For the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel turbo engine (Engine Code 5 EXM 5), the oil capacity is 13.2 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities include 5W-30 and 5W-40. AMSOIL recommends using AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil or AMSOIL 5W-30 LS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil paired with a MANN-FILTERS HU821X-EA oil filter.
What oil does a 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 take?
The 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 with the 3.0L diesel engine requires specific European-formulated oils. The AMSOIL lookup lists two primary options: 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil and 5W-30 LS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil. Both are designed for the unique demands of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid European vehicles.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup data, here are the recommended products for your 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 diesel engine and related systems.
Engine Oil & Filter
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | AFLQT-EA |
| AMSOIL 5W-30 LS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | AELQT-EA |
| MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | HU821X-EA |
Air & Coolant
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| WIX Air Filter | 49876-EA |
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
Transmission & Gear Fluids
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle ATF | OTFQT-EA |
| AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube | SVGPK-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications
| Viscosity | AMSOIL Lookup Oil Grade |
|---|---|
| 5W-30, 5W-40 (All TEMPS) | SEO56 |
Engine Oil Capacities & Torque
| Description | Capacity/Torque |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 13.2 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 ft/lbs |
Note: After refill, always check the oil level.
How much oil does it take with a filter change?
A complete oil and filter service for this 3.0L diesel engine requires 13.2 quarts of oil. It is critical to use a high-quality filter, such as the MANN-FILTERS HU821X-EA, which is designed to offer OEM drain intervals and help reduce engine wear.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Specifications
For vehicles equipped with the 5-speed W5A380 automatic transmission (SL072), specific capacities must be observed for both initial and total fills.
| Fill Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Initial Fill | 5.3 quarts |
| Total Fill | 8.1 quarts |
The AMSOIL lookup lists ATFPK-EA, OTFQT-EA, and ATLPK-EA for this application.
Coolant and Differential Specifications
Engine Coolant
The cooling system capacity is 10.6 quarts. AMSOIL offers two options: a 50/50 pre-mix (ANTPC1G-EA) and a concentrated propylene glycol formula (ANT1G-EA) which requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
Rear Differential
The rear differential has a capacity of 3.8 pints. For this application, the AMSOIL lookup lists AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Towing/High Heat | Increases fluid breakdown and stress. | ATFPK-EA | Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | Requires regular inspection. |
| Engine Wear | Diesel engines face high friction loads. | AFLQT-EA | Provides exceptional engine protection. | Does not repair existing wear. |
| Differential Wear | High torque loads on gears. | SVGPK-EA | Advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway. | Diagnosis may be needed for leaks. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Level Verification: Always check the oil level after refilling to ensure accuracy.
- European Engineering: This vehicle is a rebranded Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; many components may align more closely with Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner specifications than standard Dodge Ram parts.
- Filter Selection: Using premium media filters like MANN-FILTERS can help maintain OEM drain intervals and reduce engine wear.
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of the 2008 Sprinter 3500 should focus on specialized diesel needs, including fuel system integrity, air handling, and filtration. Because these vehicles are designed for high-utility roles, maintaining proper fluid levels in the cooling and transmission systems is vital for longevity.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates several recalls for the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500:
Disclaimer: Always verify open recalls by using your specific VIN through official manufacturer or NHTSA channels.
About this vehicle
The 2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 represents a significant era in the North American commercial van market. While often categorized under “Ram Cummins” in enthusiast circles, it is technically a rebranded Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform distributed by Dodge and Freightliner. This distinction is important for maintenance, as mechanical components often follow European engineering standards rather than traditional American truck architecture.
Powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel turbo engine, this vehicle was designed for high-utility roles ranging from large van configurations to chassis cabs. Because of its Mercedes-Benz lineage, owners should be aware that sourcing parts like oil filters, fuel filters, or coolant through Mercedes-Benz/Freightliner channels may be necessary to ensure exact compatibility with the 3.0L diesel powertrain.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the oil capacity for a 2008 Sprinter 3500 3.0L?
The capacity is 13.2 quarts when performing an oil change with a new filter.
Which AMSOIL oil is best for my Sprinter diesel?
AMSOIL recommends AFLQT-EA (5W-40) or AELQT-EA (5W-30), both designed for European diesel engines.
What torque spec should I use for the oil drain plug?
The confirmed torque specification for the oil drain plug is 22 ft/lbs.
Does my Sprinter need special transmission fluid?
Yes, for the 5-speed W5A380 transmission, AMSOIL lists ATFPK-EA and other multi-vehicle synthetic fluids.
How long does the coolant last?
AMSOIL products like ANTPC1G-EA provide protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Can I use standard Dodge Ram parts?
While it carries the Dodge name, this vehicle is a rebadged Mercedes-Benz. It is recommended to verify if parts should be sourced via Mercedes-Benz/Freightliner channels for compatibility.
Verification Disclaimer: All technical specifications and product recommendations are derived from provided AMSOIL and NHTSA data. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual before performing maintenance.