Mercedes-Benz O500LE
Overview
The O500LE was a very popular bus model in Australia. Transperth operated at peak 540 Volgren bodied examples, 474 being CNG powered. The bus model hasn't been without it's problems though, with 15 CNG powered O500LE fires in Perth, and in October 2013, the Public Transport Authority commenced legal action against Mercedes-Benz, Evobus and Volgren, but the action was dropped in 2014.
Sydney Buses purchased 255 CNG (powered by the M447hLAG 252HP engine) and 20 diesel powered examples, all with Custom Coaches bodies.
Other purchasers included Ventura Bus Lines (72), Brisbane Transport (40), Premier Illawarra (38), Kefford Corporation (19) and Darwin Bus Service (14).
For the CNG models, there are two gas tanks (indicated by two CNG stickers on number plate) located on top of the bus near the front. Metal pipes run on the offside roof to the back of the bus. Because the gas tanks are in the front, the air conditioning unit is placed at the rear of the roof.
Many operators across Australia have now purchased the O500LE in various configurations. Problems problems with the vehicles such as 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.
Brisbane Transport withdrew its O500LE's from the fleet for a short period because of a major unidentified fault which caused buses to suddenly accelerate without warning. This problem was fixed by Mercedes-Benz and these vehicles were then returned to service. However, as they were under lease from Mercedes-Benz, their lease expired in 2013 and were then sold to Transit Systems NSW.
In January 2009, Mercedes-Benz Australia issued a recall on 443 CNG-fuelled O500LE's units due to re specified welding specifications for the turbocharger oil supply pipe.
Photo Gallery
Transdev Capalaba Mercedes-Benz O500LE Euro 6 with a Bustech body.
Thompson Bus Services Mercedes-Benz O500LE Euro 6 with a Volgren Optimus body.
Hornibrook Buslines Mercedes-Benz O500LE Euro 6 with a Volgren Optimus body.
Engine Types
| Euro | Engine | HP | Fuel Type | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| III | OM457hLA | 252 hp | Diesel | 1100 Nm |
| III / IV / V / EEV | M447hLAG | 252 hp | Diesel | 1250 Nm |
| IV / V / EEV | OM457hLA | 299 hp | CNG | 1050 Nm |
| VI | OM936LA | 299 hp | Diesel | 1200 Nm |
Transmission Types
| Engine | Transmission Manufacture | Transmission Model |
|---|---|---|
| OM457hLA 252hp | ZF | Ecomat 5HP502C
Ecomat 6HP502C Ecomat 6HP592C |
| M447hLAG 252hp | ZF | Ecomat 6HP502C |
| OM457hLA 299hp | ZF | Ecomat 6HP592C
Ecomat 6HP594C Ecolife 6AP1400B |
| OM936LA 299hp | Voith
ZF |
DIWA D864.6
Ecomat 6HP594C Ecolife 6AP1400B |
End of Sales in Australia
In 2023, Mercedes-Benz Bus Australia paused operations due to the future products not meeting the specific requirements for the Australian market. This stop in operations does not affect the sales of Fuso products.[1]
References
This page was sourced from wikipedia:Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE, which is licensed under the CC BY SA 4.0 license.
- Mercedes-Benz Bus pauses Australian operations [[1]]