MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines

Since its market launch in 2006, the MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 has established itself as the benchmark in the large van segment, offering an impressive range of engines throughout its entire production life. The continuous technological development of the MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines reflects Mercedes-Benz' efforts to maximize both efficiency and reliability in the commercial vehicle sector.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines (2006-2018)

The first generation of the MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 shaped the image of the modern van for over twelve years and was characterized by exceptionally robust engines that easily reached 400,000 to 600,000 kilometers with proper maintenance - a mileage that is still impressive today. Major repairs were typically only due after 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers, usually limited to turbochargers or injection components. The absolute top engine of this era was the 3.0 V6 CDI with 224 hp, which perfectly combined power, smooth running and durability and is still considered the reference for commercial vehicle engines today. Technical innovations such as third-generation common-rail injection and the AdBlue system from 2009 positioned the Sprinter 906 well ahead of the competition from the Iveco Daily or VW Crafter. The engine range was deliberately designed for durability and ease of servicing, which was reflected in the exceptionally long maintenance intervals of up to 40,000 kilometers.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 diesel engines (2006-2018)

The MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines consisted exclusively of diesel units, which were divided into three main categories. The entry-level 2.1 CDI (OM651) engine was available from 2009 with outputs from 95 hp to 163 hp and proved to be an economical but occasionally underpowered drive for heavy loads. Its strengths lay in its low fuel consumption of 6.8-7.5 liters per 100 km and its robust construction, although early variants showed weaknesses in EGR valve coking and occasional problems with the timing chain after 200,000 km. The mid-range 2.2 CDI (OM651) with 95-150 hp offered the best price-performance ratio and became the best-selling MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engine. The 129 hp version in particular was considered to offer an optimum balance between performance and consumption. The top-of-the-range 3.0 V6 CDI (OM642) engine with 190-224 hp not only offered impressive performance, but also exceptionally smooth running and reliability. This V6 diesel was regarded as one of the best commercial vehicle engines of its time and rarely showed any major problems, even when used intensively - only the glow plugs and the mass air flow sensor occasionally required attention.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 petrol engines (2006-2018)

Although the MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 was primarily designed as a diesel vehicle, petrol versions were also available in selected markets. The 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine (M272) with 258 hp was mainly intended for the North American market and, although it offered impressive performance, it had a significantly higher fuel consumption of 12-15 liters per 100 km. In Europe, this engine remained a rare exception and was mainly used for special applications such as rescue vehicles or motorhomes. The MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines in petrol version showed occasional problems with the valve adjustment and the ignition coils, but also achieved high mileages of over 300,000 km with proper maintenance.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines (2018-2023)

The second generation of the MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 marked a technological revolution with the introduction of completely new engine families and, for the first time, petrol engines for the European market. Reliability remained at the usual high level with expected mileages of 350,000 to 500,000 kilometers, with the new engines impressing with state-of-the-art emission control and improved efficiency. Major repairs were typically only necessary after 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers, mainly on the more complex exhaust systems. The outstanding engine of this generation was the 2.0 CDI with 163 hp, which achieved the performance of its predecessors despite its smaller displacement and was significantly more economical. The introduction of MBUX connectivity and advanced assistance systems underlined Mercedes-Benz's claim to be a technological leader in commercial vehicles too. In a direct comparison with the competition from the Ford Transit or Renault Master, the MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines of this generation offered the best combination of efficiency, comfort and durability.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 diesel engines (2018-2023)

The new generation of diesel engines was based entirely on the modern OM654 unit in various expansion stages. The 2.0 CDI replaced both the 2.1 and the 2.2 CDI of the previous generation and was available with outputs from 114 hp to 190 hp. The MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines with 143 hp and 163 hp in particular became the most popular variants, as they offered an optimum balance between performance, consumption and purchase costs. The new engine impressed with its significantly reduced fuel consumption of 6.2-7.8 liters per 100 km and state-of-the-art Euro 6d TEMP emission control with SCR catalytic converter. The complex AdBlue systems with their sensors and heaters, which could fail in cold weather or due to lack of maintenance, occasionally proved problematic. The tried-and-tested 3.0 V6 CDI was replaced by a modernized OM642 engine with 190 hp, which lost some power but was significantly cleaner and more efficient. These MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines continued to be regarded as the benchmark for smooth running and durability in the segment.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 petrol engines (2018-2023)

