Sprinter Schedule B Maintenance - Routine or not?

What's involved in the Mercedes Sprinter Schedule B (routine) maintenance and can you really do it yourself? How to change the oil, as well as the oil, fuel, and cabin filters. I had a couple hiccups, but it saved me $700 from the Mercedes dealer quote. It was not total routine, but after doing it once, the next time should be.
Parts:
Oil: Usually get at NAPA on sale
Oil Filter:www.amazon.com/Mann-Filter-HU...
Fuel filter: www.amazon.com/MANN-Genuine-R...
Oil filter wrench: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Torx bit set: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Fuel filter: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Fuel line hose clamps: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Cabin Dust Filter: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Wipers: www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....

[@johnmcneal9477]

Thank you for showing how to clear the "Service B" code. I absolutely refused to pay them $1200 for that work, I did it myself. I asked the dealer if they could remove the Service B code and they flat out refused telling me they would only clear it if THEY did the service B work. What an over priced scam. So this winter I was plowing snow with my tractor and did something really stupid. I slid on the ice and ended up jamming the front forks through the AC condenser and radiator of my van. The MB dealer quoted me over 5K for the repair work. $850 for the radiator and $900 for the condenser. I found a brand new OEM radiator for $86 and a brand new OEM condenser for $110 from Ebay motors. The dealer said it would take a month to get the parts. I received both parts in the mail in five days. I live in Alaska, so that was amazing they came so quick. I have no faith in our local dealer.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Sometimes you just have to do it yourself.

[@jasonstuckey8597]

@johnmcneal9477 where are you located in Alaska? Fairbanks or Anchorage? I’m up in Fairbanks with my Sprinter van, curious where you’re taking yours for service.

[@alexharris5985]

Again, a sincere thank you for all the time and effort you put into your videos. I really appreciate each one and look forward to more and you are an inspiration for us sprinter owners who live on a fixed income.

[@fallosantis569]

this grandpa is awesome ....tackles all without hesitation, having people like that around are priceless....

[@chuckadams9691]

I just completed my first A inspection very easy. I watched Ron’s video on the B inspection so informative it will help me a lot in the future when I do my B Inspection. Thanks Ron a new subscriber.

[@kylesmith8829]

Clear and practical Info. Thank you Ron. I can relate with you regarding being a grandpa to a granddaughter -- what a blessing!!

[@GrahamParkerVermont]

Thanks, Ron! You are The Man! Much appreciated, as my 20k B service is due in less than 5k, and I was dreading a trip to the dealer for what seems like something I can do.

[@peteweilnau]

I have done my own oil changes too. But was intimidated by the fuel filter change last time. Your video will be a great help next time it needs a fuel filter. I knew there were two different fuel filters, but never understood the difference. Your video really clears that up. Much appreciate your efforts on these videos.

[@jimmarshall1708]

Excellent video on the B service. You do a great job of getting the lighting right so that you can see everything. Thanks!

[@jobluez]

A real public service, thanks Ron.

[@kevinkidderphotographer]

One of the best videos that I have seen for standard maintenance!

[@joeconrado5173]

Thanks Ron, you covered the Maintence much better than the manual that comes with the Sprinter, great service you provide for Sprinter owners. Thanks

[@topekakid]

Haven’t bought one yet (thanks, Covid!) but with your insightful instruction, I’m going to take a shot at doing the maintenance myself. Thank you!

[@robwelsh3803]

Great videos! I do all my maintenance to save money and time.. Thank you Ron.

[@nmartin5551]

And again, your videos on basic maintenance are fantastic. I’ve been wrench some on my own vehicles for a handful of years (I started later in life), and I recently changed my own pads and rotors front and back on my Subaru. Shop quoted me $1000. I did it myself in about 3 hours with $205 worth of parts. The first wheel took about 2 hours. The rest were under 30 minutes. (I already owned the jack and jackstands).

