Reconditioned Mercedes Sprinter 2.2 CDI Gearbox

Three engine codes in eighteen years: how the Sprinter's 2.2 CDI changed gearbox with every generation

Between 2000 and 2018, the Sprinter's 2.2 CDI was built around three distinct blocks — OM611, OM646 and then OM651 — and each transition brought a change of gearbox. The OM611 (2000–2006) was paired with 5-speed gearboxes; the OM646 (2006–2011) marked the move to 6-speed units in certain configurations; the OM651 (from 2011 onwards) made the 6-speed standard, but again with different components. A 2006 vehicle may therefore take either family depending on the exact build date and body variant.

Identify the correct family before placing any order

The engine code alone is not always sufficient: two Sprinter 2.2 CDI vehicles sharing the same OM646 code can carry gearboxes with different bellhousings depending on the torque transmitted and the gross vehicle weight. The gearbox identification plate (visible on the casing) carries the exact reference number — the references in this collection provide seven concrete examples (711605, 711620, 711660, 700760, 711680, 716637, 711651). Cross-referencing the engine code, year of manufacture and gearbox reference is the only reliable method to avoid an ordering error.

Key points to watch with these gearboxes

Gearboxes associated with the OM611 and OM646 are known for premature wear of the 3rd and 4th gear synchronisers under heavy use (loaded van, frequent stops). On the OM651, problems are more concentrated on the primary shaft bearings. These symptoms — difficult gear changes or noise on deceleration — indicate a gearbox that has reached the end of its life, not a simple linkage adjustment issue.