Merc Sprinshifts, are they OK ??

10016 Views 28 Replies 13 Participants Last post by tony50, Jun 10, 2009

Mrplodd

Discussion Starter · Jun 3, 2009

I am looking at getting a new (to me) MH based on a Merc 316 with a 2.8 litre engine and MGW of 4 tonnes (Autotrail Dakota) its 2003 with under 20K miles on the clock

Are these gearboxes reliable or are there "issues" with them.

I accept that being a tad more complex than a manual there is a greater chance of problems but I wondered if overall they had a good or bad reputation .

Opinions and personal experiences please !!

1 - 20 of 29 Posts

leseduts

· #2 · Jun 3, 2009

We have had our 416 since new. It is now nearly 4 years old and we have had no problems.I like the sprintshift but I dislike like not having a park mode on the gearbox, I am a great believer in belt and braces when parked on steep slopes. Maybe someone else reading this can tell me what they do when parking. It throws me a bit when Mercedes supply a wheel chock as standard!!!

Zebedee

· #3 · Jun 3, 2009

Opinion only, but since you asked. :roll:

Unless I had a medical reason I wouldn't have any automatic. It's just something else to go wrong, which is the last thing you want when on holiday (almost by definition in a M/H) especially if you are abroad.

But I'm one of those who bemoan the passing of the SU carburettor, and it took me a long time to feel confident without a starting handle!! 8O :wink:

Dave

SpeedyDux

· #4 · Jun 3, 2009

Wheel chocks are good enough for Boeing jumbo jets ... :?

SD

macone48

· #5 · Jun 3, 2009

Hi,

I have a 2002 313 CDI (2.2 ltr) sprintshift in a Frankia 650. Had a 2.5 TD Peugeot previously and the 2.2 Merc outpulls, is smoother, quieter and more economical.

Only had it since last Nov 08. Absolutely no issues, find it excellent in traffic/queues and leave in Auto.

Find on hilly bits, now starting to use the manual side changing for up hill and especially downhill using engine braking.

For parking, I engage 1st and switch off. It won't come out of gear unless someone switches on ignition at the same time as pushing on foot brake. Still use handbrake (discs rear).

I too was a little sceptical at first, but not had any problems and haven't heard personally of any.

Trev

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106559

· #6 · Jun 3, 2009

macone48 said:
Hi,

I have a 2002 313 CDI (2.2 ltr) sprintshift in a Frankia 650. Had a 2.5 TD Peugeot previously and the 2.2 Merc outpulls, is smoother, quieter and more economical.

Only had it since last Nov 08. Absolutely no issues, find it excellent in traffic/queues and leave in Auto.

Find on hilly bits, now starting to use the manual side changing for up hill and especially downhill using engine braking.

For parking, I engage 1st and switch off. It won't come out of gear unless someone switches on ignition at the same time as pushing on foot brake. Still use handbrake (discs rear).

I too was a little sceptical at first, but not had any problems and haven't heard personally of any.

Trev

There is no P position because it,s an automated manual box. Trev is right, just engage 1st or R and then switch off. An added bonus is that it will not start in gear. I do believe that the handbrake is drums inside(sort of) the rear discs. Don't often use the handbrake when pitched up because if the cables are a bit stretched the brake lever can snag the seat when it's being swivelled. Good gearbox in my opinion.

macone48

· #7 · Jun 3, 2009

derekfaeberwick said:
macone48 said:

Hi,

I have a 2002 313 CDI (2.2 ltr) sprintshift in a Frankia 650. Had a 2.5 TD Peugeot previously and the 2.2 Merc outpulls, is smoother, quieter and more economical.

Only had it since last Nov 08. Absolutely no issues, find it excellent in traffic/queues and leave in Auto.

Find on hilly bits, now starting to use the manual side changing for up hill and especially downhill using engine braking.

For parking, I engage 1st and switch off. It won't come out of gear unless someone switches on ignition at the same time as pushing on foot brake. Still use handbrake (discs rear).

I too was a little sceptical at first, but not had any problems and haven't heard personally of any.

Trev

Click to expand...

There is no P position because it,s an automated manual box. Trev is right, just engage 1st or R and then switch off. An added bonus is that it will not start in gear. I do believe that the handbrake is drums inside(sort of) the rear discs. Don't often use the handbrake when pitched up because if the cables are a bit stretched the brake lever can snag the seat when it's being swivelled. Good gearbox in my opinion.

Agree with Derek completely.

Just to add, it is a six-speed box as well, so 6th is just over 2000 rpm @ 60mph.

To be really pickky 1st is too high - that is, great for steep hill starts.

However, I choose 2nd for roundabout pull-aways as 1st can leave you with that "stranded - feeling" whilst it takes it's time going from 1st to 2nd.

Enjoy.

Trev

106559

· #8 · Jun 3, 2009

Mine's on a 316 and I think 1st is too low. My only real gripe with the box is that I can ONLY start away in 1st., small price to pay though. By the way, they do change down when going downhill with no throttle to give a bit of engine braking.

Just noticed, you said too high, perhaps you meant too low?

106559

· #9 · Jun 3, 2009

leseduts said:
We have had our 416 since new. It is now nearly 4 years old and we have had no problems.I like the sprintshift but I dislike like not having a park mode on the gearbox, I am a great believer in belt and braces when parked on steep slopes. Maybe someone else reading this can tell me what they do when parking. It throws me a bit when Mercedes supply a wheel chock as standard!!!