[@paulhindman5703]

Thanks Ron. For my service at the dealership I have to travel 2 hours on top of the cost each way. Doing it myself sounds like a good plan.

[@stevecabacungan]

Thanks for your video Grandpa! I'm a Grandpa myself and this video gives me confidence I can do it myself on my new 2021 Airstream Interstate 19 4x4.

[@craigwilson1284]

Thanks Ron, informative. I will view again when ready. Huge cost savings. Mercedes really marks up the cost..WOW.

[@NilsVidstrand]

Thank you. You make this look doable. I was curious about resetting the maintenance computer and you showed us. I suspect it will take a few tries with all the toggling. Thank you for organizing all the links-very helpful indeed!

[@DavidMcbrady]

Great video! Very informative! Thank you for the close up shots. You definitely help a person decide whether they can do it or not!

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thanks. Once you do it the job is not really that complicated.

[@dominicbenincasa7883]

Ron.... I applaud you. Thank you for the video.

[@elliottasbury4667]

You are a legend. Thanks for such an informative and entertaining tutorial!

[@davidhaile5110]

Excellent! I just bought a new 2019 Sprinter with the 2.0L 4 cylinder. I expect DIY maintenance to be even easier!

[@ran6110]

Well done! Thanks for all of the detailed information and honest comments. Maybe it will be worth trying!

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Oil changes are quiet easy if you want to start there.

[@janizoom6937]

I much enjoy your videos. I have the same view so you have helped me learn and get ideas for things to improve. I look forward to your diesel generator maintenance video as I also have one.

[@cryptoslacker-464]

Great video, content, sound and visuals A1.

[@vittorioviarengo]

I owe you $2100 as I used your tutorial 3 times already!! THANK YOU!

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thanks. Sometimes we just need a little encouragement to try something new.

[@jasonbartlett4347]

great video thank you for taking the time to make it. very informative and a great money saver in these crazy times....

[@stevejoyner6036]

Really useful guide, shows the minor details that are usually missed, well done for a great video for the home mechanic

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thank you. I also use these so i can remember what i did 2 years later.

[@duanebrown2879]

Excellent presentation Ron, thank you very much. This helps tremendously as we just purchased a used 2016 Sprinter and I plan on doing the maintenance myself.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Great. Just be careful getting the big oil filter oring in the groove and it is pretty quick.

[@RealStevenBanks]

Great Video Ron. A lot of people are afraid of elbow grease for the Mercedes engine. This video really helps to show it’s not as intimidating as it would seem. Thanks for all your videos I’m subscribed and really enjoy watching. I’m also in the market for a Winnebago view. Just building up the courage to go down and make the purchase thanks again.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Yes, I was not sure I wanted to do it either, but was will to give a try considering the dealer cost. Actually was not bad at all.

[@dndmat]

Thank you sir! Great video and I just bought an Airstream Interstate so I needed it. Your video comforted me that this is not only no problem but this engine has some crazy long intervals on stuff.

[@craigwflys]

Great video lots of good info. Got my Sprinter about a month ago and am ready for an oil change and finally came to the conclusion that the best oil (it's expensive) is the Mobil 1 ESP (and not the regular Mobil 1) 5W-30. So then I watched your video and sure enough you show the same thing. Wish I would have found your video first. Would have saved me a lot of research time :)

[@luisp8220]

Superb video, Honest and very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

Glad to see you covered that turbo opening. 😀

[@tommybyrne5745]

Brilliant video , thanks from Ireland .

[@MrHeyharry]

Ron, from a Melbourne 24 K owner here, you are a godsend! Thanks!

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thanks.

[@j.s.1196]

what a spectacularly HELPFUL video!! Thanks so much for taking the time to show us all how to DYI and save $$$. Your unpaid efforts are VERY much appreciated! All the best Gramps!

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thanks for your encouraging words.

[@danielkennedy1524]

A great video! Looking forward to next on!

