Original INTENDED Design/Use of Sprinter Van

[spoerke]

Does anyone have any information as to the "Original" intent/purpose of the Sprinter van? I have been told it was for LOCAL delivery. My sprinter is used on Americas interstate highways at top speed of 77mph for 900 to 1000 miles per day. So far it has broke down twice, and it's only 3mos. old. I'm disgusted with it actually. Everyone I talk to on the highways, is absolutely thrilled with theirs! Mine only gets 16.8/gal. !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dennis

[kerry edwards]

The Sprinter is an evolution of the older 207d.... style of MB vans. They are used for everthing in Europe, but compared to the US, everthing there is 'local'.
You should check the Sprinter group over at Yahoo. Most people there report about a 22mpg. Of course it depends on the gear ratio in the rear end.
I have a 1985 409d and it is geared very low. Top speed about 68-70mph with the 617NA diesel. I believe the dual wheel versions are geared lower than the single wheel versions if my experience of also owning a 307d is typical.
I think the Sprinter group at Yahoo has reports of people driving their vans over 85mph so I'm guessing there's something wrong with yours. Not many reports of lack of reliablity on that group. What have your problems been?

[spoerke]

There has been something wrong with this vehicle from the beginning. Besides the terrible fuel mileage, the engine has smoked badly (at times - especially when passing), it has always seemed (the engine) louder than most (like it was working to hard). I reported all this to my dealer upon 1st return from cross country trip. Their fix was to install the recalled EGR valve. It now has it's 4th valve on it, and sitting in Lincoln, Ne. with technicians that "THINK" it might be the fuel pump. I live in Florida. Because it is a "commercial" vehicle, The dealer doesn't intend to help. This whole 3mo ordeal, is about to cost me everything.
When it "breaksdown" - without warning the power shuts off. As though the key was turned off. It will idle, but absolutely no power. This happened once after merging onto I-5 in California at 75mph, and after just pulling in front of a Semi - NO POWER ! 75mph to 50mph in a split second. Amazed no accident!
One of the problems I am starting to realize, because this vehicle is relatively new to Dodge (the salesmen couldn't even tell me how to turn the AC or heat on) No one really knows anything about it. Including techs..

[kerry edwards]

Join the Sprinter group at Yahoo. someone there may know what your problem is. I know there were discussions there about the 'limp' mode which is what you seem to be experiencing.