Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis with visible frame, driver’s seat, axles and technical components

OC 500 RF

Everything for one objective: your good feeling.

A base. Many possibilities.

Mercedes-Benz has already subjected the new chassis to intensive tests. This includes endurance tests or tests on the hydropulse system of components, for example axles or tanks. And the new engines were also tested from the icy Arctic Circle to the heat and dust of South Africa under the toughest conditions for use in complete buses or for operation in trucks with a gross train weight of up to 40 t. The tests also included maximum loads that never occur in real touring coach operation. All for one objective: your good feeling of having a secure fundamental for demanding, economical and environmentally friendly touring coaches.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis with technical components on the road, shown in the transparent outline of a bus

Highlights

The basis for your ideas.

Your benefits at a glance:

Modern drive concept.

A combination of efficient Euro VI drive technology with optional fuel-saving hybrid technology.

Proven safety from the complete bus.

Modern safety and assistance systems as standard, such as Active Brake Assist 6 Plus and Sideguard Assist 2 on both sides.

Modular system.

High adaptability of the vehicle body and thus flexible deployment options in urban and intercity traffic.

Overall cost-effectiveness.

Optimised overall economy thanks to efficient fuel consumption, long maintenance intervals and reliable availability.

Top view of Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis with frame, axles, tires and visibly routed lines and major assemblies

Economy

No kilo too much.

Less emissions don't have to mean more weight: Mercedes-Benz has managed to implement Euro VI weight-neutrally. The new rear axle is one of numerous measures with which the developers were able to compensate for the inevitable additional weight of Euro VI. Additional savings were made by the lighter water retarder, the new engine encapsulation, lighter, more powerful alternators and, last but not least, the use of high-strength steels for the optimised frame. The result: no kilos too much - and still stable.

Mercedes-Benz has not only managed to keep fuel consumption as low as usual, but also to reduce AddBlue® consumption by up to 40% and oil consumption by up to 50%. The oil change intervals extended to up to 120,000 km also ensure greater overall economy. The diesel particulate filter does not even have to be replaced until after 360,000 km or 3 years. And this with a service life increased by 20% for the OM 470.

Illustration of a 48-volt hybrid drive as electrical support. The two modules show housing, copper wires and visible rotor

The intelligent use of kinetic energy.

The vehicle with 48 V hybrid system impresses with greater profitability and sustainability through lower fuel consumption and reduction of exhaust gas emissions. The diesel engine is supported by the driving force of a highly efficient hybrid module. The module’s 14 kW electric motor generates energy when coasting and braking, thus supporting the diesel engine when moving off and idling. The system has autonomous energy management and thus unchanged driving characteristics and familiar operation for the driver.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis in an industrial hall with brick walls, driver’s seat, axles and technical components

Technology

A clean performance.

Highest efficiency is a matter of course with the new engines. They all combine impressive performance with a temperamental start even at low engine speeds and smooth running with low consumption as well as exemplary environmental protection. The strict specifications were achieved by combining common rail injection, demand-oriented exhaust gas recirculation, downstream oxidation catalytic converter, particulate filter and SCR technology with AdBlue® injection for exhaust gas cleaning.

Top view of Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus drive module with driver’s workplace, steering wheel, spare wheel, axles and cable harnesses

Freedom in body construction.

On the three-axle chassis, the front axle now bears up to 7.5 t. This axle load increase allows even more freedom when it comes to the body, e.g. elevation, weight, axle load distribution and fuel tank size. The latter is now located centrally above the front axle on all coach chassis and holds 290 or 450 litres of diesel, depending on the version. Both variants can be enlarged with a 125-litre additional tank. For a maximum tank volume of 575 litres of fuel and customer-specific coach solutions for every application.

Uniform interfaces.

