2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Transmission & Axle Gear Ratio Reference
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The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a legendary workhorse, renowned for its versatility, durability, and robust powertrain options. Whether you are outfitting a Sprinter 2500 for long-haul expediting or a Sprinter 3500 for heavy payload deliveries, understanding your van's transmission and axle gear ratios is crucial. The right gear ratios dictate everything from your off-the-line acceleration when fully loaded to your highway cruising fuel economy.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the transmission and rear axle gear ratios for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Transmission gear ratios
For the 2017 model year, the Sprinter was offered with two main transmission options, paired specifically to the engine choice. The 2.1-liter 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel (OM651) is mated to the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel (OM642) utilizes the proven 5-speed automatic transmission (NAG1).
7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC Plus)
Standard on 2.1L 4-cylinder OM651 models.
| Gear | Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1st | 4.38:1 |
| 2nd | 2.86:1 |
| 3rd | 1.92:1 |
| 4th | 1.37:1 |
| 5th | 1.00:1 |
| 6th | 0.82:1 |
| 7th | 0.73:1 |
| Reverse 1 | -3.42:1 |
| Reverse 2 | -2.23:1 |
5-Speed Automatic (NAG1 / 722.6)
Standard on 3.0L V6 OM642 models and 4x4 configurations.
| Gear | Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1st | 3.59:1 |
| 2nd | 2.19:1 |
| 3rd | 1.41:1 |
| 4th | 1.00:1 |
| 5th | 0.83:1 |
| Reverse | -3.16:1 |
Available axle ratios
The rear differential ratio in your Sprinter determines the final drive to the wheels. Depending on whether you have a 2500 (single rear wheel) or 3500 (dual rear wheel), and whether you have a 4x4 option, Mercedes offered several axle ratios.
| Ratio | Available With (engine/trim/package) | RPO/Axle Code | Best For (towing / fuel economy / balanced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.92 | Sprinter 2500 (2.1L & 3.0L V6), standard 4x4 | AR2 | Balanced - Excellent mix of highway cruising MPG and light/medium cargo hauling. |
| 4.18 | Sprinter 3500 (standard), Heavy Duty payload packages | AR3 | Towing/Hauling - Better low-end torque for heavy payloads and dual-rear-wheel models. |
| 4.36 | Sprinter 3500 (optional), Cab Chassis configurations | AR4 | Towing - Dedicated heavy-duty hauling, box trucks, and max-capacity towing. |
| 4.72 | Sprinter 3500 (extreme duty / cutaway options) | AR5 | Heavy Towing - Strict city delivery, severe incline routes, maximum GCWR. |
How to identify your axle ratio
If you bought your 2017 Sprinter used and aren't sure how it was spec'd from the factory, there are a few ways to confirm your exact rear axle ratio.
- Door-Jamb RPO Sticker / Build Data: While GM uses traditional RPO stickers, Mercedes-Benz vehicles feature a data card or build sheet. Look at the sticker on the driver's side door jamb or the driver's seat base. Sometimes axle codes (like AR2 for 3.92) are printed on the factory weight label.
- Axle Tag: Crawl underneath the rear of the van and inspect the differential housing. Mercedes typically attaches a metal tag or stamps a serial number on the rear differential cover or housing that explicitly states the ratio (e.g., "i = 3.92" or "47:12").
- VIN Decoder: The easiest and most accurate method for a Sprinter is to run your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through a Mercedes-Benz EPC (Electronic Parts Catalog) or an online VIN decoder. The original factory data card will list the exact axle code (e.g., Code AR2 = Axle Ratio 3.923).
Towing vs MPG impact
The relationship between your axle ratio, fuel economy, and towing capacity is a simple matter of physics.
A numerically lower ratio (such as the 3.92) is often referred to as a "taller" gear. It requires the driveshaft to spin fewer times to turn the wheels once. This results in lower engine RPMs at highway speeds, which translates directly to better fuel economy and less engine noise in the cabin. However, it provides less off-the-line torque.
A numerically higher ratio (such as the 4.18 or 4.36), known as a "shorter" gear, means the engine revs higher at a given speed. This gives the van a mechanical torque advantage, making it better for towing, pulling heavy payloads, and climbing steep grades without the transmission constantly hunting for gears. The trade-off is reduced highway fuel efficiency.
Common issues
While the Sprinter powertrain is generally built to commercial grade standards, there are a few common driveline issues to be aware of:
- Driveshaft Carrier Bearing Wear: The Sprinter features a long multi-piece driveshaft supported by carrier bearings. Over time, the rubber surrounding these bearings degrades, causing a noticeable shudder or vibration on acceleration, especially under heavy load.
- Ring & Pinion Whine: High-mileage heavy-haulers (especially 3500s constantly loaded to max capacity) may develop a whining noise from the rear differential. This typically indicates wear on the ring and pinion gears or pinion bearings.
- Transmission Fluid Sensitivity: Both the 5-speed and 7-speed automatics are highly sensitive to fluid condition and level. Shuddering during shifts or "rumble strip" noises (torque converter clutch chatter) often point to degraded transmission fluid. Regular servicing every 40,000 to 60,000 miles is vital.
Find a driveline shop on Repairius.
More specs for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Oil Capacity & Filter
Capacity, weight, filter PN, drain plug torque, change interval.
Fluid Type Specs
Engine oil, coolant, ATF, diff, brake, PS, DEF — with OEM spec numbers.
Coolant Capacity & Type
Total system capacity, OEM coolant spec, flush interval, bleed tips.
Transmission Fluid & Service
Trans model, fluid spec, capacity, filter PN, service interval.
Torque Specifications
Lug nuts, drain plug, caliper, axle nut, plug, key fasteners.
Brake Pad & Rotor Specs
Pad PNs, rotor size, min thickness, caliper torque.
Tire Size & Pressure
OEM size, cold psi, bolt pattern, wheel size, TPMS.
Battery Size & Group
Group size, CCA, AGM/flooded, dimensions, reset note.
A/C Refrigerant & Oil
R-134a or R-1234yf, charge oz, PAG oil spec.
Bulb Sizes (Headlight, Tail, Fog)
Headlight, fog, tail, turn, reverse, interior.
Factory Maintenance Schedule
Service intervals by mileage, severe-duty notes, known issues.
Towing Capacity & Payload
Max tow, payload, GVWR/GCWR, hitch class by trim.
Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage
Fuse box locations, layout, amps, and what each fuse controls.
Serpentine Belt Routing & Length
Belt routing, length, rib count, OEM + aftermarket PNs.
Wheel Alignment Specifications
Camber, caster, toe ranges (front & rear), adjustability notes.
Paint Color Codes
All factory colors with paint codes, sticker location, touch-up tips.
Wiper Blade Sizes
Driver/passenger/rear blade size, attachment, OEM + cross-refs.
Spark Plug Type & Gap
Plug PN, gap, torque, interval by engine.
Key Fob Programming
DIY programming steps, FCC ID, fob PN, battery, transponder.
Same spec — other model years
Maintenance & repair guides
2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Maintenance Schedule →
Available maintenance guidance; confirm the manufacturer schedule.
Repair planning references →
Plan the scope of work; detailed procedures need configuration-matched evidence.
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