2010 Mercedes-Benz Boxer OF

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz Boxer OF is a popular chassis used for building various types of commercial vehicles like buses, vans, and motorhomes. Engine options varied depending on the specific application and market, but commonly included diesel engines. While specific horsepower and torque figures depend on the exact engine model, typical outputs ranged from 150-220 horsepower. Owners often appreciate the Boxer OF for its robust build quality and reliability, while some criticisms include parts availability and higher maintenance costs.

Engine

OM646 Diesel

• Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, excessive smoke (black or white), decreased fuel economy, engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination.
  • Solution: Injector replacement. Ensure correct Bosch part number is used.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per injector (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling sound from the turbocharger area, excessive smoke (blue or black), oil leaks.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

OM651 Diesel

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially upon cold start, MIL illumination.
  • Solution: Timing chain replacement including sprockets and tensioner. Updated chain design may be available.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, frequent regeneration cycles, DPF warning light illumination.
  • Solution: Forced DPF regeneration, DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Manual Transmission (Specific Type Unknown)

• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into specific gears, especially 2nd or 3rd.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement of worn synchros.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Automatic Transmission (Specific Type Unknown)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, slipping between gears, erratic shifting.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Air Suspension Problems (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one side or both, compressor failing to inflate the system, air leaks.
  • Solution: Air strut replacement, compressor replacement, leak detection and repair of air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per air strut or compressor
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Glow Plug Failure (Diesel Only)
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, excessive smoke upon startup, glow plug warning light illumination.
  • Solution: Glow plug replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, malfunctions of various systems, difficult to diagnose.
  • Solution: Wiring harness inspection, repair, or replacement of damaged sections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Mechanism Issues (Vans)
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, sticking, unusual noises.
  • Solution: Lubrication, adjustment, or replacement of door rollers, cables, and locking mechanisms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor not working, weak airflow, unusual noises from the blower motor area.
  • Solution: Blower motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2010 Mercedes-Benz Boxer OF, while generally reliable, can experience issues related to its diesel engines, transmissions, suspension (if equipped with air suspension), and electrical systems. Engine issues like injector and turbocharger failure on the OM646 and timing chain and DPF problems on the OM651 are relatively common and can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, regardless if it’s a manual or automatic, need to be taken care of right away. Overall, the Boxer OF’s issues range from minor inconveniences to potentially significant repairs, requiring proactive maintenance and careful inspection during ownership.