What security does each generation of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter come with?
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a popular trade van and motorhome. It comes with a factory immobiliser and keyless entry, however, it does lack an alarm.
Here I explain the best Mercedes Benz Sprinter alarm options, and break down each generation of the Sprinter and advice on vehicle security upgrade options.
Gen 3 Sprinter alarm options
The generation 3 Sprinter has been in production since 2018. It comes with remote locking and immobiliser as standard but does not come with an alarm.
Alarm recommendations for the Gen 3 Sprinter
For those wishing to upgrade the security and add an alarm I recommend the Vodafone Automotive 4822 CAN-BUS upgrade alarm which works with the factory remote.
I can also configure the alarm to work as a courier alarm with a 2-button padlock remote, which I’ll explain later in this post.
Ultrasonic internal protection
The Enhanced version of the 4822 comes with ultrasonic sensors which are used to protect the cabin area.
The ultrasonic sensors get painted black to match the trim colour, they then get mounted on either side of the rearview mirror. This gives good coverage of the whole cabin, especially with motorhome setups where side cabinets can often block the view to the back of the van.
For vans that require extra protection in the load area I cover the options in the van security post.
Sprinter courier alarm
Following on from the Toyota Hiace CAN-BUS courier alarm, I’ve now got the 4822 to work as a courier alarm in the Sprinter too.
This happened after the local car audio shop told my customer it was not possible. I suggest that they should remove the signage claiming to be alarm specialist or up their game?
How the courier alarm works in the Mercedes van
The Mercedes Benz remote does will not lock the doors whilst the engine is running, so a couple of 2-button padlock remotes are added to the alarm.
As the Sprinter has a push button ignition there is no need to leave the Mercedes remote in the van. This allows the driver to exit the vehicle with both remote controls and arm the alarm with the Vodafone Automotive remote.
When the van is not being used as a courier van the factory remote can be used to arm and disarm the alarm.
Full specifications of the gen 3 Sprinter sold in New Zealand can be found on the Mercedes Benz website.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter alarm options - Gen 2 Sprinter
The gen 2 Sprinter was released in 2006. It was also re-badged and sold as a Volkswagen LT/Crafter. This information is valid for the Crafter too.
This Sprinter comes with the Mercedes infrared key which supports factory keyless entry and the immobiliser. Again there is no alarm with the van, but one can be added to work with the existing remote key.
Alarm recommendations for the gen 2 Sprinter
In the past I have installed a number of Cobra AK4615 CAN-BUS alarms which have worked really well. These have now been replaced with the Vodafone Automotive 4822.
Again everything works using the existing remote
Easy to use motorhome alarm
For those wishing to lock the van without arming the alarm (motorhomes) the doors can still be locked using the lock switch next to the hazard warning button (see photo). This way the doors can easily be locked without arming the alarm when sleeping inside the vehicle.
The ultrasonic sensors can be placed either side of the sun visors, or in the centre roof pod that houses the internal lamp (see photo above). The later location works well for camper vans where the vision to the back of the van is often blocked by side cupboards.
Extra protection
A PIR sensor can also be added to cover the back of the cabin, and reed switches can also be used if additional hatches require protection.
Gen 1 Sprinter
The gen 1 Sprinter was released in 1995. Most later models have an immobiliser and may have keyless entry (if it’s still working).
There is no CAN-BUS alarm solution but a remote alarm can be added. Some models may need central locking actuators added.
