TOP 5 Things I HATE about my Mercedes Sprinter Van! DANGEROUS!

[@anonymousdistrict1029]

it's not just a Mercedes Benz, it's every car made in the modern day. Every damn car company finds ways to cheap out on the simplest things that can make a car great. I have a 2022 170wb sprinter cargo, and I am installing Kilmat sound deadener because the whole car pannels are wobbly and just sound awful when you are driving, unessasary cracks all over the damn car. But you do have a point, you're paying 70k+ for a work van, it should be flawless at this point.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Made in The USA? Mmm?

[@ryanstahl1315]

I couldn't agree more. I have a 2021 2500 I bought for work 6 months ago and am ready to sell it. I'm very disappointed and this is not the quality I expected from Mercedes. Lesson learned.

[@wallyklejka5754]

What's happening with your van? I have one, and I'm just trying to compare.

[@dmwi1549]

The good news is, my dealership is offering me more than I paid for my 2019 if I do want to get rid of it. Problem is-I’ve spent the summer scouring all the manufacturers car lots and cannot find anything better from a standpoint of Price, Performance, MPG, Space and Fit for a 6’4” individual who wants a vehicle for practical purposes and weekend camping/exploring. It’s sad how expensive and poorly built vehicles are these days. I’ve really tried to like the Ford Transit. But it fails in those categories. And the Ram is a non-starter for me. Like driving a bus with blind spots and rattles.

[@bluemeanie6395]

all of those door latches are adjustable. You can option for sound deadening. My sprinter is silent like an S class.

[@CaseyPerkins-w6u]

I’m glad you pointed some of these issues out as a consumer😂 I work for Mercedes Benz vans in South Carolina where these are built and I’m in the Quailty department for the past 4.5 years and some of the issues you bring up are stuff I’ve brought up to our engineers for the longest and the answers are always the same thing “there’s a tolerance that consumers will be ok with”….example (shutting doors hard to obtain flushness), the door to the jack in the step that issues has been going on for the longest….the squeaking coming from the cargo area is NOT the D rings in the floor it’s coming from the upper latch on the sliding door as the body is shifting while driving that latch pin in grinding on the high roof pin on the C pillar…my van does the same thing it needs adjusting…also you bought a 5ton unit so sound dampeners or as we call them (crash pads) do not come with this specific build behind the headliner, and the height issue…in 2022 the 4x4 converted over to the AWD 4matic system and that’s the unit you bought an all wheel drive and all 4x4 sprinters come with essentially a lift kit we have yet to produce a 4x4 without a lift kit 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️ the handles are the doors are customer options so you’re lucky yours had that some don’t even come with it 😂

[@thebatlwgn]

Turns out the squeak was the C pillar not being bonded at all from the factory. Just nonsense. Now the slider door handle is leaking a bunch of water as well.

[@joshua-the-seer8494]

My main concerns are reliability, affordability, efficiency, longevity, parts availability, interoperability. Considering getting one for HVAC work. I don't really care for fancy features or tiny little problems like mentioned on this video .

[@Enlightn76]

The maintenence schedules on sprinters is key. The biggest downfall are the emissions systems. If you're doing mosttly highway miles and don't idle excessively you should be good. Have 2 sprinters for my contracting business 340,000K and 180,000K original engines/transmissions. These are solid vehicles that will outlast just about anything else on the road if you maintain them properly

[@Seven2day7]

Jon I'm picking your bones with my 2023 Sprinter 3500 XD Crew (170 extended). Recently purchased for$80k out the door. Got a $2k discount for clearance of 2023 with 40 miles at delivery.Dealership delivered same day no charge with free DEF top off. 1. The latched door on mine works fine and does not have that issue or extra parts. 2. I agree with the doors they require a bit more push to secure them. Found that out after loading up at Home Depot drove off and noticed the door light on it was the rear doors . My side sliding door does not wobble. The latches on mine are straight. 3. My front plugs were intact. 4. My D-rings do not squeak I have a wood floor with wheel covering,sound insulation in the roof to the cab and the first section of the side panels. 5. There was no handles on mine dealer ordered three @ $35 each dealer installed was $125. 6. Agree about the compartments. They should have a hole to run the cord . My doors close with no problems. I don't use Apple play what I did was used the 115v in the center of the van an extension cord with USB ports. 7. I agree with your screen cluster being a mess. My DEF fluid level stays on screen all the time much bigger than yours,takes up the whole screen. I have cruise control and drive assist. I can use the console to navigate also. My steering wheel is different maybe they watched your video and made changes. 8. I agree the DEF fluid should be with the ⛽. The latch door i like because it's a security feature.Never forgot to close the latch. 9. I agree the large 10 inch screen is great I had to call the dealership to set the date and time. I don't have that issue with the van setting. I link my phone and make track selections on the phone. 10. Navigation is a mess it only accepts physical addresses I can enter Lowes to find a store it will give me a city named Lowes. 11. I agree that voice activated mapping is a mess I opted to add a Garmin and leave that alone as it took me 50 miles out of the way. 12. As for as price I have heated , leatherette comfy seats and the factory sound insulation was worth the price. Also I chose this van for resale value. Prior to buying new every MB van was priced higher than a brand new one. 13. What you didnt speak on is the towing pin what a freaking disaster I am currently waiting on a welder to make a custom locking pin for the hitch. Maybe you should do a quick video when you solve this problem. Even Uhaul could not find a pin for the hitch. What yoyo designed this section. I enjoyed your spill and wanted to compare my 2023 also my crew van came with a three chair bench and a second large window. The color is a pebble stone. 🎉🎉🎉

