Who makes the Sprinter engine?
The Sprinter's engine is made by Mercedes-Benz (Daimler) in-house.
Context and scope
Mercedes-Benz develops and manufactures the Sprinter's diesel engines as part of its in-house powertrain program, with engines typically designed for commercial reliability and emissions compliance. The Sprinter line has evolved through several generations, with Mercedes-Benz refining the engine family to match van dimensions, payloads, and regulatory standards. While other models in the light-commercial family may share platforms within the Daimler umbrella, the Sprinter's propulsion systems remain Mercedes-built.
Current engine lineup
In the present generation, Sprinter engines are Mercedes-Benz diesel units, including a 2.0-liter four‑cylinder turbo diesel option for everyday cargo and passenger variants and a larger 3.0-liter option for heavy payload configurations. These engines are part of Mercedes’ own OM-series families and are manufactured in Daimler's powertrain facilities around the world.
Production, maintenance and parts
As engines are Mercedes-built, parts, service, and maintenance follow Mercedes-Benz dealer networks and service schedules. The in-house origin helps standardization across markets, though supply chains and model updates can affect the availability of specific engine variants in certain regions.
Summary
The Sprinter engine is designed and produced by Mercedes-Benz (Daimler) as part of the company's in-house powertrain program, ensuring consistency in performance, emissions, and service support across markets.
Are Dodge and Mercedes Sprinters the same?
Yes, a Dodge Sprinter is essentially the same as a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with the primary difference being the badging. Mercedes-Benz manufactured the Sprinter and sold it under the Dodge name in the US for a period due to a partnership with DaimlerChrysler. The vehicles were built in Germany as complete knockdown (CKD) kits, shipped to the U.S., and reassembled with Dodge badges to avoid import tariffs on finished vehicles.
This video explains the background and history of Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans: 59sThe Benz Shop YouTube · Jun 8, 2025
- Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz is the original manufacturer of all Sprinter vans.
- Branding: During the partnership period, some Sprinter vans were sold with Dodge badging, while others were sold with Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner badges.
- Vehicle identity: Aside from the exterior badges and minor interior differences, the vehicles are identical, as they were all built in the same factory by Mercedes-Benz.
- Current status: The Dodge Sprinter line ended when the partnership dissolved, and today, the van is primarily marketed under the Mercedes-Benz name.
Who makes Mercedes Sprinter engines?
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz manufactures the diesel engines for the Sprinter. Known for their engineering excellence, these engines are designed with efficiency and durability in mind.
Who builds Mercedes engines?
Mercedes-Benz makes its own engines through its global manufacturing plants, particularly in Germany. However, Mercedes also partners with other companies to build engines, such as using Renault and Nissan engines for certain compact models. Some engines, like those for high-performance AMG vehicles, are manufactured at specific locations like the Affalterbach plant in Germany.
Primary manufacturers and locations
- Mercedes-Benz: Designs and builds engines at plants in Germany (Affalterbach, Berlin, Kölleda, Arnstadt) and China (Beijing), and Romania (Sebes, Cugir).
- Mercedes-AMG: Its high-performance engines are built at the Affalterbach plant.
- Other partners: Mercedes-Benz collaborates with other manufacturers for certain engine types.
- Renault and Nissan: Have supplied engines for some compact models through their alliance with Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. For example, a 1.3L turbocharged engine is co-developed and built with Renault/Nissan.
- Force Motors: Produces engines for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in India.
Important considerations
- Partnerships: The use of partner engines is often strategic, particularly for smaller or more efficient models, to balance performance and cost.
- Specialization: While core manufacturing is done in-house, parts are sourced globally, and some engines are specialized, like those for Formula 1, which are built by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in the UK.
- Future collaborations: The automotive landscape is dynamic, with potential future collaborations being discussed. For instance, there have been reports of Mercedes-Benz and BMW considering a partnership for some four-cylinder engines, which would allow them to share development and production resources.
Are Mercedes Sprinter diesel engines reliable?
With proper maintenance, many owners report well over 250,000 to 300,000 miles of dependable use. Some have even surpassed 500,000 miles. Its robust diesel and gasoline engines, paired with quality engineering, make it one of the most reliable options in the cargo and passenger van segments.
