Protection of the environment
General notes
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of
comprehensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an
environmentally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected
by these factors:
R operating conditions of your vehicle
R your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions:
R avoid short trips as these increase fuel
consumption.
R always make sure that the tire pressures
are correct.
R do not carry any unnecessary weight.
R remove roof racks once you no longer need
them.
R a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
R always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
R do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
R do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
R drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
R avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change gear in good time and use each gear
only up to 0004of its maximum engine speed.
R switch off the engine in stationary traffic.
R keep an eye on the vehicle's fuel
consumption. Environmental issues and
recommendations
When prompted by this Operator's Manual to
dispose of materials, please try to regenerate
and recycle these materials. Observe all
relevant environmental guidelines and
regulations when disposing of materials. This
helps to protect the environment. Product information
We recommend original Sprinter parts and
conversion parts and accessories that have
been approved expressly for the type of
vehicle concerned.
We test genuine Sprinter parts, as well as
conversion parts and accessories that have
been specifically approved for the type of
vehicle, for:
R reliability
R safety
R suitability
Despite ongoing market research, we are
unable to assess other parts. We therefore
accept no responsibility for the use of such
parts in a Sprinter, even if they have been
independently or officially approved.
Genuine Sprinter parts, as well as specifically
approved conversion parts and accessories,
can be obtained at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer. Here you will receive advice about
permissible technical modifications, and the
parts will be professionally installed. 22
Introduction
Exhaust gas aftertreatment
The exhaust gas aftertreatmen trequires a
reducing agent known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid
(DEF) in order to function correctly. Filling up
the DEF tank is usually part of the service
scope. DEFc onsumption depends on
operational and driving conditions and it is
not necessary to wait until the next scheduled
service to replenish the fluid. Fluid should be
added regularly to the DEFs upply reservoir
during vehicle operation or, at the latest, after
receiving the first warning message via the
on-board computer.
To conform to emission regulations, you must
operate the vehicle with DE Fand refill the
supply regularly .The engine management
recognizes attempts to operate the vehicle
without DEF, with thinned DEF or with
another reducing agent. After previous
warning messages, the engine management
then prevents a further engine start.
If the DEF level drops below 1.5 US gal
(5.5 l), the first warning message is issued
and a warning tone sounds. After the
message appears for the first time, and under
normal driving conditions, the remaining DEF
supply will last for approximately 1,000 mi
(1,600 km).
After that, the 0.8 US gal (3.0 l)reserve mark
is reached. Once the reserve range has been
reached, you will receive the next warning
message and you will hearas eries of warning
tones. After the first message, the DEF
reserve will last for approximately 1,200 mi
(1,900 km). However, you will only be able to
start the engine another 16 times.
You should immediately add 2.0 US gal
(7.6 l) of DEF (Y page 144) or have the DEF
supply reservoir filled at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When the number of remaining engine starts
is 0 , the engine management prevents the
engine being started.
If the 0018 checkengine indicator lamp lights
up, the exhaust gas aftertreatment is faulty or
an emission-related malfunctio nhas occurred (Y
page 204). You will then only be
able to drive a maximum 50 mi (80 km) before
the engine managemen trestricts the number
of starts remaining.
If the exhaust gas aftertreatment is faulty,
have it checked and repaired at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Further information on DEF can be found in
the "Refueling" ( Ypage 143) and "Service
products and capacities" (Y page 320)
sections. Attachments, bodies, equipment and
conversions
General notes !
For safety reasons, have add-on
equipment manufactured and installed
according to the Sprinter body/equipment
mounting directives in force. These body/
equipment mounting directives ensure that
the chassis and the body form one unit and
that maximum operating and road safety is
achieved.
We recommend for safety reasons that:
R you carry out no other modifications to
the vehicle.
R you obtain the agreement of the
distributor named on the inside of the
front cover for any deviations from the
approved body/equipment mounting
directives.
Approval from certified inspection
agencies or official approvals cannot rule
out risks to your safety.
We recommend that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benzp arts as well as conversion
parts and accessories that have been
specifically approved by Mercedes-Ben zfor
the type of vehicle.
These parts have been specially tested to
establish their safety, reliability and
suitability. Introduction
27 Z
At an outside temperature of up to
39 ‡(4 †) the fuel-fired heate
rbooster
system heats the vehicle interior as quickly
as possible when the engine is running.
