Mercedes Sprinter: Overview

2017-07-06 • SEND FEEDBACK •
Related: Mercedes Sprinter, Moots

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This page discusses the build options I chose for my 2017 Sprinter cargo van (to be delivered in late July 2017).

Choices would have been slightly different had I custom-ordered it, but a nationwide search turned up only one matching 4x4 HiLow HiTop van in the color I wanted (brilliant silver). But as it turns out, the options were nearly a perfect match for what I wanted.

Paint color is more than just a preference: a white or silver van is going to stay cooler in the sun than blue/black/brown. I was concerned about heat even with upfitting insulation, and I like silver, so I made that a requirement. I also think that the Sprinter looks very good in silver and silver paint is relatively uncommon, whereas there are thousands of generic white Sprinter vans running around (electricians, plumbers, etc, I saw a whole parking lot full of them on the way to Reno!). I wanted something that stood out from the working trades, and silver and black always look great.

My Sprinter came with steel wheels, but that that was OK since I’d want to go to 17" wheels with all terrain tires later anyway.

2017 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 cargo van, HighRoof 144 wheelbase, 6 cylinder 4x4

Other tips

The long service life of the Sprinter makes it worthwhile to consider everything very carefully—it’s a long-term buy with upfitting, not a 3-4 year lease type of thing.

• The cargo van has options that the Crew and Passenger models do not. The Mercedes Build-Your-Own (BYO) page does not offer all options that can be added to the Cargo model.
• The cargo van is the best platform for upfitting; skip the Crew and Passenger van.
• Wait times are generally at least 6 months if you build your own (BYO), with 3-4 months just to ship itover the ocean to the USA, and reassemble it and then transport it to the dealer.
• Deals below MSRP are rare, at least in 2017 for 4x4 models. Production is constrained and dealers keep little stock, many of which are not the right mix of features. The ones configured well tend to disappear quickly.
• The 4 cylinder was discontinued in 2017, but may be resumed in 2018.
• Offroad use is not a good plan without the 4x4 option. The 4x4 requires the V6 engine.
• The 4x4 engine is underpowered for use with heavy builds and/or high altitude.
• The 4x4 is offered *without* a rear differential for HiLow range, so be sure to order 4x4 with the "ZG3 4x4 High Range w/Low Range Transfer Case".
• If you’re not in a hurry, the 2018 or 2019 models may be a complete redesign. The 2017 model is at the end of the design lifecycle.
• The 2nd battery option is a good idea, low cost and lots of extra power just in case.
• Don’t skimp on the van build in the context of an expensive build-out; it should have a very long service life.

For deciding sizes, Sprinter floorpan schematics can be found at RBComponents.com.

Discussion of build items

The complete build list follows further below. This section discusses options I deem important to have or to consider.

D13 Roof Rails

I added roof rails upon delivery. Add roof rails before any upfitting even if there is no immediate desire for a roof rack, because adding them later means removing the headliner to install them.

AR2 Axle Ratio 3.92

This axel option comes with 4x4 HiLow, and is appropriate for that purpose.

LG0 Bi-xenon headlamps

This is the one option I really wish my Sprinter had come with (no retrofit available). However, the stock headlamps (halogen) are really good on the Sprinter, and a front LED light bar can be added to enhance night vision.

C01 Driver Comfort Package $570

The comfort seats and power outlets and additional seats are a given, for me at least.

• SB2 Comfort Passenger's Seat,
• SB1 Comfort Driver's Seat,
• FZ9 Keys - Two Additional Masters
• FJ1 I/P Hinged Lid-Center Stack Bin
• E46 12V Power Outlet- Driver Seat Base

C03 Active Safety Plus Package and C04 Active Safety Plus Package w/ Parktronic

This package rolls up many of the desirable options. I would have liked to have many of these features, but no Sprinter I could find included this package. The "JW5 Collision Lane Keeping Assist" might be a nuisance/bother, but everything else would be useful

Since many of the niftiest features are not on my Sprinter, I cannot speak to them, but I deem following worth looking at: H21 Windshield with filter band, EZ8 Parktronic System, CL4 Multifunction Steering Wheel w/trip computer, JK3 Pixel matrix display, JA7 Blind Spot Monitoring.

