2017 Mercedes-Benz Boxer 50

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (Boxer 50 is a colloquial term) is a versatile van popular for commercial and recreational use. While known for its durability and functionality, certain issues have been reported by owners. Available engine options include the 2.1L Inline-4 Turbo Diesel (OM651) producing approximately 161 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque and the 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel (OM642) producing around 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are typically paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC). Owners often praise the Sprinter for its spaciousness, payload capacity, and fuel efficiency (particularly with the I4 diesel). However, some common complaints include the cost of maintenance and repairs, particularly for specialized components, and certain electrical gremlins.

Engine

2.1L Inline-4 Turbo Diesel (OM651)

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogging
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, warning lights illuminated, frequent regeneration cycles, and eventual engine shutdown.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration, DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, excessive smoke, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Injector replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per injector
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel (OM642)

• Oil Cooler Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, often pooling in the valley of the engine, visible oil drips, and potential for overheating.
  • Solution: Oil cooler replacement. Often requires removing the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Swirl Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine power, potential for limp mode.
  • Solution: Swirl motor replacement or repair. Some owners choose to delete the swirl flaps and reprogram the ECU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic (722.9)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, slippage, rough shifting, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $5000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, erratic gear selection, getting stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or repair. Sometimes a fluid change and adaptation reset can help.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the van sitting lower than normal, reduced load capacity, poor ride quality.
  • Solution: Leaf spring replacement or helper spring installation.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, clunking noises, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Strut replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Glow Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, excessive smoke on startup, check engine light.
  • Solution: Glow plug replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, malfunctioning sensors, difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Wiring harness repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Roller Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, grinding noises, door sticking.
  • Solution: Sliding door roller replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, weak airflow, noisy blower motor.
  • Solution: Blower motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (Boxer 50) can be a reliable vehicle, but owners should be aware of potential issues, particularly related to the diesel engines, transmission, and electrical system. While some problems are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be costly and require specialized expertise. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the cost to repair them can vary significantly depending on the problem and the repair shop. Regular maintenance, especially addressing potential oil leaks and DPF issues, can help prevent more significant problems down the road.