Wondering what the best oil for your Sprinter engine is? When shopping for Sprinter engine oils, many owners wonder what type of oil specification their model uses. Blauparts is here to help! In this blog article, we've put together a Sprinter oil specification application list or guide to help you determine the correct Sprinter motor oil spec and part numbers that you will need when changing your Sprinter motor oil. We offer a full line of premium German OEM-approved Sprinter oils and our convenient oil change kits that include the necessary quantity of oil, oil specification, oil filter, and hardware.
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With a rich history as an independent service garage with over 30 years of hands-on experience in European automotive service, we've seen many mechanical breakdowns on vehicles. Experience has shown that changing your oils and fluids is the single most important preventive maintenance routine you can perform to avoid vehicle breakdowns. Regular oil change intervals and using high-quality OEM-approved engine oils can greatly help extend the life of your engine to well over 150,000 miles and beyond.
PAGE DISCLAIMER: The Sprinter motor oil information on this page should not be used as a substitute for what your vehicle owner's manual, factory service manual, or authorized Mercedes Sprinter dealer recommends. Consult your owner's manual for the correct type of Mercedes Sprinter oil that is to be used for your specific Sprinter model.
Recommended Mercedes Sprinter Oil Specs
The recommended Sprinter oil, specifications, quality standards, and oil viscosity weight are specified in your owner's manual. These specifications can typically be referenced in the owner's manual index under engine oil or operating fluids. If you have lost your owner's manual and are having difficulty determining what type of Sprinter oil to use, you may wish to refer to our BLAU® Sprinter Oil Change Kits; which match the correct Sprinter oil, oil filter, and hardware for each specific model and engine type.
Best Oil Type for Dodge Sprinter Engines
- 2003-2006 Dodge Sprinter 2.7L OM647 OM612 L5 turbo diesel models use oil spec MB 229.5 or MB 229.3.**
- 2007-2008 Dodge Sprinter 3.5L M272 V6 gasoline models use MB 229.5 or MB 229.3 oil specs.**
- 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51 or MB 229.51 oil specs.*
Best Oil Type for Freightliner Sprinter Engines
- 2002-2006 Freightliner Sprinter 2.7L OM647 OM612 L5 turbo diesel models use MB 229.5 or MB 229.3 oil specs.**
- 2007-2008 Freightliner Sprinter 3.5L M272 V6 gasoline models use MB 229.5 or MB 229.3 oil specs.**
- 2007-2012 Freightliner Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51 or MB 229.51 oil specs.*
- 2013-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51 oil specs.*
- 2014-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51 oil specs.*
- 2017-2021 Freightliner Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51, MB 229.52 oil specs.*
- 2017-2023 Freightliner Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51, MB 229.52 oil specs.*
Best Oil Type for Mercedes Sprinter Engines
- 2010-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51 oil specs.*
- 2017-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51, MB 229.52 oil specs.*
- 2014-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51 oil specs.*
- 2017-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51, MB 229.52 oil specs.*
- 2020-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51, MB 229.52 oil specs.*
- 2023-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.0L OM654 L4 turbo diesel models use MB 228.51, MB 229.31, MB 229.51, MB 229.52, MB 229.71 oil specs.
- 2019-2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.0L M274 L4 turbo gasoline models use MB 229.5 oil spec.
* The OM642 or OM651 Sprinter diesel engines can use a variety of Mercedes-Benz MB engine oil specs. At this time, the MB 229.52 oil spec is the newest and most up-to-date oil formulation for Sprinter diesel models equipped with diesel particulate filter emission systems. The MB 229.52 diesel oil quality specification will support the greatest diesel particulate filter emission system and EGR valve cleanliness and longevity. MB 229.52 can be used in place of MB 229.31, MB 229.51 oils specs are recommended in older Sprinter diesel engine models.
** Any engine oil with MB 229.5 specification can replace MB 229.3. MB 229.3 oil specification should not be used in place of MB 229.5 spec.
Sprinter Oil Fill Capacities
It's also important not to overfill. Per the below charts, add 0.5-liter LESS oil than the called for Sprinter oil capacity. Then start the engine and run it until operating temperature is achieved (approx. 140 F). Typically, it will take around 15 minutes to achieve engine operating temperature. With the vehicle on level ground. Wait a minute or two once the engine is shut off and then check the dipstick. Fill to the full mark. This is the correct way to check the engine oil level when doing a Sprinter oil change, as it allows the engine oil to fully expand and the oil filter to fill up. This can prevent overfilling the engine oil. It's also good to make sure your engine is warm before draining, as this allows for a more thorough draining.
