Mercedes Sprinter I - Technical Data
Manufactured between 1995 and 2006, the first-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter quickly established itself as one of the most adaptable and dependable vans in the European commercial vehicle sector. Offered in a wide array of body lengths and roof heights, the Sprinter I was designed to handle a variety of roles across industries and trades.
Body Dimensions and Configurations
From the compact L1H1 to the extended L3H2 model, the Sprinter I provided options for every transportation need. The van’s layout included short and long wheelbases, combined with varying roof heights to optimize load volume and maneuverability.
| Model |
Length A (mm) |
Wheelbase B (mm) |
Height C (mm) |
Max Cargo Length D (mm) |
| L1H1 | 5004 | 2997 | 2365–2405 | 2515 |
| L1H2 | 5004 | 2997 | 2591–2631 | 2515 |
| L2H1 | 5585 | 3550 | 2365–2405 | 3265 |
| L2H2 | 5585 | 3550 | 2591–2631 | 3265 |
| L3H2 | 6945 | 4013 | 2591–2631 | 4214 |
L1H1
Length A: 5004 mm
Wheelbase B: 2997 mm
Height C: 2365–2405 mm
Max Cargo Length D: 2515 mm
L1H2
Length A: 5004 mm
Wheelbase B: 2997 mm
Height C: 2591–2631 mm
Max Cargo Length D: 2515 mm
L2H1
Length A: 5585 mm
Wheelbase B: 3550 mm
Height C: 2365–2405 mm
Max Cargo Length D: 3265 mm
L2H2
Length A: 5585 mm
Wheelbase B: 3550 mm
Height C: 2591–2631 mm
Max Cargo Length D: 3265 mm
L3H2
Length A: 6945 mm
Wheelbase B: 4013 mm
Height C: 2591–2631 mm
Max Cargo Length D: 4214 mm
Cargo Volume and Loading Efficiency
The Sprinter’s load area supported up to 13.4 cubic meters of volume in the L3H2 model and offered space for up to 5 Euro pallets. Its low floor, wide-opening doors, and boxy cargo shape made it ideal for shelving systems and bulky freight.
| Model |
Max Cargo Length (mm) |
Volume (m³) |
Payload (kg) |
Euro Pallets |
| L1H1 | 2515 | 7.0 | 1670 | 2 |
| L1H2 | 2515 | 9.1 | 1540 | 2 |
| L2H1 | 3265 | 9.1 | 1540 | 3 |
| L2H2 | 3265 | 10.4 | 1520 | 3 |
| L3H2 | 4214 | 13.4 | 1400–1500 | 5 |
L1H1
Max Cargo Length: 2515 mm
Volume: 7.0 m³
Payload: 1670 kg
Euro Pallets: 2
L1H2
Max Cargo Length: 2515 mm
Volume: 9.1 m³
Payload: 1540 kg
Euro Pallets: 2
L2H1
Max Cargo Length: 3265 mm
Volume: 9.1 m³
Payload: 1540 kg
Euro Pallets: 3
L2H2
Max Cargo Length: 3265 mm
Volume: 10.4 m³
Payload: 1520 kg
Euro Pallets: 3
L3H2
Max Cargo Length: 4214 mm
Volume: 13.4 m³
Payload: 1400–1500 kg
Euro Pallets: 5
Powertrains and Efficiency
The Sprinter I was equipped with multiple engine types, including both diesel and petrol options. Most notable were the diesel units, praised for torque and fuel economy. Common rail technology was introduced in later CDI variants.
| Engine |
Type |
Displacement |
Power (PS) |
Torque (Nm) |
Transmission |
Avg. Fuel Use |
| OM602 2.9 TD | 5-cyl Diesel Turbo | 2874 | 122 | 280 | 5-speed manual | 10.0 l/100 km |
| OM611 2.2 CDI | 4-cyl Diesel Turbo | 2148 | 82–129 | 200–305 | 5-speed manual | 8.5–9.5 |
| OM612 2.7 CDI | 5-cyl Diesel Turbo | 2687 | 156 | 330 | 5-speed auto/manual | 9.5–10.5 |
| M111 2.3 Petrol | 4-cyl Petrol | 2295 | 143 | 200 | 5-speed manual | 12.0 |
OM602 2.9 TD
Type: 5-cylinder Diesel Turbo
Displacement: 2874 cc
Power: 122 PS
Torque: 280 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Avg. Fuel Use: 10.0 l/100 km
OM611 2.2 CDI
Type: 4-cylinder Diesel Turbo
Displacement: 2148 cc
Power: 82–129 PS
Torque: 200–305 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Avg. Fuel Use: 8.5–9.5 l/100 km
OM612 2.7 CDI
Type: 5-cylinder Diesel Turbo
Displacement: 2687 cc
Power: 156 PS
Torque: 330 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed auto/manual
Avg. Fuel Use: 9.5–10.5 l/100 km
M111 2.3 Petrol
Type: 4-cylinder Petrol
Displacement: 2295 cc
Power: 143 PS
Torque: 200 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Avg. Fuel Use: 12.0 l/100 km
Towing Capabilities and Practical Utility
Beyond its cargo function, the Sprinter was capable of towing up to 2000 kg (braked). It featured optional tow hooks, reinforced axles, and compatibility with various trailer systems, making it ideal for small construction gear and mobile business setups.
| Engine |
Towing (Braked) |
Towing (Unbraked) |
| OM602 2.9 TD | 2000 kg | 750 kg |
| OM611 2.2 CDI | 2000 kg | 750 kg |
| OM612 2.7 CDI | 2000 kg | 750 kg |
| M111 2.3 Petrol | 1800 kg | 750 kg |
OM602 2.9 TD
Towing (Braked): 2000 kg
Towing (Unbraked): 750 kg
OM611 2.2 CDI
Towing (Braked): 2000 kg
Towing (Unbraked): 750 kg
OM612 2.7 CDI
Towing (Braked): 2000 kg
Towing (Unbraked): 750 kg
M111 2.3 Petrol
Towing (Braked): 1800 kg
Towing (Unbraked): 750 kg
Through its rugged build, varied engine lineup, and intelligent design, the first-generation Sprinter carved a legacy as one of the most capable vans of its era—proving just as effective on urban delivery routes as it was in construction yards and industrial fleets. |
