Totally redesigned for 2014, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter once again offers a unique high-roof cargo area, turbodiesel power and posh appointments. The latest edition of this ungainly 2- to 12-passenger work van, however, is now unabashedly touted as having been especially tweaked to counter Ford’s brand new (and equally ungainly) Transit offering. Alas, while the new Sprinter now offers a new turbodiesel inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that conforms with more stringent emissions regulations, as well as a new front end and improved Euro-style plush, Ford’s latest outsize van equals or trumps the Sprinter in headroom, power and price.
In any case, trim levels in both cargo and passenger iterations should again reflect payload capacities via the three-quarter-ton 2500 and the one-ton 3500, with each trim level available in 140-inch wheelbase and 170-inch wheelbase variations.
Among expected changes for the 2014 Sprinter lineup are a dedicated Minibus trim and a pickup-style Cab Chassis, each complementing the basic 2500 and 3500 cargo and passenger variations with their standard and extended wheelbase configurations that have helped make this adult-friendly workhorse famous. Other anticipated improvements, meanwhile, include a new front fascia and grille, as well as redesigned front headlights, an upgraded hood and bumper configuration, and some marginal upgrades to interior appointments.
Thus the spiffed-up 2014 Sprinter, already running European roadways, is expected to look a bit more svelte and to boast improved ride comfort and agility, as well as offering a number of innovative new safety features when it reaches U.S. shores this fall.
As mentioned, this year’s Sprinter platform is expected to debut a 2.1-liter turbocharged I4 engine and a new 7-speed automatic transmission as the standard powertrain. Of course the old 6-speed manual transmission will likely remain available with the 4-banger, but fuel efficiency is noted by reviewers to suffer a bit with the stick-shift. Anyhow, whatever the transmission choice, owners can expect 161 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque out of this peppy I4.
Meanwhile, the once-standard 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 is now an optional powerplant that, mated with the standard 5-speed automatic transmission, will continue to push out 188 hp and 325 lb/ft of torque. Mileage numbers for the Sprinter with either engine are once again unavailable, and while this adult-friendly van/wagon remains offered in only the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration, rumors are rife that an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version may soon be available, possibly as early as the 2015 model year.
Notwithstanding the above-mentioned upgrades, tweaks and rework, the 2014 Sprinter will doubtless continue to offer the standard 16-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, power door locks and power-adjustable mirrors as its predecessors, not to mention telescoping tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and an 80-watt audio system with a single-CD player and up to 13 speakers. A new-for-2014 5.8-inch touchscreen display, meantime, is expected to interface with the audio components, as well as with the available Bluetooth hands-free communications technology and a newly upgraded hard-drive-based navigation suite.
Options will doubtless progress from current expectations as well, but for the moment, owners can expect to add on such goodies as cruise control, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, power windows, all sorts of seating configurations, a 6-CD changer with 100 watts of audio power, parking assist sensors and a rear-view camera.
Finally, standard safety features should again include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), complemented by traction and stability control and front thorax airbags. New for 2014, meantime, are such touted upgrades as Collision Prevention Assistance and a Crosswind Assistance System. The Crosswind Assistance System especially has been touted as a safety breakthrough by a number of reviewers, though a few note that the system, unquestionably a good beginning, still needs work. Doubtless a properly functioning system would be a godsend to those struggling with this tall van’s eccentricities on even mildly breezy days. Finally, a front-mounted, camera-interfaced Lane-Keeping Assist program and a blind-spot warning system, as well as a High-beam Assist safety system that, like the Lane-Keeping Assist technology, uses a camera to automatically switch headlights from high to low beams and back, are all expected to be either standard or available to the new-look Sprinter lineup.
Good Day I have Sprinter 2014, Automatic with 490 000 miles. The car can't rev over 3000 when check it is showing the following codes; 1 P108C (ECM/PCM Power Relay), 2. P0405 ( Performance too early) 3. P068D ( Exhaust Gas Sensor A Circuit Low)
I have 2014 2.1L sprinter van it has 108000 miles. recently, when I start in morning engine start making loud noise for about 8 seconds and it stops. does any one know what could be the problem?
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 5 · 80 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: drivers seat · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: rubber · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.92
Engine
Alternator: 220 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: barn · Side door type: passenger-side manual sliding · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: standard
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: transverse leaf springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: steel
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Tinted: windshield
4th Row Seats
Bench seat
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 80 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: drivers seat · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: rubber · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo net
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.92
Engine
Alternator: 220 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Mudguards: front · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: barn · Side door type: passenger-side manual sliding · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of fourth row headrests: 4 · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: standard
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Fourth row seatbelts: 3-point · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: transverse leaf springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: steel
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear quarter windows: swing out · Tinted: windshield
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 5 · 80 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: drivers seat · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: rubber · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.92
Engine
Alternator: 220 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: barn · Side door type: passenger-side manual sliding · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: high
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: transverse leaf springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: steel
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Tinted: windshield
4th Row Seats
Bench seat
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 80 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: drivers seat · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: rubber · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: front seatback
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.92
Engine
Alternator: 220 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: black · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Mudguards: front · Rear bumper color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: barn · Side door type: passenger-side manual sliding · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of fourth row headrests: 4 · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: high
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Fourth row seatbelts: 3-point · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: transverse leaf springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: leaf springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-leaf · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching · Wheels: steel
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear quarter windows: swing out · Tinted: windshield