Overfilling is a common mistake. If you fill and check your Sprinter oil level when the engine is cold - the oil is not at its full expansion and you'll fill over the maximum oil level. When overfilled, the excess oil expands and makes its way into the engine's crankcase ventilation, breather hose, and PCV valve system. This excess oil smog adulterates the air consumed by the engine. This oil adulterated air is then ingested by the engine and then exhausted by the engine. If the engine experiences regular overfilling during oil changes this adulterated air can be the cause of premature oil sludge and buildup on the top side of the intake and exhaust valves. Also, in time regular overfilling can cause issues with the catalytic converters, EGR valves, oxygen sensors, EGT sensors, and diesel particulate filter, as the excess oil needs to be exhausted or burned into and through the exhaust system.
Dodge Sprinter Oil Fill Capacity
- 2003-2006 Dodge Sprinter 2.7L OM647 OM612 L5 turbo diesel oil fill capacity is 9.9 liters or 10.5 quarts
- 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel oil fill capacity is 12.5 liters or 13.2 quarts.
- 2007-2008 Dodge Sprinter 3.5L M272 V6 gasoline oil fill capacity is 9.5 liters or 10.0 quarts.
Freightliner Sprinter Oil Fill Capacity
- 2002-2006 Freightliner Sprinter 2.7L OM647 OM612 L5 turbo diesel oil fill capacity is 9.9 liters or 10.5 quarts.
- 2007-2008 Freightliner Sprinter 3.5L M272 V6 gasoline oil fill capacity is 9.5 liters or 10.0 quarts.
- 2007-2021 Freightliner Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel oil fill capacity is 12.5 liters or 13.2 quarts.
- 2014-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel oil fill capacity is 11.5 liters or 12.15 quarts.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Oil Fill Capacity
- 2010-2022 Mercedes Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel oil fill capacity is 12.5 liters or 13.2 quarts.
- 2014-2017 Mercedes Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel oil fill capacity is 11.5 liters or 12.15 quarts.
- 2020-2022 Mercedes Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel oil fill capacity is 11.5 liters or 12.15 quarts.
- 2023-2023 Mercedes Sprinter 2.0L OM654 L4 turbo diesel oil fill capacity is 10.0 liters or 10.6 quarts.
- 2019-2023 Mercedes Sprinter 2.0L M274 L4 turbo gasoline oil fill capacity is 10.5 liters or 11.2 quarts.
What Is the Best Sprinter Oil Change Interval?
The recommended sprinter oil change intervals will depend on the exact year and engine option. Also, it's important to keep in mind that from the Sprinter's inception in the United States in 2002 to the present the oil change intervals have had several updates. Below are the Sprinter oil change intervals in accordance with the engine options.
Dodge Sprinter Oil Change Intervals
- 2003-2006 Dodge Sprinter 2.7L OM647 OM612 L5 turbo diesel 2 years or 10,000 miles.
- 2007-2008 Dodge Sprinter 3.5L M272 V6 gasoline 2 years or 10,000 miles.
- 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel 2 years or 20,000 miles.
Freightliner Sprinter Oil Change Intervals
- 2002-2006 Freightliner Sprinter 2.7L OM647 OM612 L5 turbo diesel 2 years or 10,000 miles.
- 2007-2008 Freightliner Sprinter 3.5L M272 V6 gasoline 2 years or 10,000 miles.
- 2007-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel 2 years or 20,000 miles.
- 2014-2016 Freightliner Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel 2 years or 20,000 miles.
- 2017-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel engine oil change interval according to the flexible onboard maintenance system.
- 2017-2018 Freightliner Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel engine oil change interval according to the flexible onboard maintenance system.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Oil Change Intervals
- 2010-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel 2 years or 20,000 miles.
- 2017-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3.0L OM642 V6 turbo diesel engine oil change interval according to the flexible onboard maintenance system.
- 2014-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel 2 years or 20,000 miles.
- 2017-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel engine oil change interval according to the flexible onboard maintenance system.
- 2020-2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.1L OM651 L4 turbo diesel engine oil change interval according to the flexible onboard maintenance system.
- 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.0L M274 L4 turbo gasoline engine oil change interval according to the flexible onboard maintenance system.
