Number of seats
If we talk about the capacity of the bus, the prefix “micro” fully explains the nuances of this subcategory. All cars of this type can be divided into two groups, based on what category is needed for the minibus:
Cars that can be driven with a category B driver's license. Their weight should not exceed 3.5 tons, and the number of seats in the cabin cannot be more than eight. This group typically includes small vans or large SUVs that meet a given weight limit.
A car that you can drive if you have a category “D” license. All buses of small, medium and large capacity belong to this type, and therefore there is a certain gradation within the category. To drive passenger minibuses with a number of seats from 8 to 16, a “D1” certificate is issued. Licenses for large vehicles intended for transporting people are marked with the symbols “DE” and “D1E”.
Age restrictions
Driver's licenses corresponding to each type of vehicle can only be obtained upon reaching a certain age. And since driving minibuses, as a rule, is associated with the transportation of passengers, and therefore increased responsibility for the life and health of a group of people, restrictions here are more than appropriate.
Training in driving a car with seats for up to 8 people, that is, category “B”, is allowed from the age of 17. But they still won’t let you drive, even if you pass all the tests and the driving test with flying colors. You will have to wait until you reach adulthood to get a valid driver's license.
Driving passenger buses with up to 16 seats requires even more time. You will be able to start training no earlier than 21 years old, and they will be able to entrust you with a bus with passengers only when your driving experience is more than three years.
Domestic or foreign?
In addition to exclusively “consumer” characteristics, all minibuses can be divided into domestically produced vehicles and foreign analogues. In many ways, this classification is already outdated, if only because a considerable part of the “foreigners” are assembled under license by Russian craftsmen, and therefore it is no longer possible to call them foreign cars. Although if we consider, for example, the Gazelle, Sobol or Barguzin, assembled at the Gorky Automobile Plant, the Chinese Groz Polarsun, created under license from Toyota, and the cozy Mercedes Vito, then yes... National identity, as they say, is obvious .
In the Russian passenger road transport market, only Chinese models so far provide significant competition to Russian gazelles. They match each other in capacity, in addition, spare parts for Asian vehicles are much easier to find than for the same Mercedes.
TOP 5 most “Russian” minibuses
In the list of the most popular cars of this type in our country, we can highlight five “stars”, which are found in almost every city and not just one of them. Many of them conscientiously serve city routes, and therefore are always in sight. And some people rent such a van because it is very convenient. So... The most popular minibuses of category “D”:
GAZ "Gazelle" is a compact model, with various interior configurations, equipped with at least 13 seats. The main argument in favor is the relatively low cost of the machine and its quick payback. Statistics speak eloquently about their popularity: 90% of the entire fleet of small-capacity buses at the municipal level consists of gazelles.
Mercedes Sprinter is a masterpiece of the Daimler-Benz concern. It is considered a medium-sized minibus with a capacity of 8 to (attention!) 30 seats. Perfect for commuter routes, spacious, dynamic, economical, safe.
Peugeot Boxer is safe, durable, although not as roomy as a Mercedes. But this is the first full-fledged front-wheel drive model to conquer Russian off-road conditions.
Iveco Daly is a sultry Italian, has 26 seats (with the driver - 27), a 2.3-liter engine, 146 horses under an elegant hood. The advantages include rear-wheel drive and a convenient electric interior door.
Ford Tranzit is a German car that is considered the second most popular after the Gazelle. It has a slightly larger interior: it can accommodate 17 seats, in addition, many more people will enter it while standing than in a standard domestic Mikrik.
As for minibuses of category “B”, most of them are family minivans, the variety of which is amazing. The choice of the most popular ones directly depends on the needs of each owner, limited only by material capabilities.
Anyone who does not have a personal vehicle or is trying to save on fuel to travel around the city or between cities is faced with the phenomenon of a minibus. They first appeared on the roads of the CIS countries in the 60s. It is no secret that such trips used to cause a little fear, but everything changed in the early 2000s, when the usual Gazelles and Bogdans began to be replaced by foreign vans from Ford, Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz, albeit used ones.
