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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: W906 and W907 generations, engines and trims
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter — the leader in large vans, widely used for cargo and passenger transport. We look at what sets the W906 and W907 generations apart, which engines and body styles are most common, and what to check when buying a used Sprinter.
Sprinter in brief
The Sprinter has been in production since 1995 and comes in three generations: W901–W905 (1995–2006), W906 (2006–2018), and W907 (from 2018). In the used market in Lithuania, the W906 and W907 are most frequently encountered.
Main body styles include the van, passenger minibus (Tourer, Transfer, and others), and chassis cab for mounting bodies, refrigerators, and other superstructures. There are several lengths and roof heights, with the overall weight ranging from about 3 to 5 tonnes.
The number in the name indicates the version: the first digit represents the weight class (e.g., 3xx — 3.5 tonnes, 5xx — 5 tonnes), while the last two roughly reflect the power (e.g., 316 CDI — around 160 hp).
Which generation to choose
The W906 (2006–2018) is the most common choice in the used market. Vehicles updated in 2013 received a new front end, more safety systems, and Euro 6 engines. These models are reliable but often have high mileage.
The W907 (from 2018) features a more modern cabin with MBUX multimedia, more driver-assistance systems, and a wider range of transmissions: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and for the first time, front-wheel drive. There's also the electric eSprinter.
There are fewer and fewer W901–W905 models on the market: they're cheap, but often heavily affected by rust, so only those in excellent condition are worth considering.
Engines and gearboxes
The W906 generation most commonly features 2.1-litre four-cylinder CDI diesels (around 90–165 hp) and 3.0-litre V6 CDI (around 184–190 hp). Euro 6 versions come with an AdBlue system.
The W907 generation initially used 2.1-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 diesels, but these were replaced by a newer 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel around 2023.
Gearboxes are either six-speed manual or automatic: the W906 has a five-speed manual, later the 7G-Tronic Plus, while the W907 has the 7G-Tronic Plus or 9G-Tronic.
What to check when buying a used Sprinter
Check the service and MOT history to see how much the Sprinter has been worked — commercial vehicles often rack up far more miles than regular cars. With a manual gearbox, check the clutch and dual-mass flywheel, and with an automatic, ensure the gears shift smoothly.
CDI engines may have issues with injector seals — check for leaks around the injectors and ensure there's no exhaust fumes smell. Also, inspect the DPF, EGR, and AdBlue systems, and the engine shouldn't rattle when cold after starting.
Rust is a well-known Sprinter weakness: check the bottoms of the doors, wheel arches, sills, and the rear door bottom and frame. Versions over 3.5 tonnes require a C category licence, and a tachograph is often needed when carrying loads.
Body styles
Body versions, lengths, heights and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly found versions in Europe.
Furgonas
W906, W907The most common version is the cargo van with several lengths and heights.
- Several lengths and roof heights
- Sliding side and rear barn doors
- Often — 3.5 t gross vehicle weight
Keleivinis (Tourer)
W906, W907Passenger minibus for transporting people; the W907 is sometimes called the Tourer.
- Mostly 8–9 seats, more in longer versions
- Windows and heating throughout the cabin
- Often — a separate cabin air conditioner
Mikroautobusas
W906, W907Factory (Transfer, City) and converted minibuses with more seats.
- Often — more than 9 seats
- Often — high roof and luggage compartment
- You might need a D1 category license to drive it
Važiuoklė su kabina
W906, W907Base for racking, fridges and other conversions.
- Single or double cab versions
- Often — dual rear wheels in heavier versions
- Often — 5t gross vehicle weight
4x4
W906, W907All-wheel drive version for tougher road conditions
- All-wheel drive
- Higher ground clearance
- Less common and more expensive
Comparison of Sprinter body styles
| Furgonas | Keleivinis | Važiuoklė su kabina | 4x4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For cargo | For passengers | For towing and heavy loads | For tougher road conditions |
| Gross vehicle weight (usually) | 3.5t | 3.5 tonnes and above | 3.5–5 tonnes | 3.5 tonnes and above |
| Passenger cabin or cargo area | Enclosed cargo area | Passenger compartment | Body or chassis | Various body styles |
| Engine | 2.1 CDI, less often V6 | 2.1 CDI, V6 | 2.1 CDI, V6 | Often more powerful |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | €€ | €€€ |
For most buyers, the best choice is a 3.5-tonne van with a 2.1-litre (or newer 2.0-litre) diesel. Opt for 4x4 and V6 versions only if you genuinely need them.
Pros
- Spacious cargo area and a wide range of variants
- Robust engines and rear-wheel drive
- Plentiful supply of spare parts and mechanics
- Choose from up to 5 tonnes of gross vehicle weight
Cons
- Rust, especially in older models
- Costlier repairs and parts compared to some rivals
- High mileage on many used models
Frequently asked questions
Which Sprinter generation is best to buy used?
For most buyers, the best choice is the refreshed 2013–2018 W906 or W907. The W906 is cheaper and simpler to maintain, while the W907 is more modern, with more safety features.
What do the numbers in the Sprinter name mean?
The first digit indicates the weight class (e.g., 3xx — 3.5 tonnes, 5xx — 5 tonnes), while the last two roughly reflect the engine power: 316 CDI — around 160 hp, 319 CDI — around 190 hp.
Can you drive a Sprinter with a B licence?
Yes, if the vehicle's gross weight does not exceed 3.5 tonnes. Heavier versions require a C1 or C licence, and often a tachograph when carrying loads.
Is it worth buying a Sprinter with a V6 engine?
The V6 pulls better, especially when towing or with a trailer hitched up, but it usually consumes more fuel and is more expensive to maintain. For most tasks, a four-cylinder diesel will suffice.
Updated 2026-10-09 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
