Mercedes-Benz OC500LE

Transperth OC500LE (Volgren) serving as the Blue CAT in Perth, Australia.

The Mercedes-Benz OC500LE is a modular, heavy-duty, twin-axle bus chassis produced by Mercedes-Benz/EvoBus in Sámano, Spain. It was designed as a base for low-entry city, suburban, and intercity buses weighing a maximum of 18,000 kg. It has much in common with the chassis used for the Mercedes-Benz Citaro integral bus range. The engine is horizontally-mounted over the rear overhang.

Australia

Mercedes-Benz OC500LE with Bustech 'VST' bodywork operated by Fearnes Coaches in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales

Large numbers of buses built on the OC500LE chassis can be found in Australia, where it is marketed as the "O 500LE" (it has special adjustments and minor changes for the Australian market). Particularly notable are the O 500LE/Volgren CNG-fuelled buses currently being delivered to the city of Perth in Western Australia for operation on the Transperth suburban bus network.

State Transit Authority (Sydney buses) in NSW, Australia are also taking delivery of 255 Mercedes O 500LE CNG units with Custom Coaches CB60 Evo II bodies. Weight and performance issues has meant that the delivery of these vehicles (to start in mid 2007) was delayed until June 2008.

Many operators across Australia have now purchased the O 500LE in various configurations. Problems related to quality control and unreliable electronics have not been uncommon. A lot of these complaints have come from drivers due to some units being under-powered, uncomfortable or rough. Bus companies praise the O 500LE for its fantastic fuel economy considering the power and size of the bus, however quality control issues still plague many units.

Brisbane Transport withdrew their O 500LEs from the fleet for a short period because of a major unidentified fault which caused buses to suddenly accelerate without warning. This problem was reportedly fixed by Mercedes-Benz and these vehicles are now back on the road.

Singapore

The first Mercedes-Benz OC500LE commissioned in Singapore.

Interior of the SMRT Buses Mercedes-Benz OC500LE

SMRT Buses are currently taking delivery of 132 Mercedes-Benz OC500LEs for fleet replacement and expansion. These buses feature bodywork built by Gemilang with a CapaCity licenced front from Mercedes Benz, engines that meet Euro 5 emissions standards and are wheelchair accessible. They are the first buses in South-East Asia to be fitted with an Euro 5 engine. The first OC500LE began passenger service in late June 2008.

Later production buses include slight modifications, such as a bigger LAWO side and rear electronic route number display.

Variations

OC 500 LE 1825h

• Engine type: OM 457 hLA (Euro 3) inline 6-cylinder 11.967-litre turbocharged intercooled, direct injection diesel
• Power: 185 kW (252 hp) @ 2000 rpm
• Torque: 1100 N m (811 ft·lbf) @ 1100 rpm

OC 500 LE 1825hG

• Engine type: M 447 hLAG (Euro 4/Euro 5/EEV) inline 6-cylinder 11.967-litre turbocharged intercooled, lean burn, spark ignition single point injection CNG
• Power: 185 kW (252 hp) @ 2000 rpm
• Torque: 1050 N m (774 ft·lbf) @ 1300 rpm

OC 500 LE 1830h

• Engine type: OM 457 hLA (Euro 3/Euro 4/Euro 5/EEV) inline 6-cylinder 11.967-litre turbocharged intercooled, direct injection diesel
• Power: 220 kW (299 hp) @ 2000 rpm
• Torque: 1250 N m (921 ft·lbf) @ 1100 rpm

Transmissions

Currently, the customer can choose from either a ZF-Ecomat 6-speed automatic transmission with integrated hydraulic retarder (model 6HP 502 for engines with 1050 Nm or 1100 Nm maximum torque, or model 6HP 592 for engines with 1250 Nm maximum torque) or a Voith DIWA 864.3E 4-speed automatic transmission with integrated hydraulic retarder. All diesel-fuelled units sold in Australia prior to 2005 featured ZF 5HP 502 transmissions and a taller final drive ratio.

Body lengths

The OC 500 LE can have a total body length of between 10.8 m and 13.5 m.

A low-entry articulated chassis, called the O500UA is also available. It is produced by Mercedes-Benz do Brasil.

Euro 4 and Euro 5

The OC 500 LE chassis is now available with a Euro 4-compliant diesel engine using AdBlue Selective Catalytic Reduction technology. With Euro 4/5, the 252 hp rating of the OM 457 hLA will be discontinued. Therefore the OC 500 LE will have a 299 hp engine as standard.