2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2008 model year · 4,400+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,400+ owner reports, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Turbo Resonator Crack and Boost Leak with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 3 Known Issues
On the 2007-2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3.0L V6 Diesel OM642, the plastic turbo resonator (charge air pipe) on OM642-equipped Sprinters cracks from heat cycling and vibration, causing a significant boost leak. The engine loses power dramatically, especially under load or when climbing grades. This is one of the most common failure items on pre-2019 Sprinters and typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Significant loss of power under load
- Whistling or hissing noise from engine bay
- Black smoke under acceleration
- Check engine light with boost codes
- Poor fuel economy
How to Fix
Replace the cracked plastic turbo resonator with an upgraded aluminum aftermarket unit. The OEM plastic part will crack again — do not use the original design replacement. Several companies make aluminum turbo resonators that are a permanent fix. Installation is straightforward and takes about 1-2 hours.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,800+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeRudy's Diesel aluminum turbo resonator is the go-to upgrade. It replaces the failure-prone plastic OEM part permanently. Under $150 and takes an hour to install. (Rudy's Diesel Aluminum Turbo Resonator)
On the 2007-2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, sprinter glow plugs fail with age, causing hard starting in cold weather, rough idle when cold, and white smoke on startup. The OM642 V6 is particularly prone to glow plug seizure in the cylinder head, making removal difficult and risking broken glow plugs that require cylinder head removal to extract.
Common Symptoms
- Hard starting in cold weather
- Extended cranking before engine fires
- Rough idle for first 30-60 seconds when cold
- White smoke on startup
- Glow plug warning light staying on
How to Fix
Replace all glow plugs as a set. Apply anti-seize compound to new glow plug threads. On the OM642, use penetrating oil on the glow plugs and allow it to soak before removal to reduce seizure risk. If a glow plug breaks during removal, specialized extraction tools are available before resorting to head removal.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,500+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipReplace glow plugs proactively every 80,000 miles before they seize. Apply anti-seize compound generously. A broken glow plug extraction on the OM642 can cost $1,000+ in labor alone.
On the 2007-2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Sprinter sliding door rollers and track wear out from the heavy door weight and frequent commercial use. The upper and center rollers are most commonly affected, causing the door to become difficult to open or close, bind in the track, or hang crooked. In commercial fleet use, this can happen as early as 50,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Door difficult to open or close
- Grinding noise when sliding door
- Door hangs crooked or does not close flush
- Door sticks partway through travel
- Visible wear on roller bearings
How to Fix
Replace the worn door rollers (upper, center, and lower). Clean and lubricate the door track. Check the door alignment and adjust as needed. All three roller assemblies should be replaced simultaneously. Lubricate the track monthly in commercial use environments.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,100+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipLubricate the sliding door track with white lithium grease every month if the vehicle is used commercially. This doubles the roller lifespan. Clean out debris before applying fresh grease.