[@newyorknewyork1649]

This is like free therapy!! Have almost the exact same issues on my 22 fully loaded 😢

[@braxenaeurasiers]

OMG ROTF LMAO "yes, I would like to drive my Mercedes sprinter as a effffing yellow submarine across the Atlantic!!!" subbed 30:48 soo funny

[@stephengilstrap]

Dude, you bought a yellow van. So I already dont trust your judgement lol. Complaining about stuff squeaking and the doors not shutting, you have to close the door harder dude. You barely even shut it. Let me tell you, I came to a MB Sprinter from a Ram Promaster. You want to have a real piece of shit? Buy a Promaster! I had 2 cylinder heads go out, transmission out, radiator replaced, battery replaced all within 100k miles. The Sprinter is in a different world than the other van options on the market. Ive been driving vans for over 25 years and my Sprinter so far has topped them all. Most of your complaints are small stuff thats just your opinion.

[@thebatlwgn]

So you’re justification for me being wrong is that you had a shittier van? Lol come on man.

[@stephengilstrap]

@@thebatlwgn no my justification for you being wrong is most of the things you are complaining about are just your opinion. The dash interface should be consolidated with more info on a single screen?? I mean who gives a shit about that?? Thats an opinion. The door is hard to shut? Come on man! THe DEF fill is in a bad spot?? Are you kidding me? Why dont you go work for the R&D dept at Mercedes??

[@stephengilstrap]

@@thebatlwgn Also on the skip tracks on music part. Youre doing it wrong!. Look at the dash and scroll to media. Then use the left or right control to skip tracks back and forth. Easy, but I guess you didnt figure it out. You dont have to look at the screen, but if you did its huge so not a problem

[@Senick]

Sounds like you got a lemon, man. The Promaster/ Ducato are an aggressively more reliable platform. The Pentastar that came in the American platform is very, very reliable. They have a few quarks like everything else, but overall its a ridiculously reliable engine. I have 3 german cars and a Promaster 3500 ext. To me, its crazy that you have the opinion that you do. I like that you are enjoying your Sprinter but I assure you that your opinion is going to change after you put 100k on that sprinter. Parts are way, way more expensive and good luck finding them if you break down in the middle of no where. The Promaster on the other hand shares an engine with a bunch of other cars in the states, parts are abundant and cheap. If I Paid 2.5x more than I did for my 159 extended, I'd have all his complaints + about a dozen more.

[@carlosnicolee5076]

The def is a good idea.ive seen lots of people add def in the fuel on trucks whith the def next to fuel. It's about the 20k in work and parts to fix...

[@LL1.5588]

I've been researching vans for 6 months. It is amazing how many choices there are in other countries. It seems we are much more limited with manufacturers and types. I was trying to find a 2024 Ford Transit Crew van to compare with the 2024 Mercedes Crew van & lo & behold Ford stopped producing them in 2023!!

[@kamranrashid9353]

I’ve had my van for 30 months. I agree with most of what you said. I bought it because of worse issues with Ford transits

[@PeterNguyen1126]

What issues did you experienced with the Ford transit ?

[@bdphotographyvideo7423]

I seriously doubt you (or most viewers) will read this entire comment. I will agree with you on two points you brought up in your video. First: The DEF refill placement is completely wrong. It should be exactly where you said it should be for convenience purposes. I've no idea why Mercedes put it under the hood? I'm sure there is a reason but it certainly isn't an ideal placement. Second (and more importantly): The storage for the phone and where you have to hook it up is probably the least ideal place you could ever put an electronic device. That area, as you pointed out, is going to receive full sun all the time. That can be remedied but "you" will have to do some work to make that work. And that shouldn't be "your (our)" job. That is just poor design from Mercedes. That said, the rest of the stuff you brought up in a 33 min video (which is way to long btw) is complete nitpicking. You keep putting an emphasis on "you bought a Mercedes". Yes, it has a Mercedes emblem on the front and back but you do understand that you bought a 4 wheel drive 3500 series "cargo van"? An empty one at that. You also understand that Mercedes makes military vehicles I would imagine? I tend to compare what you are talking about to a military G Wagon. As an analogy, you essentially bought a military G Wagon but you are "expecting" more of a luxury vehicle. Sure, you can buy a civilian G Wagon but you will pay a premium. And I don't begrudge anyone that spends a couple hundred thousand dollars on one. They are popular for a reason. But the same could be said for buying a Mercedes "cargo van". If you think the original purpose that Mercedes saw for the use of this van was to have people build them out into a Class B RV then I think you are mistaken. If you plan on building it out (which I can only "assume" that is your purpose). You will be putting a lot more money into that vehicle. I won't even go into the color choice since that may have been the only color you could have bought with the way you have your van spec'd out in a timely manner. Supply chain issues forces you to make compromises. But honestly... That would be "my" biggest gripe. It seems like you "expect" that just because it has the Mercedes emblem on the front that it should be similar to a luxury vehicle. Yes, as your vehicle sits right now, all the squeaks and rattles would drive me crazy. But I'm "assuming" you are going to build it out? If that is the case, then those squeaks and rattles will disappear. So that will be a non issue. If you don't plan on building it out, do you think that all of those Amazon / FedEx cargo vans are quite going down the road? They are built for an original purpose. Delivering "cargo". But as people started building these out, Mercedes has put in comfort and convenience features. Are they "perfect"? No. Absolutely not. But my opinion is you are expecting too much from what was originally designed to be a cargo van and nothing more. Others have brought up the door closing issue so I won't really get too deep into that. But if having to close your doors a little bit harder than a normal car is a gripe? It seems your expectations of a "cargo van" are much higher than normal. Ground clearance and handle placement. Again... I assume you bought this van to build out. If that is the case then I also assume you are going to lift it and put larger tires on it? If that isn't the case it really doesn't matter. You bought a 4 wheel drive cargo van. Ergonomics was not the number one priority. You will be putting steps on it anyway (which btw, you "could" have ordered from the factory). MBUX system is "DANGEROUS". I absolutely hate clickbait titles and the title of your video is exactly that. The MBUX system is no more dangerous than any other advanced system in any other vehicle. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But... once again, you bought a "cargo van" (can't believe I have to keep on saying that). Just be happy Mercedes included it in a cargo van. But titling you video as "DANGEROUS" is disingenuous at best. I agree there are better systems out there but to call it Dangerous? No my friend. It is no more dangerous than anything else that takes your eyes off the road. The reason that Apple Carplay doesn't fill up the entire screen is Apple Carplay wasn't designed for a screen that large. So you will have borders on both sides. That's just the nature of Apple Carplay and not Mercedes. All of the other complaints about the system? It's either things you didn't order with your van and complaining about the center screen real estate is borderline silly. That of course is just "my" opinion. Could it be better? Of course. But once again... you bought a "cargo van". And lastly... You saying that you would be happy to sit down with Mercedes and essentially "show them a better way" comes across as arrogant at best. I will agree that consumer feedback is key to improving design. But that is a collective obligation that Mercedes would look at from a variety of different consumers. Not just one person. As others have said in the comments... Did you not do thorough research "before" you signed on the dotted line? I'm willing to agree with certain parts of your complaints about the van. But the rest is nitpicking taken to a new level. Sorry my friend. Just the way I see it.

