Mercedes-Benz Actros

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Actros is the name for a truck series of the Mercedes-Benz brand of Daimler AG . It was introduced as the successor to the heavy class (SK) at the IAA Commercial Vehicles in 1996 and was therefore initially referred to as the new heavy class , or SKN for short . In 2003 and 2008, extensive model maintenance measures were carried out , which are also known as MP 2 and MP 3 (model project 2 and 3). For the 2011 model year, the second model generation was initially introduced under the name New Actros . Mercedes-Benz also offers the Actros as an armored military version that is used by countries such as Canada.

Mercedes-Benz Actros
Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks
Sales designation: Actros
Production period: 1996 – today
Previous model: Mercedes-Benz SK
Successor: none
Mercedes-Benz New Actros
model from 2011

First generation Actros MP1 (since 1996, BM 950–954)

1st generation

Mercedes-Benz Actros MP1 1996–2002

Mercedes-Benz Actros Laster.jpg

Mercedes-Benz Actros 1843 L flatbed truck (first generation)

Production period: 1996–
Engines: OM 501 LA (V6), OM 502 LA (V8)
Payload: approx. 7.8 t
Perm. Total weight: 18–41 t
Tipper Mercedes-Benz Actros 4146

Since the previous SK model was technically and visually outdated after more than 20 years of construction, despite several facelifts , the introduction of the new model was brought forward. In this way, Mercedes-Benz hoped to counteract the falling sales figures in the heavy truck segment. However, in order to be able to bring the vehicle to market promptly, the manufacturer initially took over some components such as the rear axle from the previous model, although these assemblies should also have been renewed with the model change. Around a year after the market launch , older components were replaced by newly developed units.

With the Actros, which was completely redeveloped in many areas, Mercedes-Benz introduced electronic control and networking ( CAN bus ) in commercial vehicle construction on a grand scale . In addition to the engine control , the Actros received a new transmission control, an electronically controlled brake system and a flexible maintenance system (called Assyst in cars). All these components are part of the Telligent Strategy ( portmanteau of " telematics " and " Intelligent "). In parallel to the new Actros, the previous SK model continued to be offered until 1998.

Although initially received very positively in the trade press, the first points of criticism soon emerged. These included u. a. the interior impression that was initially classified as cheap and the details that were perceived as immature. The first Actros (MP 1) also had to struggle with numerous technical breakdowns after its market launch and was therefore considered immature for a long time. Despite all the criticism, the Actros achieved very good sales figures, although the market share fell in the following years. Due to numerous quality offensives and detailed improvements, however, the model ultimately advanced to become the benchmark for reliability in the commercial vehicle industry.

Technical innovations

The innovations at the model launch included:

  • Introduction of a fully electronically controlled compressed air brake system , which offers particular advantages in terms of efficiency, safety and ease of use,
  • Telligent brake system with disc brakes on the front and rear axles ( drum brakes are still available for construction site and off-road use ),
  • Networking of the control units in the vehicle ( CAN bus technology for the chassis and drive train , later also in the driver's cab for MP 2 trucks),
  • Further development of the electro-pneumatic gearshift (EPS) for the Telligent gearshift with new transmission variants,
  • New engines from the OM 500 series (V6 and V8 cylinders ) with Telligent engine management ,
  • Flexible Telligent maintenance system,
  • The new HL 8 rear axle, which is no longer designed as a planetary axle .

Furnishing

The Actros was the first Mercedes-Benz truck to be created through close collaboration between designers and aerodynamic engineers. Compared to the previous SK model, the manufacturer was able to reduce the flow resistance by 17%.

Initially, the Actros was available with three different cab variants. The short S-cab had an external length of 1.70 m, while the middle M-cab was 1.95 m long. Both variants have an interior height of 1.56 m. The long L-cab, the largest variant, was 2.20 m long and 1.92 m high. The L-cab was also available as a Megaspace version with a consistently level cab floor and was correspondingly higher up than the three smaller versions.

Depending on the application, there is a choice of chassis with two, three or four axles with optional air suspension on all axles. A total of 3300 mm and 6300 mm wheelbase can be selected. The construction versions of the Actros (presented in autumn 1997) are available with wheelbases between 3300 mm and 5100 mm. With these variants, the front axle can be equipped with leaf or air suspension, the rear axle is always provided with parabolic leaf springs .

In contrast to road vehicles with internally ventilated disc brakes on all axles, construction vehicles with a 4 × 2 wheel formula were equipped with drum brakes on the rear axle ; Vehicles with more than two axles and all-wheel drive have drum brakes on all axles.

On the transmission side, a 16-speed manual transmission and a hydropneumatically operated automatic transmission with 16 gears were available.

Engines

At the beginning, all Actros engines were homologated according to the Euro 2 emissions standard , later also according to Euro 3. The new 500 series used here for the first time was given the designation OM 501 LA for the V6 engine and OM 502 LA for the V8. The new engine family uses a common kit for central components ( e.g. pistons , connecting rods, etc.). The different engine outputs are generated almost exclusively by differences in the respective software in the engine control unit (MR). Mechanically, the 500 series is designed for a mileage of one million kilometers.