The auxiliary heating automatically switches
to heater booster mode after the engine is
started.
At an outside temperature above 39 ‡(4 †)
the auxiliary heating system and the heater
booster function switch off automatically.
If you switch off the engine without switching
off the heater booster function, the system
will be switched on the next time the engine
is started (memory function).
i Switch the auxiliary heating on or off with
the 0020 button (Y page 119).
X To switch on/off: press the0013switch.
If the indicator lamp in the button lights up,
the heater booster function is switched on.
After switching off, the auxiliary heating
operates for about another three minutes and
then switches off automatically. Replacing the remote control battery
G
WARNING
Batteries contain toxic and corrosive
substances. If batteries are swallowed, it can
result in severe health problems. There is a
risk of fatal injury.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children. If
a battery is swallowed, seek medical attention
immediately. H
Environmental note Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately
and recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner
.Take discharged
batteries to a qualified
specialist workshop or a
special collectio npoint for
used batteries.
If the indicator lamp on the remote control
flashes red rapidly, the remote control battery
is discharged. You should replace the remote
control battery.
You need a battery of the type CR2430, which
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. X
Remove battery cover 0006using a suitable
implement, e.g. a coin, by turning it
counter-clockwise.
X Check the seal on battery cover 0006for
damage and, if necessary, replace.
X Remove old batteries 0026.
X Insert new, clean battery 0026into the
battery tray with the positive pole facing
upwards. Use a lint-free cloth to do so. 126
Operating the auxiliary heating systemClimate control
listed here on the inside title page. Details can
be found in the Maintenance Booklet. Short journey
! If the vehicle is predominantly used for
short-distance driving, this could lead to a
malfunction in the automatic cleaning
function for the diesel particle filter. As a
result, fuel may accumulate in the engine
oil and cause engine failure.
Therefore, if you mainly drive short
distances, you should drive on a highway or
on rural roads for 20 minutes every
310 miles (50 0km). This ensures sufficient
regeneration of the diesel particle filter.
Therefore, if you mainl ydrive short distances,
drive on a freeway or an inter-urban road for
20 minutes every 300 miles (500 km). This
facilitates the diesel particl efilter's burn-off
process. Speed limiter
G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tir eload-bearing
capacity and the approved maximum speed
could lead to tire damage or the tire bursting.
There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle.
As the driver, you must find out about the
maximum speed of the vehicle and the
resulting permissible maximum speed of the
tires (tire and tire pressure). In particular, also
observe the tire approval regulations for each
country.
You must not exceed the speed limit for the
tires listed in the tire pressure tables. You can
find information on tire pressures in the
"Wheels and tires" section (Y page 278).You can permanently limit the maximum
speed of your vehicle to 75 mph (120 km/h).
We recommend that you use an authorized
Sprinter Dealer for the programming of the
maximum speed.
Before overtaking, take into consideration
that the engine speed limiter prevents the
speed increasing beyond the programmed
maximum speed. Driving abroad
Service An extensive network of authorized Sprinter
Dealers is also at your disposal when you are
traveling abroad. Nevertheless, please bear
in mind that service facilities or replacement
parts may not always be immediately
available. You can obtain
alist of workshops
at any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Fuel In some countries, only fuels with a higher
sulfur conten
tare available.
Unsuitable fuel can cause engine damage.
You will find information on fuels in the
"Service products and capacities" section
(Y page 317).
Low-beam headlamps If you are traveling in countries where
vehicles are drive
nonthe opposite side of the
road to that in which the vehicle is registered,
you will need to:
R have the halogen headlamps partially
masked
R have the Bi-Xenon headlamps set to
symmetrical low beam
This prevents glare to oncoming traffic and no
longer illuminates the edge of the road to the
same height and distance.
Have the headlamps masked or adjusted at a
qualified specialist workshop before you Driving tips
149Driving and parking Z
R
Do not install rented trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings to the
bumpers.
R Minimize the risk of damage to the ball
coupling .Ifyou do not require the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess.
Weight information can be found in the
“Permissible trailer and drawbar
noseweights” section (Y page 169).
Note that, when towing atrailer,
PARKTRONIC is only available with limitations
or not at all (Y page 160).
i The height of the ball neck changes
according to the load on the vehicle. If this
is case, use a trailer with a height-
adjustable trailer drawbar.
Driving tips The maximu
mpermissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before setting off, check the vehicle
documents of the your trailer to find out the
permissible maximum speed. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations in the relevant
country, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be differen tincomparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
On long, steep downhill slopes you must
select shift range 3,2or 1in good time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control.
This enables you to utilize the engine's
braking effect and you do not need to brake
so heavily to keep the correc tspeed. which
protects the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need to brake additionally, to
not depress the brake pedal constantly, but
periodically. Driving tips If the trailer begins to swing from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary.
i You can reduce the risk of the trailer
swinging and rocking by retrofitting anti-
roll bars or trailer stability programs .More
information is available from your
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
R Maintain a greater distance than you would
when driving without towing a trailer.
R Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes
gently at first to allow the trailer brake to
overrun. Then, increase the brake force
quickly.
R The figures for the gradient climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and with it its gradient climbing capability,
decrease with increasing altitude. Attaching and removing the ball
coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving
and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling manufacturer's
installation instructions. Make sure that the
ball coupling is correctly installed and
secured before every journey. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as
described in the ball coupling installation
instructions. Make sure that the ball coupling 170
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking
the braking properties and the driving
characteristics .There is a risk of an accident.
Avoid tire pressures that are too low in all the
tires, including the spare wheel.
Underinflated tires can:
R fail from being overheated
R adversely affect handling
R wear excessively and/or unevenly
R have an adverse effect on fuel consumption
Overinflated tires G
WARNING
Tires with excessively high pressure can burst
because they are damaged more easily by
road debris, potholes etc. In addition, they
also suffer from irregular wear, which can
severely impair the braking properties and the
driving characteristics. There is a risk of an
accident.
Avoid tire pressures that are too high in all the
tires, including the spare wheel.
Overinflated tires can:
R increase the braking distance
R adversely affect handling
R wear excessively and/or unevenly
R adversely affect ride comfort
R be more susceptible to damage
Maximum tire pressures 0005
Maximum permitted tire pressure
(example) Never exceed the maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure. When adjusting the tire
pressures always observe the recommended
tire pressure for your vehicle (Y
page 278).
i The actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the
values in the illustration. Tire valve (snap-in valve)
G
WARNING
Tire valve that are not approved for your
vehicle by the distributor named on the inside
cover page may result in a loss of tire
pressure. This may affect road safety. There
is a risk of an accident.
Only use tire valve that are approved for your
vehicle by the distributor named on the inside
cover page. Always make sure you have the
correct tire valve type for the tires on your
vehicle.
! Do not screw additional weights (check
valves, etc.) onto the tire valves. The
electronic components could thus be
damaged.
Only for vehicles without atire pressure
monitor:
For safety reasons, we recommend that you
only use tire valves that have been tested for
use on your vehicle, e.g. those manufactured
by Wonder:
R type TR 600 for the vehicle types 2500
R type TR 418 for the vehicle types 3500 Checking the tire pressure manually
In order to determine and adjust the tire
pressures, proceed as follows:
X Remove the valve cap of the tire you wish
to check.
X Press the tire pressure gauge securely onto
the valve. 280
Tire pressureWheels and tires
!
Refuel only using diesel fuel that
conforms to European standard EN 590 or
an equivalent specification. Fuel that does
not conform to EN 590 can lead to
increased wear and damage the engine and
exhaust system.
! Do not use the following:
R Marine diesel
R Heating oil
R Bio-diesel
R Vegetable oil
R Gasoline
R Paraffin
R Kerosene
Do not mix such fuels with diesel fuel and
do not use any special additives. This can
otherwise lead to engine damage.T his
does not include flow improver additives.
For further information, see "Flow
improvers".
! 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.
! Vehicles with adiesel particle filter: in
countries outside the EU, only refuel with
low-sulfur Euro diesel with a sulfur content
under 50 ppm; otherwise the emission
control syste mcould be damaged.
! Vehicles without adiesel particle
filter: in countries where only diesel fuel
with a high sulfur conten tis available, you
will need to carry out your vehicle's oil
change at shorter intervals. Further
information on oil change intervals can be
obtained at a qualified specialist workshop.
You will generally find information aboutt he
fuel grade on the filling pump. If there is no
identification on the filling pump, consult a
gas station attendant.
For more information about refueling
(Y page 142). i
You can obtain information about
modification options for operation with
alternative fuels (bio-diesel fuels) from any
authorized Mercedes-Ben zCenter.
Diesel at very low outside temperatures G
WARNING
If you heat fuel system components, e.g. with
a hot-air gun or open flame, these
components could be damaged. This can
cause fuel to escape and ignite. Depending on
the type of damage, fuel may also not escape
until the engine is running. There is a risk of
fire and explosion.
Never heat fuel system components. Contact
a qualified specialist workshop to rectify the
malfunction.
Refill only with commercially available
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL (ULSD,
maximum sulfur content 15 ppm), which
fulfills the ASTM D975s tandard.
At very low outside temperatures, paraffin
may separate fro mthe diesel fuel resulting in
inadequate flow characteristics.
To prevent operating problems, diesel with
better flow qualities is available during the
winter months. You can obtain information at
the gas station or from your fuel supplier.
Your vehicle is equipped with afuel
preheating system. This improves the flow
properties of the diesel by approximately
46 ‡(8 †). ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL can
be used without risk of malfunction dow nto
an outside temperature of approximately
14 ‡ (002710 †).
Fuel additives
! Do no tuse any fuel additives except a
flow improver. Fuel additives can cause
malfunctions and engine damage.
! Do not add gasoline or kerosene to diesel
fuel to improve its flow characteristics.
Gasoline or kerosene impairs the
lubricating properties of the diesel fuel. 318
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data
This can result in damage to the fuel
injection system, for example.
Flow improvers are fuel additives used to
improve the flow characteristics of diesel
fuels.
The effectiveness of flow improvers cannot be
guaranteed with all fuels. Observe the
manufacturer's recommendations.
Information about approved flow improvers is
available from any authorized Sprinter Dealer.
At outside temperatures below 14 ‡(002710 †),
and if using diesel with less resistance to low
temperatures, add flow improver, basing the
mixing ratio on the outside temperature.
Mix this fuel additive with the diesel in good
time before the flow properties of the diesel
are affected by paraffi nseparation.
Malfunctions resulting from paraffin
separation can only be rectified by heating
the entire fuel system. Park the vehicle in a
heated garage, for example.
Information on fuel consumption H
Environmental note
CO 2(carbon dioxide) is the gas which
scientists believe to be principally responsible
for global warming (the greenhouse effect).
Your vehicle's CO 2emissions are directly
related to fuel consumption and therefore
depend on:
R efficien tuse of the fuel by the engine
R driving style
R other non-technical factors, such as
environmental influences or road
conditions
You can minimize your vehicle's CO 2
emissions by driving carefully and having it
serviced regularly.
i Only for certain countries: the respective
current consumption and emission values
of your vehicle can be found in the COC
papers (EC CERTIFICATE OF
CONFORMITY). These documents are
supplied when the vehicle is delivered. Consumption figures were found in the
currently valid respective version:
R
for vehicles up to and including the
Euro 4 standard according to EU
Directive 80/1268/EEC
R for vehicles from the Euro 5 standard
according to regulation (EC) no.
715/2007
Fuel consumption depends on:
R the vehicle version
R the style of driving
R the operating conditions
R the type or quality of the fuel used
The vehicle will use more fuel than usual in
the following situations:
R at very low outside temperatures
R in city traffic
R during short journeys
R in mountainous terrain
R when towing a trailer
To keep fuel consumption low, observe the
advice in the "Protection of the environment"
section (Y page 22).
The following components of the different
vehicle versions influence fuel consumption:
R tire sizes, tire tread, tire pressure, tire
condition
R body
R transmission ratios for the drive
assemblies
R additional equipment (e.g. air-conditioning
system, auxiliary heating system).
For these reasons, the actual consumption
figures for your vehicle may deviate from the
consumption figures determined according
to EU Directive 80/1268/EEC.
Data concerning fuel consumption are
recorded in the on-board computer; use the
steering wheel buttons to call up the Trip
computer menu (Ypage 190). Service products and capacities
319Technical data Z