[@ese8641]

Spot on! The Sprinter is by far the best cargo van you can buy in the USA today and this video is way too long!

[@thebatlwgn]

You’re right. I didn’t read the entire thing haha.

[@bdphotographyvideo7423]

@@thebatlwgn Pretty sure you did. Hopefully you get many happy miles out of it and it will do everything you want it to do.

[@GraveDiggerPB_CodM]

Agree 100%, You nailed this!

[@marks6663]

I think you can expect better from Mercedes because if Ford, or Fiat can make a similar van without those squeaks, then what is Mercedes' excuse? This video just convinced me to go to Ford for a transit. About the same money, but not as poor build quality.

[@paintballjla]

Did you not test drive this before signing on the dotted line?

[@paulwilliams2024]

He was fooled by the whole German engineering marketing bullshit

[@MrBrenden830]

I have the sprinter mines quite don't get any rattles but its a camper not a van . You can use the USB C in the dash instead of the one on top to charge the phone I can also close the lid with the USB sticking out not sure why you can't . You can connect your music via bluetooth then You don't need to plug it in. Once connected you can use the mouse wheel to change your music no issue I do it all the time. I use KZbin music and it just change the track on my phone. I am 5.11 and have no issue getting in . My sprinter is a 4x4 with larger tyres and a lift have no issues. The info on the dash doesn't bother me I just look at it when I need it which is pretty much never. The lane assist was a pain but if you leave it on it turns off when you indicate just stay in your lane or indicate like your meant to and its not an issue. The display off is for when its a camper and you use the side door the display can stay on so you can turn it off when your camping. It would make your life easier if you use Car play with blue tooth instead of the usb it will just make the whole thing a lot easier.Also to add you can split the screen and have the Nav the radio or the Nav and the cameras or the radio and the cameras etc. Its a good video I don't have the issue you have listed I also don't have the build issues either.

[@IzzyTheEditor]

As a passenger in that van with Jon for a 15 hour one-way trip I agree with everything Jon said. Also as a passenger the passenger seat only goes down so far vertically. Meaning if you are 5 foot five or shorter the blood in your legs gets pinched and your legs and feet start to go numb so you occasionally have to sit forward so you don’t get the pins and needles. I like the adjustable armrest, also there is plenty of legroom for taller people, the seatbelt does not pinch your neck too bad and the display is within reach so you can help out as a navigator so the driver does not have to take his eyes off the road. Also pairing the system with Bluetooth to use another navigation system such as Waze was pretty seamless. Also I know for a fact the floor mats that Jon purchased can hold a 44 ounce cup of ice and Diet Coke. Don’t ask me how I know lol

[@kennethkeen1234]

I believe you regarding seat height. These long people think that length is the only important feature of a seat - "how cramped are my legs", but as you say, "the position must be available for your to rest your feet on the floor", but they just don't regard that as important. A friend of mine is sneaky - he suggests not even letting them know. Let the sales continue to fall and they can blame Russia or China instead of opening their eyes.

[@paulwilliams2024]

This is the fifth time I’m watching it gets better every time that crack pipe with the president son joke gets me rolling 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sounddesignmix3002]

You missed my 2 biggest pet peeves. 1. For a $65K Mercedes is had the absolute WORST sounding audio system I've ever heard. It's horrible. There are lots of KZbin vids on how to disconnect the center speaker which is the main problem, but then there are the weak woofers in the doors which I blew out in the first 3 months. 2nd is the suspension. GVWR is just over 11K lbs but if ANY of that weight is above center line - like an Air Conditioner or awning or cabinetry for an RV build it has terrible sway, truck wash and the Cross Wind Alert goes off all the time in winds over 25 mph. To make it right is going to cost you money!

[@garden0fstone736]

Nahh really? The sound system is that bad?? I just got one of these for work and was expecting decent sound from Mercedes speakers..

