Is the Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013 (2006-2018) reliable in Australia?

This generation is summarized with a trust score of 65 out of 100 based on recurring themes in owner reports and platform notes (not a lab test). Use the buy/avoid lists and inspection points below before purchase.

Which Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013 configuration should I buy used?

3.0L V6 Turbodiesel (OM642) with 5-speed Automatic (5G-Tronic): Robust engine with good power and torque for heavy loads Proven and durable 5-speed automatic transmission

Which Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013 configurations should I avoid?

2.1L 4-Cylinder Turbodiesel (OM651) with 7-speed Automatic (7G-Tronic): Earlier OM651 engines (pre-2014) were known for injector issues, though improvements were made by 2013 Potential for timing chain wear and associated costly repairs

What should I inspect on a used Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013?

Rust on body panels, especially around seams and wheel arches, and on the chassis EGR valve and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) issues, particularly with frequent short trips or inadequate regeneration cycles Suspension component wear, including bushings, ball joints, and leaf springs, due to heavy loads Electrical gremlins, such as faulty sensors, wiring harness issues, and instrument cluster malfunctions

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REPORT: MERCEDES BENZ > SPRINTER > MODEL YEAR 2013 (2006-2018)

Used car reliability snapshot for Australia: Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013 (2006-2018). Compare recommended configurations, known weak points, and inspection priorities before you buy.

Vehicle background from retrieved sources

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W906 generation is a highly popular large commercial van, renowned for its spacious cargo capacity, comfortable cabin, and strong engine options. It serves a wide range of commercial applications, including delivery, passenger transport, and various custom conversions. The 2013 model year falls within the mid-lifecycle of this generation.

Generation / series codes: W906

Body styles: Panel Van, Crew Van, Passenger Van (Minibus), Chassis Cab

Drivetrains: Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Reliability for the Sprinter W906 generation is heavily dependent on diligent maintenance and a thorough service history, which is crucial for commercial vehicles that often accumulate high mileage and endure heavy use. The Australian market predominantly features Rear-Wheel Drive variants.

Trust score: 65 / 100

Verdict: CAUTION

RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATIONS (THE 'BUY' LIST)

3.0L V6 Turbodiesel (OM642) with 5-speed Automatic (5G-Tronic)
- Robust engine with good power and torque for heavy loads
- Proven and durable 5-speed automatic transmission
- Generally reliable with proper maintenance and less prone to certain common issues than the 4-cylinder

CONFIGURATIONS TO AVOID (THE 'LEMON' LIST)

2.1L 4-Cylinder Turbodiesel (OM651) with 7-speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)
- Earlier OM651 engines (pre-2014) were known for injector issues, though improvements were made by 2013
- Potential for timing chain wear and associated costly repairs
- The 7G-Tronic automatic transmission can be more complex and prone to mechatronic unit failures compared to the 5G-Tronic

Used car buyer guide (Australia)

Common problems & platform risks

For the Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013 (2006-2018), recurring issues often cluster around specific engines, transmissions, and shared chassis electronics. The trust score reflects how often serious powertrain or drivetrain problems show up in real-world reports versus routine maintenance. Always verify with a pre-purchase inspection and service history.

What to inspect before you buy

Use the platform-wide inspection list above for leaks, rust, suspension wear, and electronics. On a test drive, listen for drivetrain noises, check transmission behaviour when hot, and scan for warning lights. In Australia, heat and urban short trips can accelerate wear—factor in climate-appropriate servicing.

Best engine or trim to target

A typical starting point is configurations similar to: 3.0L V6 Turbodiesel (OM642) with 5-speed Automatic (5G-Tronic). Cross-check against the recommended list and your budget; the "sweet spot" often balances fewer reported failures with parts availability.

Configurations to be cautious about

Sources frequently flag higher risk around: 2.1L 4-Cylinder Turbodiesel (OM651) with 7-speed Automatic (7G-Tronic). That does not mean every car fails—use it as a prioritisation list for inspection and price negotiation.

Ownership cost signals

Higher reported failure rates usually mean more workshop time and parts cost. Before buying, get quotes for common jobs on this generation (timing, fluids, suspension, transmission service) from an independent specialist familiar with the brand.

PLATFORM-WIDE QUIRKS & INSPECTION POINTS (ALL MODELS)

Rust on body panels, especially around seams and wheel arches, and on the chassis
EGR valve and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) issues, particularly with frequent short trips or inadequate regeneration cycles
Suspension component wear, including bushings, ball joints, and leaf springs, due to heavy loads
Electrical gremlins, such as faulty sensors, wiring harness issues, and instrument cluster malfunctions
Sliding door mechanism wear and alignment issues, leading to difficult operation or leaks

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013 (2006-2018) reliable in Australia?: This generation is summarized with a trust score of 65 out of 100 based on recurring themes in owner reports and platform notes (not a lab test). Use the buy/avoid lists and inspection points below before purchase.
Which Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013 configuration should I buy used?: 3.0L V6 Turbodiesel (OM642) with 5-speed Automatic (5G-Tronic): Robust engine with good power and torque for heavy loads Proven and durable 5-speed automatic transmission
Which Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013 configurations should I avoid?: 2.1L 4-Cylinder Turbodiesel (OM651) with 7-speed Automatic (7G-Tronic): Earlier OM651 engines (pre-2014) were known for injector issues, though improvements were made by 2013 Potential for timing chain wear and associated costly repairs
What should I inspect on a used Mercedes Benz Sprinter model year 2013?: Rust on body panels, especially around seams and wheel arches, and on the chassis EGR valve and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) issues, particularly with frequent short trips or inadequate regeneration cycles Suspension component wear, including bushings, ball joints, and leaf springs, due to heavy loads Electrical gremlins, such as faulty sensors, wiring harness issues, and instrument cluster malfunctions

Sources

No web sources were attached to this report. This usually means grounding was unavailable and the fallback structured generation mode was used.

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