The Fast Lane Truck Um, you guys forgot about Sportsmobile. They're vans are specifically designed and built for overlanding as well as full-time living.
Is a Mercedes worth the $$$$$$$$? I think My 2010 AWD GMC Savana kicks ass on over priced Mercedes, it's been a great vehicle. Can those Sprinter's tow a 20- 22' (or Larger) Aluminum boat with a 250 horse power outboard for example at 6000' in the CA Sierra's? My ride does, I have a GMC Savana AWD 2010 with a 5.3L V8 that I camp in hundreds of days a years I have never had to pay for anything but gas and oil changes, WIX/Mobil 1. I have 40,000 hwy and hard offroad miles. No maintenance costs, ZERO, nada not $1. What are the maintenance cost on the Mercedes? I have heard that they charge an arm and a leg $1000's for repairs. I recommend people looking for a van to look into used GM, You can buy a used Chevy or GMC AWD van for a few grand and much less than any Mercedes new or used. I get 17-20+ HWY and 13-16 City. Sea level @ 65 mph cruise control on I can get 20+. But in the hills of the Sierra's it has serious power it is a rocket up Donner Pass 7000+, I can go up hills no problem plenty of power to spare 65/70 climbing hills easy or faster. I have BFG's All terrains and it is fantastic in the snow. I would like something bigger and like the newer style vans with the raised roofs but I am considering going one step larger in class as I want more room and comfort that the basic van Sprinter style offers.
Loved my Sprinter 4x4! I'd actually average about 22 mpg highway. Did 25 mpg once in perfect tailwind conditions. And that was the big daddy 170" extended!
I am glad to hear you guys bringing up the range as such an important factor in overlanding. More common is for the reviewers to focus only on off road performance, when that is actually not the primary focus of the overlander. Well done.
To be honest I could by an old army truck with the communication shelter attached to it and have a cheap, reliable, and extremely off-road capable vehicle for less then $5,000 dollars. Then use the rest of the money I have to make a comfortable living quarters
if you really do, add a lot of rust protection ..... I know we had 15 company MB's ...... we have a FIAT DUCATO 640 "motorhome" front drive; maybe you look for a "FIAT DUCATO 4 x 4 Expedition"
Awesome job guys, cool video! I can see where something like this would be very useful in places like Colorado, Alaska and other places. This was really good with the music, scenery, and multi demonstration showing the fuel economy. hopefully there are cup holders in the door panels? Thanks again, I rate this a 10.
Roman and Nathan - one of your best. The scenery AND the soundtrack added to the analysis. I particularly liked Nathan's ribbing Roman about stream pollution at the end of the video. Well done, guys. AND...I will be checking out the MB 4x4 to see if I can get it with a petrol engine. I have had my fill of diesels over the years. Thank you.
Every one I bought was schit...of course that was back in the 80's. However, I still have nightmares where I am traveling with my wife and children on a rural back road at 3 AM and running very low on diesel...passing gas stations right and left with no diesel pumps! (BTW, the 4x4 is not offered with a petrol engine....dammit.)
I bought a new 2015 2500 crew High roof 4x4. I average 13 mpg for my around town. It has been awesome all around. I did the 2" suspension lift by VanCompass and put 35" Toyo RT's. Still 13 plus mpg. A lot of people talk about the high cost to own. Not true. Yes the B service at 20k miles was $1,100 but other than that it is a $120 oil change every 10k miles. I love it. I get stopped every day by people that say how awesome it is. It was a $68 msrp but when trucks are that much anyway, I get the added benefit of fitting a 14'8" kayak in the back and can stand up in it. No truck does that. Love it!
There is several companies in Europe that sell these. Mercedes obviously, Ford sell a 4x4 variant of the Transit, we have the Iveco Daily 4x4 which arguably has the best performance off road of them all, and the Mitsubishi Canter.
Sprinter 4x4 is a good one. However here in Europe we have some other options for 4wd vans. I used to have a VW Crafter 4motion which is the same as the Sprinter, just different badges. It was a really comfortable work horse/ office. However one thing that happened to a lot of Sprinters/ Crafters after some 250000km was that the rear drive shaft sometimes completely locked up... other than that, it’s awesome! Cheers from Sweden
Love the watery music sound touch that’s funny lol you guys are stepping up your details in the vids ! I wish you guys would review an old 90s VW eurovan! It would be so cool !
Man-o-man I really want to see more competition in this segment. I love these vans but 60k is hard to swallow. Thanks for the review guys, your channel always makes me miss home!
Tim Fox that configuration isn't 60k. I just bought a brand new 12 passenger lifted with bigger tires with 4wd diesel....no extra bells and whistles lane keep assist and all that garbage...60k.
My Power Wagon don’t care. 😀 seriously I do think they are cool. And at the end of the day, it’s a Benz. That said, I question the robustness of that TCase and front diff.
They're open center, front and rear differentials with electronic braking measures to distribute power. What are people expecting from them?? Also, the Transfer Case and Front Diferential are from Oberainger who certainly know what they're doing.
All of our ambulances are Mercedes Sprinters. They are indestructible, lots with over 400,000kms in use 24/7. We have a number of 4x4 ones too and apart from the extra height, they drive and last the same
$60,000 is not pricey and the domestics do not offer a 4wd option currently and they would not be that much less $ with similar options and their diesel engines don't have the same proven reliability, these vans run 500k miles and have over 20 years of proven reliability , the big 3 have never had this kind of track record, so this is a great review and great vehicle
I had a new 4x2 2012 & a new 4x2 2013(r.i.p head on collision) sprinter 2500 long high roof w that 3.0 diesel. I was a delivery driver and averaged 72k miles a year. With that van I had 14 foot long cargo area that was 6 feet talk in the door opening and a few more inches tall inside. They were great vehicles that I used for mostly work w alittle camping and play. Not many problems, outside wearable parts brakes and one alternator. The only problem that I remember is the heating element went out in the def tank, not a big deal in oregon. I loved both those vans so much that I'll going to get the 4x4 standard length short roof in the crew version to replace my ageing minivan. They corner so well that I scared most of my passengers cause they thought we would roll over. My only major complaint is my mpg was on average 17mpg, best was 21ish, but that is w aggressive drivingin mostly the city(paid by the job not the hour). My uncles 2006(I think) dodge 5.9 diesel 6spd gets 19.5mpg combined and I can't help but wonder if the sprinter could get better.
So mine goes into four wheel drive by pushing the button then go to neutral and then drive. Works great! The cup holders are also in the doors and the best one is on the dash at the window on each side.
It's not the "ultimate" overlander by any stretch, but it's a damn good one, particularly if you're just talking OEM production vehicles. The Sprinter's 4x4 system is one of the best factory systems available. I'm planning to build myself an RV in one of these when I retire and use it to travel the country...and beyond.
It would be nice if more van manufacturers offered vans with 4x4, vans have a lot of capability that are being wasted. In theory they're capable of almost anything, but that potential isn't being meant outside of the aftermarket.