[@natezei8230]

Even I can see that you dont look like a mechanic, but you did great job of how to do service on mercedes sprinter , thank you for simplicity of how to to this job,

[@JustAnAcre]

Super helpful. Thanks for sharing your efforts.

[@job.1875]

You are the best, thank you. Just bought a class b sprinter, great information thank you!

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Getting closer to doing my own schedule B soon. Thanks!

[@henrycourtney750]

Ron , wow that's an awesome video GOOD JOB!! you educated me,

[@MrLightning54]

Excellent video! Absolutely no reason to pay a shop to do this sort of maintenance for the average DIYer that respects his/her money. Thanks for the links to the parts also.

[@dlaavdlawb6214]

It’s great video, for a new RVer. Thanks.

[@miker5221]

Hey Ron, I did my first fuel filter today @19,200 miles it was a piece of cake thanks to your video. One comment if I may add is the torx tip on clamping band in the 2020 chassis, 2021 RV is now a #35 Many thanks !

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Congrats. Just finished my second schedule B. Worth the effort.

[@ridefitnation]

Wow! Excellent video

[@stephenepoe]

Outstanding! Thanks Ron!

[@michaelt2961]

Thanks for this great video. Because the View and Navion are the same, the parts process is identical, including the fuel pump.

[@13.Month.of.Sunshine]

3 years later still the best video 🙏🏿 I'm pretty sure mercedes love it! and hate this video.The one that listened 💯%they're saving money. I'M!!😊Thank you sir!!🙏🏾

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thanks. The oil change is easier on the Mercedes than my wife’s Honda Civic.

[@13.Month.of.Sunshine]

@@ontheroadwithron2432 easier than my wife honda civic 😊you made it easier for many. I'm one of them.

[@priscillawrites6685]

Teach your granddaughters car maintenance. I used to help my dad; then my husband and I did routine maintenance for our cars. Saved money, and learned enough so a garage can’t take advantage of me.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

I’m hoping they will not need it with electric vehicles but there is alway tire changes.

[@lloydmorrisonii1373]

Outstanding video! Thank you so much for sharing. You are a Great man. :)

[@jamestreanor182]

wow, great info about the Mann filter

[@michaelthompson9261]

Pops, you the man!

[@hl9875]

Great video!Thanks a lot for sharing

[@darryljohnston1284]

Great video,so easy to follow and so well explained thank you Darryl J from Australia cheers.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thanks. I will be starting my second schedule B maintenance today. 64k miles and counting.

[@MrDaveB123]

Thank you sir. Im a handy guy and didn't think it would be that difficult. The cost of the notorious maintenace was what was pushing me away from the sprinter Not so much now. I so prefer the look of the sprinter.

[@1745vlad]

Thank you so much for a great video!

[@user-vd7qs1uk6h]

GREAT EDUCATIONAL VIDEO. THANKS

[@flyyinryan]

Your video just lit me up! I've always done my own maintenance on my jeep and chevy pick ups. I bought a 2020 MB diesel and was intimidated by the branding and reputation of Mercedes. So when the warning came on the display, I figured to take it back to the dealer to see what the big deal is all about. They said $1500 for simple fluid and filter changes, with a straight face! Great video, thanks for posting!

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Originally I thought the maintenance costs would be pretty low with the 2 year intervals. Boy was I wrong.

[@bigqueue]

Thanks so much for this excellent video! I'm thinking about buying a sprinter class b RV myself, and I'm looking around for videos just like yours to understand how difficult it is to do my own maintenance work on it. Thank you for the awesome lesson.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Your welcome. Good luck with your search.

[@ohararp]

Great video that made my service b a cinch!

[@medicineman4040]

Impressive in many ways.

[@geekazoid]

Nicely done.

[@HomeBrew82]

Great video. Thanks!

[@justussmith2840]

very helpful tried to do my fuel filter yesterday and it looked complicated ill try again today

[@stevemalone2010]

Good info, thanks for the video!

