- You have no items in your shopping cart
- Continue Shopping
Mercedes-Benz OM 473 15.6L Engine Unit – Superior Performance and Efficiency for Heavy-Duty Transport
The Mercedes-Benz OM 473 is a 15.6-liter, inline six-cylinder diesel engine designed to meet the demands of the heaviest-duty transport and construction applications. Developed by Daimler Truck AG, the OM 473 is the most powerful engine in the Mercedes-Benz truck portfolio, offering an ideal balance of maximum power, torque, fuel efficiency, and environmental responsibility. It is primarily used in the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs series, trusted by fleet operators around the world for extreme loads and long-haul operations.
Engine Overview
Introduced to complement Mercedes-Benz’s Euro VI-compliant engine lineup, the OM 473 shares its basic architecture with Daimler’s global heavy-duty engine platform but is specially adapted for European and international markets requiring the highest performance levels. This engine is designed to deliver massive torque at low RPMs, supporting high gross combination weights (GCW) while maintaining exceptional driving comfort and fuel efficiency.
The Mercedes-Benz OM 473 15.6L Engine Unit is available in different power ratings ranging from 517 hp to 625 hp (380 kW to 460 kW), with a peak torque of up to 3,000 Nm. This torque is delivered consistently across a broad RPM range, enabling superior driveability and pulling power even in the most challenging terrains.
Technical Specifications
- Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel
- Displacement: 15.6 liters (15,598 cc)
- Power Output: 517 hp to 625 hp (380–460 kW)
- Maximum Torque: Up to 3,000 Nm
- Fuel System: X-PULSE High-Pressure Common Rail System
- Turbocharging: Asymmetric Twin-Scroll Turbocharger
- Emission Standard: Euro VI (with EGR, SCR, DPF, and DOC)
- Cooling System: Water-cooled with charge air cooling
- Compression Ratio: Approximately 18.3:1
Key Technologies
X-PULSE Injection System
The OM 473 features the innovative X-PULSE high-pressure common rail fuel injection system. Unlike traditional systems, X-PULSE allows fully flexible control over injection pressures and timing for each cylinder individually. Injection pressures reach up to 2,700 bar, optimizing combustion for maximum efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced engine longevity.
Asymmetric Turbocharging
An asymmetric twin-scroll turbocharger helps maintain boost pressure even at low engine speeds. This design improves response times, reduces turbo lag, and ensures the engine produces strong torque from idle, significantly enhancing driveability, especially in stop-and-go or hilly conditions.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Aftertreatment
To meet Euro VI standards, the OM 473 uses:
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): Lowers combustion temperature, reducing NOx emissions
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Converts NOx into harmless nitrogen and water
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): Captures and burns off particulate matter
- Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC): Reduces carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons
The combination of internal EGR and efficient aftertreatment systems ensures compliance with the toughest environmental standards without sacrificing performance.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Despite its massive output, the Mercedes-Benz OM 473 15.6L Engine Unit is designed for impressive fuel efficiency. Its intelligent powertrain integration with the Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission and Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) helps optimize driving styles, gear shifts, and engine loads based on real-time topographical data.
Notable benefits include:
- Consistent torque delivery from as low as 900 RPM
- Reduced fuel consumption, typically 5-6% lower compared to earlier engines
- Extended service intervals, up to 150,000 km depending on operating conditions
- Minimal AdBlue (DEF) consumption thanks to efficient SCR technology
The DYNAMIC POWER feature allows for cylinder deactivation when full engine power is not needed, further improving fuel savings during light-load driving.
Durability and Maintenance
The OM 473 is engineered for extreme reliability and durability, offering long operational life with minimal downtime. Key durability features include:
- Reinforced engine block and high-strength crankshaft
- Optimized piston design with cooling galleries for temperature control
- Robust oil and cooling circuits for harsh operating environments
Maintenance-friendly design elements, combined with advanced remote diagnostics available through FleetBoard, enable predictive maintenance strategies that keep trucks operating efficiently and reduce total cost of ownership.
Applications
The Mercedes-Benz OM 473 engine is used extensively in heavy-duty applications, including:
- Mercedes-Benz Actros: For long-distance heavy-haulage up to 250 tonnes GCW
- Mercedes-Benz Arocs: For construction, mining, and severe terrain operations
Typical sectors using OM 473-powered vehicles include:
- Heavy freight logistics
- Mining and quarry transport
- Construction and infrastructure projects
- Timber and bulk material haulage
Its combination of power, efficiency, and rugged construction makes it an ideal choice for operators dealing with high payloads and tough working conditions.
Key Advantages
- Unmatched Torque: Up to 3,000 Nm available from low RPM
- Exceptional Fuel Economy: Advanced injection and intelligent driveline management
- Extended Maintenance Intervals: Lowering lifecycle operating costs
- Environmental Compliance: Full Euro VI certification with minimal operational penalties
- Optimized Driver Comfort: Quiet, low-vibration performance enhances long-haul driveability
Mercedes-Benz OM 473 15.6L Engine Unit
The Mercedes-Benz OM 473 15.6L engine unit is a technological masterpiece, built to deliver superior performance, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability for the most demanding heavy-duty applications. Its intelligent combination of high output, low fuel consumption, and robust design ensures that fleet operators maximize productivity and minimize costs, even in the toughest transport conditions.
CNG SPARE PARTS
For European Truck Spare Parts Our Websites
For Turkish Visitors