The following engines were offered:

model Engine code
Mercedes-Benz
Cubic capacity
cm 3
Bore × stroke
mm
Power
kW (PS)
in min -1
Torque
Nm
at min -1
Available exhaust
standards
Fuel processing
specialty
V six-cylinder - diesel engine
xx31 OM 501 LA 11,946 ø 130 × 150 230 (313)
1800
1530
1080
Euro 2
Euro 3
Unit pump -
line -
nozzle
(UPS / PLD)
xx35 260 (354)
1800
1730
1080
xx40 290 (394)
1800
1850
1080
xx43 315 (428)
1800
2000
1080
xx46 335 (456)
1800
2200
1080
V-eight-cylinder - diesel engine
xx48 OM 502 LA 15,928 ø 130 × 150 350 (476)
1800
2300
1080
Euro 2
Euro 3
Unit
pump line
nozzle
(UPS / PLD)
xx53 390 (530)
1800
2400
1080
xx57 420 (571)
1800
2700
1080

Fuel processing

Another new feature of this series is direct injection according to the pump-line-nozzle principle (PLD), an improvement on the principle of the plug-in pumps that have been used for decades . Each cylinder has its own injection pump , which is driven by its own cam on the camshaft.

The fuel supply of the plug-in pumps takes place via a mechanical vane pump , which is combined with the power steering pump to form a structural unit (tandem pump) and is driven by the engine via the shaft of the air compressor . Each individual injection pump has an electromagnetic valve that is activated by the engine control (MR). As a result, the MR can determine the respective injection time and the injection duration as a function of the operating state. In relation to the crankshaft and camshaft angle of the engine, the closing time of the solenoid valve determines the start of injection and the closing duration determines the injection quantity. The injection pressure is built up mechanically by actuating the plug-in pumps via the engine camshaft. The injection nozzle opens at around 300 bar, the maximum injection pressure is up to 1800 bar.

The 335 kW variant of the V6 OM 501 LA engine, which was only introduced in 2002, anticipated the measures taken in the MP 2 to increase performance. This performance setting was therefore adopted unchanged in the facelift model.

Facelift 2003 Actros MP 2 (BM 930-934)

Mercedes-Benz Actros MP 2 semi-trailer truck

While only details had previously been changed, after a good six years of construction the 2003 model year saw a profound visual overhaul. At this point the problems of the early years had been overcome, the series was already well established and was able to maintain its position as the market leader .

As part of the facelift, Mercedes-Benz revised the interior of the driver's cab and upgraded it from now on with higher quality materials. Externally, the facelift included a new headlight design (now available for the first time with bi- xenon headlights) and a further smoothed vehicle front. Following the general trend in heavy truck construction, the radiator grille received fewer, but larger lamellas. In order to maintain the recognition value of the model, the basic shape of the driver's cab was retained.

Euro 3 engines

At the same time, new engines were introduced in the Actros MP 2, all of which were now homologated according to Euro 3. In addition, Mercedes-Benz slightly increased the engine's output and maximum torque. The following drives were now available:

model Engine code
Mercedes-Benz
Cubic capacity
cm 3
Bore × stroke
mm
Power
kW (PS)
in min -1
Torque
Nm
at min -1
Available exhaust
standards
Fuel processing
specialty
V six-cylinder - diesel engine
xx32 OM 501 LA 11,946 ø 130 × 150 235 (320)
1800
1650
1080
Euro 3 Unit
pump line
nozzle
(UPS / PLD)
xx36 265 (360)
1800
1850
1080
xx41 300 (408)
1800
2000
1080
xx44 320 (435)
1800
2100
1080
xx46 335 (456)
1800
2200
1080
V-eight-cylinder - diesel engine
xx50 OM 502 LA 15,928 ø 130 × 150 370 (503)
1800
2400
1080
Euro 3 Unit
pump line
nozzle
(UPS / PLD)
xx54 395 (537)
1800
2500
1080
xx58 425 (578)
1800
2700
1080
xx61 450 (612)
1800
2800
1080

In addition to the revised engines, the facelift for models up to 335 kW (456 hp) included a new, lighter rear axle (HL 6), as well as some new special equipment. For example the new integral rear , in which some vehicle components (battery, storage tank for compressed air etc.) are grouped together behind the rear axle differential (on the rear of the vehicle). This creates space on the sides of the vehicle for the use of larger or additional fuel tanks and components for exhaust gas purification ( SCR catalytic converter and the like). These additional system components were necessary in the course of fulfilling new (and future) emissions regulations .

In addition, the Actros could now optionally be ordered with super single tires (a wide tire with run-flat system replaces the conventional twin tires ). Another new feature of the MP 2 was the single-cab interior, which was consistently designed for use with just one driver, and the complete integration of trailers and special bodies in the vehicle's CAN bus system.

In 2005 Mercedes-Benz presented the Black Edition special series limited to 250 units . This was equipped with a 450 kW (612 hp) variant of the well-known V8 turbodiesel OM 502 and (compared to the standard Actros) had an upgraded interior (bird-eye maple, leather steering wheel, seat covers with stamped Mercedes star). Externally, the special model can be recognized by a specially designed radiator grille with chrome trim, a new front apron with stainless steel grille, chrome-rimmed headlights and chrome-plated exterior mirrors.

Euro 4 and Euro 5 engines

In 2004 new engines for the Actros were presented again (henceforth OM 501 LA V6 and OM 502 LA V8). Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to present engines that complied with the Euro 4 or Euro 5 emissions standard. Like most other truck manufacturers later, Mercedes-Benz used exhaust gas aftertreatment by means of selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”). In this case, the exhaust gases are not only reduced inside the engine by means of exhaust gas recirculation , as was previously the case with truck engines , but instead cleaned by a catalytic converter in the exhaust system , as is customary with cars .

Actros 2655 V8

This has the advantage that the raw nitrogen oxide emissions can be neglected when the engine is tuned, and the engine can therefore be optimized for the lowest possible emission of other pollutants (e.g. soot particles ). This eliminates the previous conflict of objectives (reduced nitrogen oxide emissions resulted in increased emissions of all other pollutants and vice versa). By neglecting the raw nitrogen oxide emissions, the efficiency of the engine can also be increased, which results in lower fuel consumption and / or higher engine output.