[@mohammadhabab2026]

Thank you you're done an excellent video

[@AlexanderTheGrateful]

I like your videos my friend!!

[@argtejada6250]

Excellent you inspired me and other thanks

[@rostislavmitrofanov8733]

Man, this is just a perfection)) thanks

[@OutbackOntario]

great video! thank you sir.

[@TEdwardsAMDG]

you are great human... thanks for sharing

[@caglar4506]

Great video! I would also change the air filter.

[@dougvanharren]

Ron thank you it wasn’t a picnic saved enough cash for two AGMs on the way, I’m glad there was only one fuel filter

[@timzwing4008]

Thanks for this informative video. Very well done! I found it when looking for DEF issue videos (my 2019 Melbourne RV is currently in M/B shop again). I was curious about maintenance cost for parts and labor etc... I will definitely be doing my own when the time comes, only little over 5K miles on it now.

[@donaldskrynski9404]

By

[@timsanchez2860]

Excellent! Thanks so much!

[@BlackDaddy]

Great filming descriptive and explanitive

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Black Daddy thanks for your kind words. Hope the video was useful

[@oldgasjocky]

Thanks for your time with all your effort, I would be happy to give a thumbs up and subscribe. very generous of you to do this for us all & me!

[@LivingVanlife]

We did ours today thanks to you! Fuel Filter and all! One thing I would add is we broke the plastic clip to the water separation hose, which supposedly break all the time. It’s impossible to find online without replacing the whole hose. I found another video of a mechanic who made a new one out of a paper clip, which they re-use over and over. We did this and it took no time to make and it saved our day. Anyway thanks again for this video and your follow up!

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

I think I saw that video also. My clip didn’t break so I was lucky.

[@rickw7374]

Please post a link for the paper clip video. Thanks in advance. Thanks also for a great video. Oil change took about 10 minutes and fuel filter about twenty. Next time five minutes each. Videos like this make our community thrive. Thanks again.

[@LivingVanlife]

@@rickw7374 I scoured my video history and cannot find that video anywhere. But basically you’re making a clip that will fit and looks like an Omega symbol.

[@garyt1714]

Very Helpful

[@Papa_Henderson]

Thanks again Ron for an amazing, thorough video. I pre-ordered a 2022 View 24D and wanted to learn everything I could about the Mercedes engine. My question is more on the warranty side. Doing your own oil/fuel filter changes, how do you prove the work was completed and did not cause whatever is wrong with the engine? I have never changed the filters to the depth you showed and concerned if a problem arose (not due to my unskilled hands) that I could get it repaired under warranty. Of course if I took to a dealer, I could show receipts for work completed. I would love to dive in and do it myself, but wondering if my concern is valid. Thanks again and appreciate the videos you are making.

[@ronyann9602]

Great video. It took me about 2 hours to change the oil and fuel filter. Some info and suggestions... - Use a hammer and a small screwdriver driven into the small gap on top of the factory clamps, and take them off and replace them with traditional radiator-type clamps. - Take the filter clamp off by removing the 3 bolts that hold it down. Then you can see the clamp better, and on mine (2016), it took a 5 mm allen wrench to loosen it.

[@dsheppard8492]

Thanks again Ron. just wished you lived next door!!!

[@SnookerML]

Ron - great videos! I'm buying a Thor with the 2021 3500XL sprinter chassis. That oil change looks easier than anything I've ever owned! Even my motorcycles and lawn mowers are messier too! I have a Fumoto oil drain valve I put on my 4Runner 17 years ago - it came with a safety spring clip so nothing dislodges the rotating on/off lever/ring. I would suggest that - who knows maybe a rock can hit it? Also at 10:52 in your video, it appears to me that the Fumoto on/off ring is not fully off and is not seated in the little brass groove??? Something to check. Thanks! Personally I think I will do it all except the fuel filter but who knows... I learned a lot from this, thanks!