[@vicpapagiorgio]

I had the 4 x4 144 WB with no bulkhead. You talk about not being able to get up in the van, well with the factory 4 inch lift it was almost impossible. I returned the van the very next day and opted for the rear wheel drive with the bulkhead. What a difference! With the bulkhead you don’t hear all that noise from the cargo area and you can heat and cool it much faster and i saved 20k in the process. I agree about the placing of the handle, it is stupid , half the time i grab the steering wheel and the upper handle. Thanks for the video !

[@CaseyD406]

I wonder what you looked at and did on the test drive. All of these issues should have been gone over before you purchased the vehicle. As far as road noise you did take out the cabin separator. When in navigation mode try using the radio controls on your dash readout?

[@guywhite1004]

I bought a used 2017 25’ RV mounted to a Sprinter 3500 170” chassis. Total GVRW is just under 6 tons. I get approximately 14 mpg pulling a Chevy Trax on a tow dolly. If I don’t tow and stay under 65 mph I can get upwards of 16 mpg. The engine is strong for its size and maintenance is not that difficult - better to DIY or find a former MB mechanic that specializes in Sprinters. Oil change about $120 (12.5 qts + filter). I do add Archoil 6400 at each fill up. The DEF fill being under the hood is okay. I had to add a 2.5 gallon box after about 400+ mil

[@donkron1750]

I have two 2024 2500s and honestly don't have the same gripes as you do but can agree on the infotainment system. Would really like a next song button. Everything else is still better than Ford and Ram. Go drive them, ull wish you were back in the Benz lol

[@thebatlwgn]

We can certainly disagree haha. From my perspective, comparing it against those other vans is like picking the best moron. For the price, these things just aren’t good enough IMO. I’m still having fun building it out and what not though!

[@donkron1750]

@thebatlwgn nice and yeah, the choices are all kinda trash but atleast our trash smells the best. One thing just ran into.....so wanted to get a trailer hitch for my other 2500 and guess what, Benz doesn't sell it OEM. So ur telling me I can get it fitted from factory but not after purchase? LOL same with interior walls, WTH!

[@delreal54]

Jon ,in some cases I agree with you but that why you have a warranty so you can take it in to the dealer and have them fix it right. As for the two parts my guess and only guess it was extra left in for some reason and should be a big deal as you made it out to be.

[@smartknife]

Told a dealer for every issue, got the same answer: it is normal.

[@Kingjust22]

While I hate that I have to agree, I have to agree on just about everything you said here. Just got a '23 passenger high top 2500. Many of the same issues exist, from slamming the doors, to the cell phone charging location, to those doors not shutting well, and the high step. Already needing to consider adding an auto step and we've only had it since Christmas eve. The radio thing sucks too. I use Google maps for navigation, and just to change a song, I have to swipe that little button on the steering wheel to swap to the music app, navigate to change the song, then navigate back to navigation. A 2000+ mile trip exposed a lot of these issues. Just gonna make the most of it at this point.

[@the_patient85]

19:18 if you feed the cable through the arched hiunged, the top shuts…works on the one is use 😊

[@thebatlwgn]

Where?

[@CalMUK91]

I will admit though... in Europe for sure, Mercedes cars and their commercial vehicles (vans, trucks etc) are 2 very different companies. Different dealerships etc.

[@reciprocity2692]

I have same MB. In order to stop creaking inside van need to disassemble all panels and make insulation. Put all panels on their place. There will not any sounds inside. I promise. I was struggling from that noise also. After insulation everything like in realMB. From my experience in vans for today in US MB is the best van .

[@TomwithaDream]

I love your frustration with the things that should not be in an $75,000 product. I'm not happy you have to deal with it, but I am simpatico with your personality. Good luck finding solutions for all the complaints. As for the MBux, I have no idea what aftermarket options there are but in my 4Runner I replaced the decent touchscreen head unit with a true Android unit, larger screen, better screen, and the bezel was a direct replacement for the Toyota styling. Cost a few bucks but it was a 100% solution to my frustration at the factory offering.

[@Heimir_the_Fool]

These are good vans. Yes they are quirky like most new cars these days but nothing fatal. To address the noise… anyone who buys these bare bones vans should be budgeting for a proper build out including noise deadening. This just a fact … MB doesn’t know what you need. Anyway, I’d learn a bit of resiliency or sell it to someone who knows how to mod out a van. I’ve had mine 144 for 18 months, 15k miles and love it. I did a pro build out and I suffer none of the problems you’ve outlined.

[@thebatlwgn]

Are you comparing a built out van to my bone stock van? 😂

[@metrivers]

I think that’s where that plug you found in that cubbie hole goes .. to the left of the apple car play port ..

[@momaslilboy1781]

I actually like how and where they they put the fuel filler. There's just way too many fuel thieves just lining up, and damage your car to steal your fuel.

[@thebatlwgn]

I’m fine with the fuel… it’s the DEF I don’t like

[@roman650]

Iv seen those vans with over 400,000 miles and still running very strong, I’ll be buying one soon for my new company l don care about all you just said.

[@thebatlwgn]

Lmao 👍🏻🤷‍♂️

[@earlparker6510]

Have you stop and listen to your concerns? If you would just stop and think seriously about your concerns,you might understand that you just doesn’t make any sense. You are so concerned about the brand as opposed to the fact that everything regardless of the maker , it’s man made !

[@thebatlwgn]

To me that’s not an excuse.

[@DavidSchaar-w8k]

I have a 2019 and there is a pad on the right side of steering wheel, like the left side for the dash control, swipe to change songs... all day!