Man I love Sprinter's. I used to own one when I was a courier. It was the old model, when they were first released. You know before they started looking like beluga whales. Had a 14ft cargo bay and a 6ft roof. With steel toe boots, I was able to stand upright inside as long as it wasn't under one of the support beams that wrap around the tin can. Amazing fuel economy for such a large van. All the other people driving vans would always stare, or come and ask questions. Felt like I had a super car or something. Mine however had zero sound deadening. Every bump, the walls rattled and made a lot of sound. The worst thing was one day it started to rain, then hail. I had to pull into a parking lot just to plug my ears. Holy crap was it so loud! The one my dad got (it was a beluga whale version) had small strips around the inside. This cut the sound and made it much quieter over all. If you get one and for whatever reason it has no sound deadening, make sure you add something, anything! Otherwise, amazing van. Zippy too, for something so large, it can pull pretty good. You'd also think it would tip easy, but I was able to go around turns at a rather rapid speed! Always pushing a limit with the van, don't think I ever got it on 3 wheels mind you but still!
While this is sort of uncomfortable of a solution to the noise, a quick and cheap solution is the ear plugs.(also probably a tad illegal in many states) 2nd quick fix is just to throw in some used up clothing or anything that is fabric that nobody wants.(cleaned of course for sanity) I play drums, and in order to keep costs down in sound dampening, I use a lot of house hold used up fabrics and just neatly scatter about the room.(as opposed to buying fancy sound dampeners) Would be amazed at how easily these simple tricks can improve your enjoyment of products that are bare boned. :)
Thanks guys. I was always curious about this vehicle and wanted some idea of what it would be like to do just what you showed. I know a lot of people would convert the interior for their personal choices of campers. Since that is what people do already with them, having the 4x4 option brings it to the next level of appreciation. Certainly cheaper to buy that and put in some personal camping accommodations than to buy a traditional camper and try and convert it to 4WD. ;)
On a Sprinter, the 4×4 option costs $7,500 on paper, but the real cost to actually obtain one is about twice that. And for your ~$15,000 you get a 4×4 system that is unable to send equal torque to the front. It is not shift-on-the-fly, you must stop to engage it. Additionally, it adds a significant amount of NVH to the drivetrain. We have also found that the Sprinter van is not engineered for regular off-road duty. The suspension is way underdampened. The front suspension is composed of a fiberglass leaf spring and the rear is a solid axle with leaf springs. On most true 4×4 vehicles, the front driveline and rear driveline are connected directly together through gearsets with a perfect 50% front, 50% rear split. The transfer case that was shoe-horned into the Sprinter is a planetary gearset and can not offer a true locked 50/50 4×4 system. The best it can do is 33% torque to the front and 67% to the rear. I just spent a lot of money for a 2019 4x4 Sprinter and after the fact found the above article. Did I make a mistake. I what is said up above true? Help me out here. I am feeling a little concerned.
This would be perfect for taking my band and stage gear out to the middle of nowhere........ to introduce the wildlife to some classic styled Heavy Metal! ;)
Rngnd1314 Haha. Yeah. Maybe my humor didnt quite translate in text. Actually, camping is when I love bringing out the acoustics and doing some serious BBQ.
Lol you can buy a brand new one bare bones just cab and frame for 35k. I just bought a brand new one with 12 seats and 6 cylinder diesel with lift and bigger tires for 60k. Coolest family ride ever
2:02 - You look under most modern vehicles today and you see nice things like factory e-coatings to prevent rust, plastic shields to keep crud out and improve aero, etc. From the looks of the underside of this thing it's going to rust out quickly... the front crossmember/engine cradle alone looks like it's already got surface rust on it, and the rest of the underside is barely even painted. I guess the Germans just said "eh, it's a van, ship it".
I love the ending. That was funny stuff. Great video, although I would have liked to see it in more off road fire trail type terrean or up some snowy roads / mountains.
those cup holders are designed for Euro people. We don´t drink coffee or ice tea in such big containers,that is insane. Small holes are designed to keep cans like regular soda can (33cl) and 0.5 L water bottles. Big holes are just for 1.5 L water bottle. Those McDonald´s kind of drinks are hard to see out of the restaurant here,maybe a tiny coffee by US standard. Most people just drink water while driving.
I think this van is imported,not designed in US,maybe put together in American soil. Those are kind of detail in my opinion can made an owner mad about the vehicle. That detail about cup holders has that explanation I mention previous, in EU almost every vehicle is like that. Is hard to find around any gas station in EU something you can fit in a regular US cup holder,maybe an XXL size drink from McDonald´s,but again,that is something very very unusual. I never drink coffee,tea or soda in a size bigger than a 1/3 L can,be water my friend!
And the MPG just gets better with age. My 2004 gets 20MPG around town! Yes, it’s 2WD, but its the high roof, LWB (22ft) model. The lowest I’ve gotten in 17 MPG with short trips, constant idling at stops, and from 2000-6500lbs in it. I don’t recommend it, but it has even transported, admirably, over 8000lbs of pavers in pallet inside it. 500-600 miles on every tank is nice when hurricane Irma rolls over you and the fuel stations are shut down, too.
Ok guys, I get everything your saying but remember the suspension is NOT set up for a true built out van. I know, I have a 2019, 170" 4x4 that I built out into an amazing adventure rig. BUT I can tell you for sure, you need to upgrade the suspension, alot. I went with the Agile Offroad Ride Improvement Package (RIP), this is the solution to ALL of your problems. My beastie gets out there and runs big and runs hard. Wind from nature or wind from 18-wheelers, don't bother me at all. the standard for MB is a 2 leaf suspension, mine is 6 leaf, with over springs, FOX shocks and well, let's just say she runs well on the highway or on the trails. Also, remember, MB gave us a 4x4, sort of. It's not really the same as your pickup 4x4, she is not a rock crawler, she will let you go to places most other RV can only dream about. As you can see, I love my rig and don't think anyone can get close (except for the real deal 500k adventure Earth Roamers). They cost more than I could ever afford. Does the MB Sprinter 4x4 rock, well, hell yes. Hope to see you up in the high country.
How come an f150 isn’t considered a good overlander? Mine is a 3.5l ecoboost 4x4 with a 36 gallon fuel tank and gets easily 23 highway. I can easily exceed 700 miles per tank. Plus with the crew cab there is plenty of space for stuff that needs to stay dry, and a bed tent is a convenient place to sleep. Plus even with TONS of options, it’s still cheaper than this van. 🤷🏻♂️🤔 As always, awesome video. Been watching since Nathan made a review of the 2013 xterra in the dessert.
Seems like Toyota has quietly become dare i say almost pretty good. Rumour has it they are near number one in volume and quality. Funny thing...3 best vehicles my wife and i have are Toyotas...what are the odds.
Sam Hyde Some consider full sized pickups too wide for overlanding. There's something to that since a Tacoma, older ranger, Explorer, Pathfinder, Cherokee etc are more maneuverable but a f-150 is still a great blank slate for whatever you want to do.
