2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Fluid Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (2.1L OM651)	Mercedes-Benz Spec 229.51, 229.52	~12.2 qt (11.5 L)
Engine Oil (3.0L OM642)	Mercedes-Benz Spec 229.51, 229.52	~13.2 qt (12.5 L)
Engine Coolant	Mercedes-Benz Spec 325.0, 325.6 (Si-OAT)	~11.6 qt (11 L)
Automatic Transmission Fluid	MB 236.14 or 236.15 (verify by VIN)	7.5 - 9.5 qt (7.1 - 9.0 L)
Transfer Case (4x4)	MB 236.13 (Shell ATF 134)	~1.6 qt (1.5 L)
Front Differential (4x4)	MB 235.7/235.74 (SAE 75W-85)	~0.7 qt (0.65 L)
Rear Differential	MB 235.8 (SAE 75W-90)	2.3 - 3.4 qt (2.2 - 3.2 L)
Brake Fluid	MB 331.0 (DOT 4+)	~1.1 qt (1.0 L)
Power Steering Fluid	MB 236.3 (Pentosin CHF 11S)	~1.3 qt (1.2 L)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	API Certified (ISO 22241)	~4.7 gal (18 L)
Windshield Washer Fluid	Mercedes-Benz SummerFit/WinterFit	~7.4 qt (7.0 L)

Engine Oil

For the 2016 Sprinter, whether equipped with the 2.1L OM651 4-cylinder or the 3.0L OM642 V6, Mercedes-Benz requires a low-ash diesel engine oil meeting their specific internal standards. Using the wrong oil can lead to premature wear and catastrophic failure of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and other emissions components.

• Specification: Mercedes-Benz Approval 229.51 or 229.52. Common viscosities are SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. The 229.52 specification is the most current and is backward-compatible, offering improved fuel economy and oxidation stability. Always look for the official "MB-Approval 229.51" or "MB-Approval 229.52" text on the bottle.
• Capacity: The OM651 engine takes approximately 12.2 quarts (11.5 liters), while the larger OM642 V6 requires about 13.2 quarts (12.5 liters). Always verify the level with the dipstick after filling.
• Notes: Never use a conventional passenger car oil or a heavy-duty diesel oil (like API CK-4) unless it also carries the specific MB 229.51/229.52 approval. Change intervals can be as long as 20,000 miles, but this is entirely dependent on the vehicle's ASSYST PLUS service computer, which calculates the ideal interval based on driving habits, idle time, and other factors.

Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)

The Sprinter uses a specific type of coolant to protect its mixed-metal engine and cooling system. Using the wrong coolant can cause corrosion, gelling, and overheating.

• Specification: Mercedes-Benz coolant specification 325.0 (for concentrate) or 325.6 (for pre-mixed 50/50). This is a Silicate-enhanced Organic Acid Technology (Si-OAT) coolant. It is typically blue or pink/violet in color. Do not confuse it with standard OAT or HOAT coolants.
• Capacity: The cooling system holds approximately 11.6 quarts (11 liters). Always mix concentrated coolant with distilled water to a 50/50 ratio for optimal freeze and corrosion protection.
• Notes: Never mix coolant types. If the system contains green, orange, or any other color coolant, it should be completely flushed and refilled with the correct MB 325.0/325.6 spec fluid. Topping off with distilled water is acceptable for minor adjustments, but significant loss requires adding the proper 50/50 mix.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Identifying the correct ATF for a 2016 Sprinter is critical and depends on the specific transmission installed (NAG1 5-speed or 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed). Using the wrong fluid can cause severe shift quality issues and internal damage.

• Specification:
  • 5-Speed (NAG1): MB Approval 236.14. This fluid is typically red.
  • 7-Speed (7G-TRONIC PLUS): MB Approval 236.15. This fluid is typically blue and has a lower viscosity. It is NOT backward-compatible with transmissions requiring 236.14.
• Capacity: A drain and fill may require 7.5 to 9.5 quarts (7.1 - 9.0 L). A full system flush is not typically recommended.
• Notes: This is one of the most critical fluid choices. You must verify which transmission your Sprinter has, often by checking the VIN or observing the transmission pan shape. The two fluids are not interchangeable. Due to the complex "fill-tube" method of checking the level, which requires the fluid to be at a specific temperature, this service is often best left to a professional technician.

Transfer Case & Differential Gear Oil

For 4x4 models, the transfer case and front/rear differentials require specific gear lubricants to ensure longevity and proper function of the all-wheel-drive system.

• Transfer Case (4x4 Models): Use a fluid meeting MB Approval 236.13. The most common fluid for this is Shell ATF 134. Capacity is around 1.6 quarts (1.5 L).
• Front Differential (4x4 Models): This requires a gear oil meeting MB Approval 235.7 or 235.74, such as an SAE 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil. Capacity is small, around 0.7 quarts (0.65 L).
• Rear Differential: Most models require a fluid meeting MB Approval 235.8, which is a synthetic SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil. Capacity ranges from 2.3 to 3.4 quarts (2.2 to 3.2 L) depending on the specific axle configuration. No limited-slip friction modifier is typically needed.

Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid

• Brake Fluid: The system requires a high-quality DOT 4+ brake fluid meeting MB Specification 331.0. Standard DOT 4 is acceptable, but the "Plus" or "Super" DOT 4 fluids offer a higher boiling point, which is recommended. The system should be flushed every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Capacity is approximately 1.1 quarts (1.0 L).
• Power Steering Fluid: Use a fluid meeting MB Approval 236.3, such as Pentosin CHF 11S or an equivalent. This is a high-performance synthetic hydraulic fluid. Using standard power steering fluid or ATF will cause damage to the pump and seals. Capacity is around 1.3 quarts (1.2 L).

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) & Washer Fluid

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF): This is essential for the function of the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) emissions system. Use any high-quality DEF that is ISO 22241 certified and displays the American Petroleum Institute (API) certification mark. The tank holds approximately 4.7 gallons (18 L).
• Windshield Washer Fluid: While any quality commercial washer fluid will work, Mercedes-Benz offers their SummerFit and WinterFit concentrated formulas for optimal cleaning and freeze protection. The reservoir is large, holding about 7.4 quarts (7.0 L).

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