[@turnernewman1634]

All this sounds like USER ERROR, the doors are engineered to be slammed, why do you hate the vehicle if its your profile picture?

[@thebatlwgn]

All of it? 😂 sure thing.

[@gotafarmyet4691]

I agree if this was the first year and feed back had not reached them yet, this would be alright. Considering the amount of time in this configuration is unacceptable At the price point they want they need to have High standards as well, completely agree with you on that one.

[@Drakeziel]

This whole video shows how this guy has never actually used this van for any actual "work" purpose! Zero scratches, doesn't attempt to adjust anything that has an "issue", complains about absolutely nothing meaningful. The storage under the seat feels like a dream.

[@thebatlwgn]

Thats because the van was fairly new at the time of this video. I feel like you might be upset because I didn't like something that you DO like. Thats okay man. We don't have to agree.

[@DavidSchaar-w8k]

That space under the pass seat is where I put my diesel heater.

[@kathylong9087]

I like the van anyway, except for the color. I hope I find one soon. The van doesn't sit too high compared to my 22 tremor which my dog needs help getting up into it too.

[@tommynikon2283]

Hey thx....you just saved me alot of money. Question: Did you DRIVE this before buying?; gotta ask because all the squeaking would be an easy no-brainer. I've never understood the whole Mercedes Sprinter crowd at all. And for vans overall.....how there aren't more dedicated 4x4 types, blows me away. I DON'T want all the bells/whistles that M-B offers; and what they fail to offer nationwide is enough Mercedes/Sprinter CERTIFIED mechanics that can do the work.

[@thebatlwgn]

Yes I did. Was told the squeak wasn’t bad at that time because there was a bulkhead wall blocking most of the sound.

[@geno____34]

You want to have a 4x4 van with a bit of ground clearance but also low seats an entries. Interesting.

[@thebatlwgn]

When did I say that? Haha

[@CenobiteBeldar]

I think the DEF location should stay. I used to be a truck driver in the early 2010’s and I’ve heard countless stories of drivers filling their semi def on freightliners where the diesel fill location was with diesel and the truck would run like shit. drivers got confused so I get MB with making you open the hood. I also like the filler door for the diesel fuel fill location because it removes the need to replace a cable you have to pull. They rely on leverage while keeping anti-theft intact.

[@shermainecraigwell2492]

Exactly Jon! Thank you for this video.

[@wallyklejka5754]

Now show Transit Van, Ram ProMaster, 6and compare them all. I drove all of them, and Sprinter is the best. Opening the front hood for adding DEF isn't that complicated at all. It is not a luxury car it is a work vehicle too. I own 2022 2500 4cyl diesel, and I love it. Yes, they cover on the passenger side is popping out, but I used duck tape and problem resolved. Overall, it was a nice review spot on with everything. Enjoy your van because there is not much on the market compared to Sprinter.

[@paulwilliams2024]

No way the sprinter is better then the transit

[@wallyklejka5754]

@paulwilliams2024 I had them both. The only thing what is cons for Benz is services are expensive but they are every 20k miles.

[@kbcovingtonsr]

Thanks for the video. I agree with your items and share your overall assessment. I have a 2016 170 4X4 and my list is much longer. So long that, despite being the most offroad capable van (from the factory), I can't see myself ever owning another (or anything from MB) again.

[@dmwi1549]

Welcome to the Mercedes-Benz Family my friend . You drank the Cool-aid and are now in the Cult. Good to know they haven’t fixed ANY of the foibles that I have on my 2019. And here I thought it was just build quality and software issues caused by the changeover from Düsseldorf to US production. You have now scratched the surface of your van ownership experience. Buckle up-it could be a bumpy ride. Be diligent about Recalls: My 2019 has had 14 so far. Stay on top of maintenance and put some miles on so the stuff can get fixed before you are on your own. The only consolation I can provide you is everything built today is over complicated and too tech heavy thanks to Government Regulations and Marketing standards. I no longer expect I’ll keep vehicles for 16-20 years and 390k due to the technology planned obsolescence.

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

The maintenance cost is expensive on the Mercedes. My 2021 Ram PeoMaster 2500 has been rock solid, living in it as a DIY build for 2 years now zero issues. So you can knock the Ram/Dodge all you want. The Ram has the handle on the window Pilar, eating more of your words. Mine never squeaked now or as barebones van.

[@jaypen4893]

You recommend over the sprinter debating getting one in September

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

@@jaypen4893 well if you want to spend 20-30k more then a ProMaster go for it. If you need 4wheel drive there is only 2 options, Ford and Mercedes. If not save money and use it for up keep on the van for years

[@KennethGreenCMP]

Did they trick you at the dealership? They must have tricked you and didn't let you see the van before you purchased it.

[@niaralosusa]

...my thoughts, too. These are all things that would have been present during a test drive/pre-purchase inspection.

[@Zdobywczy]

I got a sprinter van in the "poor man's version" for work. Mine is a box van, so the cargo compartment wasn't done by mercedes. I just bought the car with an empty frame. Thankfully the company that did my box compartment did it really well. No MBUX infotainment system, I get to choose my own radio. No closing storage up front, mine are all always open, and have no charging ports. My single charging port is in the middle on the bottom on the dash, knee-height - that's way better for charging, since it doesn't end up cooking your phone. I also don't have the shiny LED panel in the gauge cluster. Just an oldschool dark LED matrix screen, like a calculator, with a simple white backlight. GUESS WHAT IT HAS? IT HAS THE MILEAGE ON IT TOGETHER WITH DEF AND LOT'S OF USEFUL INFO. It's mindboggling to me that the cheap version of the Sprinter gives me a much better user experience than the decked out expensive version with options. Instead of the fancy options I got an automatic 9-speed gearbox which is actually really nice. (I'm in Europe so this is a huge advantage over other brands offering shitty tiptronic autoboxes or standard manuals.) As to build quality, I don't have high expectations, since for me it is actually a workhorse machine. I get no suqeaking whatsoever (remember mine is a box van so it might be different). I guess that MB built in Germany are just... well... German build quality, compared to your factory in South Carolina.

