KNOWN FAULTS · Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (VS30) 3.0 V6 (OM642) common problems.

2018–2026 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Oil cooler and injector leaksOil leaks / injectors

Engine / equipment: OM642 3.0 V6 CDI/BlueTEC (280/300/320/350 CDI, ML, GL, R, Sprinter)
Period mentioned: 2005 onwards
Symptoms: Oil pooling in the engine's V, burning oil smell, drips under the engine; or a hiss or chirp next to an injector with an exhaust smell.
Possible cause described: The oil cooler seals (in the engine's V) degrade. Separately, injector washers leak combustion gas and carbon builds up around the injector.
Check for the garage: Visual inspection of the engine's V and the base of the injectors.
Cost cited in the source: Oil cooler seals: labour-heavy, approx. €800–1,800 (estimate)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Bucking between 1,700 and 1,900 rpm caused by soot in the OM642 EGR valveIntake / engine management

Engine / equipment: 3.0 V6 CDI OM642 in the Sprinter (906 and 907)
Period mentioned: 2006–2026
Symptoms: Bucking or surging always between 1,700 and 1,900 rpm, especially on level roads with a light load; above and below that it runs fine. Sometimes with EGR valve codes and the engine warning light.
Possible cause described: Soot between the EGR valve flap and its seat slows it down, so it does not reach the position the control unit asks for in time, and the valve (and sometimes the boost control) oscillates. Mercedes describes it in information LI14.20-N-073867 (January and June 2026 versions): the EGR valve and cooler are cleaned, or the valve is replaced if the fault is electrical.
Check for the garage: Note the exact rpm at which it happens. At the garage, the manufacturer's test is to unplug the EGR valve and test drive: if the bucking disappears, the EGR is cleaned before replacing injectors or the turbo.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.