This would’ve been a great vehicle for when I used to pick up doctors and nurses during snow emergencies at the hospital. You could pick up and take home a whole shift of employees with this much seating.
If you want to travel the country and want to be able to get through most anything.. This is the way to do it.. any weather.. rougher terrain.. long haul.. Id turn it into a camper van.. Id want some things in it to make it a real great travel van including a murphy bed.. table.. kitchenette and maybe some sort of bathroom head if possible.. The 4x4 is what got me interested in this.. Mercedes was very smart doing this.. I think Ram Could do this.. and they should do it...
Good review, good product, stupefying price. I want to see those boilers at 17:38 undergo a full restoration, I think they've got some life left in em!!
4wd would be nice but my 2006 short wheelbase gets 25 mpg mixed driving, and 35 mpg at 55mph. That looks like the same 7pin trailer connection, but when we installed the electrical brake controller the stock connector had to be replaced with one that could fit the larger wire required. Yes my'06 is nearly impossible to drive in the snow without snow tires. Thanks for the review!
Mike Foehr I don’t even like the knobs. Just more electronic nonsense to fail. The 4 Runner has a manual lever for that. I thought the Tacoma would, too.
Imagine traveling down a hwy with traffic, then you start facing snow covered roads, "oh excuse me everyone, I need to stop and then slowly roll forward, then wait for the blinkly light to engage my 4x4" for some reason I don't think the traffic behind you is going to appreciate that maneuver.
What about the VolksWagen Westfalia... Here in Europe You can get them with 4x4 too... I would prefer that before a Sprinter at anytime.. Beside You can also get the VW as a Pick up with both small and big cabins and then You can put on a Camper on top of that and they have pretty good living space and you also get them with 4x4 and good terrain abilities so/and you have a lot of options then...??
We have a 2016 Sprinter with a 170wb, 4x4 with the extra body extension. We have driven around 3000 miles so far and have an overall average of 18.9 mpg. We just returned from a trip where we drove 180 miles on a dirt road. Due to the rough conditions we only averaged around 30 mph but we did managed to get 23.5 mpg at those slower speeds. Here in Alaska most of the paved road speed limits are 55 mph and I suspect our overall mpg would drop to the 16-17mpg range if we spent more time at 65 mph or above. So far my only complaint about the sprint van is with the front seats. They are fine for a cargo work van but not very comfortable for a DIY RV build for long distance travel. With the hard seats mounted over the front wheels you notice a lot of the road bumps and wash boards in your back side. This is typical of all vans. I put a lot of effort into the sound deadening and insulation and overall the van is very quite at road speeds.
John Lavezzorio incorrect it’s actually the Mercedes made om642 it’s been used in them for years much more reliable than the vm motori version that is used in newer Chrysler products
There are 3 major companies that charge 10k+ for 4x4 van conversions and are always booked out over a year. There's demand. Mercedes is smart to bring this product out.
Very cool looking van, but definitely not the only 4x4 van out there. Look at the Japanese market, especially the older Mitsubishi Delica's. Diesel engines, 4x4 high and low selectable, and center locking differential. L300 models are 25 years old and available for import now. Hope to have one by the end of the year!
Hey You you’re not wrong, but in most cases these 4wd converted vans are not necessarily made to go off the beaten path. Plus to add lift kits, more beefy wheel/tire set up, etc could get pricey. Which is why I’m leaning toward the older, importable Japanese vans.
Let me be capt. negative....the cost to repair one of these is otherworldly!!! I had the pleasure of driving 3 versions of these 5 days a week for 5yrs for my work.i loved it as long as i didnt have to pay for ANY repairs or maintenance.5sp auto trans 12,000$$$$, countless fuel injectors a few alternators,brake pads ,rotors by the dozen(brakes were always an issue).i LOVED LOVED LOVED the inline 6 but hated the v6.it seemed the v6 was more prone to little annoying time sucking little problems that even mercedes trained techs couldnt diag/repair.i would own the mercedes or Ram versions in a heartbeat but the older ones and have "sportmobile" or "Quigley " convert them to 4wd using their systems at a much lower cost and a more hearty reliable system.the fuel consumption difference between the v6 and i6 is significant.the 2 i6's i drove averaged 21 or more mpg and the v6 was 14 to 18 mpg never more.i drove 300 or more miles per day for 14 yrs the last 5yrs in sprinters from Dodge (mercedes) then mercedes badged sprinters.i always had deisels.we had gas versions but the other drivers hated them compared to the deisel ones.i really did love the ones i drove,im now prepairing the retire to overlanding in america but i have Quigley 4x4 1ton ford e350 7.3litre deisel van.
If at all possible could you guys get a quigly 4x4 Ford transit witht he 3.5. I thing that would put up a real fight against this van especially because it doesnt have to deal with the diesels silly exhaust problems.
There are companies that can convert and Mercedes sprinter to 4x4. The next best thing to four wheel drive would be a locking rear end. The good thing about a dodge pro master is of the weight of the engine is over the drive wheels. Being front drive allows the floor to be lower.
i have the same engine but with manual transmission, my only complain is that although it has 6 speeds the gearing is very short, so in highway you get a lot of noise from the engine and with the right gearing i could waste less fuel
I had a 6 litre Chevy that got 17 mpg doing 80 mph through Kentucky and Tennessee carrying 2,000 pounds burning gas, not diesel, which is cheaper. And the gas engine is WAY cheaper! I didn't see you take that MB anywhere my Chevy couldn't go. Chevy did offer an AWD option.
Another great review. I think I'm right in saying that the Winnebago Revel uses this van and its four wheel drive system, and I'd like to see the guys review it sometime as it is supposed to have 'real off road ability'. I figure it would get a good workout with TFL, and we'd get to what it can really do.
In mid-October I will take delivery of a 2019 WInnebago Revel. Winnebago's coach is built as an off road, off the grid RV that is powered by a 2018 4x4 2500 144" Mercedes Sprinter van. I'm paying $115,700 for the vehicle that wears a $152,000+ sticker price. My unit will be 100% fully loaded to include coach AC and larger, off road tires, etc.
We paid 58k for a 170 4x4. But, that includes the upgrades like, Hi/Low range 4x4, 17,000 Btu pre-heater and a few other goodies. My understanding is the van is the same price in Florida or Alaska as listed on the MB web page.
What are US automakers thinking (or not thinking?) they see the demand for 4x4 vans. 6 month waiting list. People paying $13k for aftermarket 4x4 conversions, and they still refuse to offer an AWD or 4x4 option. They even have the van market severely handicapped in their favor with the ridiculous chicken tax. I have a $80k ‘19 sprinter reserved, and I’d much rather give that money to an American company instead of zee Germans. At least the new sprinters will be made in USA 🇺🇸
You must be mad...seriously mad...let me give you and education about how good these vans are...can you say scheisse. My work vehicle is a 2012 Sprinter with the diesel V6. Our van has had all the bulbs replaced at least 3 or 4 times now...the auxiliary heater cracked and when used in the winter it would smoke like a BBQ. The glow plugs are another issue. Roman was excited about the windshield washer nozzle in the wiper...wait till your van has 6 inches of snow on it....those goddamn things will break off in a heartbeat. I know this from personal experience. My coworker has another van...just like my work truck...it failed to start one cold morning and went to the dealer and did not come back for three weeks. I cannot tell you all of what was wrong. One other coworker had one....now drives a Transit from Ford. His MB van needed a new engine after one year. Yes...a new engine. Our head mechanic where I work told me when these vans are done with there usable life...if they last that long....the city where I work will NEVER buy another German MB van. I kid you not.