[@edwardr5084]

Try a Ford van next time (enjoy spending hours at the dealer for repairs). For some reason this van has traumatized you. We use several new Sprinters for our business and our staff don't seem to be as traumatized as you are. It's a work van. I works well and is reliable. Period.

[@brockjohnson1716]

I feel you there on the lane keep assist, use a 2022 1500 sprinter as a CE between NCR and Microsoft and it is usually a damn struggle, not every day but the days the winds are bad its awful. The moment I get in I immediately turn that damn feature off too, lack luster and dangerous no doubt.

[@southhillfarm2795]

Well, people buy Mercedes because they have higher expectations. The other vans are good choices as well, but we pay more because we expect more. Some of your observations are pet peeves. I have a 2018 Metris and my pet peeve is not enough sound deadening insulation.

[@paulrebis3439]

Why did u buy this van. They all make noices going down the road. And most cargo vans have no tech or options. Sounds like you want a Cadillac Escalade not a cargo work van. Idk

[@tjmueller2592]

As a short guy, using one of these for deliveries is literally painful for getting in and out frequently.

[@CenobiteBeldar]

Try driving a Ford Econoline with a higher ground clearance.

[@headinghome1644]

Agree on #1, #2 is for Sprinter build outs, fuses, bottle jack #3 is true for all vans. It's a vacuum effect. Just crack a window open and it will close fine. #4 is true. #5 doesn't bother me and I'm old and tall. But fit. The middle compartment lid on dash is truly poorly designed.

[@GlennInLaguna]

What size rims and wheels are on your van? And what engine does your van have? Agree about getting in and out, even the previous versions should have a handle where you thought.

[@thebatlwgn]

It comes with 16" wheels from the factory. The engine is a 3.0 v6 diesel.

[@MegaTuang]

You should not let your 60-year-old mom with both knee surgeries climb on your work van. Yes, Mercedes need to pay attention to that other stuff.

[@thebatlwgn]

Why’s that?

[@24sevvin]

You can get the Transit cargo in a long version, dual rear wheel, and a taller roof. And 4x4. Also the ford has way more power with the ecoboost 3.5. On the build and price website with those options showing 56,790. Not too bad for what it is. I wanted a Sprinter but that price is out of control.

[@thebatlwgn]

Every ford dealer I looked at was charging 70-80k for them. And they were rare in that configuration.

[@24sevvin]

@@thebatlwgn true. It would have to be an order so that could change things if needed quickly

[@thebatlwgn]

I looked into ordering from both ford and MB… the delivery dates were insane. It was a long road to land in this van haha

[@24sevvin]

@@thebatlwgn I bet once you get it built out it will be worth it.

[@wellsey2063]

This man has never driven a van before try some of the other makes 😂

[@pavel9652]

Most of the points have merit, but there are some considerations behind the design choices, like location of the handle or the adblue liquid tank. The issues in the user interface of the car and entrainment systems are 100% legitimate, I agree, there are no excuses!

[@CianArranEoin]

Bought mine in May 2021, Yes it is a good looking van and very comfortable BUT, a new automatic gear box fitted after 14000km, new cv joint boot cover after 2 years, 3 side door sensors, one top latch on the sliding door changed, had to put mastic on the inside panels behind supports, sliding door jamming and hard to open, rear inside light fell off. Exhaust sensor changed. Had to get a regeneration carried out. Now I have 55000km on the clock. It's making me nervous as the warranty is out soon. Would I buy another one? Next time I'll get a VW Crafter.

[@CianArranEoin]

May I add, today van gone in again for right side drive shaft, dealer told be straight out, there a problem with the sprinter. New gear box slipping in low temperature

[@CupidinColorado]

Can you please do a video on how it drives? How is the awd system, lane keep assist, cruise control…

[@thebatlwgn]

Sure!

[@Just_Johnnie]

I used to have an inexpensive Mitsubishi small car. I drove it for 10 years, and it didn’t squeak at all.

[@thebatlwgn]

Okay. 👍🏻

[@stevenhavener7327]

Talked me out of buying one by the half way point, Thank you !

[@matthewmasterson2871]

When I got my 18 I was mostly amused by some of the idiosyncrasies. My build quality is solid, but the 18s are thankfully, very low tech and I have upgraded much. Do you still have it?

[@Abhitips224]

Kudos, no reason we mustn’t demand quality and luxury out of a work van at that price especially when it has a wheezy 2l engine.

[@etr4039]

you can swipe up or down on the square button to the left of the home button and it will scroll through several screens that you can choose as the current screen.. one of them has total miles on it...maybe read the owners manual...

[@thebatlwgn]

I’m aware of that swiping nonsense. I want it all on one screen haha

[@garden0fstone736]

Didn’t realize they made a dualy. I just got a 2021 2500 for my job and trying to see all the details before I leave and live in it for weeks. I think it will still be nice for me because I’ve been driving an 05 daily and classic cars all my life, so that stuff won’t bother me.