In order to improve the efficiency, the manufacturer increased the compression ratio from 17.75: 1 to 18.5: 1 and the ignition pressure from 170 to 180 bar and made the necessary adjustments. This enabled the power and torque of some engines to be increased or an additional power class to be introduced. There was also a 350 kW (476 hp) version of the OM 501 LA V6 with a maximum torque of 2300 Nm.

Based on the AdBlue brand of the German Association of the Automotive Industry , this technology is called BlueTec4 (Euro 4) and BlueTec5 (Euro 5).

The BlueTec engines were gradually introduced in the Actros between the end of 2004 and the beginning of 2006 and were available in the following output levels:

model Engine code
Mercedes-Benz
Cubic capacity
cm 3
Bore × stroke
mm
Power
kW (PS)
in min -1
Torque
Nm
at min -1
Available exhaust
standards
Fuel processing
specialty
V six-cylinder - diesel engine
xx32 OM 501 LA
BlueTec4 / 5
11,946 ø 130 × 150 235 (320)
1800
1650
1080
Euro 4
Euro 5
Unit
pump line
nozzle
(UPS / PLD)
xx36 265 (360)
1800
1850
1080
xx41 300 (408)
1800
2000
1080
xx44 320 (435)
1800
2100
1080
xx46 335 (456)
1800
2200
1080
xx48 350 (476)
1800
2300
1080
V-eight-cylinder - diesel engine
xx51 OM 502 LA
BlueTec4 / 5
15,928 ø 130 × 150 375 (510)
1800
2400
1080
Euro 4
Euro 5
Unit
pump line
nozzle
(UPS / PLD)
xx55 405 (551)
1800
2600
1080
xx60 440 (598)
1800
2800
1080
xx65 480 (653)
1800
3000
1080

The aforementioned Euro 3 engines remained on offer for the time being, but the Euro 4 standard became mandatory for new vehicles registered within the EU from October 2006 and the Euro 5 standard from October 2009. Vehicles that already met the Euro 4 or Euro 5 standard before the respective cut-off date received financial support in some EU countries; in Germany, for example, through a reduced toll .

safety

With the introduction of the new BlueTec engines, a number of new safety systems were also presented on the Actros. In addition to the ABS , ASR and driver airbag systems available today for most long-haul trucks , the following systems were available at an additional cost:

  • Stability control , ESP for short: stabilizes the vehicle within physical limits in critical driving situations
  • Distance control : monitors and regulates the safety distance to the vehicle in front
  • Lane assistant : monitors adherence to the lane markings and emits an acoustic signal via the on-board loudspeakers if the vehicle leaves the lane unintentionally
  • Emergency braking assistant : builds on the distance control, first acoustically warns the driver when approaching an obstacle, then initiates a 30 percent braking and finally an emergency braking. In this way, if a driver is distracted or has fallen asleep, a rear-end collision (e.g. at the end of a traffic jam) can be prevented in good time or at least the impact speed can be drastically reduced.

However, due to the relatively high surcharges, these systems were only ordered from a relatively small proportion of the total Actros sold.

Further development

The Actros SpaceMax design study at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2006 in Hanover

An international jury of specialist journalists voted the Actros Truck of the Year 1997 , 2004 , 2009 and 2012 . The Actros is built in Wörth am Rhein and Aksaray (Turkey). In Africa, the Actros is produced by Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles in Cairo and is intended for sales within Africa and the Middle East . Another manufacturer of the Actros is the Chinese Shaanxi Heavy-duty Automobile Group Co., Ltd. who produced the model exclusively for the local market.

More than 500,000 Mercedes Actros had been sold by 2007, the first BlueTec5 Actros had a mileage of one million kilometers. The Truck 'n' Roll Edition was presented at the RAI commercial vehicle fair in Amsterdam . The name of the three-axle show truck ( drive formula 6 × 4) with a megaspace cab alludes to the music title Truck 'n' Roll Rules by the band The BossHoss , which appeared as an advertising partner. The lavishly designed truck went to the Dutch freight forwarder Erhardt Verkoren.

At the IAA 2006 in Hanover , Mercedes-Benz presented a concept truck as a further design of the Black Edition . The vehicle bears the name Actros SpaceMax and has a more spacious cab. However, this is exclusively a design study , the market launch of which was not planned, but which should arouse interest in the upcoming revision of the series. Transporters often use trucks such as the Black Edition or the Truck 'n' Roll Edition as a “fleet flagship” to enhance their company image or as an advertising medium. The models that stand out from the crowd are not infrequently driven by self-driving entrepreneurs (“owner operators”). The special models Powerline from Scania and TGA 5Star from MAN are comparable with this .

Both studies are based on the Actros 1860 LS; Both the Truck'n'Roll and the SpaceMax are therefore powered by the most powerful version of the OM 542 V8 (440 kW / 598 PS), which transfers its power to the PowerShift 2 transmission.

Facelift 2008 Actros MP 3 (BM 930-934)

On March 31, 2008, the second facelift of the series appeared, which Mercedes is known internally as the Actros MP 3 (model project 3). After the start of production in July 2008, the MP 3 was officially presented to the general public at the IAA Commercial Vehicles from September 25 to October 2, 2008. The previous OM 541 V6 and OM 542 V8 engines with between 235 and 440 kW were retained (320 to 598 hp). The Actros MP 3 was the last visual revision of the previous Actros.

