kenpenguin
I bought a Mercedes Benz Sprinter, CDI 313, all-wheel-drive van for $61,000 plus in 2004. Fitted out as a camper we used it minimally. By 29,000 ks and out of time warranty, the front differential failed requiring a new crown wheel and pinion. It eventuates that this is a throw-away differential. No parts are available for this diff. A new differential costs $25,000. Compare this to the price of the vehicle!
This vehicle was still not due for its first service when the front differential failed. The Mercedes specialist I dealt with sent the differential to a transmission specialist who had difficulty believing the crown wheel and pinion had seen only 29,000ks with perhaps 4 hours in 4WD.
Finally after considerable argument with Mercedes I was offered a new differential for $15,000.i.e. a toy differential for $15,000. By comparison a differential for a Toyota Prado costs $2,000 and it
This vehicle was still not due for its first service when the front differential failed. The Mercedes specialist I dealt with sent the differential to a transmission specialist who had difficulty believing the crown wheel and pinion had seen only 29,000ks with perhaps 4 hours in 4WD.
Finally after considerable argument with Mercedes I was offered a new differential for $15,000.i.e. a toy differential for $15,000. By comparison a differential for a Toyota Prado costs $2,000 and it
