2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER oil change

Verify compliance with weight limitations on
a weighbridge.
Trailer power supply
Your vehicle may be equipped with various
electrical fittings for trailer towing.
Depending on your trailer, you may need an
adapter to allow your trailer to be connected
to the vehicle. Information about your
vehicle's electrical equipment is available
from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
!
Faulty wiring of the connector plug could
in certain circumstances cause other
electronic systems to
malfunction. For this
reason, we recommend having the wiring
of the connector plug performed at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Operation in winter
General notes
Have your vehicle winterized at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer, at the onset of winter.
This service includes the following:
R oil change, if the engine oil currently used
does not have adequate low temperature
characteristics or if these are no longer
sufficient due to aging
R the antifreeze/anticorrosion
concentration in the coolant is checked.
R the addition of a concentrated cleaning
agent to the water in the windshield
washer/headlamp cleaning system
R battery check
R a tire change
Prior to the

onset of winter, ensure that snow
chains are available in the vehicle.
Do not cover the surface of the radiator or the
radiator grill, even in winter. Doing so could
cause the engine diagnostics to record false
or incorrect data. Recording of engine
diagnostic data is legally prescribed and must therefore be correct, clear and
comprehensible at all times.
You
will find

information about diesel fuel for
use at low outside temperatures in the
"Operation" section ( Y page 154).
Please also observe the information about
winter driving (Y page 111).
You will find information about winter tires
and about driving with snow chains in the
"Wheel and tires" section (Y page 153). Service products
Fuel
G
Warning
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking as well as the use of auxiliary
heaters (sparks) are therefore prohibited
when handling fuel.
Switch off the

engine and the auxiliary heating
before refueling. G
Warning
Avoid any contact with fuels.
You can damage your health if your skin
comes into direct contact with fuel or if you
inhale fuel vapors.
! Filter the fuel

before transferring it to the
vehicle if you are refueling the vehicle from
barrels or containers.
This will prevent malfunctions in the fuel
system due to contaminated fuel.
! Refuel only with commercially available
vehicle diesel fuel, ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
DIESEL with a sulfur content no greater
than 15 ppm. Fuels such as fatty acid
methyl ester FAME (bio-diesel fuels),
marine diesel, heating oil etc. may not be
used as a diesel fuel mixture.
Refuel with B5 bio-diesel only if it fulfills the
requirements listed under "Fuel quality". Service products
153
Operation Z

Storage
Only store DEF in containers made of high-
alloy Cr-Ni steel or Mo-Cr-Ni steel in
accordance with DIN EN 10 088-1/2/3 or
plastic containers made of polypropylene or
polyethylene.
!
Containers made of aluminum, copper,
copper alloys as well as unalloyed or
galvanized steel
are not suitable for storing
DEF. If stored in these types of containers,
DEF could cause constituents of these
metals to dissolve and cause irreparable
damage to the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Damage caused by dissolved components
of the storage container will result in a loss
of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
entitlements.
Disposal Observe country-specific laws and
regulations when disposing of DEF.
0040Environmental note
Dispose of DEF in an environmentally
responsible manner.
Purity
The purity of DEF is essential to prevent
malfunctions in the exhaust gas
aftertreatment.
If DEF is pumped out of the DEF tank, e.g.
during repair work, the same liquid must not
be used
to

refill the tank. Its purity is no longer
guaranteed.
! Impurities in DEF (e.g. caused by other
service products, cleaning agents, dust,
etc.) result in increased emissions,
malfunctions, catalytic converter damage
or engine damage. Engine oils
Use only approved engine oil that complies
with the MB Specifications for Service
Products.
! The bottles of

the various engine oil types
are marked with ACEA (Association des
Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles)
and/or API (American Petroleum Institute)
classifications. Only use approved engine
oils that conform to the following MB
Specifications for Service Products and the
prescribed ACEA and/or API
classifications. Using engine oils of another
quality is not permitted and may lead to a
loss of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
entitlements.
The use of other, non-approved engine oils
for diesel engines can cause damage to the
diesel particle filter (DPF).
The MB Specifications for Service Products
apply to your vehicle 1
R 228.51
R 229.51
These engine oils are of high quality and have
a beneficial effect on:
R engine wear
R fuel consumption
R emissions
Multi-grade engine oils of the prescribed SAE
class (viscosity) may be used all year round,
taking the outside temperatures into
account.
Oil change Oil change intervals depend on the vehicle's
operating conditions and the quality of the
engine oil used.
The on-board computer automatically shows
the date for the next oil change as an event
message in the display.
1 If the quality

level for diesel engines is not available, you may refill with engine oils that comply with the MB
Specifications for Service Products, Sheet No. 228.5, 229.3 and 229.5. The refill quantity is then limited to
a maximum of 1 qt (1 l). 156
Service products
Operation

