Mercedes-Benz Vario
| Mercedes-Benz Vario | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Also called | Morales Traveller (Philippines) |
| Production | 1996–2013 |
| Assembly |
Ludwigsfelde, Germany Alcobendas, Spain (CKD) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Commercial vehicle |
| Body style | 3-door van/4-door van/4-door minibus |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
Mercedes-Benz OM602 Mercedes-Benz OM904 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3150-4800 mm |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz T2 |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
The Mercedes-Benz Vario (model designation BM667/668/670) is a full-size commercial heavy van manufactured by Mercedes-Benz between 1996 and 2013.
In Philippines, Mercedes-Benz rebadged version, Morales Traveller is locally made by Morales Motors. The Traveller also offered as minibus or utility van.
History
The Vario was launched in 1996 as a facelifted version of the Mercedes-Benz T2.[1][2]
The bodyshell remained relatively unchanged throughout its 17-year production life. The Vario proved a popular base chassis for minibuses and mini-coaches. When new regulations required disabled access, a model with a wheelchair lift was made available.
The Vario was fitted with several types of Mercedes-Benz engines. Pre-2000 vehicles used a 5-cylinder OM602LA (2874 cm3) and 4-cylinder OM904LA (4250 cm3), turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine. From September 2000, Vario 618D/818D models were equipped with a 4.2-liter turbo diesel engine with intercooler and direct injection with an output of 136 or 150 hp and torque of 520 or 580 Nm, respectively. The most powerful was a 177 hp, 675Nm engine.
With the introduction of the Euro 4 emission standards, the Vario began to be equipped with OM904LA series BlueTec4 turbocharged and intercooled engine with working volume of 4250 cm3 and a power of 129, 156 or 177 hp.[3][4]
Two types of gearboxes were available, a 5-speed automatic. Maximum payload was 4.4 tons with a load volume of 17.4 cubic meters. A 4x4 model was also available.[5] All models had a suspension on parabolic leaf springs, all ventilated disc brakes and power steering.
On 27 September 2013 the last Vario rolled off the production line in Ludwigsfelde. Between 1996 and 2013 90,743 units were manufactured.[6] The Vario was succeeded in Daimler Trucks' model range by heavier versions of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Engines
| Model | Displacement cc |
Bore × stroke mm |
Engine code Mercedes-Benz |
Rated output kW (hp) at rpm emission standards |
Torque Nm at rpm |
Prod. years | Fuel mixture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-cylinder In-line diesel engine (turbocharged and intercooled) | |||||||
| 512D, 612D, 812D | 2874 | ø89 × 92.4 | OM 602 DE LA | 90 (122) 3800 Euro-2 |
280 2000-2300 |
1996–2001 | Distributor injection pump with EDC - line - nozzle holder |
| 4-cylinder In-line diesel engine (turbocharged and intercooled) | |||||||
| 810DT | 4249 | ø102 × 130 | OM 904 LA | 75 (102) 2200 Euro-2 |
1996–2001 | Unit pump - line - nozzle (UPS/PLD) | |
| BlueTec4/5 613D, 813D 813DA (4×4) |
95 (129) 2200 Euro-4/Euro-5 |
500 1200–1600 |
2006- | ||||
| 614D, 814D 814DA (4×4) |
100 (136) 2200 Euro-2/Euro-3 |
520 1200–1600 |
1996–2006 | ||||
| 615D, 815D 815DA (4x4) |
112 (152) 2200 Euro-2 |
580 1200–1600 |
1998–2001 | ||||
| 110 (150) 2200 Euro-3 |
575 1200–1600 |
2001–2006 | |||||
| BlueTec4/5 616D, 816D 816DA (4x4) |
115 (156) 2200 Euro-4/Euro-5 |
610 1200–1600 |
2006- | ||||
| 618D, 818D BlueTec4/5 (2006-) 618D, 818D 818DA (4x4) |
130 (177) 2200 Euro-3 Euro-4/Euro-5 |
675 1200–1600 |
2003– | ||||
Gallery
UPS Vario van in Germany in May 2005
RheinEnergie 815D Vario Emergency Service Van in Cologne in July 2007
814D Vario Post Office Van in Halstead in January 2008
Mercedes-Benz 814D Vario Van with a Truck bed in the Netherlands in June 2012
815D Vario minibus in Germany in March 2006
512D Vario Emergency doctor van in Germany in July 2007
References
- ↑ Vario replaces the T2 Commercial Motor 3 October 1996
- ↑ Mercedes Vario offers variety Commercial Motor 24 October 1996
- ↑ Mercedes-Benz Vario Truck Planet
- ↑ Mercedes-Benz Vario Commercial Motor 5 January 2006
- ↑ Vario 814DA 4x4 Commercial Motor 9 November 2006
- ↑ Well-earned retirement My Van 15 October 2013
External links
Media related to Mercedes-Benz Vario at Wikimedia Commons- Product Guide (in German) Mercedes-Benz