diesel class c

pushtoy 2 wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:
why do I get the feeling that everything service/parts/labor/etc. will cost more in a mercedes diesel?
bumpy

BECAUSE THEY DO! My buddy pays $160 for an oil change when mine is $39 on my ford E350 V10

And I spent this much doing it myself at home.

$ 0.75 (oil filter clearance at Walmart)
$17.70 ($2.95 x 6 quarts of 5W-20 Pennzoil full synthetic)
$ 1.30 (sales tax for the above)
$00.00 (free disposal of old oil)
---------------------------
$19.75 total

Nobody touches my vehicles except when absolutely necessary. It's always much cheaper and always done right. Heck I don't even have to leave home so it's even done faster.

Maintenance costs on a Sprinter diesel would make me nuts.

pushtoy 2 wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:
why do I get the feeling that everything service/parts/labor/etc. will cost more in a mercedes diesel?
bumpy

BECAUSE THEY DO!
my buddy pays 160$$ for an oil change when mine is 39$$ on my ford E350 V10

reminds me of years back, and I mean more than 25 years, a friend at work called me aside and asked if I thought that $3,000 was reasonable for the routine maintenance on his Volvo. I gulped and said it sounded somewhat high to me. :) at that time I don't think I had ever spent over $3000 total for ALL the maintenance on my vehicles.
bumpy

Bumpyroad wrote:
why do I get the feeling that everything service/parts/labor/etc. will cost more in a mercedes diesel?
bumpy

BECAUSE THEY DO!
my buddy pays 160$$ for an oil change when mine is 39$$ on my ford E350 V10

the sprinter chassie is expencive to service and repair

I did a quick research on the major Sprinter-based class-C manufactures. The 3600 watt propane generator comes standard. The 3200 watt diesel generator is optional. I imagine buying a new one off a dealer's lot, you'll get the higher wattage propane version.

Regarding excessive idling of the Sprinter, Google this.

"Mercedes Sprinter idle warning"

You will get many hits on the topic. It does seem to be controversial. Make sure you understand your specific Sprinter idling limitations, if any.

My View has the propane fired generator. What i like about it is that the oil stays very clean relative to the gasoline or diesel generators.

oldtymeflyr wrote:
Also the Ecoboost Ford V6 has proven to be a very good unit. That V6 in a Transit would be a killer combination. The V6 might just move me from the Sprinter, depending on the Transit's suspension.

It would be a killer engine, if it were available in the Transit cutaway chassis, which it is not. Only the normally aspirated gas V6 and the 5 cylinder diesel are available. The gas V6 has good power but has to be revved very high to make it.

I get the same feeling about Ford diesels. Pricey parts/service. Labour maybe not so much, but I've never owned one.

why do I get the feeling that everything service/parts/labor/etc. will cost more in a mercedes diesel?
bumpy

ron.dittmer wrote:
From a financial perspective....

I feel diesels pay back when driven. If you don't drive your motor home that much, then the investment payback won't happen, most predominantly with a Mercedes Sprinter.

There are a few other factors some people tend to overlook with a Sprinter or Transit diesel.

1) They are usually equipped with a propane generator because it is cheaper and lighter than the diesel version....propane is a hot commodity in remote areas of the country, especially in spring and fall when running your furnace.
2) The Sprinter (not sure about the Transit) you cannot idle the engine for extended periods, a limitation of it's emission systems. For me, I find comfort knowing I can idle our gas engine as much as I desire for back-up heat, cooling, battery charging, and during generator restrictions.
3) Sprinter-specific, maintenance and service is costly and limited.

But as others are sharing, the Sprinter and Transit are simply attractive and comfortable. You prioritize what is right for you, and be happy.

A great summary of "good old American iron" under a Class C versus something else!

Also, I just recently read this ... and no way would I put up with it in a motorhome that I wanted to be able to do it all if needed (even once in an emergency):
http://www.winnieowners.com/forums/f265/cold-temps-and-fuel-gel-355752.html