[@omgitspartan117]

Im actually happy you made this video cause almost everything you showed will irritate me also and I was planning of getting this van

[@TalonSei]

All of your points are spot on. Anyone who disagrees doesn’t own a sprinter 😂 hood video man 👊🏻

[@thebatlwgn]

Thanks man!

[@IthacaDon]

Looking forward to seeing how you get rid of the squeaky drings in the back.

[@thebatlwgn]

Take a peak at the newer videos. It’s gone!

[@Daniel91728]

I feel you man, i have 2019 sprinter it broke down like twice already. First it was faulty DEF heater, then now my car just stalled out of nowhere in middle of the road. Now I am scared to keep riding it. Might even trade mine in.

[@nikkoBcool]

Companies have to pay people to submit surveys, you made a 30 min video for free to point out the flaws and most of these changes would cost them nothing from factory! Amazing

[@tomlater644]

its a Van made for men, you have to close to doors like a man as well, not like a girl, and next its a Mercedes-Benz like every other commercial vehicle like a garbage truck or city bus, some where else in the world is a Benz just a car, and its still better than the junk the others sell, these doors still work even when other vans are already turned into a pop can.

[@thebatlwgn]

Soda*

[@johnathonkuhn7731]

If you dislike it so much….. why’d you purchase it?

[@SuperAsian78]

It doesn’t matter when you pay that much for any vehicle….!!

[@r.b.6254]

A lot of these issues you won’t know until after the purchase.

[@bikesbeersbeats]

Should’ve bought Honda Odyssey.

[@bikesbeersbeats]

@@Tonyconner74 sorry its been a bad experience. I have a 144 HR that I use for hauling bikes and camping. Been great to me for a few years. Must be major QC issues at the Mercedes factory as a friend had one major issue with alignment of suspension that was a clear factory install problem.

[@paullingard5070]

I purchased my 21 4x4 crew cab sprinter a month ago . I totally agree. I thought it was me 😮. Lane assist , have to hit screen to skip tracks when you should have it on the wheel . That bloody hatch in the drivers side ( Australia, right hand drive ) , in the end I put a few dabs of sikaflex to keep it from falling out . Hope I never get a flat as Jack in behind 😂. Half a captains chair , left are on support but the door support 5 inches lower , not thought out . I'm tall at 6.5 but getting in and out is a reach as the wheel is the only thing to grab 🙃. Mine has the 3 litre turbo diesel like my ML and my G-350 . Boy is it thirsty . I am upgrading the tyres to a bigger radius as sitting on 120 klm it's reving at 2,500 rpm and I get about 620 klm for 90 litres tank ( I think ) highway driving . The fuel cap flap , the add blue stupid key to open under the hood , crazy . Could of been done so much better . I do love it for my purposes , tray back crew cab for work and slide on camper . 2 years old , $90 k AUD so not cheap for these really basic design flaws . Love your channel . Cheers from down under , Paul 😊

[@jamesray3920]

My final comments 9 months ago in Windsor hill California. A woman speeding 95 miles an hour in her Mercedes run red light killing 6 & injured 6 she walks away with minor injuries so my point is depending on the Mercedes you buy can walk away it was a horrible cash. And diver lives , Im planning to buy a Mercedes sprinter but a used one on copart cheap plenty of then on copart ,my only concern is def issue on some and oil leaks I just see paying 80 for any vehicle that loses 75% of it sticker price anyway good luck with you sprinter

[@yumtuk9031]

Clearly the plug under your seat belongs at the front bonnet step. FFS Karen

[@agitator1310]

The UI and infotainment stuff could be fixed with updates. I’m with you on that. My Audi is the same, germans can make great vehicles but they are totally incompetent at making intuitive UIs. I’m watching your vid because I’m ordering a 2023. I have a 2013 that I bought new 10 years ago. It’s been solid and funny it doesn’t have these build quality deficiencies. (Doors close easily, floor doesn’t squeak, hood stays up automatically) Hopefully the 2023 won’t either. You are in the US so yours was built in North Carolina. I’m in Canada my 2013 was built in Düsseldorf Germany. My 2023 will be built there as well. Once I get it I’ll make a vid, maybe the Düsseldorf factory has better quality? 🤷‍♂️

[@jordi_ss]

You're too "it's a mercedes bibibi bobobo"... they make commercial vehicles and there's no such thing as a luxury commercial vehicle.

[@thebatlwgn]

lol sorry for having expectations of getting something good for the money

[@judeikeh8063]

Good observation pointed out but it is still the best van for expediting though too costly.

[@mimilove67]

Next time do your due diligence. A bunch of minor complaints.

[@thebatlwgn]

Lmao I did actually. This is the best option for what I needed. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

[@Haureberg-ART]

Can you please do a video showing how you installere wire the subwoofer! I have been searching the internet throughout the week and I can’t find anything 😳 Please share this information Thank you

[@TagTab637]

I hope you sold your van man, because you are clearly not happy with it.

[@thebatlwgn]

lol I did not

[@jacob.mccormack]

We sold our 2020 model because the lane-keeping system was dangerous. Instead of providing steering assistance, it only applied the brakes and pulled us towards the ditch.

[@thebatlwgn]

Yea I shut that crap off as soon as I start the van

[@myohmy839]

All petty stuff...... You SHOULD have to slam the doors in a delivery vehicle. They have to be tough because they could be used hundreds of times every day, for years, and not delicately. How can you complain because they don't have accommodations for short people? What about tall people....over 6'2 for example.

[@thebatlwgn]

Well I’m not 6’2 so I have no perspective on that.

