***SOLD CONDITIONAL*** 1997 Westfalia – James Cook

Imported into Canada from Germany, I bought it from its second owner 6+ years ago. It has 254,000 km (159,000 ml ), original. 

UP FRONT: 

5 spd. manual transmission

no A/C

REDUCED PRICE IF SOLD BEFORE WINTER: U$ 45,000 ( CDN $ 61,500 ), FOB Ontario (2 hrs. north of Toronto).

I will Certify if buyer is in Ontario (useless for other Provinces or US States).

I may be imported into USA since it is now 25 years old. If you are a US buyer, do your due diligence or hire a Pro company (US Customs Broker). I will help with whatever you might need (paperwork, loading onto a transporter, etc.) BUT it is buyer’s responsibility. 

ENGINE: 

5 cyl. diesel, 312D, turbocharged, 3.0 lt.

New battery, trickle charger attached.

Synthetic oil (MB Spec 229.52, as per MB Dealer) every 7,000 km. At about 5,000 km I sometimes added 1/2 lt (even though it is still between High and Low marks).

I replaced the serpentine belt with OEM at MB Dealer.

10 lt/100 km average fuel consumption (20-24 mpg).

Best ever: 9.4 lt/100 km (25 mpg)

Worst ever: 12 lt/100 km (19.5 mpg)

The difference is on speed: 95/115 km/h (60/70 mph) 

SUSPENSION: 

I had Red Konis installed on all 4 corners. Set at their max setting.

I had SUMO Springs installed on all 4 corners as well.

I did not like the rocking and sway under heavy winds and/or when leaving a driveway or parking lot and onto a road.

These improved handling substantially. 

TIRES: 

This year I decided to improve tires. I had 15” with prescribed (OEM) GOODYEAR CARGO VECTOR and proper load rating.

After lots of research, asking other newer Sprinter owners and taking notes, I went:

New 16” rims and new MICHELINS AGILIS CROSSCLIMATE. The exterior circumference changed by 2% which is negligible and speedometer stayed true. Of course all were balance and aligned. 

NOW, I have the handling and performance I was looking for. I am able to use 70/75 psi F/R and the handling/going over bumps improved beyond belief. Very good move.

They now have 10,000 km on them (this season).

Buyer may take the 15” that came off. Still have a lot of wear left. 

EXHAUST: 

1 year ago I replaced manifold to exhaust tip with the OEM, SS pipes/muffler. Done at the MB Dealer. They told me I now have exhaust for another 250,000 km. 

BODY: 

No rust whatsoever. Never winter driven. Always garaged under roof. See pictures of the undercarriage in the link provided (DropBox).

5 years ago there was incipient rust around windshield. I had the glass professionally removed, spot sandblasted, primed and painted. Windscreen replaced and now 100%. 

I replaced the driver’s side awning window on the upper bed (forgot to lock and flew off on the highway). Had someone make it and since we were at it, had the passenger side made as well. Not installed, but goes with the van to the new owner. I paid about €450/ea.

The bike carrier was replaced last year with a FIAMMA in order to carry 2 e-bikes. 

The FIAMMA awning tarp was replaced also last year with OEM.

It has the original hitch mount (Euro) and trailer wiring, I replaced the ball with the equivalent to the 2” we use in North America.

I had a professional caulking trades person check and re-do as needed all roof vents, skylight and perimeter trough with OEM caulk (by Sika). 

INTERIOR: 

Originally wired for 220V, a transformer was installed to plug into 110V and 2 interior outlets were installed.

I replaced the 2 – on-board deep cycle batteries with 2 – Lifeline HD, 105 Amp batteries ($750/ea.)

Everything works !:

External furnace with interior thermostat (works off the diesel fuel tank), 12V fridge (“cold box”), 10 lt propane HWH, 100 lt fresh water tank, 70 lt. grey water tank (vanity, shower and sink), 20 lt black water tank (toilet). Hot water at vanity, sink and shower. 

All indicators work (console above driver).

Seat belts for 5.

10 (or 15?) lb propane tank on board for HWH and stove burners. Additional 5 lb. spare for back up, which we use with camping stove. 

The interior fan blower control was replaced by MB dealer (OEM) as 1-2 speeds were not working. The lights/turn signal controller was replaced by MB dealer (OEM) as it was shorting and acting up. 

GENERAL:

Open for inspections by competent mechanic for SERIOUS BUYER.

Priced is NOW LOWER THAN its true value, so tire kickers and low ballers are not welcome. We have recently retired and are moving up to a different unit. 

You may contact me through Vanlife or email me directly at [email protected]

We’ll trade phone #s once we know there is genuine interest.

We have owned it for the 6+ years and have receipts for over $20,000 in repairs/upgrades. I have original maintenance receipts since new.

I have the Ontario Used Vehicle Information Package/Title/Ownership showing no liens. 

Pictures and video available in Dropbox:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u7987facaxqqox1/AAAPslsFYOSKihnmJ6GvLz1Za?dl=0