What Type of Oil Does a Sprinter Van Take?
What type of oil does a Sprinter Van take? Learn everything you need to know about the recommended Sprinter Van oil types.
Your recommended Sprinter Van oil type will depend on what kind of engine is under your Sprinter Van’s hood. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van models come with two main types of engines: gas engines and diesel engines. Each works slightly differently and requires different types of oil. See the recommended Mercedes-Benz Sprinter oil types for each engine below:
Gas Engine: Full Synthetic 5W-40 Motor Oil
Diesel Engine: Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
That said, the best way to ensure optimal performance of your Sprinter Van is to check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type for your engine, as various model years, makes, and engine types may recommend different oils.
The dealership uses Mercedes-Benz Genuine Engine Oil 229.52 5W-30
The official lubricant for diesel engines meeting the MB 229.52 specification, this oil is meticulously crafted to ensure protection for Benz engines.
You’ll also find MB has a partnership with Mobile 1. So the Mobil 1 122094 5W-40 Formula M Motor Oil is going to be recommended.
It is explicitly designed for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It performs exceptionally well, even in extreme temperatures, ensuring your engine remains protected and performs at its best.
But there are alternates.
In general the Sprinter takes:
Oil Grade: SEOA2
Viscosity:0W-30, 0W-40 (All TEMPS) 5W-30, 5W-40 (Above -25)
Capacity:10.5 litres (with filter). After refill check oil level.
For our V6 3.0L Diesel we run: AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil
But you can run 5W-40 as well if you’re just staying in warmer climates.
It helps to think of the “W” as standing for “winter.” Lower numbers mean the oil will remain more fluid and easier to circulate throughout your engine for improved start-up protection.
That being the case, when comparing 5W-20 or 5W-30 vs 10W-30, the 5W oils will flow faster in cold weather, as indicated by their lower 5W rating.
This means the oil will flow more readily to lubricate the cam lobes, piston rings, cylinders, bearings and other vital components at startup. The sooner the oil reaches these components, the sooner it can protect against wear.
Oil that’s too thick can cause precious seconds to pass when little-to-no oil is available to lubricate parts, resulting in wear.
It’s especially important in sub-zero weather when oil naturally thickens. Synthetic oils remain more fluid in cold weather for better protection than their conventional counterparts
An oil with a lower 0W viscosity will remain thinner at cold temperatures and flow a little faster during cold-weather starts.
Their identical “20” viscosity ratings at operating temperatures mean they’ll be the same viscosity once your engine has warmed up.
0W oils are becoming more popular because they help improve fuel economy due to their lighter cold-weather viscosity, which reduces pumping losses.
So in short, we run 0W-30 in all our vans.
You should ensure the oil is rated as a MB Approval 229.31/229.51/229.52
Other options:
Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: What’s the Difference?
Both types of recommended Sprinter Van oil types are full synthetic, a type of oil that is refined and crafted to promote superior engine performance and long-lasting quality. Synthetic oil differs from conventional oil, or “regular oil”, as conventional oil is closer to the crude oil drilled from the ground. Mercedes-Benz always recommends full synthetic oil for all their vehicles as synthetic oil ensures your premium engine performs as it should, as well as gives you advantages such as:
Lower viscosity at low temperatures
Enhanced engine-cleaning properties
More time between Mercedes-Benz synthetic motor oil replacement
Better protection for turbocharger parts (if equipped)
Recommended Sprinter Van Oil Change Frequency
To simplify service, your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van oil change frequency will align with your rotating Service A* and Service B* appointments. Service A* is recommended after one year or 10,000 miles of driving, whichever comes first. Service B* will follow after two years or 20,000 miles of driving on the Hamilton roads. To help you keep track, your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van will illuminate a service indicator on your dashboard when your next service is due. Learn more about the Service A* and Service B* recommended maintenance schedules below:
Service A* – 10,000 Miles / One Year:
Synthetic Motor Oil Replacement**
Oil Filter Replacement**
All fluid level checks and corrections are dependent on factory-recommended service intervals for your vehicle’s year and model
Tire inflation check and correction
Brake component inspection
Reset maintenance counter
Adhere to all required elements listed by model year and specific model as indicated on the corresponding service sheet for Mercedes-Benz Maintenance Systems in the USA.
Service B* – 20,000 Miles / Two Years:
Synthetic Motor Oil Replacement**
Oil Filter Replacement**
All fluid level checks and corrections are dependent on factory-recommended service intervals for your vehicle’s year and model
Tire inflation check and correction
Brake component inspection
Reset maintenance counter
Cabin dust/combination filter replacement
Brake fluid exchange
Adhere to all required elements listed by model year and specific model as indicated on the corresponding service sheet for Mercedes-Benz Maintenance Systems in the USA.
