How much coolant does a sprinter take?
The Sprinter’s coolant capacity depends on engine and year. For planning purposes, most Sprinter models require roughly 9–14 liters (about 2.4–3.7 gallons) for a full system fill, with exact figures varying by engine type, heater core size, and cooling-system configuration.
Understanding Sprinter coolant capacity
Capacity varies across different engine options and model years. The Sprinter cooling system includes components such as the radiator, heater core, water pump, and various hoses, so the total amount of coolant needed can differ significantly from one configuration to another.
By engine family
Here are typical ranges for common Sprinter engine configurations you might encounter. These figures are approximate and intended for planning; always verify the exact capacity for your VIN.
- Four-cylinder diesel Sprinters: roughly 9–12 liters
- Six-cylinder diesel Sprinters (3.0 L class): roughly 12–14 liters
- Gasoline variants (if applicable in your market): roughly 8–10 liters
Note: These ranges cover the full system fill, including the radiator, heater core, and connecting passages. Variations in hose length, additional cooling circuits, or aftermarket components can shift the total slightly.
How to confirm the exact capacity for your Sprinter
To determine your vehicle’s precise coolant capacity, use these steps. Having the exact figure is important for proper filling and maintenance, especially during a full drain-and-fill or cooling-system service.
- Check the owner’s manual or the official Mercedes-Benz service manual for your model year and engine code; capacity is listed in the cooling system section.
- Look up the engine code and VIN in Mercedes-Benz workshop data (WIS) or a trusted service database to obtain the exact capacity for your vehicle’s configuration.
- If you don’t have manuals, contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer or certified shop with your VIN; they can provide the precise figure for your Sprinter.
- When performing a full drain-and-fill, plan to replace the total system amount plus a small margin for hoses and the heater core. Use the recommended MB coolant type and a 50/50 premixed coolant solution unless your manual specifies otherwise.
Knowing the exact capacity helps ensure you neither underfill (risking overheating) nor overfill (putting excess pressure into the system).
Summary
In short, there isn’t a single number for all Sprinter models. The coolant capacity ranges roughly from 9 to 14 liters for most common configurations, with gasoline variants typically on the lower end and larger diesel setups on the higher end. Always verify the exact capacity for your specific engine and year using official manuals or a Mercedes-Benz dealer, and use the recommended coolant type and mixing ratio for optimal cooling and longevity.