Mercedes-Benz Actros 1860 LS MP 3
Steering wheel of an Actros 1860 LS MP 3

Exterior

These include, for example, the Mercedes star in the radiator grille, which can be optionally illuminated by LED and which can be controlled from the dashboard. The exterior mirrors have also been adapted to the previous special models ( BlackEdition , SpaceMax and Truck'n'Roll ) and now have closed brackets that are optionally painted in black or the exterior color of the vehicle (at an additional cost). The radiator grille and sun visors have been designed to be significantly more curved. Furthermore, the headlights (as previously available with bi-xenon) have been slightly revised.

In contrast to its predecessor, the MP 2, the radiator grille of the MP 3 only has two (driver's cab with engine tunnel) or three (cab without engine tunnel) slats.

inner space

The detailed changes in the interior include the standardized standard compressed air connection on the driver's seat console, the optionally available light and rain sensor or the optimized steering. The instruments have also been designed differently and now have chrome rings. In addition, three different comfort packages were offered for the Actros MP 3: Basic, Classic and Top. Air conditioning is available as an option.

Other small details include the standard shaving mirror (L cab with high roof and Megaspace), the towel holder (L and Megaspace cab) and the optional folding table on the passenger side (can be stowed in the rear storage compartment or in L and Megaspace cabs in the middle storage compartment above the windscreen). The headroom in the largest driver's cab, the Megaspace variant, is 1.92 m.

On the convenience side, the MP 3 has a tip-flashing function (tapping the turn signal lever once triggers five flashes). In addition, Mercedes-Benz offers a specific truck navigation system . In addition to the standard air conditioning , an automatic air conditioning system and additional air heating ( auxiliary heating ) are available.

Other changes

Another new feature is the optimized 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift 2-12 automatic gearshift, which is designed to reduce fuel consumption by a few percent as standard. This should also be achieved by the optionally available Economy Packs (Basic and Classic) and the improved compressed air control. The standard battery control display enables permanent monitoring of the battery voltage and the ability to start the vehicle.

As an alternative to the PowerShift 2 transmission, there is a choice of four 16-speed synchromesh transmissions with different ratios, which are part of the Telligent strategy. To increase the ground clearance , the vehicles can be fitted with the well-known HL 6 rear axles (for engines up to 350 kW (476 PS) and for low-liner and low-frame vehicles) and HL 8 (for all V8 engines) and the HL planetary axle 7 equip.

Transition to the next model series

After the successive introduction of the new Actros series, Mercedes-Benz continued to offer the previous Actros MP 3 until 2013. In addition, individual components of the MP 3 are supplied to the Finnish manufacturer Oy Sisu . The Sisu Polar, which has been available since March 2011, uses engines, transmissions and the cab of the MP 3 (with a modified front section). The vehicles are particularly intended for the forestry and construction industries.

Second generation Actros 2011-2018 (BM 963)

2nd generation
Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 BigSpace.jpg
Production period: 2011–
Engines: Diesel engines: OM 936 (7.7 l), OM 470 (10.7 l), OM 471 (12.8 l), OM 473 (15.6 l)
Payload: approx. 8.0 t
Perm. Total weight: 18–41 t

For the 2011 model year, an extensive new development was brought onto the market under the introduced name, which so far (as of November 2011) has only been called the New Actros (in-house SFTP, Strategic Future Truck Program) by the manufacturer. At the fair Trailer 2011 in the Belgian Kortrijk became the new Actros end of November 2011 by an international jury of 24 European countries for the Truck of the Year chosen 2012th At the same time, the new Actros was awarded the European Transport Prize for Sustainability 2012 .

On April 15, 2011, Daimler announced in a press release that the new Actros would be sold from July 1, 2011. On June 21, 2011, the new Actros was officially presented to more than 500 international journalists at the trade fair in Brussels. The premiere in Germany took place at the beginning of July 2011 as part of the 26th Truck Grand Prix at the Nürburgring . In order to demonstrate the technology of modern trucks to trade fair visitors to the 64th IAA Cars, Mercedes-Benz exhibited the new Actros on the outdoor area there. From September 15 to 25, 2011, visitors were able to familiarize themselves with the engine technology and with the new cabs using a sectional model (GigaSpace).

On November 12, 2011, Mercedes-Benz presented the new Actros to the public at dealerships. Since the aforementioned public presentations, vehicles of the new series have been handed over to 36 freight forwarding companies and other truck operators as test vehicles as part of a 30-day customer trial and were thus sporadically seen in the streets. The vehicles used were pre-series, but most of them already had series parts. As part of the trial, the companies involved undertook to cover a minimum of 10,000 km with the test vehicles within a month. Some of these test trucks were still covered with camouflage film during the testing phase. The first vehicles have been officially delivered to customers since mid-November 2011.

In contrast to all previous Mercedes-Benz truck series, the new Actros was designed purely as a long-distance truck from the start. The vehicle is the first part of a new model strategy from Mercedes-Benz Trucks, which will be supplemented by two more models by 2013. In future, these will cover the areas of application in heavy local ( Antos series ) and construction site traffic ( Arocs series ) and, together with the Actros, will replace the previous Axor series . The new model policy enables vehicle developers to adapt cabs and components to the respective area of ​​application. The Actros has been available in two special versions since July 2012: the Volumer with three meters of clearance and the Loader with a reduced empty weight (due to the omission of various components, such as the radiator shutter, approx. 350 kg lighter than the standard Actros).