New generations
The undying fame of the Sprinter forced the developers to postpone the development of other vans several times. The Sprinter itself has undergone several serious modifications, allowing us to call them not just another update, but a new generation. True, according to the latest official data, Sprinter will soon leave Germany, and the assembly will move overseas - to Argentina. But Russian consumers shouldn’t worry too much.
In 2013, the Germans signed an agreement with the GAZ group, and new cars will be assembled in Nizhny Novgorod. We will find out very soon how well this will suit the legendary Sprinter. For now, according to the plant, YaMZ will be installed on the car, and the wide range of bodies will be greatly reduced. Two modifications are announced - a 20-seater minibus and an all-metal cargo van.
Exterior Mercedes Sprinter Classic passenger
The car was endowed with features uncharacteristic for this class, making the body shape more streamlined. The main headlights are larger in size and have a diamond shape. The bumper was completely transformed, equipped with foglights and a wide air intake. Changes also occurred in the design of the doors; they were made larger, giving them a streamlined shape. Side parts Mercedes Sprinter Classic passenger covered with stylistic stampings that go around the stern and go to the rear doors. The lanterns have also changed, becoming quite large in size. 
Minibus interior
The steering wheel was small, equipped with 4 spokes, and the massive console was equipped with a gearshift lever. The upper part is equipped with a box for small items, under which there is a wide multimedia display. The lower part is occupied by functional buttons. True, despite the fact that Mercedes Sprinter Classic 311 cdi Russian assembly reviews has quite good, trunk volumes leave much to be desired. It is designed for only 140 liters.
What is different about the new Russian-assembled Mercedes Sprinter?
The main difference between the new old Sprinter and the original car should be the electronic safety systems, which came from the list of standard equipment of the next generation. First of all, this is ESP - the exchange rate stabilization system. Thanks to it, it is very difficult to fly off the road in the rain on a rear-wheel drive bus, even if you wanted to. By the way, all-wheel drive transmission is not available even for an additional fee. But it's not a problem. The standard chassis perfectly corrects the pilot's mistakes if, for example, he enters a corner at excessive speed. 
In this case, the system immediately reduces the fuel supply and, if necessary, brakes certain wheels. The suspension design was revised especially for the Russian market (and this is against the backdrop of not the best Argentine roads). Firstly, the composite front spring was replaced with a stronger steel one. Secondly, the rear springs acquired third leaves. The shock absorbers and anti-roll bar also needed to be replaced. Thus, the suspension is ideal not only for federal roads and city avenues, but also for outright off-road, country dirt roads.
Equipment for the Mercedes Sprinter passenger car
| 1 | Full body glazing (glued glass). |
| 2 | Thermal and noise insulation of ceilings, floors, doors, walls. |
| 3 | Ventilation emergency metal hatch. |
| 4 | Interior lighting. |
| 5 | Passenger seats with high backrest (upholstery in ruffled fabric) with seat belts. |
| 6 | Interior decoration: plastic composite panels. |
| 7 | Interior heater of antifreeze type, 8 kW with flow distribution to 3 deflectors. |
| 8 | Plywood flooring + anti-slip flooring. |
| 9 | Rear door locking device. |
| 10 | Interior handrails. |
| 11 | Side stand. |
| 12 | Exhaust system. |
| 13 | Emergency hammers (2 pieces). |
| 14 | The electric sliding door drive is rack and pinion. |
Car interior diagram
Depending on the vehicles that are used for conversion into vehicles for transporting passengers, the InvestAvto special vehicles plant offers the following interior layout options.