No chock with mine, possibly a Geist extra. I think chocks are mandatory for trucks in Germany and the weight of yours may just slip into that category. 416 v 316? Just a thought. :?

macone48

· #10 · Jun 3, 2009

derekfaeberwick said:
Mine's on a 316 and I think 1st is too low. My only real gripe with the box is that I can ONLY start away in 1st., small price to pay though. By the way, they do change down when going downhill with no throttle to give a bit of engine braking.

D,

Agreed. I change to manual mode when Urban roundabouts appear and when I am likely to have to stop. I engage 2nd, in manual mode, so pulling away is less manic.

Can you not change from auto to 1st then engage 2nd when stopped and then pull away ??

I mentioned manual mode when going down long hills. Gives better control staying/using manual mode. Yes, does give engine breaking in auto as well, but sometimes changes when I don't want it to.

Trev

CaGreg

· #11 · Jun 3, 2009

SpeedyDux said:
Wheel chocks are good enough for Boeing jumbo jets ... :?

SD

Was just led to wondering how often Jumbo jets are parked on steep hills??

Ca

106559

· #12 · Jun 3, 2009

Agreed. I change to manual mode when Urban roundabouts appear and when I am likely to have to stop. I engage 2nd, in manual mode, so pulling away is less manic.

Can you not change from auto to 1st then engage 2nd when stopped and then pull away ??

I mentioned manual mode when going down long hills. Gives better control staying/using manual mode. Yes, does give engine breaking in auto as well, but sometimes changes when I don't want it to.

Trev[/quote]

Nope, tried all there is to try and it won't change up until it's rolling.

I do override auto on very steep hills myself but probably don't need to. Think it's the luddite lorry driver genes showing through!

8)

Mrplodd

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jun 3, 2009

WOW !!!

Thanks for all the feedback everyone, I was aware its a robotised (is that a word??) manual with a fully auto or a do it yourself mode.

It would appear from the replies that it is a pretty reliable bit of kit with no known vices (unlike a certain sevel product we can all think of & yes I DO know thats not really a gearbox issue well I suppose the "wrong" ratio is a gearbox issue isn't it?)

Does anyone have an Autotrail Dakota based on a 316 sprintshift ?? If so what sort of MPG do you get?? at only 2000 RPM in sixth it shouldn't be too bad I would have thought. Mid 20's perhaps ??

JeanLuc

· #14 · Jun 3, 2009

My Hymer is on a 316 chassis but is a full auto (5-speed) rather than Sprintshift. The MAM is 3,800 kg and I have managed 24.2 mpg, carefully tracked over >15,000 miles. I think the Sprintshift may be a bit more economical as the 6th ratio will give you lower revs at cruising speed. I am normally pulling around 2,500 revs when cruising.

Philip

106559

· #15 · Jun 3, 2009

Mid twenties are achievable. On a long cruise with a day or two running around back roads and villages I can sometimes squeeze 27 MPG but thats a low profile.( Cruising about 55/60)

Mrplodd

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jun 3, 2009

Anyone want to buy my '97 (June) on a P plate Hymer B544 with dinette and long sofa lounge, built in LPG tank, bike rack, reversing camera and the usual Hymer fitments?? It has very light internal woodwork and light coloured upholstery

I shall be trading it in against the Dakota so if anyone is interested at about 15K let me know and I will forward loads of piccies etc. It is I feel in very good condition for its age (a number of people have commented on how tidy it is) It is NOT a wreck, it drives wonderfully and I regularly get 30 -31 MPG when touring (with a light right foot at about 50 -55 MPH)

PM or email if interested

(yes it will also be going on the classifieds bit when I figure out how to include a picture !)

sideways

· #17 · Jun 3, 2009

I have a 316cdi sprintshift i cant fault it at all apart from pulling away it can lag a little on changing to second, i do like the rest and drive it manually, its a low profile and with the cruise set at 58 we achieved 30mpg coming back from Portugal, if you chase it on at 80mph it returns 24mpg.Is it the one at camper UK your looking at?

tony50

· #18 · Jun 3, 2009

Mecr. sprintshift

I would advise not to leave a load on any transmission, ie. parking with the handbrake off ,if you saw inside some of these gearboxes of today you would not even leave in gear when parked , if you do like to leave a vehicle in gear as a secondary measure ( manual geraboxes only ), if possible put on handbrke ,switch off ,and put vehicle into gear so there is no load on transmission, sorry if I'm advising anybody how to suck eggs , anothe point a lot of ppeople use the gears to slow down ,which is cheaper geabox repairs or bake parts ?

tony50

· #19 · Jun 3, 2009

Merc sprintshift

Sorry not Bake parts but Brake parts

teemyob

· #20 · Jun 3, 2009

Sprintshift

I will send you a PM regarding certain issues.

I have written a lot on the subject of the SprintShift if you search the Forum.

With regards to Parking, if you do leave it in gear and turn off ignition as Trev suggested that will help. Downside is if the engine management fails or similar electrical breakdowns occur, the tow truck will have difficulty in moving it. Especially if parked with the rear end against a wall for example!.

The revs will vary according to chassis, final drive ratio and wheel size. Whilst a 2 or 3 series Sprintshift may run at just over 2,000 revs @ 60mph, a 4 series may be pushing closer to 3,000 revs.

Sprintshift is good overall but I find I end up using it manualy, the very short 1st gear is annoying.

Trev

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1 - 20 of 29 Posts

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