After 2017 Mercedes changed from the 2-year / 20,000-mile oil change interval to referencing the vehicle's flexible onboard maintenance system. This system electronically monitors the oil quality and the duration of the oil change and will display an oil change warning light when an oil change is recommended.
The above-mentioned oil change intervals of 10,000 miles, 20,000 miles, or two years should only be done with OEM-approved Mercedes-Benz MB-Approved oil quality specification and an OEM oil filter designed for these extended oil change intervals. If extending your oil change interval without the correct MB oil specification and cheap aftermarket oil filters you can experience mechanical breakdowns and reliability issues.
Due to the availability of modern synthetic engine oils, some choose to go longer before performing an oil change service. However, we feel that the vehicle manufacturers have done due diligence in testing and prescribing the best oil change interval for the engine’s longevity.
We recommended performing more frequent oil change intervals of 5,000 - 10,000 miles if your vehicle is exposed to the following conditions. A new engine still going through the break-in period. Consistently loaded conditions such as commercial use, pulling trailers, sustained high-speed travel, spirited driving conditions, and excessive idle time in extremely cold winter climates or extremely hot summer temps.
Product Overview EXAMPLE -- BLAU® Oil Change Kit for Sprinter 3.0L Diesel Models
What Are Mercedes Sprinter Motor Oil Quality Standards (AKA Oil Specs) and Why Are They Important?
Worldwide there have been increased quality requirements for vehicle manufacturers to reduce emissions, minimize their carbon footprint, and improve fuel economy. It was around the late 1990s and early 2000s, that more demanding engine oil quality standards began taking hold.
Around this time, manufacturers (e.g. Mercedes-Benz) began to engineer newer internal combustion engine designs to meet emission requirements and fuel mileage demands. These new Sprinter engines also required cutting-edge synthetic motor oil formulations -- resulting in manufacturers establishing their own advanced and stringent oil quality standards to ensure a higher level of oil quality when compared to the broad API and ACEA oil quality requirements. These oil quality standards outlined by the vehicle manufacturers offer a higher level of quality and the best reliability and longevity of their engines.
The Mercedes Sprinter oil quality specifications can be identified by the abbreviation of Mercedes-Benz MB and then typically a 4-5 digit number after (e.g. MB 229.52, MB-Approval 229.52).
Can I use a non-approved oil in my Sprinter? One that doesn't meet Mercedes-Benz MB oil quality standards?
Conventional petroleum-based blends of motor oils are a thing of the past and should not be used. Using conventional motor oils that do not have OEM-approved Mercedes-Benz motor oil quality standards is very risky and not recommended.
New Sprinter engine designs are engineered to exact tolerances using unique materials (alloys), advanced fuel injection systems, and emission systems. The long-term use of engine oil that is not intended to be used in your engine or a lower quality engine oil can compromise engine performance and lead to causing reliability issues for these mechanical systems. Therefore, exact Sprinter motor oil specifications were designed, are required, and should be used.
We also highly suggest using the correct MB oil specification for your sprinter engine to support possible Mercedes-Benz warranty compliance. Especially, if your Sprinter is still under warranty.
What engine oil should be used when topping off my Sprinter engine oil?
When topping off your Sprinter engine oil between oil changes we encourage you to have an extra liter of the correct Mercedes-Benz specification oil on hand for your Sprinter engine application. This will ensure that if you experience a low engine oil level emergency through the duration of your oil change interval that mixed oil brands, types, or an incorrect oil spec aren’t used. This will ensure the best longevity for your sprinter engine.
If you do not have the correct MB oil quality specification available in low oil emergencies you can use an alternative oil specification rather than running the engine with a low oil level. However, the engine should only be driven for a short time and the mixed oils should be changed out as soon as possible with the correct Sprinter oil specification.
What Is the Best Sprinter Engine Oil?
Today more than ever we have more engine oil options than ever before. This is also reflected in everyone's opinions as to what brand of oil they prefer to use in their Sprinter.
Some choose to sacrifice quality over cost. Some don’t want to spend the money on a quality engine oil with formal MB Sprinter-approved quality specifications. Lesser quality oils show signs of breaking down as early as 4,000 - 5,000 miles. Some say, “I’ll just change my oil sooner, every 5,000 miles.” Does that really make sense? The price of 2 cheaper oil changes that last 5,000 miles each versus what you would pay for 1 high-quality oil change that will last for the intended 10,000 - 20,000 mile oil change interval? How much time do you have? At the end of the day, we can spend more time with our families, kids, and friends or do another oil change?
