Mercedes Metris Van

[Tonyy]

I have read articles about the new to US Mercedes van. Looks like it is a little bigger than a mini and a bit smaller than a full size van. It appears that the van has been marketed overseas as the Mercedes Vito and has been modified with many lift types mounted in the rear and the side. I have found pictures and videos of average height people driving without any floor modification. This interests me because of the ability to just add a lift and no costly re-manufacturing. Supposedly the Metris is going to be in the low $30,000 range, that is not far off of a high end mini prior to re-manufacturing with a lowered floor.

It seems like a great alternative.

[noworries]

Interesting option - http://www.mbsprinterusa.com/future-models/metris

[Kent T]

I think it has potential for lift duty. And also, should be durable and reliable. And should last 300,000-500,000 miles with good maintenance. The right size for many needs.

[Tonyy]

I have been following the Metris and have seen pictures of a wheelchair lift Clear-way. I am wondering if anyone has any further info on these.

For those of us without funding, that $20,000 plus, conversion cost just to to get in and out of a smaller sized van is a financial burden.

[titanium4motion]

I saw the Mercedes-Benz Vito when I left Qingdao Airport in 2006. They were used as taxis. They look like the Volkswagen Eurovan. Mercedes-Benz had success with the Sprinter so they brought the Vito now named Metris to the United States. This van is classified as a mid-size van like the Volkswagen Eurovan. The Volkswagen Eurovan stopped coming to the United States in 2002. Volkswagen is suppose to bring it back at sticker shock of $70,000.00 whereas you can get a Mercedes-Benz Metris starting at $32,500.00.

I have a 2002 Volkswagen Eurovan with a Braun Swing-Away lift but it was discontinued because too many children were getting injured by the scissor effect of the lift. It has the camper swivel base and hand controls. Simple modifications and no lowered floor or raised roof, 54" from floor to ceiling.

So I don't know who or what kind of lift will go into the Metris van?

I am keeping an eye on it when my Eurovan needs to be replaced.

Mercedes-Benz wants to sweep the mini van market in the United States with the Metris by under-cutting the Chrysler Town and Country.

Visit the Metris web site at:

http://www.mbvans.com/sprinter/comme...-passenger-van

If anyone has any pictures of the Metris modified I'd like to see them! Please post them!

Ti

[robotnik]

Here in France we have the choice between the "Vito" for passengers (looks like your "Metris") and the "V-class" that can be a little more luxurious.
My own car is a second-hand "V-Class" I've bought in January. It is now totally equipped for quad driving, and I'm trying to get into driving it for 2 weeks? I can post some picts of it if you want.
Here is the detail of the rig :
- ultra thin F6 under vehicle lift, from Mobility Networks
- six-ways base from Autoadapt
- hands control Europa, from Huet on left hand
- Fork on the steering wheel, right side
- harness on driver's seat
- aluminium floor
It is a very nice car, extremely comfortable and easy to drive. My only issue is the electric steering, very smooth at low speed but becoming hard to turn when your speed increase a little bit. At 20 m/h it's too hard for me (I don't have any functionnal triceps) to take a narrow turn with only one hand/arm for turning the steering wheel. But here we have A LOT of roundabouts, and it's a hassle each time I have to go throw. I'm currently searching a solution to increase the steering assistance at low speed, but it isn't obvious.

[iburkhart13]

Please post pics, I'm extremely interested in this. Mini van style but full size benefits.

Here in France we have the choice between the "Vito" for passengers (looks like your "Metris") and the "V-class" that can be a little more luxurious.
My own car is a second-hand "V-Class" I've bought in January. It is now totally equipped for quad driving, and I'm trying to get into driving it for 2 weeks? I can post some picts of it if you want.
Here is the detail of the rig :
- ultra thin F6 under vehicle lift, from Mobility Networks
- six-ways base from Autoadapt
- hands control Europa, from Huet on left hand
- Fork on the steering wheel, right side
- harness on driver's seat
- aluminium floor
It is a very nice car, extremely comfortable and easy to drive. My only issue is the electric steering, very smooth at low speed but becoming hard to turn when your speed increase a little bit. At 20 m/h it's too hard for me (I don't have any functionnal triceps) to take a narrow turn with only one hand/arm for turning the steering wheel. But here we have A LOT of roundabouts, and it's a hassle each time I have to go throw. I'm currently searching a solution to increase the steering assistance at low speed, but it isn't obvious.

[robotnik]

Ok, I've taken some picts, not very good quality I'm afraid.
The lift is pretty nice (?) and doesn't fit too bad with the shape of the car.
Please note I asked my mechanic to cut the major part of the foldable pallet. It was taking, when unfolded, too many room inside IMO.

[webfoot]

I have a 2002 Volkswagen European - It has the camper swivel base and hand controls. Simple modifications and no lowered floor or raised roof, 54" from floor to ceiling.

I am keeping an eye on it when my Eurovan needs to be replaced.

Ti

Ditto re: Eurovan ownership and Metris interest.
Hey Robotnic - Thanks for the pix! What i your ground clearance like with the underfloor lift?

[robotnik]

Hi webfoot, you are right, ground clearance can be an issue. I didn't check it very accurately, but I think it is around 6" or 6.3" . Correct for "normal" use, but I'll have to be careful from time to time on the top of some inclines or when driving down sidewalks !!
BUT to reach this clearance, I had to install a kit "long springs" on each wheel shock. Without this kit I think you can't have more than 5.5 under the lift, which isn't enough to drive without fear IMHO, and unfortunately on French roads…