[@Azizthearab]

Have u had problems with the crosswind assist

[@Azizthearab]

It scares the shit out me

[@thebatlwgn]

It can be pretty annoying, but also useful when crossing Kansas and eastern Colorado

[@bettymacallister3475]

Hi so which van would you prefer? I n just started looking for a can to travel in can someone please give me advice? Thank you for any replies

[@thebatlwgn]

I’d still go with a Sprinter. The other options aren’t great either.

[@kathyinthesun]

Thanks dude I was looking at purchasing this van at the dealers and we could not get android auto to work Mercedes voice control was a total joke it never responded to me when I asked it something but would respond to me when I'm not asking it anything. I also agree with the dumb placement of the storage area for your phone to charge and run android auto. I also saw with my own eyes how those plastic compartments were extremely hard to open and close. THX for sharing and helping me see what I was gonna invest so mu h money into. Just curious what was the reasons you did not go with a dodge or a Ford. Parts wise and cost wise much less expensive and easier motor to work on for most mechanics where you have to find a spealty mechanic to fix your Mercedes if you break down on the road. Plus Dodge and Ford run on gas which is cheaper and you don't have to deal with DEF. PLUS GAS IS A QUIETER ENGINE. I'm still looking to buy something so your imput would nice. Excellent job by the way and appreciate the time you took to create this video. Total thumbs up from me !!!

[@hannibalbarca7707]

All respect, but why take delivery?

[@hansknutson2327]

The Germans must have have KINDERGARTENS Engineer some of the things On these vans They should have left the Engineering to the Japanese

[@paulcoffman9841]

You should have watched Mercedes production video of their van. You would have not bought it. To be fair they did let you see how it was built.

[@the_patient85]

22:08 the idea is not to use to it whilst you’re driving….😂

[@thebatlwgn]

lol well sure but on 14 hour days in the seat, you gotta fuck with stuff from time to time

[@letsgetit3310]

No phone chargers were harmed in the making of this video.

[@PetrosArgy]

I'm probably going to be pulling the trigger on a Sprinter in the next few days. This video makes me a little nervous about that though. Some of the things you mention were better designed in my 2010 Transit Connect. The Sprinter I'm looking at doesn't have that whole touchscreen disaster in it, so that may make it easier to use. If someone starts honking at you in a white 3500XD or an old, ghetto looking Transit Connect with a big yellow ball on the side, you'll know it's me and what decision I made ;)

[@NerdKrew]

So you got a 4x4 and say you have trouble get in and out?? If you would have gotten the van with the package you wanted this video wouldn't be here. There are so many variations of this van, when they come from Amazon or other fleet vans are equipped from the factory to be barebones.

[@thebatlwgn]

It’s kinda funny that you only took that information and ran with it haha

[@jennifernewell9846]

OMG!! I just started shopping MB S vans. This had me on the floor laughing so hard at how bad these simple problems were. I spit my coffee across the room in laughter when he demonstrated the squeaking. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO, that is sooooo blatantly bad, and I'm sure its such an easy fix before you put it on the showroom floor......like teflon spray? MO rons!!! I'm still going to buy one, but I am so grateful to Jon, for enlightening us in a frustrated humorous wtf way!!!!

[@thebatlwgn]

Glad you enjoyed it haha

[@jeremycovelli]

First off.. Mercedes hasn't ever been that great.. they've always had these fit and finish issures. Second, people compare the commercial vehicles to the "luxury" passenger vehicles when really it should be the other way around. Mercedes currently makes nearly 300 commercial vehicle models and only about 35 luxury vehicles. Between the Promaster, Transit, and Sprinter.. the Sprinter is by far the best of the three. The Promaster is just complete crap in every way possible and the Transit.. is built like a tin can.. that rusts. The total milage should show up when you're in Drive.. not park. That screen is also pretty customizable.. and it's not in the settings, it's done with buttons. Lots of tutorials online on how to customize that display. The def fluid under the hood isn't a bad desicion actually.. they do that because people are stupid and put fuel in DEF and DEF in fuel.. All of the music can be controled from the wheel buttons, you have to be on the music screen on IC display. Each screen changes what the buttons do. If you actually learn how to use it.. it is in fact pretty intuitive. You're trying to use both screens like seperate systems.. they're designed, along with the buttons, to work together.

[@joeytraks6522]

I wouldn’t work with this guy imagine all the complaints during a normal work day

[@thebatlwgn]

Lmao I own my company. You would work FOR me.

[@M-zg2sg]

This is why you have to CHECK these vehicles before you purchase them people. Please use common sense.

[@jackmackb9266]

As an owner of an almost identical Sprinter, I agree with you 100%!!! The build quality is subpar. It's sad for me to admit but the craftsmanship of my vehicle assembled in South Carolina reminds of the SUVs I purchased from Detroit 20 years ago. The fact that it is a work truck is irrelevant, quailty and attention to detail applies to every production process. The poor quality is due to lack of attention to detail , pride and teamwork on the production line. BTW, consider yourself lucky if you don't have a resonant vibration on the driveshaft/rear axle at 70MPH which is common. On the bright side, it was unnerving in the beginning to drill and cut holes in a $80,000 van UNTIL I realized my work was a good or better than some of the factory assembly. 🙂

[@binyamj]

Definitely have to agree. I only have 1,000 miles on it, and I enjoy it for the most part. But your gripes are mostly very annoying in my van as well. I have the smaller screen and it automatically starts on the track and I just swipe right to change songs. My ‘17 Toyota has music, nav and something else on the screen at once. Meanwhile, MB has one damn thing at a time. I bought one from a dealer for MSRP, but just like you, I found $25k+ over.