2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter typically holds between 10.5 to 11.5 quarts (9.9 to 10.9 liters) of coolant, depending on the specific engine and cooling system configuration.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 10.5 - 11.5 quarts (9.9 - 10.9 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant, often blue or blue-green in color, conforming to MB-Approval 325.0 or 325.6. This is a Silicate HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix or 50/50 concentrate with distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

For the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the recommended coolant flush interval can vary based on driving conditions.

• Normal Duty: Every 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty (e.g., frequent towing, extreme temperatures, commercial use): It is advisable to inspect the coolant annually and consider a flush every 5 years or 75,000 miles to ensure optimal cooling system performance and longevity, though Mercedes-Benz generally specifies a very long interval for their approved coolants.

Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or maintenance booklet for the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations for your specific model and usage.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter requires careful attention to detail. Here's a general procedure:

1. Preparation: Ensure the engine is cool. Elevate the front of the vehicle slightly to help with air purging.
2. Drain (if flushing): Open the drain plug on the radiator and/or engine block to completely drain old coolant. Flush with distilled water if performing a full flush.
3. Close Drains: Securely close all drain plugs.
4. Refill: Slowly add the correct MB-approved 50/50 coolant mix to the expansion tank up to the "Max" mark. Fill slowly to allow air to escape.
5. Bleed Air:
   • Start the engine and let it run with the heater on full blast (lowest fan speed) to open the heater core valve.
   • Keep the expansion tank cap off and monitor the coolant level. Add more coolant as needed.
   • Some Sprinter models, particularly those with the V6 diesel, may have a small bleed screw on a hose near the firewall or on the thermostat housing. Loosen this screw until a steady stream of coolant (without air bubbles) emerges, then retighten.
   • Rev the engine gently to about 2000-2500 RPM for a few minutes at a time to help circulate coolant and push air out.
   • Continue this process until no more air bubbles appear in the expansion tank and the coolant level stabilizes.
6. Cool Down & Recheck: Allow the engine to cool completely, then recheck the coolant level in the expansion tank and top off if necessary.
7. Test Drive: Take a short test drive, then recheck the level once the engine cools again.

Important Note: The Sprinter's cooling system can be tricky to bleed completely. If you're experiencing persistent overheating or airlock issues after refilling, a vacuum-fill tool is highly recommended or professional assistance may be required to ensure all air is purged.

Common Cooling System Issues

For the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (W906 generation), several cooling system issues are more commonly reported:

• Coolant Leaks: Often from the water pump, thermostat housing, coolant hoses, or the expansion tank itself. The plastic components can become brittle over time.
• EGR Cooler Leaks: Particularly on diesel models, the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler can develop internal leaks, leading to coolant loss and/or white smoke from the exhaust.
• Thermostat Housing Failure: The plastic thermostat housing can crack, leading to leaks and improper engine temperature regulation.
• Radiator/Oil Cooler Leaks: Radiator end-tank leaks or issues with the integrated transmission oil cooler within the radiator are not uncommon.
• Accessory Belt / Tensioner Issues: A failing accessory belt or tensioner can impact water pump operation, leading to cooling issues or noise.
• Coolant Level Sensor Failure: The sensor in the expansion tank can fail, leading to erroneous low coolant warnings.

Regular inspection of the cooling system components and adherence to the recommended coolant maintenance schedule can help prevent many of these issues.

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