Have I Imported a Hymer with All Wheel Drive? (1 Viewer)

[donnkim]

Waiting for DVLA to process my 2002 Hymer Starline 640 on a Mercedes 316 cdi.
As you would expect all manuals are in German!
There is a switch next to the ASR switch which, when I have slowly translated, is 'switchable all wheel drive'
Has anyone heard of this and how it works. The Mercedes manual cover 3 pages on this switch so it must be important.
I am very impressed with my import - I can't believe it is 15 years old. She is beautiful and so well looked after.

Thanks
Don

 

[pappajohn]

Have a look underneath and see if theres drive shafts on all four wheels.

 

[GWAYGWAY]

That is going to be heavier than an ordinary one, extra gearbox diff and drive shafts, but you would not get stuck on showgrounds with it less mpg as well

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[laurieash]

My just be a diff lock

 

[tonyidle]

ASR = Anti Slip Regulation. Basically a system that uses the ABS to apply the brake on a spinning wheel. Or at least that's what it normally means.

 

[Kingham]

ASR = Anti Slip Regulation. Basically a system that uses the ABS to apply the brake on a spinning wheel. Or at least that's what it normally means.

Just to clarify, I think the OP needs info on the switch next to the ASR switch.

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[donnkim]

That's right 'Kingham'. There are at least 10 pages detailing this accessories in the Mercedes Sprinter manual with - from what I can gather - limitations to speed and conditions. I just need a bit more detail if that is possible.
Also has anybody ever come across an all wheel drive Motorhome of thus age before?
I will look under my Hymer this morning.
Cheers
Don

 

[PeteH]

Waiting for DVLA to process my 2002 Hymer Starline 640 on a Mercedes 316 cdi.
As you would expect all manuals are in German!
There is a switch next to the ASR switch which, when I have slowly translated, is 'switchable all wheel drive'
Has anyone heard of this and how it works. The Mercedes manual cover 3 pages on this switch so it must be important.
I am very impressed with my import - I can't believe it is 15 years old. She is beautiful and so well looked after.

Thanks
Don

I believe Mercedes did do (may still do) a 4WD version of the Sprinter. A young guy I know was contemplating converting the Van Version into a camper. So I guess that it is not impossible that Hymer would offer a 4WD. Useful for those who do a lot of (say) Skiing? or off road Motor-sport?.

This is North American? site. http://www.mercedes-benz-vans.ca/en/sprinter-4x4/cargo-van Is this similar to your switch arrangement?. (9th picture)

 

[Munchie]

Mine has that button, it is a "slip assist" on mine. 2016 Fiat.

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[funflair]

If it 4 wheel drive the suspension will have more clearance, but as others have said a quick look underneath and see if it has front drive shafts

We are in Germany at the moment and Niesmann camping a big Hymer dealer have a 4X4 ML something parked in the flower bed.


Martin

 

[sewinlynne2]

Electronically selectable four wheel drive system will only give 4WD when needed. Normally you will have front wheel drive only. No extra fuel consumption and only a marginal weight increase(iro 200lb) with all the benefits and extra safety margins of 4WD particularly in winter snow and ice or on muddy roads/tracks and increased ground clearance its a win/win if it all works properly. Sounds like a great buy-any merc dealer will be able to help you.

 

[funflair]

This is the latest 4X4 Hymer, ok they moved it out of the flower bed now.

Martin

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[Lenny HB]

This is the latest 4X4 Hymer, ok they moved it out of the flower bed now.

View attachment 154574

Martin

2017 model also available in an A Class.
I spent 2 days at the Stelaplatz at that dealer when I came down with food poising last October.

 

[JeanLuc]

I cannot go out to the van for my handbook at the moment to check the details, but yes, there was a 4-WD version of the Sprinter during that time (mine is a 2003 Star-line 630 on a 316 chassis but RWD 5-speed auto). The 4-WD switch would be on the central panel, as is the ASR switch, but I cannot remember exactly in which position. As others have said, check if you have a diff on the front axle and drive shaft to it as well as the rear.

 

[funflair]

2017 model also available in an A Class.
I spent 2 days at the Stelaplatz at that dealer when I came down with food poising last October.

Hi Lenny

I didn't realise they did it on an "A class".

Martin

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[deleted-member02]

@donnkim is your new van an aclass or coachbuilt?
I've never seen a 4x4 aclass but coachbuilt could be a possibility...

I think it's most likely that the switch is an electronic diff lock, as opposed to 4x4.

If all else fails, drive onto some soaking wet grass and give it some wellie, you'll soon know if it's 4x4 or not

 

[Lenny HB]

Hi Lenny

I didn't realise they did it on an "A class".

Martin

Don't think it's an official Hymer job but I did pick up a leaflet from that dealer on it, I think I've thrown it as is was all in German.

 

[donnkim]

Yes. I am amazed as it is an old A Class.
Discovering something new in her everyday.
One of the best chances I have ever taken. The dealer in Bremen was brilliant and so helpful.
She had the best test drive ever - a race to catch the evening sailing from Rotterdam!
Only downside so far is the pull down bed - Her in Doors - is taking her time getting used to it!
Don

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[PeteH]

Is this it?

https://www.hymer.com/en/models/motorhomes/integrated/hymermobil-ml-i/hymermobil-ml-i-allrad.html

 

[KittyTabbert]

My 1998 Tabbert is based on the Sprinter 412, twin wheel axle and has electronic diff lock, it has the symbol of engaging 4wheel drive on the button, could it be what you have?

 

[Rob Turner]

I drive a 4x4 sprinter at work and the 4wd switch is just to the left of the steering column next to the low range gearbox. Yours might be different to mine though.

Rob

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[unimog]

I have a 2004 4x4 sprinter .The four wheel drive systems were all made by
and are very expensive and have a separate high low gear box giving 10 forward and 2 reverse gears .
They have 3 switches, one for rear axle diff lock, one for hi low gear box and one for centre diff lock
Its much more likely that yours is fitted with a lockable rear diff which uses the same axle as a G Wagon

 

[jongood]

I'm pretty sure Travel world had a 4x4 A class Hymer for sale last year.

 

[Figaro]

@donnkim

Have you established yet if it's 4x4 ?

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[donnkim]

Sorry - I am at the age when getting up again takes sooo much longer.
She has not got drive shafts on the front.
So must be a type of limited slip different.
Received registration number from DVLA just 2 weeks - credit due to this Government Department.
May I say that it is not difficult to import an old Hymer from Germany - just alot of nerves!