Select the SAE class (viscosity) of the engine
oil in accordance with the outside
temperature.
!
If the SAE
viscosity class of the engine oil
used does not cover the outside
temperature range in which you are
operating the vehicle, it must be changed
in good time, in particular before the cold
season commences. Using an engine oil
that does not have adequate temperature
characteristics can lead to engine damage.
The temperature range information of the
SAE classification always refers to that of
fresh oil. The temperature characteristics
of the engine oil may deteriorate
significantly due to aging in use, especially
at low outside temperatures.
For this reason, we recommend that the
engine oil be changed before the cold
season commences. Use an approved
engine oil of the specified SAE class. Engine oil SAE classification
i
Only by using

engine oil with a particularly
high quality grade, e.g. according to Sheet
Number 228.51 of the MB Specifications
for Service Products, can the maximum
interval for oil change be achieved.
We recommend that you only add engine oil
of the same quality grade and SAE class as
used when the engine oil was last changed.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
! Do not add too much oil. Adding too much
oil can result in damage to the engine or the catalytic converter. Have excess oil
siphoned off.
Miscibility of engine oils If, in exceptional cases, oil of the type in the
engine is not available, top up using another
approved mineral or synthetic engine oil.
Engine oils are differentiated according to:
R
engine oil brand
R quality grade (sheet number)
R SAE class (viscosity)
Subsequently have the

engine oil changed at
the earliest possible opportunity.
! Mixing oils reduces the benefits of using
high grade engine oils.
i The sheet number (quality grade) and the
SAE classification (viscosity) can be found
on the designation on the oil bottle. Service products
157
Operation Z

Change intervals for engine oil
Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Engine oil for diesel engines 2 years or
10,000 miles
(16,000 km)
2 See approved engine oils 228.51
229.51
Transmission and steering oils
Automatic transmission Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Automatic transmission oil every second
maintenance
service Shell ATF 3403/M-115 236.10
Fuchs/Shell ATF 3353 236.12
You can obtain further information from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Rear axle
Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Transmission oil every sixth
maintenance
service or
every
10 years 3 BP Energear Hypo DC 80W-90 235.20
Mobil Delvac Synthetic Gear Oil
75W-90 235.8
You can obtain further information from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
2
The interval – time or distance – that is first reached applies.
3 The maintenance interval criterion that occurs first applies.158
Service productsOperation

Steering
Steering, no maintenance required.
Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Power steering fluid – Mobil ATF-D,
Exxon Mobil Corporation or
equivalent 236.3
You can obtain further information from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Brake fluid
G
Warning
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Do not
swallow brake fluid.
See a doctor immediately
if you swallow brake fluid.
Make sure that brake fluid does not come into
contact with skin, clothing or eyes. Rinse
affected areas with plenty of clean water and
consult a doctor if necessary.
Always wear gloves and eye protection when
topping up brake fluid.
Store brake fluid only in the original closed
container and keep it out of the reach of
children. Comply with safety regulations
when handling brake fluid.
Use only approved brake fluids that comply
with the MB Specification for Service
Products, Sheet No. 331.0. You must observe
the boiling points (DOT 4 plus).
The brake fluid must have the following
characteristics in accordance with the
FMVSS 116 and ISO 4925 standards:
R boiling point (ERBP) of at least
500 ‡(260 †)
R wet boiling point (WERBP) of at least
356 ‡(180 †)
R viscosity of a maximum of 1500 mm²/s
Over a period of time, the brake fluid absorbs
moisture from the air. This reduces its boiling
point. G
Warning
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes

are subjected to a heavy load
(e.g. on long downhill stretches). This would
impair braking efficiency. The vehicle's
stopping distance may then be longer. This
increases the risk of an accident.
Have the brake fluid replaced every
two years with brake fluid approved by the
distributor named on the inside of the front
cover and have the replacement confirmed in
the Maintenance Booklet.
i There is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind you when the next
brake fluid change is due.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Service products
159Operation Z

