2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 3.0L Diesel Maintenance Guide: Oil & Fluids

AMSOIL diesel oil guide for 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500
AMSOIL diesel oil guide for trucks, vans, SUVs and diesel engines

For the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine (Engine Code 642.899 6), the oil capacity is 13.2 quarts (including filter replacement). Recommended viscosities include 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, and 5W-40 for all temperatures, with specific options like 10W-30 or 15W-40 depending on ambient conditions. AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EOTQT-EA) for this application.

What oil does a 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 take?

The engine requires specific diesel-compatible lubricants. The AMSOIL lookup identifies the Oil Grade as SEO59. For this application, the AMSOIL lookup lists AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil.

AMSOIL product recommendations

Based on the AMSOIL lookup data, here are the recommended products for your Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 diesel engine and related systems.

Engine Oil & Filter

Product Name Part Code
AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil EOTQT-EA
WIX Air Filter 49876-EA

Coolant & Antifreeze

Product Name Part Code
AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant ANTPC1G-EA
AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant ANT1G-EA

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Product Name Part Code
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF ATLPK-EA
AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF OTLQT-EA

Transfer Case Lubricant

Product Name Part Code
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF ATLPK-EA
AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF OTLQT-EA

Engine Oil Viscosity Options

Condition Viscosity
All Temperatures 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40
Above -20°C 10W-30, 10W-40
Above -15°C 15W-40

Engine Oil Capacity & Torque Specs

Specification Value
Capacity (with filter) 13.2 quarts
Oil Drain Plug Torque 22 ft/lbs

Note: Always check the oil level after refilling. Replace the drain plug seal during service.

How much oil does it take with a filter change?

A complete oil and filter service for the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine requires approximately 13.2 quarts of oil. It is critical to verify the actual level using the dipstick after the refill process to ensure accuracy.

What air filter does this vehicle use?

The AMSOIL lookup recommends a WIX Air Filter (Part Number 49876-EA). This filter is designed to offer OEM service intervals and helps reduce engine wear.

Original Equipment Part Number: 000 090 37 51

Coolant and Transmission Fluid Specifications

Coolant Capacity

Engine Code Configuration Capacity
With Code H12, H13, HZ 915.2 quarts
With O Code H12, H13, HZ 912.3 quarts

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

For the 7-speed transmission (722.902), the total fill capacity is 9.5 quarts.

  • Note for SL057: Without code A89 (Reduced-Friction) on datacard, the fluid is Red in color.

Transfer Case Lubricant

The transfer case requirements vary by code:

  • With Code ZG1 (SL055): 2.1 pints capacity.
  • With Code ZG3 (SL055): 2.1 pints capacity.

Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle

Maintenance of the BlueTEC diesel engine should prioritize emissions system health and fuel quality management. Because these vehicles are often used in heavy-duty commercial roles, strict adherence to service intervals is vital for engine longevity.

  • Emissions: Monitor Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) levels regularly.
  • Filtration: Ensure high-quality air and oil filtration to protect the turbocharger and fuel injection components.
  • Verification: Always verify specific maintenance requirements via the owner’s manual or official Mercedes-Benz service documentation.

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 thermal stress on oil. ATLPK-EA Provides reserve protection during heavy use. Requires proper service intervals.
Cold Starts Increases wear during startup. EOTQT-EA Maintains fluidity in low temperatures. Not a substitute for engine repair.
Engine Wear Reduces component life. 49876-EA Helps reduce engine wear via premium media. Must be replaced at intervals.

Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle

Owners of the Sprinter 3500 diesel should consider the following practical checks:

  • Turbocharger Integrity: Ensure oiling is consistent to prevent turbo failure.
  • Cooling System Efficiency: Check hoses and gaskets, especially under heavy load conditions.
  • Fuel System Health: Monitor for fuel quality issues that could affect high-pressure injection components.

About this vehicle

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 is a heavy-duty light commercial vehicle designed for high-capacity utility. It is available in various configurations, including large vans, chassis cabs, and minibuses. As part of the Mercedes-Benz van lineup, the Sprinter represents one of the largest models offered by the manufacturer.

This specific model features a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine (Engine Code 642 899 6). The 642 series is a distinct diesel architecture specifically engineered for durability in demanding roles such as cargo transport or passenger shuttle services. Because these vehicles are frequently utilized in commercial environments, maintenance often focuses on the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration cycles and fuel system integrity.

Owners should note that while this model has historically seen nameplate associations with Dodge and Freightliner in the United States, it remains a core part of the Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC diesel lineup. Maintenance for this variant requires careful attention to emissions systems and strict adherence to service intervals regarding oil, filtration, and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) monitoring.

Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes

Official NHTSA recall research for the 2021 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 returned no recall records. Additionally, no consumer complaints were found in the NHTSA database for this specific year/make/model combination at the time of this writing.

Note: This does not prove the vehicle has no issues; it only means the API search returned no records. Owners should always verify open recalls by VIN through official manufacturer channels.

Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance

What is the engine oil capacity for my Sprinter 3500?

The capacity is 13.2 quarts when performing an oil change with a filter replacement.

Which AMSOIL oil is best for the 642 diesel engine?

The AMSOIL lookup recommends AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EOTQT-EA).

How much transmission fluid does the 7-speed automatic take?

The total fill capacity for the 7-speed 722.902 transmission is 9.5 quarts.

Can I use any antifreeze in my Sprinter?

It is recommended to use a compatible formula like AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant (ANTPC1G-EA) which is engineered to exceed OEM requirements.

What torque spec should I use for the oil drain plug?

The oil drain plug should be torqued to 22 ft/lbs. Remember to replace the drain plug seal.

How do I check for active recalls on my Sprinter?

Owners should verify open recalls by checking their specific VIN through a Mercedes-Benz dealership or the official NHTSA website.

Disclaimer: Not all information is confirmed from source data. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual and official service documentation before performing maintenance.

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