[@ronschmidt8074]

Thanks Ron for the videos, Here's my fuel filter adventure Central New Hampshire September 2018, started engine 9:30 AM screechy sound. Turned off right away opened hood , checked for any visible signs of belt wear or damage, etc. Waited a few minutes. Started engine again no unusual sounds. Engine functioned fine for rest of trip. Sprinter in for inspection and fuel filter change at local service center. Technician noticed faulty rubber reducer had broken and turbo impeller fins were damaged. Took our Reyo 25P to MB dealer hopefully for warranty repair. MB came back with the turbo failure will not be covered under warranty. see service bulletin 906 excerpts below. From MB 906 intake seal bulletin: "NOTE: The clean air line seal to the turbocharger must be replaced each time the connection is released." "Warranty and goodwill claims for engine damage that has been caused by incorrect mounting of the clean air line, will be rejected." By not replacing the rubber seal . The specified torque of 3Nm for mounting the clean air line to the compressor section of the turbocharger must be followed. In the event of a complaint, check the seals and boots of the clean air line for correct seating and signs of damage. The seal costs around $25, turbo replacement $7000 Note the torque spec is 3Nm This was to say the least, a costly adventure. My recommendation is every time the fuel filter is replaced replace the $25 seal.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

I often wonder how often this occurs. Guess it is better to be safe than sorry in this case. Thanks for sharing.

[@rrandles5301]

3Nm torque = 2.21 lb-in torque US. Never would have guessed how important this seal would be to replace. Note: Oct 12, 2020 - self corrected my US torque spec. My original torque spec was WAY off. Pays to double and cross check everything of importance you come across in social media :-)

[@mad4461]

This is an example of, very likely deliberate, appalling engineering. I don't know of any other vehicle that requires a new seal every time a connector like that is released; my car's turbo diesel engine certainly doesn't need one. By making it this way they extract $25 for a $1 seal from every owner every time this service is carried out (think of all the thousands of these vans out there), or they extract thousands more when the part fails and damages the turbo (and $7k for a new turbo is ridiculous). Pure profiteering.

[@chuckculbertson2029]

@@rrandles5301 3Nm =26.55 lb-in

[@arbroofresealllc.3337]

Thanks Alex

[@glennjonesnc673]

Thanks for the info Ron, I’ve been changing at 10k, along with the engine air filter at 10K. Just did my fuel filter at 30k. I’m interested in the oil sample, I have a hard time going to 20k. Seems a bit much, but the oil is very good oil so I need to broaden my horizons. Thanks, very good video editing as well.

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Glennjonesnc I hope to get the report back in a week or 2. I’m not entirely sure either, but I know the oil can handle it.

[@Gommerell]

@@ontheroadwithron2432 i change my oil every 8k and dont use Mobil one either (as Merc does not recommend it ) I use their own oil . I have a 314 cdi

[@Twit.Tw00]

Thanks for such a high quality video with nice clear instructions ! It puzzles myself that the Mercedes mechanics and independent garages here in the U.K. use 10w/40 oil for Mercedes Sprinter oil change , but it appears that in the U.S. , everyone appears to use 5w/30 grade (mostly, the 2.143cc diesel engine is used in the U.K.). Thanks again - Awesome video & we Love your Mercedes !

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Don Walker here the 0-30 Mobil 1 is the most common and what goes on sale for $6 a quart.

[@Twit.Tw00]

@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thank you Ron , I love your honesty and professional attitude. I've just subscribed to your channel .... Much Love from the U.K. !

[@michelleflowers6732]

@@Twit.Tw00 the oil weight does not really matter. But...it must have the proper MB approval. It must be MB 229.52, and you can easily find that list of approved oils from MB online. I don’t recall ever seeing a 10w40 oil on that list.

