The Mercedes-Benz Actros is a heavy-duty truck introduced by Mercedes-Benz at the 1996 Commercial Vehicle IAA in Hanover, Germany, as the replacement for the SK. It is normally used for long-distance haulage, heavy-duty distribution haulage, and construction haulage. It is powered by an inline-6 diesel engine with a turbocharger and intercooler. Daimler Trucks/Lorries launched version II of the Actros in 2002 and version III in 2007. The fourth generation of the Actros, officially named "the New Actros," launched in July 2011.
First generation (MP1, 1996–2003)
The first generation Actros was introduced in 1996, and production continued until 2003. It had innovative features such as an electronically controlled air brake system, intelligent disc brakes on both front and rear, and the introduction of Controller Area Network (CAN) technology for the chassis and drivetrain. electro-pneumatic circuit on the new transmission models and the introduction of the new OM 500 V6 and V8 diesel engines with Telligent engine control.
Chassis and Powertrain
As the first truck to emerge with collaboration between designers and aerodynamic engineers, the manufacturer was able to reduce flow resistance on the Actros by 17%.
The chassis of the Actros is available with two, three, or four axles, with the option of air suspension. A total of 3300 mm and 6300 mm wheelbases can be selected; the construction version of the Actros is available between 3300 and 5100 mm wheelbases with the option of leaf or air suspension on the front axle and parabolic leaf springs on the rear.
The construction variant of the Actros with a 4x2 axle configuration is equipped with drum brakes.
Engine and Transmission
The engines for the MP1 Actros are equipped with an OM501LA V6 or OM502 V8 mated to a 16-speed manual gearbox or a 16-speed hydropneumatically operated automatic gearbox.
Fuel Processing
Another new feature of the Actros is the Pump-Line Nozzle Fuel Injection System, an improvement over the plug-in pumps that have been used for decades. Each cylinder has its own injection pump, which is driven by its own camshaft.
Second generation (MP2, 2003–2008)
The second-generation Actros was released in 2003 with upgraded interior and exterior components such as the new Bi-Xenon headlamps, updated Euro 3 emission compliance, a lighter rear axle, and new special equipment.
Mercedes-Benz released a new special edition of the Actros, the Black Edition series, which is limited to 250 units. This Black Edition Series comes with a 612 hp OM502LA V8 engine with upgraded interior and exterior components such as bird's-eye maple, leather-wrapped steering wheel and seat covers with Mercedes-Benz "Star" badge, a specially-designed grille with chrome clasp, a new front apron with stainless steel grill, chrome-framed headlights, and chrome-plated side mirrors.
Third generation (MP3, 2008–2012; until 2020 for export model)
The third-generation Actros was introduced in 2008 at the IAA Commercial Vehicles, and it was the last facelift of the previous Actros. At the time of launch, the Actros was the first truck in the segment to offer automatic transmission as standard.
The changes for the MP3 Actros are the side mirrors, which were adapted from the special edition models of the previous generation and have closed brackets, and slightly revised Bi-Xenon headlamps. The battery status indicator was added for the first time, as were the rain and light sensors, a world first for a truck.
The third-generation Actros ended production in 2011 and were replaced with the New Actros, but production continues in Asia and other countries until 2020.
Engines
The Mercedes-Benz Actros is equipped with two types of engines: the OM 501 LA-541 and the OM 502 LA-542. The OM 501 is a 12-liter V6 and has outputs ranging from 310 HP to 480 HP. The engine management system employed by this engine is the PLD (Pumpe Leitung Düse-German abbr), which incorporates single plug-in pumps for each cylinder, supplying fuel under pressure (up to 1,600 bar) to the injection valves. A control unit (MR) monitors all engine operating conditions via several sensors and varies the injection pressure to suit each operating need. The OM502 is a V8 engine that has an output ranging from 350 HP to 652 HP.