⚠️ Mercedes-Benz manufacturer position
XENTRY mandates tank lowering on many Sprinter configurations for module service. Do not cycle ignition after gasoline contamination.
Vehicle information
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Model | Sprinter |
| Market status | Sold new in the US 2001–present (diesel primary; gasoline on select years) |
| Body styles | Cargo van, Passenger van, Cab chassis |
| Generations | VS30 (2019+); NCV3 (2007–2018) |
| Engine options | Gasoline: Gasoline Sprinter on select US years—verify VIN Diesel: 3.0L V6 diesel (OM642 family) and successors—primary US fleet fuel Electric: eSprinter BEV (no fuel tank) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 24.5 gal (93 L) typical diesel—auxiliary tanks on some upfits |
| Fuel system | Diesel common-rail high-pressure pump; DEF/SCR separate reservoir |
| Access method | Tank drop typical on high-roof vans | Module access when documented |
| Anti-siphon | Yes — large diesel filler |
| Service portal | Mercedes-Benz XENTRY / Star TekInfo |
Misfuel risk High
Sprinter fleets fuel at truck stops where gasoline nozzles are nearby—gasoline-in-diesel is a frequent US commercial claim.
If the engine was not started
Do not start OM642/ successor diesel if gasoline added. Drain and dispose per RCRA/state rules.
If the engine was started
HP pump, injectors, rails, filters, and potential SCR damage if wrong fluid—full XENTRY teardown scope.
Access procedure
- Relieve fuel system pressure and disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Drain accessible fuel through the pump module opening when OEM allows; otherwise prepare for tank removal.
- Raise the vehicle safely; support the fuel tank with OEM-approved equipment.
- Disconnect filler neck, vent, EVAP, and supply/return lines at the tank.
- Lower the tank and empty remaining fuel into approved containers.
- Flush or replace components per contamination severity and OEM limits.
- Reinstall the tank, reconnect all lines, and torque fasteners to specification.
- Refill, prime, and verify fuel pressure and leak-free operation (Mercedes-Benz service information).
Notes
- DEF fill is blue cap—never add DEF to diesel tank.
- eSprinter: no fuel misfuel—separate EV procedures.
Related models
Frequently asked questions
I put gas in my Sprinter diesel—can I idle it out?
No. Idling primes the high-pressure pump with gasoline. Tow for tank drain without starting.
Is Freightliner Sprinter the same?
Freightliner-badged Sprinters share Mercedes fuel system service—use Sprinter XENTRY procedures.
What about DEF in the diesel tank?
That is a different contamination—do not start; drain and inspect SCR per Mercedes commercial service.
Gasoline Sprinter in the US?
Some US years offered gasoline Sprinter—confirm fuel door before assuming diesel procedures.
Need professional misfuel recovery?
Find a certified operator or read consumer guidance for your next steps.
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