[@Twit.Tw00]

@@michelleflowers6732 yes, I found a MANNOL 5w30 oil with Ester Technology in the U.K. that Mercedes recommend and approve , it is made in Europe ( Latvia , I think ). It is SO cheap too , I have just purchased 20 litres for £42 !!!

[@piniped]

Great information Ron. Hoping to buy a Sprinter-Win. View or Itasca Nation this year with any luck.

[@jyrbr9292]

Awesome Sir Thank You

[@makerofmanythings8447]

Have you ever changed your rear differential fluid yet? If so what did you use? Your videos are very helpful I really appreciate them.

[@Millenniumfalconsprinter]

Thank you 🙏

[@craigtomsene3381]

My personal lesson. Make shore you do oil filter torch to spec. I didn't the first time 2 years ago and I tightened and broke the filter inside the housing. Fortunately I vacuumed it out with a narrow tube attached to a vacuum. And all has been ok. Once you do the service yourself the first time it is easy and is a $$$$ saver. I copy and tape receipts for oil, filter etc to service log book for future sale.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Don't know how you managed to do that..... No screw-on filter....ever .... is tightened beyond hand tight.

[@goldenacres3269]

That was a helpful video despite my Winnebago view being 2006 2.7 liter 5 cylinder. There are lots of differences!

[@time.528]

I have a TN1 Sprinter cargo van 2005. I do my own maintenance. I use Amsoil full synthetic. Amsoil has it's own line of filters, etc.

[@robertovega8461]

Ron: I wished I had seen this video before I took my 2017 Winnebago View 24J to Mercedes Benz dealer here in Las Vegas Nevada. We had to endure this annoying beep every 3 minutes saying that it was past due the Maintenance schedule for 8,000 miles cross country trip. 4 months later when I arrived back in Vegas they said to schedule it for schedule "B" which was at 21,000 miles and 411 days past. I paid $900,00 Dlls. Thank You for the heads up. I will be doing it myself from Now On..Thank YouRoberto VegaUSAF

[@time.528]

I'm back..... My T1N finally succumbed to the rust. 2 days later I found a 2015 mercedes sprinter. Has the 2.1 4 cylinder. I am impressed with the amount of power

[@GrahamParkerVermont]

Ron, I recently did this maintenance, and it was SO worth it. Not too hard, and worth the time.... ** BUT ** I had a serious lesson learned at the cost of my good friends that borrowed my rig. When replacing the fuel filter, that 3rd hose (the fuel-water separator line) has a MB specific connector. After driving for about 10 hrs this fuel line popped off and spewed diesel everywhere and brought them to a complete stop on the side of I-5 heading south to Disneyland. My buddy could not find that super-small retaining ring ANYWHERE, and they had to be towed to MB of Salem, OR on a Saturday. Unfortunately they couldn't do anything until Monday, but they DID treat them very well, letting them camp in the back lot, gave them power, refilled their water, and got them back on the road within an hour of opening on Monday morning and only costing **ME** $150! I felt real bad, as I had just done the maintenance myself, but luckily they were still very positive about it and had absolutely no issues the rest of the trip. ** LESSON LEARNED ** Be VERY careful with that small retaining clip on that fuel line hose! I thought I was, and even heard it "click" when I re-attached it, but something still wasn't quite right. Doing a quick Google search of this, other Sprinter owners have had this fail as well. One guy even 5k miles after he did the repair!

[@ontheroadwithron2432]

Thanks for sharing your adventures. In one of the KZbin videos I watched before doing this myself, the guy made his own clip from a paper clip. He found this to be easier to remove and more durable. I might try this myself. I believe the only way to get a new clip is to order the drain hose assy. I thought the drain hose did not have any pressure in it. Will look into this. Thanks

[@dexslazenger6938]

@@ontheroadwithron2432 If in doubt tape it up tight as well.

[@madogblue]

What a well done and informative video. Just a suggestion, if you add descriptive searchable terms Like "Winnebago View" in the title, I think it would be easier for folks to find.