2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter — Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2.0L (M274) holds approximately 10.4-10.8 quarts (9.8-10.2 Liters) of coolant, and the 3.0L OM642 (diesel) holds approximately 12.3-12.7 quarts (11.7-12.0 Liters) of coolant.

Quick answer

2.0L (M274) Gasoline Engine

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 10.4-10.8 quarts (9.8-10.2 Liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze/Coolant, MB 325.0 or 325.6 specification. This is a blue, silicate-containing hybrid OAT (HOAT) formulation.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 pre-mix, or 50/50 concentrate with distilled water.

3.0L OM642 Diesel Engine

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 12.3-12.7 quarts (11.7-12.0 Liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze/Coolant, MB 325.0 or 325.6 specification. This is a blue, silicate-containing hybrid OAT (HOAT) formulation.
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 pre-mix, or 50/50 concentrate with distilled water.

Capacity by engine option

Flush interval

Mercedes-Benz generally recommends a coolant flush for the Sprinter every 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. For vehicles operating under severe duty conditions—such as frequent towing, extreme temperatures, or dusty environments—it's advisable to inspect the coolant condition annually and consider flushing more frequently, potentially every 5 years or 50,000 miles.

How to refill & bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system on a 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is crucial to prevent air pockets, which can cause overheating. Here's a general procedure:

1. Drain the System: Ensure the engine is cool. Place a drain pan under the radiator and open the drain cock (if equipped) or remove the lower radiator hose to drain the old coolant.
2. Flush (Optional but Recommended): After draining, you can flush the system with distilled water until the water runs clear. Close the drain and refill with distilled water, run the engine to operating temperature with the heater on high, then drain again.
3. Refill with New Coolant: Close the drain and refill the system slowly with the specified 50/50 mix of Mercedes-Benz approved coolant. Fill the expansion tank to the MAX line.
4. Bleeding Process:
   • Start the engine and let it run with the heater on full heat and fan speed low.
   • Keep the expansion tank cap off and observe the coolant level. Top up as needed.
   • Rev the engine gently to about 2,500 RPM for short bursts to help dislodge air bubbles.
   • Look for a small bleed screw, typically on a hose closer to the firewall or on the thermostat housing. Loosen it slightly until a steady stream of coolant (without air bubbles) emerges, then tighten it.
   • Continue this process until no more air bubbles appear in the expansion tank and the coolant level stabilizes. You may need to squeeze the radiator hoses to help release trapped air.
   • Once stabilized, replace the expansion tank cap.
5. Final Check: After a test drive, allow the engine to cool completely and recheck the coolant level in the expansion tank. Top up if necessary.

Note: For the 3.0L OM642 diesel engine, some technicians prefer to use a vacuum-fill tool, which significantly reduces the risk of air pockets by creating a vacuum in the system before refilling.

Common cooling system issues

For the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generation, common cooling system issues can include:

• Water Pump Leaks: Particularly for higher mileage vehicles, the water pump can develop leaks. This is often identifiable by a coolant drip near the front of the engine or squealing noises.
• Thermostat Housing Leaks: The plastic thermostat housing can become brittle over time and develop cracks, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating.
• EGR Cooler Leaks (Diesel Engines): On the OM642 diesel engine, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler can sometimes leak coolant internally, leading to coolant consumption without visible external leaks. Signs might include white smoke from the exhaust or coolant disappearing from the reservoir.
• Radiator Leaks: Road debris or age can cause the radiator to develop leaks, often visible as staining on the radiator fins.
• Hose Degradation: Over time, coolant hoses can harden, crack, or soften, leading to leaks or bursts. Regular inspection is key.
• Coolant Expansion Tank Leaks: The plastic expansion tank can develop cracks, especially around hose connections or seams.

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