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Downsizing


BIFFO

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Hi to all, I have a 2010 508 Hymer 3 berth with the 2.3 130 engine. This van has the side bench layout and it has served us well since new, however I'm thinking of downsizing and am looking to a van, preferably a sprinter win auto gearbox. I've been hearing some stories about the auto box on the 313 models 2012/2014 . Don't know if I'll go with a used van to a converter or try to buy something already done. Wouk like something like the bench layout on the 508.

Anybody have knowledge of the sprinter problem and of good converters, thanks. ;-)

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The “Sprintshift” robotised-manual transmission gained a reputation for patchy reliability when fitted to ‘commercial’ version of the Mercedes Sprinter and early versions of “Sprintshift” attracted plenty of criticism regarding their operation when in automatic mode.

 

Eventually Mercedes ditched “Sprintshift”, replacing it with a ‘traditional’ torque-converter auto-box.

 

Plenty of reading here:

 

https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=sprintshift+gearbox+reliability

 

I can’t advise on motorhome converters in Ireland, though there obviously are a few...

 

https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=ireland+motorhome+converters

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Thanks for that, seems if I stay up in the years 15/16 I may avoid the dodgy box. In a previous life I drove sprinters and found them reliable over three year cycle at 150000 /165000 miles. My favourite was the first of them with the 5 cylinder engine. Am driving an auto car now and want the van to be auto also.

There are a few converters here but would have no hesitation travelling to GB to get the layout I want.

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Hi Biffo,

 

If you want a truly beautiful conversion then have a look at Rolling Homes...

 

http://www.rolling-homes.co.uk/

 

I have seen VW Crafters converted by them so ask if they will convert a Sprinter for you.

 

The craftsmanship of their cabinet work and interiors is the best I have ever seen. They may well be at some of Warners shows this year so try and get over for a look around.

 

Keith.

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I would also suggest that you avoid the 5 speed version of the Mercedes conventional gearbox as it is not up to the job in a 3500kg vehicle and can't handle upshifts at low revs without the engine labouring. After months of trying to make my previous AS Bourton behave this was the advice given me by Mercedes. The extra gears in the 7 speed (extra option) overcomes the problem apparently.
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