I work for Ford on the Transit line, on the front suspension line there’s a hoist that’s been added recently (possibly for a front diff) and there’s rumors a 4x4 is in the works.
18mpg might be good in North America, but that is terrible in Europe where the fuel prices are double to triple USA's. Once you add a high roof, solar panels, roof-rack, winch, bull-bar, ladders... you can kiss good-bye to another 2-3 mpg at least. I hope the New Sprinter 4x4 out next year offer a 4-banger version and better fuel efficiency. Owning and converting one of these really is a rich man's game.
This sort of thing combined with electric hybrid drive at the rear / traction control could be more mainstream as there are engineering synergies with lower emmision vehicles
On the tail shaft locking up like any 4x4 you need height extender tubes on the front and rear diff and the transmission breathers if you are going to do river crossings. Otherwise water will get in.
Hopefully they have fixed the weak corrosion resistance on this van. I noticed even newer vans of only a year old are rusty. Vans 5 years old, or so, are complete rust buckets here in Michigan.
First off $60,000 US for a camper i cant stand in! Could buy a truck and camper for that kinda money (not to mention the van still needs to be camperized) Good fuel economy while in 2wd at hwy speed but how about a full comprehensive review by testing 4wd trail driving combined with hwy. I like your videos yet they could be a lot better with a more rounded review. Still cant believe people are waiting 6 months for this over priced shell!!
😍 This machine is a work of art. I gotta think of what to sell to get one of these. 😎. I am already up-building in my mind. I might have to part with the AMC Pacer, 501 🙂. I need to do some thinking.
Did MB explain why they didn't use their 4matic all wheel drive train system instead of the complicated four wheel drive system shown here? The GLE and GL have it and can tow 7200 pounds. Thanks.
What sprinter van is the most popular for beginner camping. We want to get a van, just really confused with all of the different sizes and models. Thanks so much
I’ve never seen anybody use a cupholder in the UK, I think people would rather wait to get a drink during fuel stops , that’s only my mates you understand !
I use mine all the time! I actually wish my vehicle had a couple more, since the rear seat ones are on a removable piece that gets in the way when in place.
CrimeVid Americans usually have an hour drive to work then an hour drive back home. Britain is so densley populated I would imagine a lot could walk to work
Bailey O. American commutes are on average 26 minutes one way, only a few minutes longer than the average British commute. ~86% of commutes in the US are by car vs 57.5% in Britain. Average annual mileage of a car in the U.K. is 8000mi vs 13500mi in the US. It’s not just commutes that mean Americans spend more time in their cars.
Now that Ford has the 4x4 Transit, I suspect there will serious competition for Benz in that segment, especially on the commercial end....but probably overall as well.
i have a 2014 2.1L td sprinter 2500 - 144WB -....maintenance is not cheap. the ride is seriously s-class but when the alternator is $1450 alone and one that went right after warranty, its not fun...but compared to the E-series & t-250, i'd still buy another one... Just get ready to pay for maintenance. ( basic oil change $275, full service $700 per year) just an FYI
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The Fast Lane Truck
Um, you guys forgot about Sportsmobile. They're vans are specifically designed and built for overlanding as well as full-time living.
Is a Mercedes worth the $$$$$$$$? I think My 2010 AWD GMC Savana kicks ass on over priced Mercedes, it's been a great vehicle. Can those Sprinter's tow a 20- 22' (or Larger) Aluminum boat with a 250 horse power outboard for example at 6000' in the CA Sierra's? My ride does, I have a GMC Savana AWD 2010 with a 5.3L V8 that I camp in hundreds of days a years I have never had to pay for anything but gas and oil changes, WIX/Mobil 1. I have 40,000 hwy and hard offroad miles. No maintenance costs, ZERO, nada not $1. What are the maintenance cost on the Mercedes? I have heard that they charge an arm and a leg $1000's for repairs. I recommend people looking for a van to look into used GM, You can buy a used Chevy or GMC AWD van for a few grand and much less than any Mercedes new or used. I get 17-20+ HWY and 13-16 City. Sea level @ 65 mph cruise control on I can get 20+. But in the hills of the Sierra's it has serious power it is a rocket up Donner Pass 7000+, I can go up hills no problem plenty of power to spare 65/70 climbing hills easy or faster. I have BFG's All terrains and it is fantastic in the snow. I would like something bigger and like the newer style vans with the raised roofs but I am considering going one step larger in class as I want more room and comfort that the basic van Sprinter style offers.
That red is pretty
haha
nice touch with the underwater muffling of the music
Loved my Sprinter 4x4! I'd actually average about 22 mpg highway. Did 25 mpg once in perfect tailwind conditions. And that was the big daddy 170" extended!
I am glad to hear you guys bringing up the range as such an important factor in overlanding. More common is for the reviewers to focus only on off road performance, when that is actually not the primary focus of the overlander.
Well done.
Like always this is Roman and this is Nathan and this is a great review!😎
To be honest I could by an old army truck with the communication shelter attached to it and have a cheap, reliable, and extremely off-road capable vehicle for less then $5,000 dollars. Then use the rest of the money I have to make a comfortable living quarters
6x6 duce
Great video guys. The scenery in Colorado is spectacular.
Would love to own one and convert it to a home on wheels.
yeah the only negatives is having to outsource your own touchscreen infotainment and the high price
if you really do, add a lot of rust protection ..... I know we had 15 company MB's ...... we have a FIAT DUCATO 640 "motorhome" front drive; maybe you look for a "FIAT DUCATO 4 x 4 Expedition"
egger2500 if only the equivalent Dodge ProMaster here in the States had a 4x4 option. Sucks for us Americans!
John Grytbakk l,
Musashi's Ghost Too rich for my blood
Awesome job guys, cool video! I can see where something like this would be very useful in places like Colorado, Alaska and other places. This was really good with the music, scenery, and multi demonstration showing the fuel economy. hopefully there are cup holders in the door panels? Thanks again, I rate this a 10.
Cool, thanks.
Ed Sunderland anywhere in the Rockies
Roman and Nathan - one of your best. The scenery AND the soundtrack added to the analysis. I particularly liked Nathan's ribbing Roman about stream pollution at the end of the video. Well done, guys. AND...I will be checking out the MB 4x4 to see if I can get it with a petrol engine. I have had my fill of diesels over the years. Thank you.
Dusty Rusty what's the beef with diesels?
Every one I bought was schit...of course that was back in the 80's. However, I still have nightmares where I am traveling with my wife and children on a rural back road at 3 AM and running very low on diesel...passing gas stations right and left with no diesel pumps! (BTW, the 4x4 is not offered with a petrol engine....dammit.)
I've been curious about the 4X4 Sprinter for a while now. Great review guys. Thanks!
I bought a new 2015 2500 crew High roof 4x4. I average 13 mpg for my around town. It has been awesome all around. I did the 2" suspension lift by VanCompass and put 35" Toyo RT's. Still 13 plus mpg. A lot of people talk about the high cost to own. Not true. Yes the B service at 20k miles was $1,100 but other than that it is a $120 oil change every 10k miles. I love it. I get stopped every day by people that say how awesome it is. It was a $68 msrp but when trucks are that much anyway, I get the added benefit of fitting a 14'8" kayak in the back and can stand up in it. No truck does that. Love it!
There is several companies in Europe that sell these. Mercedes obviously, Ford sell a 4x4 variant of the Transit, we have the Iveco Daily 4x4 which arguably has the best performance off road of them all, and the Mitsubishi Canter.
Sprinter 4x4 is a good one. However here in Europe we have some other options for 4wd vans. I used to have a VW Crafter 4motion which is the same as the Sprinter, just different badges. It was a really comfortable work horse/ office. However one thing that happened to a lot of Sprinters/ Crafters after some 250000km was that the rear drive shaft sometimes completely locked up... other than that, it’s awesome! Cheers from Sweden
I love it when they zoom in on 3 inches of water. Like, "YEAH, LOOK AT THAT! EXTREME!!!!!"
I live in Alaska,and my gravel driveway can have puddles deeper than that..and my Ford E-350 handles it just fine.
A five year old could safely cross it.
Love the watery music sound touch that’s funny lol you guys are stepping up your details in the vids !
I wish you guys would review an old 90s VW eurovan! It would be so cool !
Drove one for a couple years in grueling conditions they are tough as hell and quite comfy. Mercedes Benz well done.
Man-o-man I really want to see more competition in this segment. I love these vans but 60k is hard to swallow. Thanks for the review guys, your channel always makes me miss home!
Expensive dirt road queen, nothing shown in the video needed 4x4
Great video with perfect scenery and soundtrack.
Great review, you guys are a lot of fun to watch! Thanks for making my life more challenging, now I NEED a 4x4 sprinter 😏
Nice video with great info .... $60k for shell, plastic dash, engine & 4wd .... seems like Mercedes wants a piece of your up fitting profits
Tim Fox that configuration isn't 60k. I just bought a brand new 12 passenger lifted with bigger tires with 4wd diesel....no extra bells and whistles lane keep assist and all that garbage...60k.
My Power Wagon don’t care. 😀 seriously I do think they are cool. And at the end of the day, it’s a Benz. That said, I question the robustness of that TCase and front diff.
Trust me...MB vans are JUNK...As much as I think Ram is not good....it is still way better than MB
Don Leamon Fron what I've been told by owners, they're heavily overrated off road.
They're open center, front and rear differentials with electronic braking measures to distribute power. What are people expecting from them??
Also, the Transfer Case and Front Diferential are from Oberainger who certainly know what they're doing.
All of our ambulances are Mercedes Sprinters. They are indestructible, lots with over 400,000kms in use 24/7. We have a number of 4x4 ones too and apart from the extra height, they drive and last the same
$60,000 is not pricey and the domestics do not offer a 4wd option currently and they would not be that much less $ with similar options and their diesel engines don't have the same proven reliability, these vans run 500k miles and have over 20 years of proven reliability , the big 3 have never had this kind of track record, so this is a great review and great vehicle
Bob Church its a proven drive train, love having it in my grand Cherokee.
Sure they can get to 500k miles, if you enjoy dumping another $60k (or more) into unscheduled repairs...
Nodak81 So True!!! Diesel reliability is officially a myth in this country now!
I had a new 4x2 2012 & a new 4x2 2013(r.i.p head on collision) sprinter 2500 long high roof w that 3.0 diesel. I was a delivery driver and averaged 72k miles a year. With that van I had 14 foot long cargo area that was 6 feet talk in the door opening and a few more inches tall inside. They were great vehicles that I used for mostly work w alittle camping and play. Not many problems, outside wearable parts brakes and one alternator. The only problem that I remember is the heating element went out in the def tank, not a big deal in oregon. I loved both those vans so much that I'll going to get the 4x4 standard length short roof in the crew version to replace my ageing minivan. They corner so well that I scared most of my passengers cause they thought we would roll over. My only major complaint is my mpg was on average 17mpg, best was 21ish, but that is w aggressive drivingin mostly the city(paid by the job not the hour). My uncles 2006(I think) dodge 5.9 diesel 6spd gets 19.5mpg combined and I can't help but wonder if the sprinter could get better.
So mine goes into four wheel drive by pushing the button then go to neutral and then drive. Works great! The cup holders are also in the doors and the best one is on the dash at the window on each side.
It's not the "ultimate" overlander by any stretch, but it's a damn good one, particularly if you're just talking OEM production vehicles. The Sprinter's 4x4 system is one of the best factory systems available. I'm planning to build myself an RV in one of these when I retire and use it to travel the country...and beyond.
4wd vans will get the van back into the non fleet market. Now is the time for an American 4wd van. Even contractors want 4wd up north.
jrhunt414 it's too niche the market is filled by this and converted trucks
It would be nice if more van manufacturers offered vans with 4x4, vans have a lot of capability that are being wasted. In theory they're capable of almost anything, but that potential isn't being meant outside of the aftermarket.
Great video! I really like the Sprinter, but a five-speed? Really Mercedes? Y'all need at LEAST two or three more gears in there.
Man I love Sprinter's. I used to own one when I was a courier. It was the old model, when they were first released. You know before they started looking like beluga whales. Had a 14ft cargo bay and a 6ft roof. With steel toe boots, I was able to stand upright inside as long as it wasn't under one of the support beams that wrap around the tin can. Amazing fuel economy for such a large van. All the other people driving vans would always stare, or come and ask questions. Felt like I had a super car or something.
Mine however had zero sound deadening. Every bump, the walls rattled and made a lot of sound. The worst thing was one day it started to rain, then hail. I had to pull into a parking lot just to plug my ears. Holy crap was it so loud! The one my dad got (it was a beluga whale version) had small strips around the inside. This cut the sound and made it much quieter over all. If you get one and for whatever reason it has no sound deadening, make sure you add something, anything! Otherwise, amazing van. Zippy too, for something so large, it can pull pretty good. You'd also think it would tip easy, but I was able to go around turns at a rather rapid speed! Always pushing a limit with the van, don't think I ever got it on 3 wheels mind you but still!
While this is sort of uncomfortable of a solution to the noise, a quick and cheap solution is the ear plugs.(also probably a tad illegal in many states) 2nd quick fix is just to throw in some used up clothing or anything that is fabric that nobody wants.(cleaned of course for sanity) I play drums, and in order to keep costs down in sound dampening, I use a lot of house hold used up fabrics and just neatly scatter about the room.(as opposed to buying fancy sound dampeners) Would be amazed at how easily these simple tricks can improve your enjoyment of products that are bare boned. :)
Thanks guys. I was always curious about this vehicle and wanted some idea of what it would be like to do just what you showed. I know a lot of people would convert the interior for their personal choices of campers. Since that is what people do already with them, having the 4x4 option brings it to the next level of appreciation. Certainly cheaper to buy that and put in some personal camping accommodations than to buy a traditional camper and try and convert it to 4WD. ;)
On a Sprinter, the 4×4 option costs $7,500 on paper, but the real cost to actually obtain one is about twice that. And for your ~$15,000 you get a 4×4 system that is unable to send equal torque to the front. It is not shift-on-the-fly, you must stop to engage it. Additionally, it adds a significant amount of NVH to the drivetrain.
We have also found that the Sprinter van is not engineered for regular off-road duty. The suspension is way underdampened. The front suspension is composed of a fiberglass leaf spring and the rear is a solid axle with leaf springs.
On most true 4×4 vehicles, the front driveline and rear driveline are connected directly together through gearsets with a perfect 50% front, 50% rear split. The transfer case that was shoe-horned into the Sprinter is a planetary gearset and can not offer a true locked 50/50 4×4 system. The best it can do is 33% torque to the front and 67% to the rear.
I just spent a lot of money for a 2019 4x4 Sprinter and after the fact found the above article. Did I make a mistake. I what is said up above true? Help me out here. I am feeling a little concerned.
The windshield wiper is designed like a semi truck wiper. Very cool and for an van with a true 4x4 is a plus
Wow that mpg and 4x4, I need that! Thanks TFL!!!!
I've seen some pretty impressive RV conversions for these and I wouldn't mind having one for some long term adventure.
This would be perfect for taking my band and stage gear out to the middle of nowhere........ to introduce the wildlife to some classic styled Heavy Metal! ;)
My 5-string self approves this comment.
Alex Lopez I take it that you're also a bass player? 8)
other campers would love to hear that out in the wild?not!
Rngnd1314 Haha. Yeah. Maybe my humor didnt quite translate in text. Actually, camping is when I love bringing out the acoustics and doing some serious BBQ.
@Metalbass79 : Yesssss, I am. I'm known as The Curbowman: th-cam.com/video/28WSK5zl9xc/w-d-xo.html
Crazy how these bare bones vans cost more than luxury cars/trucks. All because of demand smh
MTB4L and tariffs
Lol you can buy a brand new one bare bones just cab and frame for 35k. I just bought a brand new one with 12 seats and 6 cylinder diesel with lift and bigger tires for 60k. Coolest family ride ever
Its just your taxes. In europe they start at 20k
toyota hi-ace, nissan nv350, mitsubishi L300 delica has all 4x4 version. they are not offered in the US.
Tariffs
Great review guys, fun and entertaining.
love the fender T-shirt! you guys should host an off road concert and load all the gear in the van!
Great episode. Love these guys.
2:02 - You look under most modern vehicles today and you see nice things like factory e-coatings to prevent rust, plastic shields to keep crud out and improve aero, etc.
From the looks of the underside of this thing it's going to rust out quickly... the front crossmember/engine cradle alone looks like it's already got surface rust on it, and the rest of the underside is barely even painted.
I guess the Germans just said "eh, it's a van, ship it".
I love the ending. That was funny stuff. Great video, although I would have liked to see it in more off road fire trail type terrean or up some snowy roads / mountains.
those cup holders are designed for Euro people. We don´t drink coffee or ice tea in such big containers,that is insane. Small holes are designed to keep cans like regular soda can (33cl) and 0.5 L water bottles. Big holes are just for 1.5 L water bottle. Those McDonald´s kind of drinks are hard to see out of the restaurant here,maybe a tiny coffee by US standard. Most people just drink water while driving.
Jose Moreno Porras The cheap aftermarket center console in my pickup has adjustable cup holders that can fit just about anything perfectly.
I think this van is imported,not designed in US,maybe put together in American soil. Those are kind of detail in my opinion can made an owner mad about the vehicle. That detail about cup holders has that explanation I mention previous, in EU almost every vehicle is like that. Is hard to find around any gas station in EU something you can fit in a regular US cup holder,maybe an XXL size drink from McDonald´s,but again,that is something very very unusual. I never drink coffee,tea or soda in a size bigger than a 1/3 L can,be water my friend!
And the MPG just gets better with age. My 2004 gets 20MPG around town! Yes, it’s 2WD, but its the high roof, LWB (22ft) model. The lowest I’ve gotten in 17 MPG with short trips, constant idling at stops, and from 2000-6500lbs in it. I don’t recommend it, but it has even transported, admirably, over 8000lbs of pavers in pallet inside it. 500-600 miles on every tank is nice when hurricane Irma rolls over you and the fuel stations are shut down, too.
Ok guys, I get everything your saying but remember the suspension is NOT set up for a true built out van. I know, I have a 2019, 170" 4x4 that I built out into an amazing adventure rig. BUT I can tell you for sure, you need to upgrade the suspension, alot. I went with the Agile Offroad Ride Improvement Package (RIP), this is the solution to ALL of your problems. My beastie gets out there and runs big and runs hard. Wind from nature or wind from 18-wheelers, don't bother me at all. the standard for MB is a 2 leaf suspension, mine is 6 leaf, with over springs, FOX shocks and well, let's just say she runs well on the highway or on the trails. Also, remember, MB gave us a 4x4, sort of. It's not really the same as your pickup 4x4, she is not a rock crawler, she will let you go to places most other RV can only dream about. As you can see, I love my rig and don't think anyone can get close (except for the real deal 500k adventure Earth Roamers). They cost more than I could ever afford. Does the MB Sprinter 4x4 rock, well, hell yes. Hope to see you up in the high country.
I really like your video your videos are getting better!
How come an f150 isn’t considered a good overlander? Mine is a 3.5l ecoboost 4x4 with a 36 gallon fuel tank and gets easily 23 highway. I can easily exceed 700 miles per tank. Plus with the crew cab there is plenty of space for stuff that needs to stay dry, and a bed tent is a convenient place to sleep. Plus even with TONS of options, it’s still cheaper than this van. 🤷🏻♂️🤔 As always, awesome video. Been watching since Nathan made a review of the 2013 xterra in the dessert.
Cause it's not a toyota. They seemed to have cornered that niche.
Seems like Toyota has quietly become dare i say almost pretty good. Rumour has it they are near number one in volume and quality. Funny thing...3 best vehicles my wife and i have are Toyotas...what are the odds.
I was torn between my truck and a Tacoma. I would’ve got it if it wasn’t for the fact it’s uncomfortable for a guy my height.
Sam Hyde Some consider full sized pickups too wide for overlanding. There's something to that since a Tacoma, older ranger, Explorer, Pathfinder, Cherokee etc are more maneuverable but a f-150 is still a great blank slate for whatever you want to do.
Odds of what, that you are a toyota fan boy?
Thanks for the great video guys.
Man what couldnt you do with that ? Ultimate van life vehicle love it
Are you thing about painting FREE CANDY on the side of it and parking beside a play ground?
Nice video
If you could: please test a Mercedes 4x4 sprinter from Ighlhaut in the highend edition( with 3 difflocks, low gear, lift kit)
This would’ve been a great vehicle for when I used to pick up doctors and nurses during snow emergencies at the hospital. You could pick up and take home a whole shift of employees with this much seating.
Arctic Trucks does a lifted Sprinter on 44" tires. It looks pretty cool, almost like a miniature Unimog.
If you want to travel the country and want to be able to get through most anything.. This is the way to do it..
any weather.. rougher terrain.. long haul..
Id turn it into a camper van.. Id want some things in it to make it a real great travel van including a murphy bed.. table.. kitchenette and maybe some sort of bathroom head if possible..
The 4x4 is what got me interested in this.. Mercedes was very smart doing this.. I think Ram Could do this.. and they should do it...
I bet ford, chevy and ram will start making 4x4 vans again. Props to Merc for knowing what people want.
Nice job as usual. I've been to that spot before. Beautiful Colorado!
This is in my top 5 of vehicles to own.
Good review, good product, stupefying price. I want to see those boilers at 17:38 undergo a full restoration, I think they've got some life left in em!!
I have the 2011 one. Best van there is. But about the wind screen washer. While driving fast, the drag from the wind blows all fluid over the car.
4wd would be nice but my 2006 short wheelbase gets 25 mpg mixed driving, and 35 mpg at 55mph. That looks like the same 7pin trailer connection, but when we installed the electrical brake controller the stock connector had to be replaced with one that could fit the larger wire required. Yes my'06 is nearly impossible to drive in the snow without snow tires. Thanks for the review!
You lost me on this when you showed how to shift into 4x4
Yeah I can just see sitting in the snow somewhere and not being able to get the 4x4 engaged.
Mike Foehr I don’t even like the knobs. Just more electronic nonsense to fail. The 4 Runner has a manual lever for that. I thought the Tacoma would, too.
Mike Foehr you probably German yourself. Föhr is a German name after the island Föhr in the Baltic Sea. Ok maybe......
Imagine traveling down a hwy with traffic, then you start facing snow covered roads, "oh excuse me everyone, I need to stop and then slowly roll forward, then wait for the blinkly light to engage my 4x4" for some reason I don't think the traffic behind you is going to appreciate that maneuver.
Retireing with in 3yrs and I'm getting one
Great review nice van but it will rust away faster than you can pay it off
What about the VolksWagen Westfalia... Here in Europe You can get them with 4x4 too... I would prefer that before a Sprinter at anytime.. Beside You can also get the VW as a Pick up with both small and big cabins and then You can put on a Camper on top of that and they have pretty good living space and you also get them with 4x4 and good terrain abilities so/and you have a lot of options then...??
We have a 2016 Sprinter with a 170wb, 4x4 with the extra body extension. We have driven around 3000 miles so far and have an overall average of 18.9 mpg. We just returned from a trip where we drove 180 miles on a dirt road. Due to the rough conditions we only averaged around 30 mph but we did managed to get 23.5 mpg at those slower speeds. Here in Alaska most of the paved road speed limits are 55 mph and I suspect our overall mpg would drop to the 16-17mpg range if we spent more time at 65 mph or above. So far my only complaint about the sprint van is with the front seats. They are fine for a cargo work van but not very comfortable for a DIY RV build for long distance travel. With the hard seats mounted over the front wheels you notice a lot of the road bumps and wash boards in your back side. This is typical of all vans. I put a lot of effort into the sound deadening and insulation and overall the van is very quite at road speeds.
The 3.0 liter Diesel is a great engine made by Motori in Italy. Available in GM and Ram, who own the company.
John Lavezzorio incorrect it’s actually the Mercedes made om642 it’s been used in them for years much more reliable than the vm motori version that is used in newer Chrysler products
Great review really enjoyed it
There are 3 major companies that charge 10k+ for 4x4 van conversions and are always booked out over a year. There's demand. Mercedes is smart to bring this product out.
Very cool looking van, but definitely not the only 4x4 van out there. Look at the Japanese market, especially the older Mitsubishi Delica's. Diesel engines, 4x4 high and low selectable, and center locking differential. L300 models are 25 years old and available for import now. Hope to have one by the end of the year!
GameMaster7105 plenty of companies that convert 2wd vans into 4wd.
Hey You you’re not wrong, but in most cases these 4wd converted vans are not necessarily made to go off the beaten path. Plus to add lift kits, more beefy wheel/tire set up, etc could get pricey. Which is why I’m leaning toward the older, importable Japanese vans.
I had a l300 express van set up as a camper and it was awesome
Damon Farrelly right on👍🏻 Looking forward to getting my hands on one myself😁
or that one old russian van that everybody drives in Siberia
Colorado really does seem like an incredible place.
Let me be capt. negative....the cost to repair one of these is otherworldly!!! I had the pleasure of driving 3 versions of these 5 days a week for 5yrs for my work.i loved it as long as i didnt have to pay for ANY repairs or maintenance.5sp auto trans 12,000$$$$, countless fuel injectors a few alternators,brake pads ,rotors by the dozen(brakes were always an issue).i LOVED LOVED LOVED the inline 6 but hated the v6.it seemed the v6 was more prone to little annoying time sucking little problems that even mercedes trained techs couldnt diag/repair.i would own the mercedes or Ram versions in a heartbeat but the older ones and have "sportmobile" or "Quigley " convert them to 4wd using their systems at a much lower cost and a more hearty reliable system.the fuel consumption difference between the v6 and i6 is significant.the 2 i6's i drove averaged 21 or more mpg and the v6 was 14 to 18 mpg never more.i drove 300 or more miles per day for 14 yrs the last 5yrs in sprinters from Dodge (mercedes) then mercedes badged sprinters.i always had deisels.we had gas versions but the other drivers hated them compared to the deisel ones.i really did love the ones i drove,im now prepairing the retire to overlanding in america but i have Quigley 4x4 1ton ford e350 7.3litre deisel van.
Transit vans are available with factory authorized aftermarket 4x4 systems (retains factory warranty).
If at all possible could you guys get a quigly 4x4 Ford transit witht he 3.5. I thing that would put up a real fight against this van especially because it doesnt have to deal with the diesels silly exhaust problems.
There are companies that can convert and Mercedes sprinter to 4x4. The next best thing to four wheel drive would be a locking rear end. The good thing about a dodge pro master is of the weight of the engine is over the drive wheels. Being front drive allows the floor to be lower.
i have the same engine but with manual transmission, my only complain is that although it has 6 speeds the gearing is very short, so in highway you get a lot of noise from the engine and with the right gearing i could waste less fuel
That backup camera shot lol xD
I had a 6 litre Chevy that got 17 mpg doing 80 mph through Kentucky and Tennessee carrying 2,000 pounds burning gas, not diesel, which is cheaper. And the gas engine is WAY cheaper! I didn't see you take that MB anywhere my Chevy couldn't go. Chevy did offer an AWD option.
Another great review. I think I'm right in saying that the Winnebago Revel uses this van and its four wheel drive system, and I'd like to see the guys review it sometime as it is supposed to have 'real off road ability'. I figure it would get a good workout with TFL, and we'd get to what it can really do.
*see what it can really do.
Grief, $60k?? How much do people actually pay at the dealer?
ouch, I've been thinking about swapping to one for my business over an F150, be nice to search for parts out of the rain.... big price to pay for that
In mid-October I will take delivery of a 2019 WInnebago Revel. Winnebago's coach is built as an off road, off the grid RV that is powered by a 2018 4x4 2500 144" Mercedes Sprinter van. I'm paying $115,700 for the vehicle that wears a $152,000+ sticker price. My unit will be 100% fully loaded to include coach AC and larger, off road tires, etc.
We paid 58k for a 170 4x4. But, that includes the upgrades like, Hi/Low range 4x4, 17,000 Btu pre-heater and a few other goodies. My understanding is the van is the same price in Florida or Alaska as listed on the MB web page.
John Mcneal you have to check out the freightliner sprinter vans they are cheaper
I have a Freightliner. Same price.
There is another option for a larger fuel tank, technically an additional tank, that brings the total tank volume to around 40 gal up from 24.
What are US automakers thinking (or not thinking?) they see the demand for 4x4 vans. 6 month waiting list. People paying $13k for aftermarket 4x4 conversions, and they still refuse to offer an AWD or 4x4 option. They even have the van market severely handicapped in their favor with the ridiculous chicken tax. I have a $80k ‘19 sprinter reserved, and I’d much rather give that money to an American company instead of zee Germans. At least the new sprinters will be made in USA 🇺🇸
Everytime I ask that question I hear a version of "what you really need is a truck". I never thought that was a reasonable answer.
You must be mad...seriously mad...let me give you and education about how good these vans are...can you say scheisse. My work vehicle is a 2012 Sprinter with the diesel V6. Our van has had all the bulbs replaced at least 3 or 4 times now...the auxiliary heater cracked and when used in the winter it would smoke like a BBQ. The glow plugs are another issue. Roman was excited about the windshield washer nozzle in the wiper...wait till your van has 6 inches of snow on it....those goddamn things will break off in a heartbeat. I know this from personal experience. My coworker has another van...just like my work truck...it failed to start one cold morning and went to the dealer and did not come back for three weeks. I cannot tell you all of what was wrong. One other coworker had one....now drives a Transit from Ford. His MB van needed a new engine after one year. Yes...a new engine. Our head mechanic where I work told me when these vans are done with there usable life...if they last that long....the city where I work will NEVER buy another German MB van. I kid you not.
I work for Ford on the Transit line, on the front suspension line there’s a hoist that’s been added recently (possibly for a front diff) and there’s rumors a 4x4 is in the works.
Mike Foehr all reasons domestic automakers need to get off their arses and make a factory 4x4 option.
Ford will be out with one soon. 👀
18mpg might be good in North America, but that is terrible in Europe where the fuel prices are double to triple USA's. Once you add a high roof, solar panels, roof-rack, winch, bull-bar, ladders... you can kiss good-bye to another 2-3 mpg at least. I hope the New Sprinter 4x4 out next year offer a 4-banger version and better fuel efficiency.
Owning and converting one of these really is a rich man's game.
This sort of thing combined with electric hybrid drive at the rear / traction control could be more mainstream as there are engineering synergies with lower emmision vehicles
On the tail shaft locking up like any 4x4 you need height extender tubes on the front and rear diff and the transmission breathers if you are going to do river crossings. Otherwise water will get in.
Perfect music in the intro...our state is the best landlocked state in the union, bar none
Hopefully they have fixed the weak corrosion resistance on this van. I noticed even newer vans of only a year old are rusty. Vans 5 years old, or so, are complete rust buckets here in Michigan.
I love the fender jaguar shirt. You need a 1950 fender Boadcaster one as well !!!!!!
It would be cool to review a van that has been converted for overlanding
Would love to get some info on the new 2019 Sprinter 4x4!
Remove the Nizzle !!!
Love C.O.
Love TFL. Tnx
First off $60,000 US for a camper i cant stand in! Could buy a truck and camper for that kinda money (not to mention the van still needs to be camperized) Good fuel economy while in 2wd at hwy speed but how about a full comprehensive review by testing 4wd trail driving combined with hwy. I like your videos yet they could be a lot better with a more rounded review. Still cant believe people are waiting 6 months for this over priced shell!!
We rent the MB 4x4 Sprinters in Bozeman, Montana. Come and try one, they are indeed awesome for exploring Montana and Yellowstone National Park.
😍 This machine is a work of art. I gotta think of what to sell to get one of these. 😎. I am already up-building in my mind.
I might have to part with the AMC Pacer, 501 🙂. I need to do some thinking.
FLT, FYI, MB DOES NOT MAKE THEIR OWN 4X4, they ARE made by an authorized vendor, THEN warranted by MB,,, Cheers from NJ
Did MB explain why they didn't use their 4matic all wheel
drive train system instead of the complicated four wheel drive system shown here? The GLE and GL have it and can tow 7200 pounds. Thanks.
What sprinter van is the most popular for beginner camping. We want to get a van, just really confused with all of the different sizes and models. Thanks so much
what about the NV series of the Nissan Vans. I have even seen one of the off road shows build one out on tv
I’ve never seen anybody use a cupholder in the UK, I think people would rather wait to get a drink during fuel stops , that’s only my mates you understand !
CrimeVid I think you guys just spend a lot less time on the road than the average American too though
I use mine all the time! I actually wish my vehicle had a couple more, since the rear seat ones are on a removable piece that gets in the way when in place.
CrimeVid Americans usually have an hour drive to work then an hour drive back home. Britain is so densley populated I would imagine a lot could walk to work
Bailey O. American commutes are on average 26 minutes one way, only a few minutes longer than the average British commute. ~86% of commutes in the US are by car vs 57.5% in Britain. Average annual mileage of a car in the U.K. is 8000mi vs 13500mi in the US. It’s not just commutes that mean Americans spend more time in their cars.
cjeam I got a 55 minute drive to work but yes I see what you're saying. I drive about 25,000 miles a year but I do just go on drives for fun.
Cool van! Hello from Atlanta!
Now that Ford has the 4x4 Transit, I suspect there will serious competition for Benz in that segment, especially on the commercial end....but probably overall as well.
i have a 2014 2.1L td sprinter 2500 - 144WB -....maintenance is not cheap. the ride is seriously s-class but when the alternator is $1450 alone and one that went right after warranty, its not fun...but compared to the E-series & t-250, i'd still buy another one... Just get ready to pay for maintenance. ( basic oil change $275, full service $700 per year) just an FYI