2018 Mercedes-Benz Boxer 50

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (Boxer 50 refers to the chassis type in certain markets but is generally understood as the Sprinter) is a versatile van known for its cargo capacity and customizable configurations. The 2018 Sprinter offered several engine options, including a 2.1L inline-4 diesel engine producing around 161 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 diesel engine producing approximately 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. A gasoline powered 2.0L inline-4 was available, producing around 188 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2.1L diesel was typically paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-Tronic Plus), while the V6 diesel and 2.0L gasoline engine were often paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Sprinter’s reliability and functionality, though common complaints often revolve around maintenance costs and specific component failures.

Engine

2.1L Inline-4 Diesel

• Oil Leaks from the Oil Cooler Seal
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks originating from the oil cooler area, often dripping onto the engine or ground. Burning oil smell may be present.
  • Solution: Replacing the oil cooler seal is the primary solution. Thoroughly cleaning the affected area after the repair is crucial to ensure all residual oil is removed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, DPF light illuminated, frequent regeneration cycles, or inability to regenerate. Can lead to limp mode.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration, DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement. Addressing underlying issues like faulty sensors or injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (forced regeneration) - $2000+ (DPF replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 Diesel

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or unusual noises from the engine, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger. Investigating the cause of the failure (e.g., oil starvation, foreign object damage).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Cooler Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 2.1L, oil leaks from the oil cooler area.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler seal or the entire oil cooler assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Inline-4 Gasoline

• No Issues Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic Plus (7-Speed Automatic - paired with 2.1L Diesel)

• Torque Converter Shudder/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrating during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter or performing a transmission flush with updated fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 (flush) - $2500+ (torque converter replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic (paired with 3.0L V6 Diesel or 2.0L Gasoline)

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, uneven ride height, clunking noises from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing the damaged leaf spring(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ (per spring)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sensor Failures (EGR, Mass Airflow, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated, poor engine performance, stalling.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ (per sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Issues (Diesel Engines)
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, especially in cold weather, rough idling, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty glow plug(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, sticking, unusual noises.
  • Solution: Adjusting the door alignment, lubricating the rollers and tracks, or replacing worn rollers or cables.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (adjustment/lubrication) - $500+ (roller/cable replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, weak airflow, unusual noises from the blower motor area.
  • Solution: Replacing the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can be a reliable and versatile work van, but owners should be aware of potential issues, particularly with the diesel engines. Oil leaks and DPF problems are fairly common in the 2.1L diesel, while the 3.0L diesel is known for turbocharger and oil cooler failures. Suspension issues and electrical problems are also possibilities. Repair costs can vary widely depending on the specific issue, but major repairs, like turbocharger or DPF replacement, can be quite expensive. Overall, while not every Sprinter will experience these problems, due diligence and thorough inspection are recommended when considering a used 2018 model.