There are many more benefits to using a high-quality approved oil. They are better for your Sprinter and don’t break down during the intended oil change interval vs cheaper inexpensive oils. If you're planning on keeping your Sprinter long-term and care about the longevity of the engine, it’s best to choose an oil that is made and tested by Mercedes-Benz to remain stable during the entire interval.
In our experience there are a few things that are worth considering when shopping for Sprinter oil:
OEM Approvals - If your Sprinter is still under warranty it’s important to use engine oil that clearly states that it has a Formal OEM approval for the desired Mercedes-Benz MB oil specification (e.g. MB-Approval 229.5 or MB-Approval 229.52), either on the bottle or manufacturer's website. This means that they have received an official letter from the vehicle manufacturer (e.g. Mercedes-Benz) stating that the oil is made in compliance with Mercedes quality standards required for your engine model.
RAVENOL carries more OEM approvals than any other oil company worldwide*. RAVENOL offers one of the large varieties of Mercedes-Benz-approved oils and is an excellent choice for discriminating vehicle owners who desire only the highest quality products. (*Based on the latest Dekra Betriebsstoff Liste.)
Quality Synthetic Oil Base and Tested Oil Characteristics - The oil manufacturer should freely disclose the exact type of synthetic oil base. When shopping for Sprinter oil look for a full PAO or Ester base. The price of a product is a good indication of the type of synthetic it’s made with. Overall, in the engine oil industry, a quality full synthetic will not cost less than $10-$12 a liter.
You should also be able to easily find a list of the oil characteristics on the manufacturer’s website or in published materials. Specific characteristics regarding the testing of the oil's viscosity, HTHS, pourpoint, flashpoint, or Noack volatility at certain temperatures. Many oil manufacturers don’t even publish this information, due to it being of inferior quality. Question the quality of any basic ‘blend’ oil descriptions, as they are likely only made of a certain percentage of real synthetic base.
A nice thing about RAVENOL vs other brands is that they are very transparent and state if an oil is semi-synthetic or fully synthetic, even providing details about whether it is a full PAO or Ester base. Their latest USVO oils are the best of the best and use fully synthetic formulations and additive techniques that outperform other oils on the market by as much as 20%. To learn more about the benefits of using RAVENOL USVO technology see our blog article entitled 'FAQs: RAVENOL USVO Oil Technology'.
100% engineered, made, and bottled in Germany! - Oil formulations in Europe have been ahead of domestically available products for some time. Many of the additives, formulations, and techniques that are used in European oils are not readily available in the U.S. yet. Some parts of the world have very lenient rules on what they consider fully synthetic. Whereas in Europe you have to say it as it is. Most semi-synthetic oils from Europe are what is considered fully synthetic in other parts of the world. RAVENOL oils are made in Germany at their manufacturing site. This allows for the same great formulations and high-quality products no matter where its sold in over 80 different countries!
Put simply, the quality level of the oil base and additive packages is reflected in the price. If an engine oil costs more it is typically because they use higher quality base oils, additives, and formulation techniques for a much more robust engine oil.
What Type of Sprinter Oil Should I Choose?
Motor oil is the lifeblood of your Sprinter. Some quick chain "we-fix-everything-for-less" shops focus on turn around - rather than the quality of an oil change. As the owner, it is your responsibility to spend the extra time, energy, and money to make sure that your Sprinter oil change is done right.
RAVENOL products meet the highest quality specifications. RAVENOL carries many OEM approvals from Mercedes-Benz for the recommended Sprinter oil specifications. RAVENOL also works closely with manufacturers, race engineers, and drivers to develop the most technically advanced lubricants available today.
Below you will find a variety of engine oils available for the recommended Sprinter oil specifications. Please use our above recommended Sprinter oil specification and quality standard application list and choose the correct MB spec engine oil in accordance with your required Sprinter engine type (e.g. MB 229.52 or MB 229.5).
Sprinter MB 229.3 Engine Oils
(For Sprinter Gasoline Engines and Diesel Engines WITHOUT Exhaust Emission Systems)
Mercedes MB 229.3 oil specification has been superseded and replaced by MB 229.5 oil quality specification. See the list below.
Sprinter MB 229.5 Engine Oils
(For Sprinter Gasoline Engines and Diesel Engines WITHOUT Exhaust Emission Systems)
EUROL Syndura 5W40
MB-Approval 229.5 oil spec.