For the first time, Mercedes-Benz also offered the Sprinter 906 with petrol engines in Europe. The 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine (M274) with 163 hp and 190 hp was mainly aimed at customers in low emission zones or with lower annual mileage. These MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines impressed with their low purchase costs and smooth running, but had the typical disadvantage of higher fuel consumption of 9.5-11.2 liters per 100 km. Technical problems were mostly limited to the ignition coils and occasional turbocharger damage during intensive use. The 3.5 V6 petrol engine remained available for the American market, but was throttled back to 188 hp thanks to more modern direct injection and turbocharging, which significantly improved reliability.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines (2023-today)

The current generation of the MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 consistently focuses on electrification and represents Mercedes-Benz' vision of the future in the commercial vehicle sector. In addition to the tried-and-tested diesel engines, a fully electric eSprinter has been integrated into the model range for the first time, setting new standards with a range of up to 440 km. As this generation has only been available since 2023, long-term experience is not yet available, but initial tests show promising signs of a service life of over 400,000 kilometers for the diesel variants. The top-of-the-range engine is still the 2.0 CDI with 170 hp, which has been made even more efficient and cleaner thanks to further optimizations. The integration of 48-volt mild hybrid technology in selected diesel engines promises additional fuel savings and reduced emissions. In a competitive comparison, the current Sprinter 906 is clearly ahead of rivals such as the Iveco Daily Electric or Ford E-Transit thanks to its combination of proven diesel technology and innovative electric mobility.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 diesel engines (2023-today)

The diesel engine range is still based on the tried-and-tested OM654 unit, but has been revised once again and now meets the Euro 6e standard. The 2.0 CDI is available in power levels from 120 hp to 170 hp, with the more powerful variants optionally available with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. These MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines offer improved acceleration and reduced fuel consumption of 5.8-7.2 liters per 100 km thanks to the electric auxiliary drive. The proven 3.0 V6 CDI has been optimized to 185 hp through efficiency measures, but retains its legendary smoothness and reliability. Initial reports show that the AdBlue systems have become more reliable, but the complexity of exhaust gas aftertreatment remains a potential weak point.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 electric drive (2023-today)

The eSprinter marks a milestone in the history of MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines and offers two battery sizes with 55 kWh or 113 kWh for ranges of up to 440 km. The electric motor delivers 150 kW (204 hp) and offers immediately available torque of 362 Nm. Particularly impressive is the fast-charging capability with up to 115 kW DC power, which enables charging from 10 to 80 percent in around 42 minutes. The operating costs are significantly lower than those of the diesel variants, but the purchase is still considerably more expensive. Initial practical tests show that the eSprinter is particularly suitable for city logistics and fixed routes.

MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 petrol engines (2023-today)

The petrol engines have largely been removed from the European range and are only available for special markets. The 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine remains available in a revised version with 170 hp for special applications, but plays a subordinate role in the current MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engine range.

Conclusion: The best MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines of all generations

The development of the MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines over three generations demonstrates Mercedes-Benz' consistent focus on reliability, efficiency and durability in the commercial vehicle sector. While the diesel engines are consistently regarded as the benchmark in the segment, the integration of electromobility marks an important step into the future of commercial transportation. The continuous further development of proven diesel technology in parallel with electrification offers customers the optimum solution for every application.

• Best MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 diesel engine:

The 2.0 CDI with 163 hp (Generation II) offers the perfect balance of performance, consumption and proven reliability for all applications.

• Best MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 petrol engine:

The 2.0 turbo petrol engine with 163 hp (Generation II) is the best petrol alternative, even though diesel engines dominate the commercial vehicle sector.

• Best MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 electric drive:

The eSprinter with 204 hp and 113 kWh battery (Generation III) sets new standards for emission-free urban logistics and local transport.

For the maintenance and servicing of all MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 906 engines, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original parts and high-quality replacement components with reliable and fast delivery for all generations.