Since the Actros was launched in 1996, the 2011 generation has been the first Mercedes truck to feature new engines (now in- line instead of V-engines ) as well as newly developed cabs and a specific long-haul frame with a wider track (834 mm instead of 744 mm). The new frame has a 50 mm hole pattern, which makes assembly easier for body builders, and can be ordered as a two- or three-axle vehicle ( chassis and tractor unit ). There are four ( 4 × 2 semitrailer tractors; 3550, 3700, 3850 and 4000 mm) or eleven different wheelbases (4 × 2 chassis; 3600 to 6600 mm in 300 mm increments) available. The fifth wheel height of the 4 × 2 and 6 × 2 semitrailer tractors is 1135 mm (standard height), with a low frame it is 1017 mm and with the Lowliner it is 946 mm (the latter only as 4 × 2). For chassis, the frame height is 973 mm (4 × 2 and 6 × 2 standard height) or 885 mm (low frame).

technology

Most of the technology in this model has been newly developed. This applies both to the engines and to the design of the frame and chassis components. Various new ancillary units with demand-based control reduce fuel consumption and wear .

With a view to clean guidance of the rear axle, the developers replaced the two - bellows air suspension that was previously used with a four-bellows system. It increases the load-bearing capacity of the axle and ensures a faster and more precise response of the suspension . Since the four small bellows also take up less space than two large bellows, the spring track could be enlarged. In addition, there are the modified lines of action of the wishbones, which now intersect far behind the differential housing and thus increase the lateral stability .

The rear axle is the HL 6 axle adopted from the predecessor (with a modified hypoid set ), which, however, has been revised for the new Actros and given a longer ratio (now 2.611: 1; previously 2.846: 1). This lowers the engine speed at a motorway speed of 85 km / h by around 100 revolutions per minute. Gear ratios between 2.533 and 3.077 can be selected, for the lowliners between 2.278 and 2.733 (series 2.412). The front axle largely corresponds to the previous version. Single-leaf and double-leaf parabolic springs are now available. The ZF steering used was translated more directly and now has improved kinematics . These changes ensure more precise driving behavior and reduce the number of corrections required when changing lanes quickly.

As before, the retarder comes from the Voith company , but no longer works with the aid of an oil filling, the waste heat of which is transferred to the vehicle cooling system via a heat exchanger . The new secondary water retarder uses the engine's cooling water as a lubricant and for braking torque. Compared to its predecessor, the new retarder is around 35 kg lighter (65 kg to around 100 kg) and more powerful. It offers a maximum deceleration power of 750 kW or 3500 Nm braking torque.

In addition to the new Voith retarder, the 2011 Actros has a reinforced decompression brake ( engine brake ) that works in three stages and provides a maximum braking power of 400 kW (544 hp) within 150 milliseconds . The service brake of the new Actros is based on the four-disc brake system with high pressure system and electronic control of the predecessor, which was first introduced in 1996 and has been continuously further developed.

Safety and comfort equipment

Interior of the new Actros in the BigSpace driver's cab

For the first time there is a multifunctional vehicle key for the Actros (special equipment), which enables the driver to carry out a departure check (headlight check, display of tire pressure, fill levels and axle loads) from a distance. The key has a 4.6 cm TFT color display . Power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery , which is charged via the ignition lock while driving . To start, the driver inserts the key into the electronic ignition lock and presses a start / stop button (comparable to the Keyless Go system of Mercedes-Benz Cars ). The multifunction key has a range of up to 100 meters and can withstand a fall from a maximum of three meters.

The new key includes the following functions:

  • Level control , radio, auxiliary heating on / off, auxiliary climate on / off, lamp check, work lights , locking / unlocking doors, side windows, skylight , tail lift unlocking, control of interior lighting (night and interior light), ambient lighting (optional), status display for doors / flaps (in conjunction with alarm system)
  • Displayable or adjustable functions: display outside / inside temperature, total kilometers, daily kilometers, operating hours , axle loads , fuel levels, AdBlue , display radio connection, tire pressure control , supply pressure circuit 1 + 2, battery status , door and flap control for alarm systems , vehicle battery , key battery , status Software / hardware , languages, display brightness setting, units (e.g. degrees Fahrenheit (F)), timings (e.g. stand-by mode)
  • Mechanical key bit integrated as a removable emergency key and protected against loss or forgetting through sensing and display

In addition, a normal remote control key is available as standard to control the convenience locking system . Like the multi-function key, it works in a direction-independent manner, but only has a range of 30 meters. An alarm system is optionally available for both variants.

In the new Actros, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is part of the standard equipment (previously available for an extra charge). The hazard warning lights are also automatically activated as standard in the event of emergency braking . As before, Daimler also offers a large number of different safety systems in the new model. There are now eleven systems available for a surcharge. New, for example, is the Proximity Control Assistant with Stop & Go function, which automatically starts the vehicle again when it is stationary for less than 2 seconds. In addition, the assistant is no longer linked to the retarder . In addition, the following safety systems are available as special equipment in the new Actros:

Active security

Assistance

  • Sensed fifth wheel coupling with status display in the central display
  • Distance keeping assistant with stop-go function for traffic jams ( also known as Distronic in Mercedes-Benz cars )
  • Rain and light sensor
  • Maneuvering function mirror (mirror moves 10 ° outwards at the push of a button)
  • Cornering light

Brakes

  • New engine brake with max. 300/350/400/475 kW braking power (with OM 936 / OM 470 / OM 471 / OM 473)
  • New water retarder with max. 3500 Nm braking torque (secondary retarder)

PowerShift 3

When purchasing, there is a choice between two different driving programs. The Economy program includes the driving modes Manual, Standard and Economy. Economy mode dispenses with the kickdown function and uses the overrun cut-off in the permanently activated EcoRoll mode . In addition, the Power mode is available , which includes the Manual and Standard modes as well as the Power mode. The shift strategy of this driving program is more speed intensive and offers the possibility of kickdown in order to call up short-term power. EcoRoll mode is deactivated here. In comparison to the standard mode, gear changes take place around 100 revolutions later. If no increased output is required for a minute, the PowerShift 3 transmission (G211-12 and G281-12) automatically switches back to standard mode, which offers both EcoRoll and a kickdown. Finally, in manual mode, the driver can initiate the gear changes himself ; for example on unpaved or smooth surfaces. The transmission shifts up by pulling the pitman arm towards the steering wheel, down by pushing it away. You can switch between the modes by briefly pressing the front of the steering column stalk (Economy / Power and Standard) or pressing it longer (Manual).