Includes for C04:

• CL4 Multifunction Steering Wheel w/trip computer
• EZ8 Parktronic System (PTS)
• JA5 Light and Rain Sensor JP2
• Driving Assistance Package Elements include: JA7 Blind Spot Monitoring, JA6 Prevention Assist, JW5 Collision Lane Keeping Assist, LA1 High Beam Assist
• JK3 Pixel matrix display
• F68 Heated and electrically adjustable mirrors
• H21 Windshield with filter band
• LD0 Overhead control panel with 2 reading light
• Y10 First aid kit
• Y45 Emergency Flash Light

H15 Heated Co-Driver Seat $260 and H16 Heated Driver Seat $260

Heated seats are mandatory for me—cool or cold mornings, or stiff muscles after a ride, etc. One Sprinter I found had a 32,000 BTU heating system—but not heated seats—don’t assume anything.

D03 Roof - High $2,500

This is a big ticket item, but worth it—I want to be able to walk from front to rear. At 5 feet 10 inches tall, I can stand up with about 4 inches of clearance even with hiking boots on. The extra height makes the van feel much more comfortable, as well as providing a larger air volume which takes longer to heat and cool, but also takes longer to get hot (or cold).

A van in which I cannot stand up straight is a non-starter. I was shown a Sportsmobile Sprinter build; it was not a HiRoof, and I could not stand up in it. Along with too many cabinets, it felt terribly cramped. Its popup tent feature seems useful, but who wants to popup and down the tent several times a day? Or just to pop it down to drive at all? Moreover that rooftop tent will not be much fun in sub-freezing temperatures, even without wind. I deem it unattractive for my high-mountain weather scenarios, including wind and rain and cold.

D93 Deletion of Cargo Partition (Standard)

The cargo partition separate driver and passenger from the rear of the van. This balkanizes the space in an unacceptable way, forcing one to exit the van and re-enter from the side or rear—not good for a camper van. Some sprinters come with this partition installed, raising the price by $470 plus the labor to remove it.

EN7 Audio 15 (Standard)

If really good audio is desired, it is better done aftermarket. This audio option is decent for casual usage.

FR8 Rear View Camera $677

I consider this essential even with rear windows; if backing up on a dirt road, it’s far too easy to back into a tree or rock that cannot be seen. Ditto for city use. The camera mounts on top at rear.

F68 Exterior Mirror - Power/Heated $264

Useful but not essential.

H20 Heat-Insulating Glass (Standard)

Anything that reduces heat intrusion (or exit on cold days) is worthwhile.

L63 Ceiling lights in load compartment $275

Don’t pay for these if upfitting, since upfitting will replace them.

MS1 Cruise Control $374

A car without cruise control is a disaster for journeys—essential feature

T16 Sliding Door- Right Side (Standard)

I wanted double door, but there is no such option, sliding door only.

V43 Cargo Van Wood Floor (Standard)

A good upfitter will replace the flooring (soundproofing, insulation, etc), but it comes this way standard.

V94 Cable duct on side wall and V95 Cable duct on rear portal

Presumably these are useful for running cables but I don't know—and they are no cost.

X04 Multi-function Wheel/Display Package $345

Includes: JK3 I/P Cluster Pixel Matrix, CL4 Multifunction Steering Wheel

The JK3 provides a much higher quality display—mandatory in my view. The CL4 is a good idea for longer drives.

X22 Trailer Hitch Package $370

Includes: Q24 Trailer Hitch, E40 Trailer Hitch - Wire Harness w/7 Pin Connector

A trailer hitch is good for a trailer or other add-ons, such as carrying a dirt bike or extra ice chest, etc. Given the modest cost, I would deem this option almost a must-have, even without immediate plans for using it.

X27 Additional Battery Package $380

Includes: E36 Cutoff Relay for Auxiliary Battery, E28 Auxiliary Battery 100 Amp

I would order this option, for more grunt under cold conditions and longer running time on the primary battery system. With the cutoff relay, it offers a great deal more power for built-in electrical items.

X30 Low & High Range 4x4 Package $7,495

Includes: ZG3 4x4 High Range w/Low Range Transfer Case, T75 Door mounted assist handles, driver & passenger

Pricy, but essential for off-roading. The 4x4 package requires the V6 engine which explains part of the cost increase.

The “ZG3 4x4 High Range w/Low Range Transfer Case” option is not a given—it is possible to come across foolishly ordered with only 4x4 drive, but not the ZG3 HiLow range option—avoid that if the vehicle will be heavy or used on steep grades or do any towing.

The ZG3 HiLow option has no locking differential, just a 1.4 reduction gear, regrettable.

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8-bay Thunderbolt 3

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Hard drives or SSD.

Build as delivered

The build as delivered by Mercedes-Benz of Reno is shown below. It has most of what I wanted, a few things I did not (e.g., the interior lighting gets replaced when upfiting). While one can order customize van, at the time I ordered lead times were 9 months out—Sprinters are in high demand and sell at MSRP generally.

