The diesel engine is known for DPF, EGR, and turbocharger problems, which can be expensive to fix. Both engine options can have issues with camshaft adjusters or tumble flaps in the intake manifold. Transmission valve body and torque converter issues are also prevalent. Suspension problems, electrical faults, and sliding door issues are also common. Depending on the issue, repairs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, making it crucial to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic familiar with Sprinter vans.