Engines

Six-cylinder in-line OM 471 in a Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845

Mercedes-Benz offers the Actros with inline six-cylinder common rail engines with a displacement of 7.7 ( OM 936 LA ), 10.7 ( OM 470 LA ), 12.8 ( OM 471 LA ) and 15.6 liters ( OM 473 LA ) in a total of 18 performance levels. All variants of the new engine families are designed for a 20% higher mileage - now 750,000 (OM 936) or 1.2 million kilometers (OM 470/471) - than the predecessor series.

The variants of the OM 471 with 310 kW, 330 kW and 375 kW are available in Euro 5 and Euro 6 versions, while the 350 kW version is only available as Euro 6. With the exception of the 375 kW six-cylinder, Mercedes-Benz is equipping the OM 471 with top torque electronics so that an additional 200 Nm of torque can be called up in the highest gear. The cylinders are always supplied by a common rail system with X-Pulse technology. It guarantees variable boosting of the pre-injection pressure from 900 bar to up to 2100 bar, with the engine electronics deciding, depending on the engine load, whether the boost will take place earlier, later or not at all. The members of the Mercedes-Benz OM 47x engine family are designed with a distinctly long stroke to ensure high pulling power. In the smaller OM 936 engines, the rail injection pressure is a maximum of 2400 bar, X-Pulse is not used.

A special feature of the new OM 473 engine is what is known as turbo-compound technology. This series has been rolling off the production line at Detroit Diesel since December 2007 in a specific design for the US market under the designation DD16 (15.6 L). A 14.8 liter version (DD15) is also available here, which is not intended for the German market. In March 2010, the Japanese Daimler subsidiary Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTB) began manufacturing the 6R10 (OM 471).

The power range between 240 kW (326 PS) and 315 kW (428 PS) has been covered by a 10.7 liter in-line six-cylinder (OM 470) since July 2012. The smallest power unit is a new 7.7-liter six-cylinder in-line engine (OM 936) with an output between 175 kW (238 hp) and 260 kW (354 hp) and is only available for the two smallest cabs (ClassicSpace and StreamSpace) . All engines for the Actros are built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Mannheim and are available with Euro 6 homologation. The OM 471 is also available as a Euro 5 and EEV version. Individual components come from partner plants in Redford (USA) and Cape Town (South Africa) as part of a production network.

On a 10,000 km long consumption journey in commuter traffic (Record Run) between Rotterdam and Stettin , the Actros 1845 LS with StreamSpace driver's cab (2500 mm width) has already proven that it has an average of 7.6% (Euro 5 version) or 4 , 5% (Euro 6) less diesel fuel than its direct predecessor, the Actros 1844 LS MP 3 (L-cab) with the V6-cylinder OM 501 LA III.

Line six-cylinder - diesel engine Mercedes-Benz
model Cubic capacity
cm 3
Bore × stroke
mm
Power
kW (PS)
in min -1
Torque
Nm
at min -1

Top torque performance plus
Available exhaust
standards
Fuel processing
specialty
OM 936 LA
xx24 7698 ø 110 × 135 175 (238)
2200
1000
1200-1600
not available Euro 6 Common rail
xx27 200 (272)
2200
1100
1200-1600
xx30 220 (299)
2200
1200
1200-1600
xx32 235 (320)
2200
1300
1200-1600
xx35 260 (354)
2200
1400
1200-1600
OM 470 LA
xx33 10,677 ø 125 × 145 240 (326)
1600
1700
1100
not available Euro 5
Euro 6
Common rail
xx36 265 (360)
1600
1800
1100
xx40 290 (394)
1600
1900
1100
xx43 315 (428)
1600
2100
1100
Euro 6
xx46 335 (456)
1600
2200
1100
OM 471 LA
xx42 12,809 ø 132 × 156 310 (421)
1600
2100
1100
200 Nm or
23 kW (31 hp)
at 1100 min -1
Euro 5
EEV
Euro 6
Common rail
xx45 330 (449)
1600
2200
1100
xx48 350 (476)
1600
2300
1100
Euro 6
xx51 375 (510)
1600
2500
1100
not available Euro 5
EEV
Euro 6
xx53 390 (530)
1600
2600
1100
Euro 6
OM 473 LA
xx52 15,569 ø 139 × 171 380 (517)
1600
2600
1100
not available Euro 5
Euro 6
Common rail
xx58 425 (580)
1600
2800
1100
xx63 460 (625)
1600
3000
1100

The 18-ton variant, which is used, for example, in articulated trucks, is representative of all model names.

Cabs

For the first time, eleven different cab variants are available for the Actros with an external width of 2.30 meters or 2.50 meters. The largest variant, which is offered under the name GigaSpace, has an interior height of 2.13 meters (with a level floor), a volume of 11.6 m³ and around 1000 liters of storage space.