Note:
The number of seats is seats in the cabin + seats next to the driver (in the cabin) + driver’s seat
Seat dimensions:
Length: 540 mm
Width: 410 mm
Depth: 410 mm
Foreign cars
Options for car interior layout for transporting passengers based on length L4(long wheelbase with increased rear overhang).
| Option 1. | Option 2. | Option 3. | Option 4. | Option 5. | Option 6. |
| Number of places: 16+2+1 | Number of places: 17+2+1 | Number of places: 17+2+1 | Number of places: 14+2+1 | Number of places: 15+2+1 | Number of places: 18+2+1 |
| Options for car interior layout for transporting passengers based on lengths L3 and L2. | |||||
Length L3 (base length) |
Length L2 (medium base) |
||||
| Option 1. | Option 2. | Option 1. | Option 2. | ||
| Number of places: 14+2+1 | Number of places: 15+2+1 | Number of places: 11+2+1 | Number of places: 12+2+1 | ||
Mercedes Sprinter base car
| Specifications | |
| Smoothly adjustable heating and ventilation system with 4-stage fan control and two additional fan settings. deflectors to distribute fresh air | |
| Easy loading thanks to rear hinged doors with an opening angle of up to 180° | |
| Driver's seat with a wide range of adjustments for optimal positioning | |
| Steering with rack and pinion mechanism and hydraulic booster | |
| Central locking with remote control | |
| 16-inch tires size 235/65 R 16 (for the 3.5 t GVW version) | |
| Two-way adjustable headrests with fabric upholstery on all seats | |
| ADAPTIVE ESP® incl. ABS, Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBV) and Brake Assist System (BAS) | |
| Adaptive brake lights | |
| Airbag (driver) | |
| Recoil system for cars with automatic transmission | |
| Three-point seat belts in all seats, for the driver's seat and single front passenger seat - with pretensioners and limiters | |
| Independent front wheel suspension | |
| Burnt out lamp warning system | |
| Front suspension stabilizer (for the 3.0 t version - as an option) | |
| Adjusting the headlight range | |
| Laminated safety windshield | |
| Body | Extended | Extra long |
| Wheelbase, mm | 4 325 | 4 325 |
| High roof | ||
| 14,0 | 15,5 | |
| Load capacity (kg) | 1 260 – 2 510 | 1 210 – 2 465 |
| Gross weight (kg) | 3 500 – 5 000 | 3 500 – 5 000 |
| Extra high roof | ||
| Cargo space volume, (m 3) | 15,5 | 17,0 |
| Load capacity (kg) | 1 230 – 2 480 | 1 180 – 2 435 |
| Gross weight (kg) | 3 500 – 5 000 | 3 500 – 5 000 |
| Engines | OM 642 DE30LA | OM 646 DE22LA | M 271 E 18 ML |
| Number of cylinders | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Cylinder arrangement | V 72° | in-line | in-line |
| Number of valves | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Working volume (cm 3) | 2.987 | 2.148 | 1.796 |
| Power (kW/hp) at rpm. | 135/184 at 3800 | 65/88 at 3800 | 115/156 at 5000 |
| Rated Torque (Nm) | 400 | 220 | 240 |
| Cargo space volume, (m 3) | 11,5 | 15,5 | |
| Type of fuel | diesel | diesel | super class gasoline |
| Tank capacity (l) | ok 75 | ok 75 | approx 100 |
| Fuel system | microprocessor direct injection system with common rail power supply system, turbocharging and charge air cooling | microprocessor injection | |
| Battery (V/Ah) | 12/ 100 | 12/ 74 | 12/ 74 |
| Generator (V/A) | 14/ 180 | 14/ 90 | 14/ 150 |
| Drive unit | rear 4x2, full 4x4 | rear 4x2 | rear 4x2 |
Mercedes Sprinter Classic passenger: dimensions and number of seats
Photos of passenger seats in the cabin of the Mercedes Sprinter Classic The main format of the passenger bus in the Classic line is a city “minibus” in two versions. The first is MRT 17+1, that is, the cabin is designed to seat 17 passengers. The second option is labeled as MRT 20+1 and, accordingly, accommodates three more people, which was made possible by lengthening the cabin. Overall dimensions and weight: total length – 6590/6995 mm; wheelbase – 4025 mm; turning diameter – 14.30 m; curb weight –2970/3065 kg; total weight – 4600 kg.