Meets MB 229.3
SAE 5W-40
API SN/CF
ACEA A3/B4
- Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the prefered choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Fully synthetic oil technology provides excellent high-temperature shear load stability and film strength.
- Excellent quick lubricating film strength during cold engine starts and the warm-up phase.
- Minimal oil-related deposit buildup in combustion chambers, piston rings, & valves.
RAVENOL VST
MB-Approval 229.5 oil spec.
Meets MB 229.3
SAE 5W-40
API SN/CF
ACEA A3/B4
- Fully synthetic PAO (Polyalphaolefin) base oil with exclusive USVO & CleanCynto technology additive formula.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- High shear stability during high operating temps.
- Reduces internal dynamic engine drag and increased fuel mileage.
- Superior lubrication to key areas during cold starts.
RAVENOL SSL
MB-Approval 229.5 oil spec.
Meets MB 229.3
SAE 0W-40
ACEA A3 / B4
API SN / CF
- Advanced high Performance fully synthetic USVO & CleanSynto technology.
- No shear losses during the entire change interval.
- Improved engine protection, performance, engine cleanliness, and oil drain intervals.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Excellent cold start characteristics.
Sprinter MB 229.52, 229.51, 229.31 Engine Oils
(For Sprinter Diesel Engines WITH Exhaust Emission Systems)
Eurol Fluence DXS
MB-Approval 229.51, 229.52 oil specs
Meets MB 229.31
SAE 5W-30
ACEA C3
API SN / CF
- Fully synthetic oil developed for excellent shear load stability during the entire extended oil change interval.
- Reduction in engine friction-induced heat and wear.
- Very low evaporation loss, extending the life of expensive MB diesel emission system components.
- Formulation properties reduce friction, wear, and significantly improve fuel mileage.
RAVENOL HLS
MB-Approval 229.51, 229.52 oil specs.
Meets MB 229.31
SAE 5W-30
ACEA C3
API SN / CF
- Performance synthetic base oil and exclusive CleanCynto technology additive formula.
- Special MID SAPS low ash oil characteristics.
- Suitable for extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Supports diesel EGR and particulate filter emission system cleanliness and longevity.
- Excellent cold start characteristics, shear stability, and fuel economy improvement.
RAVENOL VMO
MB-Approval 229.31, 229.51 oil spec.
SAE 5W-40
ACEA C3
API SN / CF
- High-performance synthetic base oil and exclusive CleanCynto technology additive formula.
- Special MID SAPS low ash oil characteristics.
- Suitable for extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Meets stringent EURO IV and EURO V emission standards.
- Noticeable fuel economy improvement.
RAVENOL VMP
MB-Approval 229.51 diesel oil spec.
SAE 5W-30
API SN
ACEA C3
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil and exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Meets stringent EURO VI, EURO V, and EURO IV emission standards.
- Supports diesel EGR and particulate filter emission system cleanliness and longevity.
- Extended oil change intervals were recommended by the manufacturer.
Sprinter MB 228.51 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oils
(For Sprinter Diesel Engines WITH Exhaust Emission Systems)
RAVENOL SDT Super Duty Truck
MB-Approval 228.51 heavy duty diesel oil spec.
SAE 10W-40
API CJ-4, CK-4
ACEA E6/E7/E9
- High-performance synthetic oil developed specifically for heavy duty commercial diesel engines under extreme conditions.
- Excellent for use in EURO 4 EURO 5 and EURO 6 engines with modern low-sulfur diesel fuels.
- Suitable for extended oil change intervals according to vehicle manufacturer recommendations.
- Supports diesel EGR and particulate filter emission system cleanliness and longevity.
Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?
BLAU® oil change kits use high-quality, synthetic* engine oils. The engine oils we offer are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. This in turn can support the conservation of the environment through less oil changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions.
*For most kits, check the product description.
Technical Advantages:
- Convenient BLAU® oil change kits with the correct spec oil and quantities for your specific vehicle make and model
- Oils feature factory OEM approvals or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific oil specification requirements
- Sustainable motor oils that conserve the environment, improve fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions
- High-quality oil allows for longer oil change intervals and extended service life that conserve the Earth's resources
- Motor oils using the latest advanced oil technologies with improved lubricating properties
- High-performance oils with better HTHS, Noak, and TBN performance levels
- Motor oils with better cold temperature pour points and high heat flashpoints
- Better engine protection against sludging, coking, and varnish in the piston ring and valve train areas
- Long-life OEM oil filters for extended oil change intervals
