What faults does the Mercedes 300 series Sprinter van have?

I am thinking of buying a 309/310/311 (any help on the significance of these numbers would be appreciated). I need to be able to stand up inside (I am 1m 83cm tall) as I want to use it for weekends away. I would like an automatic, but they seem rare.What faults does the Mercedes 300 series Sprinter van have?
The only fault I can think of if it is a white van is the driver.
I dont really know of any faults other than they put the dodge name on them.Everything i have heard about them is all positive.They are versatile and easy to drive 23 miles to the gallon.You do know that they are a diesel engine dont you?I would buy one i like them except for the dodge name on them.What faults does the Mercedes 300 series Sprinter van have?
I used to work for a main dealer - the numbers refer to the horsepower go for the 311 as they are far more common when it comes to business users so parts are easier to get. They come in a variety of lengths %26amp; roof heights if it was me I would go for a long wheel base with high roof model (again the most popular) As long as the van has a service history you should be ok just make sure you get a service when the service indicator tells you too. Engines %26amp; gearboxes are reliable but clutches burn out very quickly if you try to pull away in wrong gear - gear cables unclipping are prone to stop you getting gears but are an easy fix. Get brake pads changed at first sign of warning light to prevent them scoring disks (200 miles max) If you intend keeping anything valuable in back get extra locks fitted as older vans are easy to break in to by forcing a screw driver down side of handle (Maple do a good slam lock check internet for details) A sprinter will last for many years even the rusty looking ones just seem to go on and on. hope this helps. I have never seen an automatic Also avoid gas conversions as they give a lot of trouble generally
The chassis have been known to split in the middle.I know some one who it happened to, and have heard of others.What faults does the Mercedes 300 series Sprinter van have?
I drive an 06 plate 311 and it runs like a drema with 77k on the clock. Only had one set of pads on it and its a meduim wheelbase high roof configuration. Radio's are a bit naff so i dropped a JVC multi changer into it from my old car and its great to drive. Have driven an automatic with a tiptraonic type box but pretty rare to find second hand in UK. The new shape have a six speed auto, while the 311 i drove in the old style shape (00 - 06) only had 4 speeds im sure. Good luck in your hunt
The first number is the chassis design weight 3= 3000 kg and rest are BHP faults with sprinter are injectors and gearbox plus if you have to replace the clutch you got to buy a dual mass flywheel as well(bloody expensive)as are all merc parts.Dont bother with merc auto box they are crap especially on the vito and sprinter vans