Engine Specifications
Under the hood is a hard-working engine. Initially, the model was equipped with only one in-line turbodiesel OM646, the production of which was established at the facilities of the Yaroslavl Motor Plant. The 2.1 liter CDI engine is not particularly agile, and 109 hp. – frankly not enough for dynamic driving on the highway. The 5-speed “mechanics” does not help this either. But in urban conditions, short gears provide good pickup at the bottom, allowing you to unleash the full potential of 280 Nm. An important advantage of an obsolete unit is its reliability. This is the last Mercedes engine made with a cast iron cylinder block. After some time, a more powerful diesel engine of the OM646 family with 136 “horses” appeared on the assembly line, producing a torque of up to 320 Nm. 
This improved the performance of the minibus on a country road, but the elasticity of the engine decreased somewhat. If the maximum thrust of the 311 is available in the range of 1600–2400 rpm, then the 313 CDI has an efficiency level of 1800–2200 rpm. But in general, the engines do not cause any complaints, and the service interval is 20,000 km. Reviews Most owner reviews are positive. The model has been tested over time and under Russian operating conditions.
The suspension and engine usually deserve special praise. But the “Russian German” also has its drawbacks, the main one of which is the poor corrosion resistance of the body. Domestic metal quickly begins to rust at the site of scratches and chips. The warranty against through corrosion is only 5 years. Also, many people find the suspension settings harsh, especially when it comes to driving empty. There is also frequent criticism of the build quality of interior panels, which is why creaks and rattles appear almost immediately. Another reason for dissatisfaction among many Mercedes Sprinter Classic drivers is the “Mercedes-style” expensive service from an official dealer. 
Price policy
Based on the realities of Russian production, we can expect a decrease in the price of new cars. In fact, the buyer will be offered the difficult task of choosing between a used, but German car, or a new domestic assembly. If for a 2012 car they ask for 1.5-1.7 million rubles, then for the new Mercedes Sprinter Classic the price will be around 1.8 million for the minibus version. A van might be cheaper. Conclusion Even though the first van left the factory almost 20 years ago, this vehicle is still very popular. A minibus, a covered truck, a car for a large family - the list could take a long time. And this version of the van deserves many years of production and life (of course, with appropriate modifications) - after all, this is a Mercedes Classic Sprinter
Mercedes Sprinter Classic appeared on our market a long time ago, there are quite a lot of used cars of this type. But the production of new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cars in Russia was launched only in 2012 at GAZ facilities in Nizhny Novgorod. The most interesting thing is that the assembly of this model was stopped all over the world, even in Latin America.
Essentially the Russian Mercedes Sprinter Classic, this is the first generation Sprinter, which appeared in Germany back in the 90s. The car is highly valued in the secondary market for its unpretentiousness, reliable diesel engine, large capacity, thoughtful and reliable design. Today in Russia there is an opportunity to buy such a commercial vehicle new.
As a power unit for Mercedes Sprinter Classic 311 There is a diesel engine with common rail direct injection with a turbocharger, charge air cooling and electromagnetic injectors. There are two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter diesel engines available on our market: 311 (OM 646 DE22LA) or 313 CDI. 4-cylinder in-line engines with a volume of 2148 cm3 produce 109 and 136 horsepower, respectively. The torque of the 311 engine is 280 Nm, and the 313 engine is 320 Nm. The difference in power depends on the performance of the turbocharging. The gearbox is a 5-speed manual.
Mercedes Sprinter Classic specifications.