2017 M2CA4X                  $37995
744 Brilliant Silver Metallic  $990
VY2 Tunja Black Upholstery
SUBTOTAL $52,755
DESTINATION & DELIVERY $995 
TOTAL $53,750

 ***** STANDARD ACCESSORIES ***** 

BB9 Electronic Stability Program (ESP9i)
CL1 Adjustable Steering Wheel
C42 Stabilizer Bar, Rear Axle
C45 Stabilizer Bar - Reinforced Front
ED8 Parametric Special Module (PSM) Preparation EE8 Battery 100 AMP/12V
EK1 Body Builder Connector Under Driver Seat EL8 Radio Speakers, 5 Front
ES0 Battery Positive Contact
E07 Hill Start Assist
E30 Starter Battery Disconnect
FF5 Shelf Above Windshield
FG8 Cupholder Centerstack
FI1 Remote Key Fob - 315 MHZ F61 Rear View Mirror
F66 Glove Box Lockable
G40 Transmission - 5 Speed Auto
HH2 Heater- Aux. Electric HotAir HH9 Air Conditioning - Front
IG3 Sprinter Sales Designation JA8 Crosswind Assist
J11 Tachometer in Miles
J58 center console (429)
J65 Outside Temperature Gauge
KB7 24.5 gallon fuel tank
KL1 Aux.Fuel Sending Unit
KL5 Fuel Filter w/Water Separator
K60 Exhaust Straight to Rear
LB5 3rd LED Break Lamp Hi-Mounted
LG6 Daytime driving lights
LX7 North and South America
L94 No Parking Lamps
MG5 Engine-3.0 Turbo Diesel BlueTEC
MH7 Emissions EPA 16/CARB
M46 Alternator 14 V/220 A
P47 Front Mud Flaps
P48 Rear Mudflaps
RF1 Continental Tires
RH8 Tires LT245/75 R16
RM0 Tires All Season
RM9 Specially Requested Tires
RS3 Wheel Steel 6.5 X 16
RY2 Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp R65 Spare Tire Carrier below Frame
R87 Spare Wheel - Steel
SA5 Air Bag- Driver
SA6 Air Bag- Passenger
SH7 Airbag, Driver/Passenger Thorax SH9 Airbag, Driver/Passenger Window
S22 Armrest for Driver Seat
S25 Armrest for Passenger Seat T09 Sliding Door Ext Track
V85 Ashtrays - Front
WD5 Control code
W54 Rear Doors 270 Degree Opening XC8 VIN# Visible from Outside
XI6 Steering Code
XL8 GVWR 8,550 lbs
XM0 Facelift
XQ1 VIN Encoded vehicle data with check digit
XY7 Model Year 2017
XZ1 Model Generation 1
X42 Literature English
Y43 Hydraulic Jack
ZB6 Vehicle dismantle/re-assembly ZU8 Country Code - USA
ZZ4 MB North America Execution Z44 Vehicle Registration NAFTA
Z90 Deletion, Underfloor Preservation
 ***** OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ***** 
AR2 Axle Ratio 3.92
C01 Driver Comfort Package $570
SB2 Comfort Passenger's Seat
SB1 Comfort Driver's Seat
FZ9 Keys - Two Additional Masters
FJ1 I/P Hinged Lid-Center Stack Bin
E46 12V Power Outlet- Driver Seat Base
D03 Roof - High $2,500
D93 Deletion of Cargo Partition (Standard)
EN7 Audio 15 (Standard)
FR8 Rear View Camera $677
F68 Exterior Mirror - Power/Heated $264
H15 Heated Co-Driver Seat $260
H16 Heated Driver Seat $260
H20 Heat-Insulating Glass (Standard)
L63 Ceiling lights in load compartment $275
MS1 Cruise Control $374
T16 Sliding Door- Right Side (Standard)
V43 Cargo Van Wood Floor (Standard)
V94 Cable duct on side wall
V95 Cable duct on rear portal
X04 X04 Multi-function Wheel/Display Package $345
JK3 I/P Cluster Pixel Matrix
CL4 Multifunction Steering Wheel
X22 X22 Trailer Hitch Package $370
Q24 Trailer Hitch
E40 Trailer Hitch - Wire Harness w/7 Pin Connector
X27 X27 Additional Battery Package $380
E36 Cutoff Relay for Auxiliary Battery
E28 Auxiliary Battery 100 Amp
X30 X30 Low & High Range 4x4 Package $7,495
........Door-mounted assist  handles, drive
ZG3 4x4 High Range w/Low Range Transfer Case
T75 Door mounted assist handles, driver & passenger

2012 Moots FrosTi
(image courtesy of Moots, NOT my bike as built)