Adding coolant
X
If the coolant drops under the minimum
mark on coolant expansion tank 0044, add
coolant to the maximum mark.
Observe the information on coolant mix-
ture ratio and water quality in the "Techni-
cal data" section ( Ypage 329). To prevent
damage to the engine cooling system, use
only approved corrosion inhibitor/anti-
freeze that comply with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products.
X Replace cap 0043and turn it clockwise to
tighten.
X Start the engine.
X After approximately 5 minutes, switch off
the engine and allow it to cool down.
X Check the coolant level again and add cool-
ant if necessary.
X Close the hood. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the labels
of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed in their original
containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of children.
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Also
observe the safety notes in the "Service prod-
ucts and capacities" section (Y page 320).G
WARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake
fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident. You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
! Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and
rubber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come
into contact with brake fluid, rinse with
water immediately.
Have the brake fluid renewed every 2 years
at a qualified specialist workshop. Observe
the information on brake fluid in the "Techni-
cal data" section ( Ypage 328). Check the brake fluid level regularly, e.g.
weekly or when refueling.
Checking the brake fluid level
X
Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic
as possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 250).
X Check the brake fluid level.
The brake fluid level is correct if the level is
between the MIN mark and MAX mark on
brake fluid reservoir 0043.
X Close the hood.
! If the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir has fallen to the MIN mark or
below, check the brake system immedi-
ately for leaks. Also check the thickness of
the brake linings. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not cor-
rect the malfunction. 256
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Open drain plug 0044immediately until the
water/fuel mixture flows out of drain
hose 0043.
X Screw in drain plug 0044as soon as approx-
imately 0.2 US qt (0.2 l) of the water/fuel
mixture have been collected.
i The electrical fuel pump halts the flow of
the water/fuel mixture after 30 seconds.
X After draining, turn the key back to posi-
tion 0in the ignition lock.
X Dispose of the collected water/fuel mix-
ture in an environmentally responsible
manner, e.g. at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
X Check drain plug 0044. The drain plug must
be closed.
When the engine is running and drain
hose 0044is open, fuel is lost through drain
hose 0043.
X Close the hood.
If the 00B8 indicator lamp does not go out
after draining:
X Drain the fuel filter again.
X If the 00B8 indicator lamp does not go out
after draining for the second time, have the
cause checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop. Vehicle interior
Air filter for the rear-compartment air
conditioning
! Regularly check the air filters for visible
dirt. Clean or replace a dirty filter mat. The
dirt may otherwise lead to damage to the
air-conditioning system. Filter magazine, located on the roof in the rear
compartment
An increased amount of sand or dust may
collect in the air filter of the rear-compart-
ment air conditioning when you drive on dusty
or sandy roads.
X
To remove the filter mat: carefully pry
cover 0043out of recesses 0044and remove.
X Remove the filter mat from the air duct.
X To clean the filter mat: wash the dirty fil-
ter mat with clear water.
X Leave the filter mat to dry.
i The filter mat must not be cleaned or dried
in a machine.
X To install the filter mat: insert the filter
mat in cover 0043.
X Replace and engage cover 0043. Maintenance
General notes
H
Environmental note
Observe measures to protect the environ-
ment when working on the vehicle. You must
observe the legal requirements when dispos-
ing of service products, e.g. engine oil. This
also includes all components, e.g. filters,
which have come into contact with service
products. Any qualified specialist workshop
can provide information about this.
Dispose of empty containers, cleaning cloths
and care products in an environmentally 258
MaintenanceMaintenance and care
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
Observe the following notes:
R Have the condition of charge checked for
the batteries more frequently if you use the
vehicle mainly for short trips or if you leave
it parked for an extended period.
In order for the batteries to achieve their
maximum possible service life, they must
always be sufficiently charged.
R When replacing a battery, only use batter-
ies that are recommended for use in
Sprinter vehicles.
R Have the battery removed at a qualified
specialist workshop.
R If you intend to leave your vehicle parked
for a long period:
- consult a qualified specialist workshop
or
- switch off the electrical system using the
battery main switch (Y page 136).
i When you park the vehicle, remove the
key if you do not require any electrical con-
sumers. The vehicle will then use very little
energy, thus conserving battery power. Installation locations
Your vehicle may be equipped with three bat-
teries, depending on the equipment version:
R a starter battery in the battery case in the
driver's footwell
R additional battery in the engine compart-
ment
R auxiliary battery under the driver's seat Installing/removing the floor cover-
ing (starter battery)
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another. X
Switch off all electrical consumers.
