The modular concept of the OC 500 LE from Mercedes-Benz is based on a tried-and-tested vehicle concept, and allows the greatest possible flexibility whilst also ensuring great variety. With a gross weight of 19 t, the chassis completely fulfils various market requirements and, thanks to the various body solutions, widths and lengths available, it ensures utmost flexibility.
The OC 500 LE chassis features efficient, high-performance and reliable engines which meet the Euro VI emissions norm. A great number of proven bus transmissions and a new driven axle round off the drivetrain.
Additionally, the OC 500 LE has impressively low fuel consumption, as well as long maintenance intervals and a variety of possible fields of application. Safety resulting from the most modern of technologies (ABS, ESP®, ASR) and added comfort in the form of a new display instrument for the driver and level control for passengers make the chassis a strong overall concept.
OC 500 LE
Modules
Five modules. More flexibility.
Module 1 – driver's pedestal.
Why compromise?
Design a customised driver's workstation. Thanks to its extraordinary flexibility, the OC 500 LE makes it easy for you to tailor the cockpit to your precise requirements.
Flexible in any direction.
The driver's workstation in the OC 500 LE is fully functional and can easily be adapted to your specific requirements. It can be variably set up on three levels. Plus the steering column and dashboard can be adjusted in height and inclination.
Focused intelligence.
The electronics system also underlines the superiority of the OC 500 LE. It has a central "brain", the IES CAN (integrated electronics system controller area network), in which all electronic chassis components are integrated. All control units can be monitored easily using the IES on-board diagnostics system. This facilitates rapid, systematic troubleshooting for maintenance or repair, which subsequently reduces costs for the bus operator by cutting downtime and maintenance time. Other advantages include standardised interfaces for your electronics, as well as a modular electronics compartment with standardised connectors by the driver's seat.
All electronics systems are coded to avoid confusion. This ensures that your body's electrical system can be connected flexibly and without complication. It also gives you greater flexibility when positioning and installing your electronic components.
Module 2 – front axle.
Build on economy, comfort and safety.
Design and build cutting-edge buses. The front axle module of the OC 500 LE offers you innovative Mercedes-Benz components, which have already proven themselves in complete buses.
First-class handling control.
Take advantage of exceptionally smooth operation for your customers. The front axle of the OC 500 LE guarantees premium low-floor comfort in the front section. At the same time it stabilises your vehicle body, preventing roll movements and ensuring vehicle track stability. The optional stabilisers allow you to achieve even better road-holding. The high-quality front axle increases the vehicle's manoeuvrability, enabling a 12 m vehicle to have a turning circle of 20.70 metres. The chassis can also be equipped with a pneumatic raising/lowering mechanism to protect the vehicle underbody from damage when driving over obstacles or uneven surfaces.
Exact steering.
Drivers prefer buses with light, direct steering characteristics. The OC 500 LE is designed with his in mind. The variable steering gear is mounted in front of the moving axle components, outside the area vulnerable to crash damage, and is therefore protected against damage in the event of an accident. The steering system requires no lubrication and is practically maintenance-free.
A safe braking system.
Safety plays a key role with the OC 500 LE. That's why the electropneumatic braking system (EBS) with disc brakes all round is included as standard. EBS builds up brake pressure so precisely and rapidly that shorter braking and stopping distances are possible compared with conventional pneumatic braking systems. The EBS also features electronic "guardian angels" such as ABS or ASR.
EBS makes braking as cost-effective as it is safe. Its electronic control functions extend the service life of the brake pads and ensure longer service intervals. Since the electronics systems routinely perform fully automatic system checks, the entire braking system requires virtually no maintenance between regular vehicle services – at the same time providing optimum functional reliability.
Module 3 – buggy centre section.
Stay flexible.
The buggy centre section connects the rear and front components for vehicle transportation. It protects the individual assemblies and ensures that vehicle transportation costs are kept as low as possible.
Avoiding damage and high costs.
The buggy is a robust frame that protects the cable harnesses and other components during transportation. It ensures that the OC 500 LE with its own drive system is manoeuvrable and steerable. The size of the frame is purposely kept small in order to minimise transportation costs. Simple bolts, easy and quick to remove, hold the frame together. Quick-release couplings hold the wiring harnesses together and leave sufficient cable length for the body. They also help you to begin assembly without delay. The OC 500 LE saves you valuable time even before you start work on it.
Module 4 – driven axle.
Focus on quality.
The driven axle of the OC 500 LE has already scored top marks in complete buses. Highly robust and reliable, this axle also delivers exceptional driving performance.
Quality that stays firmly on the ground.
Customer satisfaction also depends on the ride comfort provided by your buses. That's why the driven axle of the OC 500 LE is designed to meet the highest standards. Guide arms mounted directly on the axle beam, for example, ensure optimum force transfer. In order to adapt your vehicles according to their respective applications, a choice of different transmission ratios is available. Your customers will also be pleased to hear that the driven axle does not require lubrication. Its operation is virtually maintenance-free – low maintenance costs are part of the package.
The combination of low-floor concept in the front part of the vehicle and raised-floor engineering at the rear makes it necessary to raise the level of the vehicle floor after the second entrance. The OC 500 LE allows you almost complete freedom in how you bridge the height difference between the low-floor and raised-floor areas. This is another example of its exceptional flexibility.
Module 5 – engine.
Make economy your driving force.
Low operating and maintenance costs are a convincing argument for a bus operator. With the OC 500 LE you lay the foundation for uncompromising economy.
A clean performance.
The new OM 936 engine brings its 220 kW (299 hp) onto the road with the greatest efficiency. The especially compact and lightweight 6-cylinder in-line engine combines impressive performance with spirited response even at low engine speeds, and couples great running smoothness with low consumption and commendably low environmental impact. Compliance with the stringent requirements was achieved through a combination of common-rail injection, requirements-oriented exhaust gas recirculation, downstream oxidation catalytic converter, particulate filter and SCR technology with AdBlue injection for exhaust gas purification.
Comfortable shifting and braking.
The OC 500 LE is equipped as standard with a ZF Ecolife 6-speed automatic transmission. It is especially adapted for use in urban buses or inter-city buses. The retarder is also standard equipment and is integrated in the transmission housing to save weight. It can provide ample braking force to stop at low speeds. It reduces the load on the service brake and thus also wear and tear as well as maintenance costs.
Minimised maintenance costs.
On the subject of cost reductions: engine and transmission reduce costs for the operator in a number of ways. Long oil-change intervals (up to 60,000 km) contribute to this, as does the easy-access engine, the maintenance-free transmission system and the vertically installed oil filter.
Innovative cooling.
Typical of the Mercedes-Benz engineers: they are always in search of trailblazing solutions. Take the OC 500 LE engine cooling system, for example. The sensor-controlled and extremely quiet fan drive with its three-speed electromagnetic coupling is not just especially reliable; it also saves fuel thanks to its high efficiency. Make sure your customers stay one step ahead with the OC 500 LE.
Further topics
Economy & Technology
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Safety
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Comfort
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