opinions on a mercedes 3.0 L diesel

[9dreizig]

A friend of mine is considering buying a Roadtrek Class B motor home. an option is the MB diesel. So are there known issues with this engine? Will the re-sale be worth the extra $$
Comments please

[kaisen]

It's not so much about the engine, but the Mercedes Sprinter chassis. If he really wants a 'B' (stock body) and not a 'C' chassis-cab with RV body, then the Sprinter is the way to go in terms of configurations. Taller ceilings, wider/longer bodies, dual rear wheels, etc are all available in complete-body stock form.

That said, if I were giving advice, I wouldn't necessarily buy a Sprinter. Horrible body integrity and rust issues. Not necessarily a better chassis. Not really a better engine (although all you German diesel fans will argue). Not a better transmission. Certainly not better hubs/bearings/brakes/etc. And you get to pay MUCH more for it, and have a harder time finding parts that you also get to pay more for.

But if it is Class "B", the Sprinter diesel widebody dually is the way to go.

Otherwise get a Ford or GM, pref. Class "C" or hybrid "B" (narrow-body but built from chassis-cab). The GM Duramax/Allison powertrain is superior to the little Mercedes.

[9dreizig]

thanks Kaisen,, I know nothing about this stuff. I may PM you if she wants to email you directly (she's in Chicago)

[daepp]

I rented a Sprinter winnebago RV - original chassis. I was wonderful to drive, got 17 to 18 mpg at 65 mph. I had a problem with the turbo - the pipe from the turbo to the intake cracked under hard acceleration up a long grade. Limped into the nearest Dodge dealer outside LV and they fixed it in about an hour under warranty.

[daepp]