Sprinter conversions make fantastic executive mini-shuttles and compact limo buses. These vehicles work well in urban areas where high visibility and maneuverability are essential. The Mercedes diesel motor can idle for hours and hours on very little fuel. Pile on the miles, Mercedes craftsmanship is top-notch. The 07/08 3.0 Turbo Diesel was named diesel motor of the year by Wards Automotive.
There are a couple of things you should be aware of in considering these vehicles. The market has branded three different vehicles all Sprinters: Mercedes Sprinter, Dodge Sprinter, Freightliner Sprinter. All of these vehicles were made in Germany with Mercedes components and then imported into United States. The exterior logos and trim are the only differences. (There are gill kits to convert Dodge Sprinters into Mercedes Sprinters. The kit cost, I hear, is under $3000.00.)
In terms of model years, 2001/6 basically the same vehicle, then in 2007 Mercedes made changes, the new V6 3 Liter turbo diesel. Mercedes Sprinter was named van of the year for 07/08 by Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine.
There are two different wheel base models, a 150” and a 170”, and two different weight class models the 2500 (¾ ton) and the 3500 (1 ton). The majority of these vehicles have high tops. The 2500 can be configured to hold up to 12 passengers and the 3500 up to 15 passengers. This is a DOT classification for capacity, but depending on where you are located, it may or may not be enforced. My guess is that in big city areas you are more likely to see stricter enforcement. The 2500 can be configured to fit up to 14 passengers and the 3500 up to 18 passengers.
A dealer friend of mine has a 2008 back Sprinter built by Mid-West Design.
This Sprinter has 45,000 miles and it is top of the line, replacement cost is estimated at $96,000. The Pink slip is available for all specs. The asking price is $67,900.
Sprinters are built in Germany (and some in Mexico) and shipped here, knocked-down. They do this to avoid a 25% import tax. Here is a picture of 190″ 2011 Mercedes Sprinter, with 10,000 miles. The Wheel Base on most Sprinters is either 150″ or 170″, the 190″ Wheel Base is not sold in USA. This vehicle was special ordered through a Mercedes Dealer in LA area.
It took 6 months to get the vehicle here from Germany. It was converted by Pinnacle. It is Vegas styled, loaded to the max, the original cost of this bus was approximately $128,000. The owners need something bigger. Your cost is $92,500K.
Or you can order a brand new 2012 Sprinter. The, nicely fit out, base price is $84,600. Sprinters don’t lack for options, and some, like the Barbus Rims are not inexpensive ($5K)…these options can push the cost of the coach into the mid 90 thousand dollar range. This is the most competitive pricing you will find on the web and you get full warranty, configure the vehicle to your specs. Typical build out is 8 to 10 weeks. See pictures.
Phil Cava