The Mercedes Sprinter Classic engine is mounted longitudinally, rear-wheel drive (but all-wheel drive versions are also available), front independent suspension with a spring-lever design. The rear has a dependent suspension with an axle on parabolic springs. The base has a rack and pinion steering mechanism with a hydraulic booster. There are brake discs on all wheels, and the base has an ABS system.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van It is offered in two versions with a wheelbase of 3550 mm (total length 5640 mm) and 4025 mm (body length 6590 mm). The capacity of such a van is 10.4 and 13.4 cubic meters, respectively. Total weight 3.5 tons. Load capacity from 1315 kg. Detailed body dimensions of the Sprinter Classic are shown below in the photo.
Mercedes Sprinter Classic price.
The price of the Sprinter depends on the body type. The most affordable option is a van that costs from 1,605,000 rubles. Mercedes Sprinter Classic passenger or "minibus taxi" has a price from 1,964,500 rubles. Passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinters (pictured below) have a large wheelbase of 4025 mm and different capacities. Dealers offer 17, 19 and 20-seat modifications (plus driver). The same 5-st century acts as a box. Mechanics. But the permitted weight is 4.6 tons. To drive a van, a category “B” license is no longer enough; a category “D” driver’s license is required.
Utility Mercedes Sprinter Classic(combi) also has two wheelbase lengths, but the total weight and number of passengers allows you to drive such a car with category “B”. The front row with the driver will accommodate two more passengers, the back row has 4 seats (pictured below). In terms of cargo compartment capacity, the data is as follows: length 2030 mm, width 1685 mm and height 1818 mm for the version with a wheelbase of 3550 mm. For the extended version with a base of 4025 mm, the figures are as follows: 2980x1685x1818.
In order to use the length of the entire cargo-passenger van as efficiently as possible between the passenger and cargo compartments, there is a hatch in the partition (under the seats) that allows you to transport long pipes, for example. The price for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter utility vehicle starts at 1,750,000 rubles.
We are all very familiar with the concept of “sprinter”. No, we are not talking about athletics now. Today we will talk about commercial vehicles - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic. Everyone has seen this car in either a passenger or cargo version. Many people call it the German “Gazelle”. Sprinter is a serious competitor in the field of light-duty transport. At the moment, the second generation of cars is being produced (the so-called “Dolphin”). But recently the Germans decided to revive the legend. Along with the Dolphin, a classic version of the minibus is also produced - the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic. For technical specifications and review, see further in our article.
Design
No external changes were made. The car is produced in the same form as back in 2006. The model was based on the restyled version of the first Sprinter - with rounded optics and white turn signals. The bumper is still not painted to match the body color.
The wheels are stamped, of the same size (16 inches). The car has a modest and laconic appearance. Even after years, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic does not seem like an old dinosaur. The car is easily lost in the stream of modern cars. As reviews note, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic has high-quality paintwork. The body, as before, does not rot - of course, if it has not been hit before.
Salon
Inside, everything is just as modest, but ergonomic, reviews note. The car has a rustic interior. But the interior is thought out to the smallest detail. The gearshift lever is located in the dashboard. This made it possible to increase free space without damaging the car. And it’s more convenient to reach for such a lever - the handle is always at hand. The seats are, as always, hard, but with pronounced lateral and lumbar support. There is also an armrest. Reviews say that the car is perfectly suited for medium-distance driving.
The steering wheel has a lot of adjustments, but without additional keys (everything is like in the 2000s). Dashboard still convenient and informative. In the center there is a huge speedometer, next to it is a tachometer, arrows for engine temperature and fuel level. The error lights at the bottom do not light up soon (of course, if the machine has been subjected to regular maintenance). Reviews also note good visibility thanks to the captain's seat. Depending on the modification, the Sprinter can take on board from two to six passengers. This is if we talk about the cargo version. The Mercedes passenger minibus has 19 seats, excluding the driver.
Specifications
Mercedes does not change its traditions. The range of power units for the Sprinter consists exclusively of diesel engines. Moreover, both have the same volume - 2.1 liters. Unlike the diesel engines of the first series (which were produced in the 2000s), these engines are designed to meet the Euro-6 environmental standard. The OM-646 engine was taken as a base.
