For the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel 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 2500 take?
The 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 with the 3.0L diesel engine requires an oil viscosity of 5W-30 or 5W-40 for all temperatures. The AMSOIL lookup oil grade is SEO56. For this application, the AMSOIL lookup lists AFLQT-EA and AELQT-EA.
The engine oil capacity for the 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel is 13.2 quarts when replacing the filter. It is important to check the oil level after refilling.
AMSOIL product recommendations
The following AMSOIL products are recommended for your 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 maintenance needs based on the provided vehicle lookup data.
Engine Oil Options
| Product Name | Viscosity | Code |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | 5W-40 | AFLQT-EA |
| AMSOIL 5W-30 LS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | 5W-30 | AELQT-EA |
Filter Recommendations
| Component | Product Name | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Filter | MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | HU821X-EA |
| Air Filter | WIX Air Filter | 49876-EA |
Coolant & Transmission Fluids
| Component | Product Name | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Antifreeze/Coolant | AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Antifreeze/Coolant | AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | OTFQT-EA |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
Differential Lubricant
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube | SVGPK-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications
- Oil Viscosity: 5W-30, 5W-40 (All TEMPS)
- Oil Grade: SEO56
- Drain Plug Torque: 22 ft/lbs
How much oil does it take with a filter change?
Automatic Transmission Fluid Specifications
For vehicles equipped with the 5-speed W5A380 automatic transmission, specific capacities must be observed for proper operation and protection.
| Fill Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Total Fill | 8.1 quarts |
| Initial Fill | 5.3 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 primary options:
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant (ANTPC1G-EA): An ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix formulation.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (ANT1G-EA): A concentrated formula that requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
Rear Differential
The rear differential has a capacity of 3.8 pints. The AMSOIL lookup recommends SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 for this application.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines face unique stresses that require specialized lubrication strategies.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Towing/High Heat | Increases fluid breakdown and thermal stress. | ATFPK-EA | Provides reserve protection during heavy use. | Requires regular inspection. |
| Differential Wear | High torque loads cause gear friction and heat. | SVGPK-EA | Controls thermal runaway and protects against wear. | Not a repair for existing damage. |
| Engine Wear/Soot | Diesel combustion produces soot that can contaminate oil. | AFLQT-EA | Designed for the unique demands of diesel European vehicles. | Does not replace scheduled intervals. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
Because the 2008 Dodge Sprinter is a rebadged Mercedes-Benz design, many mechanical components and service procedures are rooted in European commercial vehicle engineering rather than traditional American truck platforms. Owners should prioritize high-quality filtration and adherence to specific diesel fuel system protocols. It is highly recommended that owners verify all fluid specifications, oil weights, and filter part numbers against official Mercedes-Benz or Freightliner service manuals.
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Based on the vehicle’s profile, owners should consider the following:
- Filtration Quality: Due to its diesel engine, high-quality oil and fuel filtration is critical.
- Turbocharger Longevity: Maintaining proper lubrication is essential for turbocharger health.
- Emissions Systems: Using oils that provide exceptional protection without harming emissions systems is vital for long-term operation.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates the following recall records for the 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500:
- Seat Belts: Certain models with optional three-seat bench seats may have safety belts that do not meet federal requirements (Campaign 11V210000).
- Structure/Head Impact: Some vans may lack head impact protection pads at the C-pillar (Campaign 08V109000).
- Suspension: Certain rear axle spring leaves were produced with incorrect raw material, potentially leading to premature failure (Campaign 08V347000).
Note: Owners should verify open recalls by VIN through an authorized dealer or the NHTSA website.
About this vehicle
The 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 is a light commercial vehicle that represents a unique era in the Dodge lineup. Following the discontinuation of the Dodge Ram Van in 2003, the Sprinter was introduced as a rebranding of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to serve as a replacement for Dodge’s full-size van offerings. While marketed under the Dodge nameplate in the United States, this vehicle is part of a lineage originally developed by Mercedes-Benz Group AG and was often sold through both Dodge and Freightliner channels.
In the U.S. market, these vehicles were typically assembled from complete knock down (CKD) kits by Freightliner. This specific model features a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine equipped with a turbocharger. The Sprinter is designed for high-utility use cases, including large van configurations, chassis cab setups, and minibus applications, making it a staple for commercial transport and specialized conversions.
Because this vehicle bridges the gap between American branding and German engineering, maintenance requirements for the 3.0L diesel engine may differ significantly from standard Dodge gasoline engines. Common research topics for this owner group typically include diesel particulate filter (DPF) maintenance, fuel injector service, and turbocharger longevity. Specific engine performance metrics such as exact horsepower and torque should be verified through official manufacturer technical service bulletins to ensure accuracy.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the oil capacity for my 2008 Sprinter 2500?
The capacity is 13.2 quarts when performing an oil change with a new filter.
Which AMSOIL oil is best for the 3.0L diesel engine?
AMSOIL lists AFLQT-EA (5W-40) and AELQT-EA (5W-30) for this engine.
What torque 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 recommends products like ATFPK-EA.
Can I use any antifreeze in my Sprinter?
It is recommended to use a compatible formula such as AMSOIL’s OAT formulation (ANTPC1G-EA) or propylene glycol concentrate (ANT1G-EA). Always verify compatibility with your manual.
How can I check for active recalls on my vehicle?
You should contact a Mercedes-Benz or Dodge dealer, or use the NHTSA website to check for open recalls using your specific VIN.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always verify all fluid specifications, oil weights, and filter part numbers against official manufacturer service manuals before performing maintenance.