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Sprinter 4x4?? Sprinter 4x4??
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 3 Jun 2011
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Sprinter 4x4??
Anyone got any ideas how much its cost to convert a Mercedes sprinter from 4x2 to 4x4? I know there are a few companies in Germany that do it but my emails go unanswered and my german isn't good enough to cover diff locks and prop shafts?!!

Any help would be great, planning for the next trip you see.

Simon
Trek to Oz
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  #2  
Old 4 Jun 2011
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Far more than it would cost to buy a new 4x4 Sprinter.

On www.mobile.de you often see factory 4x4 Sprinters and the earlier T1s converted by Iglhaut.

Very occasionally you see 4x4 Westfalia James Cooks built on the Sprinter chassis.
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  #3  
Old 4 Jun 2011
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There was an Iglhaut converted sprinter at the RGS meeting last weekend but never found the owner to talk to him about it

As for pricing expect a big bill

But I guess you get what you want rather than relying on bein able to pick a factory one with the correct wheelbase and spec

What about this one - cheaper than a conversion

Mercedes Sprinter 313 LWB 4x4 4WD Crew Bus Panel Van | eBay UK

(no connection but just noticed it is in leicestershire)
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Rich

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  #4  
Old 4 Jun 2011
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Hello maple


Maybe message This Guy for info on his.
Last edited by twenty4seven; 5 Jun 2011 at 16:53.
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  #5  
Old 6 Jun 2011
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Thanks for the info. I wanted a new shape sprinter but just saw this one on ebay for £24000 +VAT might have to go old skool. Has anyone ever driven one? are they any good?

Simon
Trek to Oz
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  #6  
Old 6 Jun 2011
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Old V New
Stick to the pre 2007 model, may not drive quiet as nice as the new ones, but they are more reliable, if you really want something newer the Iveco Daily in my opinion is a more reliable van than the new shape sprinter.

Good Luck with your search.
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  #7  
Old 6 Jun 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by locrep View Post
Stick to the pre 2007 model, may not drive quiet as nice as the new ones, but they are more reliable, if you really want something newer the Iveco Daily in my opinion is a more reliable van than the new shape sprinter.

Good Luck with your search.
Iveco vans are not available in 4x4 , they sell a 4x4 version but its a SCAM (really thaty is the correct name not an insult) with a Daily cab on it , great truck but not cheap

24k for the merc - hope you don't need to use a carnet where you are going
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  #8  
Old 7 Jun 2011
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Yep think the old ones might be the way to go as they are about a 3rd of the price. Still would like to know if anyone has driven one? I realise they will not be amazing off road but plan on doing Canada and Alaska in a few years and having been in a roof top tent for a year, the warmth and comfort of a van are calling me, if they are up to it!

Fancy doing something like the one attached but with bigger wheels!

Any info about owning, driving and maintaining one would be most welcome.

Thanks

Simon
Trek to Oz
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  #9  
Old 8 Jun 2011
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I just did a quick search on mobile.de and there were about 70 Sprinters 4x4 and the larger Varios starting at about Eu7000 upto......... There were earlier T1s with part built campers etc. Tippers, Duel Cabs, Vans, etc.

I was told by a Merc guy in the UK that the 4x4 and the diff locked early versions were not sold there - the only reliable source being from Germany, Austria and France.

There is a German website busfreaks.de which has some good info in German and Google translator works OK. You're more likely to get a good response there about the pros and cons of owning a 4x4 Sprinter conversion.
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  #10  
Old 9 Jun 2011
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Sprinter
They drive surprisingly well on road, far less “rolly polly” than some 4X4’s and relatively refined. High mileage ones start to sound very rough engine wise for some reason though.

Off road I’ve seen them go where a 130LR Defender has failed , probably down to driver and diff locks.

Agree with the comments about pre 2007. Common rail diesel Merc’s seem to have a very poor reputation.

I too have been pondering one of these and there are always a few around, either on ebay or specialist van dealers.

Oh and bigger wheels / tyres can mess up the gearing so unless you want to spend big bucks on changing diff ratios be careful. Adds stress to suspension and drive train also.

Russ
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  #11  
Old 10 Jun 2011
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roof conversion
Cheers Russ good to hear from someone who's had a good in one.

I've seen a few on ebay around the 10 grand mark so will probable go with one of them (dam the VAT). There is a company in the states called sportsmoblie that do great folding roof conversion for sprinters but can't find anyone in the UK that can do one. They all seem to be VW based and unable to help me, has anyone got any ideas?

simon
www.trektooz.com
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  #12  
Old 10 Jun 2011
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Its not a good idea to cut holes out of the roof of Sprinters - they have cross supports every (1200mm?) so often which stop the side walls collapsing in on themsleves - plus rollover/accident integrity. Cutting a hole would make them a muddy/snow road 4x4 as the body flex in serious offroad/badly rutted/corrugated would likely end up causing a heap of problems - body panel damage, floor pan damage, interior fitout falling apart.

If you want to go down the Sprinter 4x4 route then you may do better with a cab chassis and then a 3 point habitation box fitted on the rear, with a complete pop top roof. You can also keep the vehicle height down and use a 20' shipping container when required for international transport.

Reimo the big campervan parts and accessory supplier has universal pop top rooves, plus fibreglass high tops to fit most makes/models.
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Old 13 Jun 2011
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Not sure about in the UK but looks like Innovation Campers in Germany do a pop top for the sprinter. Not seen one first hand, but seen plenty of Landcruiser troopies with their conversions and the work looks good.

I was in Germany recently and saw a 4x4 sprinter camper with a high roof, lifted and on big mud tyres. Didn't get chance to have a close look so don't know who built it, but seemed like a professional conversion so there's someone out there doing just what you're looking for!
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  #14  
Old 14 Jun 2011
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Thanks for the answers folks. Take the point about cutting a hole in the roof. Will have to think about it. By the way, love mobile.de, spent hours on it last night so thanks Roger.

Also found this Landy conversion done by a french company. will have to weigh up the costs against a sprinter!

Simon
Trek to Oz
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  #15  
Old 14 Jun 2011
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One point to consider is that if you take anything with besoke parts fitted somewhere critical, like the engine or drivetrain, you risk being stranded and unable to get parts should something break.

Maybe a bit boring, but taking something with all the major bits as they came from the factory might save you some days of your life!
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