Another plus of the OC 500 RF high-floor chassis is the standardised interfaces for your electronics and a modular electrical compartment in the driver cockpit with standardised slots. All systems are subdivided into code numbers and are therefore particularly unmistakable. This allows you to connect the electrics of your body flexibly and without difficulty - and at the same time have free hands for the placement and installation of your electronic components.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis with exposed engine, cooling system and detachable parts, front view in the factory hall
Mercedes-Benz bus chassis with exposed engine and frame in an industrial hall

Safety

Be on the safe side.

The bus is considered one of the safest and most comfortable means of transport in the world. Innovations from Mercedes-Benz play a decisive role in this - and also make the OC 500 RF a pioneer on the roads.

Emergency Brake Assist ABA 6 Plus assists the driver by automatically initiating emergency braking if there is a risk of a rear-end collision with vehicles in front or stationary obstacles. It can also detect moving or stationary pedestrians and cyclists in front of the vehicle. The system can respond with an audible and visual warning as well as automatic partial or maximum full-stop braking.

Graphic of a bus turning assistant: sensor fields detect cyclists and pedestrians on the pedestrian crossing in front of the bus

Frontguard Assist is an advanced system that has been specially developed to inform the driver about people in the immediate vicinity of the front of the vehicle and to warn of an imminent accident. Whether moving off or driving slowly (up to 15 km/h), the intelligent assistant can detect potential collisions with unprotected road users.

Graphic: Bus with sensor fields detects car and cyclist in the intersection area, danger zones marked in red

Sideguard Assist 2 is a safety assistance system that supports the driver on both sides in critical turning situations with possibly restricted visibility. The system is intended to help the driver to detect moving obstacles within the system limits and warn the driver in order to avoid critical situations or reduce the consequences of accidents when turning off or when changing lanes.

The side areas of the vehicle are monitored. This means that vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists that could be in the blind spot are detected on both the front passenger side and the driver’s side. The radar system precisely detects the movements and warns the driver of possible collisions. The intuitive user interface and clear warnings allow the driver to drive safely and relaxed.

Blue location pin with white coffee cup as symbol in the pin

Attention Assist 2.

Attention Assist uses a discreetly installed driver camera to detect signs of fatigue or distraction. If the system detects any irregularities in eye or lid closing behaviour, it includes you via a warning tone and display - for maximum safety on long journeys.

Automatic activation and clear instructions

Attention Assist is automatically active after the vehicle is started. Fatigue is detected from approx. 30 km/h, distraction is already detected from approx. 20 km/h. Restrictions in the function can occur due to short driving times, unfavourable lighting conditions, a covered camera or areas of the face - for example in strong sunlight, glasses, headgear or dirty lenses. In such cases, an automated message appears on the display with a cleaning instruction.

Mercedes-Benz bus chassis with exposed rear module and stacked tires in an industrial hall, backlight image

Comfort

A safe workplace.

The cockpit of the new OC 500 RF chassis generation is now even more attractive. It now has the same grippy and attractive four-spoke steering wheel as the touring coaches from Mercedes-Benz. It is available in diameters of 450 mm and 500 mm on request. Another new feature is the modern, easy-to-read instrument panel. Adapted to the electronics structure and information requirements of Euro VI, it also supports the driver with extended information such as trip data or fuel consumption on request. This means that it has everything under control and under control at a glance.

A real comfort zone.

A touring coach not only impresses with its exterior, but above all with its intrinsic values. And the OC 500 RF has a lot to offer. The new electronic level control system ensures that passengers feel comfortable as soon as they get in. Because with it, the vehicle always has the same entry height, regardless of the load. And with the new low-noise drive axle, the journey itself is even more relaxed. It ensures pleasant peace and quiet in the interior.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis in profile on numbered platforms, blue marked section under the front axle

Module

Five modules. Greater flexibility.

The modular concept of the OC 500 RF Euro VI from Mercedes-Benz, based on a sophisticated and tried-and-tested vehicle concept, enables maximum flexibility and thus ensures an absolute variety of variants. With a gross vehicle weight of 19 t, the chassis meets very different market requirements and ensures maximum flexibility with various body solutions, widths and lengths.