Change intervals for brake fluid
Service product Maintenance
interval Product name/number MB
Sheet
No.
Brake fluid 2 years Intac B026E
R
Boiling point: 500 ‡(260 †)
R Wet boiling point:
356 ‡ (180 †) 331.0
Coolant
G
Warning
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore toxic.
Do not swallow the coolant. See a doctor
immediately if you swallow coolant.
Make sure that coolant does not come into
contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. In case of
contact with eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of clean water. Clean affected areas of
skin and clothing with soap and water
immediately. Change any affected clothing
immediately.
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor.
In the coolant, the antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor is responsible for:
R corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
The coolant must remain in the cooling
system all year round for corrosion protection
purposes and to increase the boiling point –
even in countries with hot climates.
At the factory, the vehicle is filled with a
coolant that ensures protection against frost
and corrosion and which can be mixed with
approved antifreeze/corrosion inhibitors.
! Use only approved antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitors that comply with the MB
Specification for Service Products, Sheet
No. 325. Using other, non-approved
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitors may cause damage to the coolant system and reduce
the engine's service life.
Check the antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the coolant every six
months.
When the coolant is being renewed, the
coolant must contain 50 % by volume of
anticorrosion/antifreeze

agent. This provides
antifreeze protection down to
–34.6 ‡(–37 †).
Do not exceed a proportion of
55 % by volume (antifreeze protection down
to approximately –49.0 ‡ (–45 †)),
otherwise heat dissipation is reduced.
If there is a loss of coolant, do not replenish
with water only, but also add an approved
corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze agent. The
water in the coolant must meet certain
requirements, which are often fulfilled by
drinking water. If the water quality is not
sufficient, you must treat the water.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet Number 325.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Sprinter Dealer. 160
Service products
Operation

Only open the coolant expansion tank when
the coolant temperature is below 122 ‡
(50 †).
G
Warning
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore toxic.
Do not swallow the coolant. See a doctor
immediately if you swallow coolant.
Make sure that coolant does not come into
contact with skin,

eyes or clothing. In case of
contact with eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of clean water. Clean affected areas of
skin and clothing with soap and water
immediately. Change any affected clothing
immediately.
X Slowly turn cap 0046 counter-clockwise and
allow the excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap 0046 further and remove it.
X Add coolant until it is at the MAX mark.
Observe the correct coolant mixture ratio
and the required water quality
(Y page 160).
X Replace cap 0046 and tighten
it until the stop.
! Check the cooling and heating system
regularly for leaks.
If a large quantity of coolant is lost, have
the cause traced

and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. Clutch mechanism and brake system
G
Warning
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Do not
swallow brake fluid.

See a doctor immediately
if you swallow brake fluid.
Make sure that brake fluid does not come into
contact with skin, clothing or eyes. Rinse
affected areas with plenty of clean water and
consult a doctor if necessary.
Always wear gloves and eye protection when
topping up brake fluid. Store brake fluid only in the original closed
container and keep it out of the reach of
children. Comply with safety regulations
when handling brake fluid.
G
Warning
If the
boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes

are subjected to a heavy load
(e.g. on long downhill stretches). This would
impair braking efficiency. The vehicle's
stopping distance may then be longer. This
increases the risk of an accident.
Have the brake fluid renewed every two years.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the
engine compartment.
Check the brake fluid level:
R regularly, e.g. weekly or when refueling
R only with the vehicle standing on a level
surface and with the engine switched off
! Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and
rubber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come
into contact with brake fluid, rinse with
water immediately. 0046
Brake fluid reservoir cap
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and
MAX marks.
! If the brake fluid does not reach the
MIN mark, the vehicle's hydraulic system
could be faulty. Do not add brake fluid
under any circumstances. This will not
rectify the malfunction.
Do not drive any further. 170
Maintenance
Operation

Have the system checked immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
i There is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind
you when the next
brake fluid change is due. Windshield washer system/
headlamp cleaning system
Add windshield washer concentrate to the
washer fluid all year round. G
Warning
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable.
Fire, naked flames

and smoking are therefore
prohibited when you are handling windshield
washer concentrate.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
Adapt the mixing ratio to the ambient
temperature. If the temperature is above
freezing, use Summerwash to prevent
smearing. If there is a risk of frost, use
Winterwash to prevent the water from
freezing on the windshield.
The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of
approximately 6.3 US qt (6.0 l). X
Mix the washer fluid to the appropriate
mixing ratio in a container beforehand.
X Remove washer fluid reservoir cap 0046.X
Add washer fluid.
X Replace cap 0046. Engine oil level
You will find information about engine oil
consumption in the "Driving tips" section
(Y page 141).
Check the engine oil level on a regular basis,
e.g. weekly or each time you refuel.
Checking the engine oil level in the
display Depending on the vehicle's equipment, in
vehicles with a diesel engine, the engine oil
level is shown in the display.
Only check the engine oil level when the
engine is at operating temperature.
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait for five minutes.
X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
The display is activated.
i If at extremely low temperatures no
engine oil level is displayed after five
minutes, repeat the engine oil level check
after a further five minutes.
If an oil level reading is still not displayed,
check the engine

oil level with the dipstick.
Have the oil level display checked at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
X Press the 007B menu button on the
instrument cluster repeatedly until the
display shows the 00B1 symbol.
The --:-- display flashes

while the oil level
is being measured. Maintenance
171
Operation Z