When designing the new cabins, the very large radiator grille is striking. This is necessary due to the increased cooling air requirements of the Euro 6 engines. The cooling surface is now just under one square meter . However, the new Actros has two cooling blinds that are controlled as required. Depending on the air requirement, the vehicle's electronics open one of the two blinds (top or bottom), both together or leave them closed. This improves the aerodynamics of the truck, as the wind is guided smoothly around the front when the blinds are closed. Due to the large cooling surface, the driver's cab mounting has been moved to the outside and thus the spring track has been enlarged, which, together with a modified adjustment of the mounting, reduces rolling movements and prevents rocking. The bearing itself can be installed at two different heights (600 mm for cabs with an engine tunnel and 765 mm for those with a level floor).

The buyer can choose from three different suspension variants for the cabs. As a standard, the cabs with engine tunnels are equipped with standard steel bearings, while cabs with a level floor have comfort steel bearings. Air suspension with four spring bellows is possible at an additional cost.

The radio is now on the dashboard within easy reach of the driver. A special truck navigation system is optionally available. At the previous installation on the windshield, there are still an optional CB - radio and tachograph ( Tachograph / EC recording equipment). There are also various storage compartments above the windscreen, depending on the cab variant. Around the driver's seat, the interior offers differently sized storage options for jackets, 1.5-liter drinks bottles, papers and small parts.

The auxiliary heating installed in the engine compartment and decoupled from the driver's cab is available in two versions. A 3.8 kW version is available for heating the driver's cab alone ; the larger 9 kW heater also heats the engine's cooling water and thus improves startability and operation in cold environments.

An overview of the 2011 Actros cabs

designation Outside width Height of engine tunnel Headroom on the engine tunnel Standing height in front of the seats commitment
CompactSpace 2300 mm 170 mm 1250 mm 1397 mm Car transport
320 mm 1065 mm
ClassicSpace 170 mm 1460 mm 1590 mm Regional long-distance transport
320 mm 1310 mm 1600 mm
Level floor No engine tunnel 1590 mm
StreamSpace 170 mm 1785 mm 1840 mm National long-distance transport
320 mm 1635 mm
Level floor No engine tunnel
2500 mm 1830 mm
BigSpace 1910 mm International long-distance transport
GigaSpace 2050 mm

The work and living areas in the new Actros are visually separated. For the driver's seat Four different seat designs to choose from ( Starr seat , suspension seat , comfort and air suspension seat) for the front passenger seat three (Seat, comfort and air suspension seat). From 2012, a suspension seat with a massage function (ten-minute pulsation from seven air cushions in the backrest) will be offered. In addition to the standard flat weave , four types of seat cover can be selected: synthetic leather , leather , velor and the Dinamica Star cover, which is similar to Alcantara .

Heavy-duty tractor SLT

Heavy-duty tractor Actros 4163 SLT
Cooling tower of an Arocs SLT heavy-duty tractor

The new Actros SLT and Arocs SLT heavy-duty tractors followed in the 2014 model year. These differ from the standard variants in key elements such as the engines, the cooling system, the turbo retarder clutch or the fully automated 16-speed gearbox with special drive programs for heavy-duty use.

Designed for a gross combination weight of 250 tonnes, the SLT series is available in numerous configurations with three and four axles based on the Actros or Arocs. While the air-sprung Actros-based SLT models are only available with 2500 mm wide cabs (GigaSpace and BigSpace), the steel-sprung Arocs SLT (based on the Arocs Grounder) can also be ordered in 2300 mm width.

The following Actros-based versions are available:

  • Actros SLT 6 × 4, wheelbase 3400 mm or 4000 mm
  • Actros SLT 8 × 4, wheelbase 4000 mm

Arocs-based SLT tractors are available in the following variants:

  • Arocs SLT 6 × 4, wheelbase 3300 mm or 3900 mm
  • Arocs SLT 8 × 4, wheelbase 3900 mm
  • Arocs SLT 8 × 6, wheelbase 4200 mm
  • Arocs SLT 6 × 6, wheelbase 3900 mm
  • Arocs SLT 8 × 8, wheelbase 4850 mm

Versions of the SLT with all-wheel drive as 6 × 6, 8 × 6 and 8 × 8 will follow in April 2014. The largest in-line six-cylinder of the OM 47x series, the OM 473, comes in three different output levels between 380 and 460 kW (517 up to 625 hp), all with Euro 6 homologation.

CTT (Custom Tailored Trucks) at the Daimler plant in Molsheim (France) was in charge of the development , closely coordinated with Truck Development in Stuttgart. The basic vehicle of the SLT is produced in the Wörth truck plant and fully assembled in Molsheim. This applies to the cooling tower behind the driver's cab including the components housed in it, the assembly of the steered leading axle on the four-axle tractor units, as well as the towing brackets with heavy-duty couplings at the front and rear (which can withstand up to 1000 tons of tensile loads), the sliding fifth-wheel coupling, the push plate in the rear, the so-called Catwalk behind the cooling tower and work lights.

New Actros 2018

Mercedes-Benz Actros (since 2018)

The next evolutionary stage was presented in autumn 2018.