X To remove: remove screws 0087and take off
trim 0044.
X Remove floor covering 0043.
X To install: place floor covering 0043in the
driver's footwell.
X Slide floor covering 0043underneath the car-
rier of the accelerator pedal and align it at
the base of the driver's seat and at the door
sill.
Make sure that the floor covering does not
obstruct the accelerator pedal.
X Put trim 0044in place and screw screws 0087
back in. Battery
261Maintenance and care Z
Installing and removing the auxiliary
battery (base of the driver's seat)
Removing the auxiliary battery X
Disconnect the battery (Y page 265).
X Loosen the bolts holding the retainer that
prevents the battery from moving around in
the base of the driver's seat.
X Remove the battery holder and take out the
battery.
Installing the auxiliary battery X
Insert the battery into the battery case.
X Insert the battery holder.
X Tighten the bolts holding the retainer that
prevents the battery from moving around in
the base of the driver's seat.
X Connect the battery (Y page 265).Charging
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with
water and seek medical attention.
! Only charge the installed battery with a
battery charger that has been tested and
approved by the distributor named on the
inside of the front cover. This device allows
the battery to be charged when it is instal- led in the vehicle. The vehicle's electronics
may otherwise be damaged.
X Recharge the removed battery. Observe
the notes in the operating instructions for
your battery charger.
X Install the battery. Observe the notes on
reconnecting the battery.
i If batteries are not being used, you should
charge them once a month.
It is also possible to charge the starter bat-
tery using the jump-starting connection
point in the engine compartment
(Y page 278). Care
! Dirty battery clamps and battery surfaces
cause leak currents which lead to the bat-
teries discharging.
! Do not use cleaning agents containing
fuel. Cleaning agents containing fuel cor-
rode the battery housing.
! If dirt gets into the battery cell, battery
self-discharge will increase and the battery
may be damaged.
The following points on battery care must be
observed:
X Regularly check the battery terminals and
the fastening of the negative cable to the
chassis to ensure that they are firmly
seated.
X Always keep the battery terminals and bat-
tery surfaces clean and dry.
X Lightly grease the undersides of the battery
terminals with acid-resistant grease.
X Only clean the batteries when the caps are
screwed on.
Otherwise, dirt could get into the battery
cells.
X Unscrew the caps and clean blocked
breathers with a suitable tool such as a
piece of wire. 266
BatteryMaintenance and care
X
Take first-aid kit 0087out of the retainer.
X Fold the cover up and turn the quick-
release fasteners to position 0047.
The cover is locked.
i Check the expiration date on the first-aid
kit at least once a year. Replace any expired
or missing contents. Fire extinguisher
Removing the fire extinguisher Fire extinguisher at the front of the base of the co-
driver's seat
X Pull tabs 0044upwards.
X Take fire extinguisher 0043out of its holder.
i Please read the instructions on fire extin-
guisher 0043carefully and familiarize yourself
with its operation. Have fire extin-
guisher 0043refilled after each use and
checked every one or two years. It may
otherwise fail in an emergency.
Observe the legal requirements for each
individual country. Flat tire
Information on breakdown assistance in the
case of a flat tire can be found in the chapter
"Wheels and tires" (Y page 307). Jump-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a
risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery. G
WARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.
Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean
over the battery. Keep children away from
batteries. Wash battery acid immediately with
water and seek medical attention.
Do not use a rapid charging device to start
the vehicle. If your vehicle's battery is dis-
charged, the engine can be jump-started from
another vehicle or from a donor battery using
jumper cables. For this purpose, the vehicle
has a jump-starting connection point in the
engine compartment.
The additional battery in the engine compart-
ment is not suitable for jump-starting opera-
tions. If your vehicle requires jump-starting,
or if you use it to jump-start another vehicle,
use the jump-starting connection point in the
engine compartment.
When jump-starting, observe the following
points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles.
If the other vehicle's battery is not acces-
sible, jump-start the vehicle using a donor
battery or a jump-starting device.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is fro-
zen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Jump-starting may only be performed from
batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V. 278
Jump-startingBreakdown assistance
R
Only use jumper cables that have a suffi-
cient cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, attach the
battery of another vehicle for a few minutes
before attempting to start. This charges the
empty battery a little.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not
touch.
Make sure that:
R the jumper cables are not damaged.
R bare parts of the terminal clamps do not
come into contact with other metal parts
while the jumper cables are connected to
the battery.
