I, all agreed with as above you guys mentioned Das MB Sprinter's the SCR (DEF tank, DPF, NOx sensors, EGR, DEF Injector, Heating elements) issues with the Engine starting counts pop up. I went to the MB dealership when I got the problems as you all had. They asked me $8000 all replacing parts. I think that it is not just replacing parts issues. It is matter of parts quality control and better design as the Toyota does and unnecessary high cost of labor/parts with limited experienced mechanics. Sometimes, they asked high price tag the only reason is Das Mercedes Benz.
I would like to give you guys some tips through my DIY repair experiences with Das MB Sprinter 2500 170" 3.0 OM642/W906 chasiiii.- If you are inclined mechanic skill will help the your wallet.
1. The Diesel engine required a lot of maintenance with MB specs.
Engine oil should be ESP or MB oil, Transmission Oil- MB specs- don’t use regular engine oil.
2. I recommend change the timing chain services on Every 100k mile-because chain is stretching upon driving condition such as towing/engine brake even though you have towing brakes kit.- Don’t believe the MB diesel engine is the 500k miles performance without proper maintained.
3. “the Engine Start Count”- Use on Ebay OBD-2 reset tool: single car $299, unlimited car $579 for the emergency or long travel for the back up.
4. Check with OBD scanner; MB obd scanner which around $120 to $2500 if you like to do DIY from online EBay, Amazon.
5. The DPF filter life span is around 300K mile with regular Regen or Min. 1800 RPM 40min at every 1200mile interval.- I cleaned with DPF cleaning shop in local at 180K mile. the cost was around $380.- don't replace it.
6. NOx sensors life span expectation is 850k Mile, so if you have a issue with it just take it out cleaning or soaking with carburetor cleaning spray or brake cleaning. The zirconia element will be fine with it. Or replace with new ones DPF's NOx and after NOx sensors. Recently, getting cheaper because of Chinese makers. It is around $170 up to $400.
7. EGR – just clean it out or use diesel clean additive as instructed, regularly.- If you are living in cold climate zone would be help you out such as anti-gel additive. Please remember Diesel fuel is Organic fossil fuel.- especially remove water regularly and when you fueling in seasonally
8. DEF injector necessary cleaning every 30k mile to 50k mile upon climate zone because it clogged on the nozzle.- Use hot water, don’t use others.- just dip it in the hot water
9. DEF level Sensors and heating element with DEF Heating delivery line up on OBD codes. –Usually it triggered low DEF level with “engine start count” – They made with cheap material on heating elements and level sensor- the most notorious Das MB Sprinter SCR failure issues.- You can have the replacement part around $200 with 2 years warranty on the Ebay.
10. Diesel fuel filter replacement every 30k Mile up on climate zone.
11. Check the fuel cap sometimes high elevation trip expanded tank and failed the function of cap. It makes trigger the engine light or engine start count. Be sure the fuel cap clicking is normal. Failed fuel cap sound is dull clicking sound.
All as I above mentioned maintenance are only basic categories, please; take care of your precious Das MB Sprinter.
