Black Sprinter

Presley and I headed for SMB about 5am on the 18th. We run the same route every time to measure mileage. This trip (there and back) we got 19mpg. Speed on the highway was 65mph (by gps) with maybe 4 or 5 times having to bump up to 70-75 to pass.

At SMB the new window was put in and the Aluminess tire carrier was taken off. The most difficult part of putting in the new window was removing the weather stripping that was there for the original. I had tried to do as much as possible at home with 3m adhesive remover, wd40, and lots of elbow grease but didn’t get too far. SMB worked on it for several hours just to remove the bottom portion as the window covers the top and sides.

Removing weather stripping.

The new window is just what the doctor ordered!  It matches the other windows in design and tint and fits pretty well in the original location.

We had the tire carrier removed as I did not like the looks and it was unnecessary as we were unable to use the space where the tire was originally. So now, 1 aluminess tire carrier in stock and for sale!

Presley and I walked around quite a lot while waiting. There are a lot of “junk yard dogs” in the area. Couple of them hit the end of their chains running at us – chain don’t fail me now! We decided to avoid some of the areas next time we walk. Did have fun walking through the Jack in The Box drive thru to get lunch – the only way since dogs aren’t allowed inside.

Extra compartment for storage

We saw a  very pretty black Sprinter. I wouldn’t get black myself but this one with the dark windows looked pretty sharp. Checked out a red Sprinter with a front shelf – might add one of those to ours. Inventory was down – I suppose that is good and conversions were progressing on several vehicles.

It was a long day. Presley slept most of the way home while I listened to music from the Zune and drove. I like driving the Sprinter. It is easy, comfortable, and you sit almost as high as a truck driver so you can easily see a long way down the road. And with heated seats, rock and roll, and a Starbucks you can cover the miles.

I have just posted on the Sprinter reference material page (sidebar – go down to Sprinter resources) a couple of new documents. One is how to adjust Koni shocks, which is much better than trying to decipher the little pamphlet they send with their shock.

The second, sent to me from Sportsmobile, deals with cleaning and care of Meganite countertops and sinks. This is the material Sportsmobile uses in their conversions. Travelling for us often means grab a cup of coffee, drink half and then head out with the cup placed into the sink. Needless to say, coffee in the bottom of the sink all day leaves residue that is a little hard to get out.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is built by Daimler AG in Düsseldorf, Germany and Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is sold under its Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, and Freightliner brands. The Sprinter is offered to the American market as a panel van, crewbus and cab-chassis in different variants, in three lengths and three roof heights, and featuring a six-cylinder diesel.

Specifications:

• 3.0L CRD turbo diesel V6 engine
• 2987 cubic centimeter (182 cubic inch) displacement
• Power: 115 kW (154 hp) @ 3400 rpm
• Torque: 380 N·m (280 lb-ft) @ 1200-2400 rpm
• Fuel capacity: 25.0 gallons

The cargo Sprinter is built then disassembled in Germany and reassembled in the DaimlerChrysler plant in Ladson just outside Charleston, South Carolina.

Sprinters are used in the US by freight expeditors, as passenger vans and as van conversions. Many RV makers have adopted the Sprinter as a smaller high-end fuel efficient van-based Class B. The chassis cab model is used in larger Class C RV conversions. Also the current VW Crafter shares the bodyshells with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter counterparts, but the front grill styling, engine and transmissions remain Volkswagen sourced.

Many owners rebadge their Sprinters to Mercedes as the only difference between the US and European models are the logos.

For those searching for a hood mask or bra, SMB has
this new one on the market. Unlike some others out there, it covers a larger area and is not marked with any marketing information.

It does require attaching two snaps under the hood but it is easy to put on and remove. I use this and a bug screen (this time of year) when traveling more than 60 miles.

There are no big differences between these and the 07/08 models. Options that were listed in 2008 08 but unavailable should be there now. The Mercedes-sourced van gets an MP3-capable stereo, optional electrically-powered sliding doors, and a host of other features designed to increase flexibility for customers. Dealers are taking orders and folks like Four Winds are already advertising their 2009 Sprinters.

Now is a great time to get a good deal on a 2008 Sprinter. You could start 2009 with a camping trip on the first 3 day weekend. Check out your local dealer or Sportsmobile for inventory.

I am glad to see no big changes. The longer a model stays the same, the more accessories and parts sources become available.