Individual evidence

  1. Canadian Army relies on highly protected Mercedes-Benz Actros transport trucks. Retrieved September 18, 2019 .
  2. List of Mercedes-Benz engines
  3. a b To measure the stability, the so-called B10 service life is given. If an engine meets these requirements, less than 10 percent of the continuously operated units have to be fundamentally overhauled after the specified mileage. See also Bertsche / Lechner, Reliability , Chap. 7th
  4. See Kern 2006, p. 212.
  5. Actros. Black Edition. Standard equipment ( Memento from November 4, 2006 in the Internet Archive )
  6. ↑ The engine was only available including the Voith - Viab turbo coupling in the Actros SLT 4165 8x4 / 4 heavy-duty tractor ( Titan special vehicles ). For a driving report of this heavy-duty tractor, see also KFZ Anzeiger 4/2011, pp. 16-18, available as PDF (accessed on December 15, 2011).
  7. See Peter Schwerdtmann: Mercedes-Benz supplies Actros components for Sisu Polar. In: KFZ.net December 14, 2010 HTML ( Memento from February 21, 2013 in the web archive archive.today ) (accessed on June 22, 2011), as well as Daimler AG: Daimler and Finnish Commercial Vehicle Manufacturer Sisu Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Component Deliveries ( Memento from February 16, 2014 in the web archive archive.today ). Press release. Daimler Media July 1, 2010.
  8. New Mercedes-Benz Actros voted "Truck Of The Year 2012" ( Memento from January 20, 2013 in the web archive archive.today )
  9. New Actros wins "European Transport Award for Sustainability 2012" ( Memento from January 21, 2013 in the web archive archive.today )
  10. a b The new Actros for long-distance transport will soon be launched ( Memento from January 20, 2013 in the web archive archive.today )
  11. Numerous photo and video impressions in the official web special . Reporting: Stefan Cerchez: Mercedes-Benz Actros: A big one among the little ones. In: EuroTransport. September 15, 2011 HTML , as well as Markus Stier: Mercedes Actros at the IAA: Underestimated heavyweights. In: Auto, Motor und Sport. September 12, 2011 HTML .
  12. See also Lars Kruse: Tested ... and found to be 'very good'. In: Mercedes-Benz Transport. 4, 2011, pp. 6-11.
  13. See the corresponding press release from Daimler AG of June 29, 2011, paragraph "Development and testing".
  14. See dimensions: lastauto omnibus 8/2011, p. 29.
  15. High security. Retrieved July 16, 2018 .
  16. For more information on the decompression brake, see the article on the 47x motor series.
  17. For an overview, see the information in the Mercedes-Benz truck configurator .
  18. See overview: lastauto omnibus 8/2011, p. 33.
  19. For the legal regulation and listing of the pollutant limit values, see “Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards: Reduction of pollutant emissions from light vehicles” - Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007, summary of the legal provision.
  20. Mercedes-Benz Trucks - Record Run 2011 - Promotion. Retrieved September 9, 2019 .
  21. Buy and sell used Mercedes-Benz Actros MP4 on AutoScout24. Retrieved July 11, 2018 .
  22. See Daimler AG: Presentation of the Actros SLT and Arocs SLT: The premier class in truck construction ( Memento from February 16, 2014 in the web archive archive.today ). Press release. Daimler Media January 28, 2014 (accessed February 16, 2014).
  23. For the individual performance levels, see the table under section 4.4 .
  24. World premiere of the flagship from Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Berlin: The new Actros with Active Drive Assist: Mercedes-Benz trucks are bringing semi-automated driving into series production. In: media.daimler.com. Daimler AG, accessed on September 10, 2019 .

swell

Commons : Mercedes-Benz Actros  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files
  • Official website of Mercedes-Benz Germany, trucks
  • eMagazine ROUTE and transport for truck drivers and entrepreneurs. Many testimonials. Official website of Mercedes-Benz
  • Video interview with Thorsten Stock from Daimler AG about the Actros as a heavy-duty variant
  • Daimler AG : The new Actros: Departure into a new dimension. In: Actros Webspecial July 1, 2011 Flash / HTML (accessed July 12, 2011).
  • Andreas Wolf: Mercedes-Benz Actros: Design with a tidy nature. In: EuroTransport June 21, 2011 HTML and linked below.
  • OM 471 engine generation in detail. In: Autosieger March 20 HTML (accessed March 20, 2011).
  • Daimler AG: The new Mercedes-Benz Actros. Press release. Daimler Media June 29, 2011 HTML (accessed June 30, 2011).
  • Michael Kern et al. a .: With a broad chest - the Actros drives up. 24-page Actros special. lastauto omnibus 8: pp. 22–45. See also the extensive Actros web special , June 21, 2011 and onwards.
  • Michael Kern: Cab comparison: the cabs of the new Actros. In: EuroTransport October 20, 2011 HTML (accessed October 21, 2011).
  • Tim Cole: Mercedes-Benz trucks. Bechtermünz, Augsburg 1999, ISBN 978-3-8289-5350-5 .
  • Michael Kern: Daimler-Chrysler commercial vehicles since 1896: Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Fuso. Motorbuch, Stuttgart 2005, ISBN 978-3-613-02541-7 .
  • Michael Kern, Michael. 2006. Mercedes-Benz trucks since 1945. Motorbuch, Stuttgart 1996, ISBN 978-3-613-02658-2 .
  • Manuael Hesser u. a .: SCR Technology for NOx Reduction: Series Experience and State of Development. Presentation at the DEER conference (August 21-25, 2005). Published online: PDF (accessed December 12, 2011).
  • Bernd Bertsche, Gisbert Lechner: Weibull parameters of some machine elements. In this. (Ed.) Reliability in vehicle and mechanical engineering: determination of component and system reliability. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg 2004, ISBN 978-3-540-34996-9 , pp. 255-263; here chapter 7, doi : 10.1007 / 3-540-34996-0_7 .
  • Florian Oertel: Two new record holders. Actros Record Run. Mercedes-Benz Transport 4: pp. 12–17. Also available online. July 1, 2011 HTML (accessed July 2, 2011).
  • Dieter Mutard: From the Actros to the Unimog: truck construction in a variety of variants that is unique in the world. Motorbuch, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 978-3-613-30599-1 .
  • Actros MP1. In: TrucksPlanet. 2012. HTML (accessed on 25 February 2012).