Forum Discussion

rv4jimnme's avatar
rv4jimnme
Explorer
Apr 13, 2017

2011 Tioga 24L-Mercedes Sprinter 3.0L Diesel engine

Hi There! First time to buy a Diesel with 66,000 miles on it. Hubbie says mileage not a big deal on Diesel and the Dealer is reputable. I still find myself wondering what is required of a Diesel Engine and what could go wrong? We were thinking of taking out an extended warranty???but those never seem to be cost effective but maybe a diesel is more expensive to repair???We do not plan on putting a whole bunch of miles on it. I already understand that the towing capacity is 3,500 lbs more than my current TOAD 2011 Honda Civic, but I feel I can live with that and buy a smaller car. Or just unhook and go.
We are downsizing from huge gasser to small diesel and very excited about this little rig with the rear coucho dinette option. That I can drive. Just wondering what experiences or advice you can give us about smaller diesels overall. We got old and this will be our last rig and our last trips....the price agreed on seems really good $57,000.00 but then I am clueless on Mercedes. Thanks in advance for any opinions and advice.
Class C
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2017
    Just this month I replaced the 10 year old tires in anticipation of the summer season, plus replaced and upgraded the awning which was quite deteriorated.

    The upgrade was to the articulated arms (no longer in the way of one's head) and electricly deployed/stowed.

    Took the first trip last W/E and all was fine.
  • LifeInsideJack's avatar
    LifeInsideJack
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2017
    Typically 66,000 miles is nothing. When you get closer to 500,000 you may want to consider taking it to the dealer to look at, just change the oil at required intervals.

    That little engine is nearly flawless. If you take care of it with proper oil changes and such it will last you a good long time. The towing capacity is excellent and you'll do fine with your Civic behind you provided you don't forget that it's back there.

    Enjoy your adventures and good for you to get behind the wheel and enjoy the driving part also. Have fun !!
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2017
    We are also rather old and our View is our first diesel. Fuel mileage with toad at 55 MPH is 15 MPG, and without toad at 65 MPH is 15 MPG. Our toad is a 1991 Daihautsu ROCKY.

    I do all the service that I can myself. Oil changes can be extremely expensive at the stealership, but I do my own. Every fluid has a specification per M-B and you should be aware of them.

    Ours also has the 3.0L Turbo diesel engine and I have had only two problems with it. The first was a glow plug failure, not a really big deal and it ran fine, and I got it replaced after the trip.

    The second was an EGR valve failure, causing the turbo to get no exhaust drive. I did nurse it home at low speed.

    M-B Specs list: http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolistenmain.php?language_id=1

    Oil filter wrench: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QHQW8I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    M-B approved oil: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GAP428/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (you need 3 of these)

    M-B approved oil filter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DRLPP8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Good luck and enjoy your rig!

About Motorhome Group

38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025