Congratulations on owning your first Mercedes-Benz, and especially a beautiful 2019 Mercedes Sprinter! It’s understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed when diving into the specifics of your vehicle, especially with the unique terminology and model variations Mercedes-Benz uses. Many new owners find themselves in the same boat, trying to decipher terms and codes to truly understand their Sprinter. Let’s break down some of the common questions and help you get familiar with your 2019 Mercedes Sprinter 3500, often used as a base for recreational vehicles like your Leisure Travel Van Unity Murphy Bed.
You’ve already gathered some great baseline information about your Sprinter, including the engine specs and GVWR. Let’s tackle those remaining points to clarify the chassis, engine OM number, and model designations.
Understanding Your Sprinter’s Chassis Number: 906 or 907?
It’s common to encounter chassis numbers like 906 and 907 when researching Sprinter parts or services. Your service representative mentioned both, which can be confusing. The good news is that for a 2019 model year Sprinter, you likely have the 907 chassis.
The 906 chassis refers to the previous generation Sprinter, produced roughly from 2006 to 2018. The 907 chassis represents the newer generation, introduced around 2019. Since your Sprinter is a 2019 model, it falls into this transition period. While some 2019 models might still be 906 chassis, especially earlier in the year, it’s highly probable that a 2019 Mercedes Sprinter 3500, particularly one used for RV conversions, would be the newer 907 chassis.
How to Confirm Your Chassis Number:
While VIN decoders online might not explicitly state the chassis number, there are a few ways to confirm:
- Check your paperwork: Vehicle registration or insurance documents might specify the chassis type.
- Consult your Mercedes-Benz dealer: They can definitively tell you the chassis number based on your VIN.
- Visual cues (though less definitive): The 907 chassis Sprinter has a redesigned front fascia and dashboard compared to the 906. However, visual differences can be subtle.
Why is the Chassis Number Important?
Knowing your chassis number (906 or 907) is crucial because:
- Parts Compatibility: Parts are often chassis-specific. Ensuring you select parts for the correct chassis is essential for maintenance and repairs.
- Service Information: Repair manuals, diagnostic procedures, and technical service bulletins are often categorized by chassis type.
- Upgrades and Modifications: Compatibility of aftermarket upgrades or modifications can depend on the chassis.
While there are similarities between the 906 and 907 chassis, especially in fundamental mechanics, it’s always best to identify the correct one for accurate information and parts sourcing.
Decoding Your Engine OM Number: The Heart of Your Sprinter
You’re right, in the Mercedes-Benz world, engines are frequently identified by their OM (Öl-Motor – Oil Engine) number. For your 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel engine in a 2019 Sprinter, the OM number is likely OM642.
Specifically, variations like OM 642.898 or OM 642.986 you’ve seen online are further refinements within the OM642 engine family. These suffixes often denote minor variations related to emission standards, specific model applications, or production dates. For most practical purposes, referring to it as OM642 is generally sufficient.
How to Find Your Exact OM Number:
The most precise way to find your specific OM number is:
- Vehicle Data Card: Your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes with a “data card” which lists all the specific build details for your vehicle, including the exact engine OM number. This might be a physical card or accessible digitally through a Mercedes-Benz service portal. Your dealer can help you access this.
- Engine Bay Sticker: Sometimes, a sticker in the engine bay will display the engine type and OM number.
- Consult your Mercedes-Benz dealer: Providing your VIN to a dealer will allow them to retrieve the exact engine OM number for your Sprinter.
Why is the OM Number Important?
The OM number is vital because:
- Engine Identification: It precisely identifies your engine type, differentiating it from other Mercedes-Benz engines.
- Parts Look-up: Just like chassis numbers, engine parts are specific to the OM engine family. Using the OM number ensures you get the correct parts for servicing your engine.
- Technical Information: Repair manuals, technical specifications, and forums often organize information by OM engine number.
Knowing you have an OM642 engine is a great start. For very specific part inquiries, having the full OM number from your data card is ideal.
Model Designations: 3,5-t Bus, 319 CDI, and BlueTEC Explained
Mercedes-Benz model designations can seem like alphabet soup at first! Let’s clarify “3,5-t Bus” and “319 CDI”:
- “3,5-t Bus” (or “Box”): This refers to the weight class of your Sprinter. “3,5-t” means 3.5 metric tons, which translates to approximately 3.5 tonnes or 7,700 lbs. This generally indicates a Sprinter 3500 model, which is consistent with what you know about your vehicle. “Bus” or “Box” might refer to body styles in other markets, but for your US-spec Sprinter 3500 RV chassis, the “3,5-t” designation is primarily about its weight capacity class.
- “319 CDI”: This is a model code indicating the engine and performance level.
- 319: This part of the code signifies the engine power output relative to other Sprinter models in the range. The “19” in “319” generally points to the higher horsepower version of the 3.0L V6 diesel engine.
- CDI (Common-rail Direct Injection): This is Mercedes-Benz’s term for their common-rail direct injection diesel technology. CDI engines are known for their efficiency, power delivery, and relatively quieter operation compared to older diesel injection systems.
- BlueTEC: This is Mercedes-Benz’s emission control technology for diesel engines. BlueTEC systems use AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid – DEF) to reduce harmful NOx emissions, making the engine cleaner and compliant with stringent emission standards. Your “BlueTEC Turbo Diesel” designation confirms your engine is equipped with this advanced emission control system.
In summary, “MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 3,5-t Bus (906) 319 CDI / BlueTEC (906.731, 906.733, 906.735) OM 642.986 2987cc 3a” breaks down as:
- MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER: The vehicle model.
- 3,5-t Bus: 3.5-tonne weight class Sprinter.
- (906): Incorrectly listed chassis (likely should be 907 for a 2019).
- 319 CDI: Higher-powered 3.0L V6 CDI engine variant.
- BlueTEC: Equipped with BlueTEC emission control.
- (906.731, 906.733, 906.735): Specific model variations within the 906 chassis range (less relevant for your 2019 907 chassis).
- OM 642.986: Specific variant of the OM642 engine.
- 2987cc: Engine displacement in cubic centimeters (2.987 liters or approximately 3.0L).
Understanding these designations will make researching parts, services, and information for your 2019 Mercedes Sprinter much easier. Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ownership! Enjoy your journeys in your Leisure Travel Van Unity.