In basic configurations, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic develops a power of 109 horsepower. Remarkably, the engine is equipped with an air-cooled turbocharger and electromagnetic injectors. The torque of this unit is 280 Nm. This modification received the index 411.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic 413 version is equipped with a 136 horsepower engine. This engine produces 320 Nm of torque. Thrust is available in the range from 1.8 to 2.2 thousand revolutions. Among the disadvantages are high demands on fuel quality and regulations for replacing consumables (air and fuel filters). If the filter is severely clogged, problems with the turbine may occur. It will not be able to pump the same volume of air into the cylinders, forming a vacuum in the system.
Transmission
Both modifications of Mercedes minibuses are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. There is no automatic transmission even as an option. Nevertheless, this box does not cause any complaints from the owners. This is evidenced by numerous reviews. The transmission can withstand loads well even beyond the norm.
Performance characteristics
"Sprinter" is a very fast minibus. Acceleration to 80 kilometers per hour is 13 seconds. Maximum speed is 173 kilometers per hour. The car is perfectly suited for the track. The optimal speed limit for it is 100-120 kilometers per hour. True, sixth gear is missing. It would be easier with her - the reviews say. In “out of town” mode, the car consumes about eight liters per hundred. In urban areas this figure increases to ten.
On the positive side, owners note good traction. With this machine you don’t feel overloads - it confidently takes the hill and steadily picks up speed. There is plenty of torque for the Sprinter. The suspension design of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic minibus has not changed either. See its description below.
Chassis
The front of the car is equipped with independent suspension (MacPherson struts). There are no coil springs. Instead, there is a single leaf spring and anti-roll bar. At the rear there is a dependent suspension scheme with a continuous axle. The latter “rests” on leaf springs. The steering system is rack and pinion type (unlike the GAZelle, which uses an archaic gearbox). The hydraulic booster is already included in the basic configuration. The braking system is equipped with various assistants - ABS, EBD and others. Front and rear - disc brakes. By the way, on the front axle they are also ventilated.
Load capacity
The car has many modifications and does not always fit into category “B”. Thus, the carrying capacity of versions with indexes 411 and 413 is 2290 kilograms. In total, the maximum permitted weight is about 4.5 tons.
But there are modifications 311 and 313. They have a carrying capacity of 1300 kilograms (without twin wheels at the rear) and are included in the title as a category “B” car. The exception is passenger 19-seater modifications - here only category “D”. Note that all of the above versions are equipped with the same 2.1 liter engines. But these motors do not cause any complaints. The car copes well with its load and is pleased with its fuel consumption.
Cost, options
In order to attract the attention of carriers to the former model, the manufacturer reduced the price of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter Classic. Unlike Dolphin, the price is on average 500 thousand rubles lower. The initial cost of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter Classic minibus is 2 million 5 thousand rubles. For the passenger version you will have to pay an additional 184 thousand rubles. The “base” has one airbag, a sliding right door, washable cargo compartment upholstery, a 12 V cigarette lighter, power steering, fabric upholstery, central locking and a traction control system.
"Mercedes Benz Sprinter Classic" in the "passenger minibus" version and the "Advanced" configuration is offered at a price of 2 million 540 thousand rubles. It is worth noting that this is a fairly well-equipped version of the car. This price includes:
- Heated exterior mirrors and driver's seat.
- Two electric windows.
- Audio system.
- Illuminated entrance and exit.
- Wooden floor.
- Internal handrails for passengers.
- Air conditioner.
- Auxiliary and hydronic heater.
As an option, metallic body painting is offered, as well as installation of:
- towing device with a load-bearing capacity of three tons and a 13-pin socket;
- additional battery and 180 amp generator;
- rear step.
Conclusion
The Mercedes Benz Sprinter Classic is an excellent addition to the commercial vehicle line. As they say, an old horse does not spoil the furrow. The machine has good characteristics, and is available at a more affordable price. This is an excellent option for those who need inexpensive and reliable transport for daily use.