R the jumper cables cannot come into con-
tact with parts such as the V-belt pulley or
the fan. These parts move when the engine
is started and while it is running.
i Jumper cables and further information
regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. Before connecting the jumper cables
On vehicles with a battery main switch, check
whether the battery main switch is switched
on (Y page 136).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Move the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
X Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g.
audio equipment, blower.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it (Y page 137).
X Open the hood (Y page 250). Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 319).
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged. Tow-starting and towing away
279Breakdown assistance Z
Miscibility of engine oils
!
Mixing oils reduces the benefits of using
high grade engine oils.
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.
If, in exceptional cases, oil of the type in the
engine is not available, top up using another
approved mineral or synthetic engine oil.
If the quality grade is not available for diesel
engines, you may also add engine oils meet-
ing the requirements in MB Sheet Number
228.5, 229.3 or 229.5. The topping-up quan-
tity is then limited to a maximum of 1 qt (1 l).
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.
Interval for oil change The on-board computer automatically shows
the date for the next oil change as an event
message in the display.
Only by using engine oil with a particularly
high quality grade, e.g. according to Sheet
Number 228.51 of the Mercedes-Benz Spec-
ifications for Service Products, can the maxi-
mum interval for oil change be achieved.
We recommend having the oil changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Engine oil for diesel engines Product name/number
see the Maintenance Booklet
MB Sheet Number 228.51, 229.31, 229.51
Capacities
!
Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off. Oil change including oil filter Vehicles Engine oil
210 CDI, 213 CDI,
216 CDI, 310 CDI,
313 CDI, 316 CDI,
510 CDI, 513 CDI,
516 CDI Approximately
11.5 l 219 CDI, 319 CDI,
519 CDI Approximately
12.5 l 216, 316, 516 Approximately 8.0 l
Information about oil consumption
!
If the vehicle is predominantly used for
short-distance driving, this could lead to a
malfunction in the automatic cleaning func-
tion 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 distan-
ces, you should drive on a highway or on
rural roads for 20 minutes every 310 miles
(500 km). This ensures sufficient regener-
ation of the diesel particle filter.
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes a maximum of 1.0 US qt (1.0 l)of
engine oil over a distance of 620 miles
(1000 km).
Oil consumption may be higher if:
R the vehicle is new.
R you mainly operate the vehicle under ardu-
ous operating conditions.
R you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
Regular maintenance is one of the precondi-
tions for moderate rates of consumption.
You can only estimate the oil consumption
after you have driven a considerable distance.
Check the engine oil level on a regular basis,
e.g. weekly or each time you refuel
(Y page 252). Service products and capacities
327Technical data Z
Service product:
brake fluid
Product name/
number Intac B026E
R Boiling point: 500 ‡
(260 †)
R Wet boiling point:
356 ‡ (180 †) MB Sheet No. 331.0
Maintenance
interval 2 years
i
Have the brake fluid renewed every 2
years at a qualified specialist workshop.
There is usually a notice in the engine com-
partment to remind you when the next
brake fluid change is due. Coolant
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com-
ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
! Take care not to spill any coolant on
painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
When handling, storing and disposing of cool-
ant and antifreeze, please observe the rele-
vant regulations and the safety notes in the
"Service products and capacities" section
(Y page 320). Coolant additive with corrosion/anti-
freeze protection !
Use only approved antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor that complies with MB Specifica-
tion for Service Products, Sheet Number
325. Using other, non-approved anti-
freeze/corrosion inhibitors may cause
damage to the coolant system and reduce
the engine's service life.
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor. It performs the following
tasks:
R corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raises the boiling point
When the vehicle is first delivered, it is filled
with a coolant mixture that ensures adequate
antifreeze and corrosion protection. Coolant
must be used in the system all year round to
ensure anti-corrosion protection and a raised
boiling point – even in countries with high
outside temperatures.
To prevent damage to the engine cooling sys-
tem, use only approved corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze that comply with the Mercedes-
Benz Specifications for Service Products. You
will find information about approved corro-
sion inhibitor/antifreeze for your vehicle in
the Maintenance Booklet.
We recommend corrosion inhibitor/anti-
freeze that meets the requirements in MB
Specifications for Service Products Sheet
Number 325.
Check the antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor con-
centration in the coolant every six months.
The percentage of corrosion inhibitor/anti-
freeze additive in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This way, the engine cool-
ing system is protected against freezing
down to approximately -35 ‡ (-37 †).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -49 ‡ [-45 †]). Otherwise, heat
will not be dissipated as effectively. Service products and capacities
329Technical data Z