Blue Tec is a brand, a name that Mercedes Benz markets emissions technology to reduce Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). It  is used by several engines including some non-Mercedes. Under the Blue Tec brand are different technologies. One is the Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR) which reduces NOx and is used with DEF, a liquid made up of 32.5% urea which eliminates NOx. Yet another is Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), used with Diesel Oxidation Catalyst and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

The 07-09 Sprinter engines used EGR with DPF and the 2010 Sprinter engine uses SCR and DEF. While the new engine has 185hp and 325 ft. lb. torque against the older (OM462) engine with 154hp and 280 ft. lb. torque. Don’t expect any better mileage in 2010 as the new engine and technology are actually years old in Europe which has stricter environmental standards than we have. We should have the European Sprinter engines but politics, NAFTA and other problems keep us running behind Europe.

When you buy a 2010 Sprinter in the US you don’t have a lot of choices. You can chose only 1 engine. Someday we hope that changes.

But how does this technology really work?

In the EGR process (07-09 Sprinters), some of the exhaust gas is basically reburned to lower the emissions and the carbon particles from that process are caught in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The DPF is automatically cleaned at intervals by burning the particles in a process called regeneration.

In the SCR process (2010  Sprinters) Urea is injected into the exhaust gases from a Urea tank which has to be refilled by the driver just like the fuel tank at regular intervals.

For more information check the Sprinter Model Year 2010 Emissions Features.    PDF

Of the 165 Mercedes and Freightliner dealers invited to add Sprinters to their lineups, 143 have accepted the call. Even though 14,600 Sprinters were moved through Dodge outlets and another 3,682 by Freightliner, Mercedes set the minimum for its dealers at 30 vans annually to begin with.

If you’re looking for a Sprinter, you’ll probably be able to find it with a three-pointed star early next year. In the meantime, dealers are creating the necessary showroom space and adding repair bay features to deal with the big boxes.

I did not know Freightliner dealers were included with the number of Mercedes dealers as orignally announced. Looks like service locations may be a long drive for many. So far no one has seen the list of dealers. The best way to check would be to drive by your dealer, look for new construction and/or stop in and ask.

If you find out your Mercedes dealer is going to sell Sprinters please post the news as a comment.