The driver cockpit in the OC 500 RF is fully functional and can be conveniently adapted to your specific requirements. For example, the steering column can be adjusted in elevation and inclination. In the cockpit, the scope for your designers is also particularly large because there is no conventional gearshift lever that could hinder the design. Instead, the driver finds a joystick with pneumatic gearshift assistance (PSH) to the right of his seat. Smooth operation and high precision ensure gearshifting comfort as in a car. Thanks to integrated emergency driving characteristics, the vehicle is still roadworthy even if the gearshift system fails. The variable positioning of the joystick also has ergonomic advantages. The fact that it is easy to reach and operate relieves the driver and helps him to concentrate fully on the road - an important contribution to greater driving safety.

With the OC 500 RF, you can ensure your customers exceptional ride comfort. The front axle with independent wheel suspension stabilises your body against rolling movements and keeps the vehicle extremely safely in lane. It also makes your bus particularly manoeuvrable. For example, a turning circle of 20.98 m is possible for a 12-m-long 2-axle vehicle, depending on the body.

A 3-axle 15-m coach or inter-city bus has a turning circle of 23.9 m, depending on the body. In addition, you can equip the chassis with a pneumatic raising/lowering device to prevent damage to the underside of the vehicle when driving over obstacles or steep road crossings.

The centre section of the buggy connects the rear and front components for the transfer. It protects the components and at the same time ensures that the transport costs are as low as possible.

Customer satisfaction also depends on the ride comfort of your buses, which is why the drive axle of the OC 500 RF is designed to meet the highest demands. For example, guide arms mounted directly on the axle housing ensure optimised load application. You can choose between different gear ratios so that you can tailor your vehicles to suit different applications. Your customers will also appreciate the fact that the drive axle does not need lubrication. It runs virtually maintenance-free - low maintenance costs included.

The steered trailing axle on the 3-axle variant is an ideal addition to this. It makes manoeuvring and reversing considerably easier. The improved steerability also reduces tire wear. When driving straight ahead quickly, the third axle is hydraulically centred to increase driving stability. On the other hand, the trailing axle can be briefly relieved when pulling away on a slippery roadway, thus increasing traction: a practical moving-off aid.

Whether OM 936 or OM 470: maximum efficiency is a matter of course for these engines. They all combine impressive driving performance with a temperamental start even at low engine speeds and smooth running with low fuel consumption and exemplary environmental friendliness. The strict specifications are achieved through the combination of common rail injection, demand-oriented exhaust gas recirculation, downstream oxidation catalytic converter, particulate filter and SCR technology with AdBlue injection for exhaust gas cleaning.

Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric bus driving on a road, with symbols for networked functions displayed

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Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis seen from the side in front of a modern building, with visible driver’s workplace and technical components

Technical data

All technical data and equipment at a glance.

There are chassis. And Mercedes-Benz chassis. In today’s tough competition, the star makes the difference.

Download technical data & equipment

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FAQs

The Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF chassis offers a modular concept with high flexibility for different touring coach and intercity bus bodies. It combines modern drive technologies, safety assistance systems and economical operation.

The modular concept of the OC 500 RF chassis from Mercedes-Benz enables a high degree of adaptability in the vehicle body and supports different vehicle widths, lengths and application scenarios. This enables customer-specific bus solutions to be implemented.

Modern assistance systems such as Active Brake Assist 6 Plus, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Frontguard Assist and Sideguard Assist 2 are available as standard and can support drivers in critical situations.

The Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF chassis is available with the Mercedes-Benz OM 936 and OM 470 engines. Both engines combine high efficiency, low fuel consumption, good performance and modern exhaust gas aftertreatment technologies.

Yes. A 48-volt hybrid system is available as an option. It assists the diesel engine when pulling away and generates energy when braking and coasting, which can reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Assistance systems can only support drivers. Drivers are always fully responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle.