Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE bus chassis on an open test area, with a city skyline in the background

OC 500 LE

One base. Many possibilities.

Free rein for the body design.

Passenger-friendly low-floor comfort from the front section to the second entrance in conjunction with innovative Mercedes-Benz drive technology in the rising rear end: the OC 500 LE allows you to implement a low-entry concept in line with your individual plans. The secret for almost limitless possibilities is the modularity of the chassis. It forms the basis for creating your regular-service buses with a width of between 2.50 and 2.60 m and a length of up to 13.20 m. To realise your individual expectations, the engine is available in two output levels and the driven axle with two ratios. Even the driver's workplace, instrument panel and second door can be variably positioned. With the OC 500 LE, your project ideas will become reality.

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

Highlights

Consistently economical and safe.

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 Preventive Brake Assist 2 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.

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE bus chassis with engine and cooling unit at the front, driver cockpit and rear axle on white background

Economy

Save in the right places.

A good feeling. Mercedes-Benz has already subjected the new chassis to intensive tests. These include endurance tests and hydropulser testing of individual components such as the axles and tanks. And the new engines, too, have been tested under the most exacting conditions ranging from the icy polar circle to the heat and dust of South Africa, for their use on complete buses or on trucks with a permissible gross combination weight of up to 40 t. The tests also include loads so extreme that they never occur in real scheduled-service bus operation. All for a single goal: the good feeling to know you have a secure base for sophisticated, economically-efficient, environmentally-compatible urban and inter-city buses.

Less is more.

Mercedes Benz was able not only to keep fuel consumption at the accustomed low levels, but also to reduce AdBlue® consumption by as much as 40 % and oil consumption by up to 50 %. This means that in future your customers will be able to cover even greater distances with the 280 litres of diesel fuel and 45 litres of AdBlue additive. And the diesel particulate filter has filter change intervals of up to 240,000 km or after 2 years.

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.

Technology

A clean performance.

The new Mercedes-Benz 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.

Other advantages of the low-floor chassis include standardised interfaces for your electronics, as well as a modular electronics compartment with standardised connectors by the driver's seat. All electrical systems are coded, and therefore particularly difficult to confuse. This means that you can connect your body electrics flexibly and without difficulty. At the same time you have a free hand in the location and installation of your electronic components.

Side view of Mercedes-Benz bus drive module with diesel engine, belt drive, turbocharger and cooling unit in the frame
Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE bus chassis with exposed drivetrain, high-voltage cables and components on studio background

Safety

Focus on safety.

The bus is one of the world's safest and most comfortable modes of transport. Innovations from Mercedes‑Benz have made a decisive contribution to this – and make the OC 500 LE a pioneer on the road.

With Preventive Brake Assist 2, Daimler Buses offers the second generation of Active Brake Assist. The system warns of collisions with moving pedestrians and cyclists as well as stationary and moving objects. In the event of a serious risk of collision, the driver is alerted by a visual and acoustic warning and partial braking is initiated automatically.

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 was specially developed to warn drivers of pedestrians located immediately in front of the vehicle and also to warn them of an impending accident. Whether you are pulling away or driving slowly (up to 9.3 mph), the intelligent assistance system 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 and distraction. If the system identifies any irregularities in eye movement or eyelid closing behaviour, it alerts you with a warning tone and display – for enhanced safety on long journeys.

Automatic activation and clear instructions

Attention Assist is automatically activated once the vehicle has been started. Fatigue identification starts at approx. 30 km/h, while distraction identification already starts at approx. 20 km/h. Functional restrictions can occur as part of to short driving times such as unfavourable lighting conditions, a covered camera or areas of the face. Examples include in strong sunlight, when drivers wear glasses, headgear or dirty lenses. In such cases, an automated message appears on the display with a notice to initiate cleaning.

Mercedes-Benz chassis with exposed components and wiring in a light studio, side view

Comfort

The driver's area.

Plenty of room.

The OC 500 LE makes it easy for you to tailor the cockpit to your precise requirements. The steering column, for example, can be adjusted in height and inclination. Instead of a conventional gearshift lever in the cockpit, there is a joystick with pneumatic shifting aid on the right of the driver's seat. Easy to reach and to operate, the joystick guarantees gearshifting comfort to rival that of a passenger car. This eases the driver's workload and helps to ensure full concentration on the road ahead – a key contribution to driving safety.

Driving dynamics – focus on driving culture.

Progress on two axles.

With the OC 500 LE you ensure progressive ride culture for your customers. The front axle provides advanced low-floor comfort in the front section. It stabilises your vehicle body against roll movements, keeps the bus safely in its track and allows particularly wide wheel angles. A turning circle of around 21 m for the approx 12 m long two-axle version speaks for itself. The ideal complement: the new rear axle. Because thanks to a further improved axle location it transfers the driving force to the road with the greatest efficiency and ensures extraordinary ride comfort with its low-friction, quiet running.

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

Modules

Five modules. More flexibility.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 OM 936 brings its 220 kW (299 hp) to the road extremely efficiently. The particularly compact and lightweight six-cylinder in-line engine combines impressive performance with a temperamental start even at low engine speeds and smooth running with low fuel consumption and exemplary environmental friendliness. 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 cleaning the exhaust gases.

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

OMNIplus Service

Discover our Premium Service for your Mercedes-Benz.

With bus and coach-specific provision, individual solutions and an extensive range, OMNIplus ensures your vehicles are always ready for deployment and your company remains operational.

Find out more about OMNIplus
Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE bus chassis on an open test area, with a city skyline in the background

Technical data

Technical data and equipment at a glance.

There are chassis. And then there are Mercedes-Benz chassis. In today's fiercely competitive market, it's the star that makes all the difference.

Download technical data & equipment

Contact

Any questions left?

Do you have any questions or need more information? We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us for further details.

Contact us now

Discover more models

Mercedes-Benz OC 500 RF bus chassis with exposed technology, driver’s seat and stacked tires in a large industrial hall

OC 500 RF

Find out more

FAQs

The Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE chassis combines low-floor comfort, a modular vehicle concept and efficient Mercedes-Benz drive technology. Thanks to its high degree of flexibility, it is ideally suited for individually designed city and inter-city buses and impresses with its profitability, safety and versatile application options.

The modular concept of the Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE chassis creates a high degree of flexibility in the vehicle body. The driver cockpit, instrument panel, second door and drive axle can be arranged or coordinated variably.

The Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE chassis offers modern safety and assistance systems such as Active Break Assist 6 Plus, Sideguard Assist 2, Traffic Sign Assist and Frontguard Assist. These systems support drivers in critical situations and contribute to safety in scheduled-service bus operations.

The Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE chassis is equipped with the compact and lightweight Mercedes-Benz OM 936 in-line six-cylinder engine. The engine delivers 220 kW or 299 hp and combines efficient performance with smooth running, low consumption and modern exhaust gas cleaning.

Yes. The Mercedes-Benz OC 500 LE chassis can be equipped with a 48-volt hybrid system. The hybrid module uses kinetic energy when coasting and braking and supports the diesel engine when moving off and idling.

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