2020 Mercedes-Benz OF 1318
The Mercedes-Benz OF 1318 is a popular bus chassis used primarily in Latin America and other developing markets. It is known for its robust design and suitability for demanding urban and intercity transportation. The 2020 model typically comes with a Mercedes-Benz OM 924 LA inline 4-cylinder diesel engine, producing around 177 horsepower and roughly 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options were the Mercedes-Benz OM 904 LA inline 4-cylinder diesel engine, producing around 156 horsepower and the Mercedes-Benz OM 926 LA inline 6-cylinder diesel engine, producing around 215 horsepower. The transmission is typically a Mercedes-Benz G85 6-speed manual. Owners often appreciate its durability and relatively simple mechanics, making it easier to maintain in regions where advanced technology support is limited. Some complaints often revolve around ride comfort and noise levels, which are typical for heavy-duty vehicles designed for utilitarian purposes rather than luxury.
Engine
Mercedes-Benz OM 924 LA (4-cylinder)
- Excessive Smoke on Startup
- Description/Symptoms: Blue or white smoke emitted from the exhaust upon starting the engine, especially after prolonged idling or sitting overnight.
- Solution: Check the condition of the valve stem seals for wear or damage. Replace valve stem seals as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbocharger, reduced engine power, and potential black smoke from the exhaust. Can also trigger a check engine light.
- Solution: Inspect the turbocharger for shaft play or damage to the turbine blades. If damaged, replace the turbocharger assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Mercedes-Benz OM 904 LA (4-cylinder)
- Fuel Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. Can also cause excessive smoke and trigger a check engine light.
- Solution: Diagnose which injector(s) is/are faulty. Replace faulty fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Mercedes-Benz OM 926 LA (6-cylinder)
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant level dropping, overheating, and visible coolant leaks around the engine. Common areas include water pump, hoses, and radiator.
- Solution: Pressure test the cooling system to locate the leak. Replace leaking components such as the water pump, hoses, or radiator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Mercedes-Benz G85 (6-Speed Manual)
- Difficulty Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, grinding noises during shifts, especially from 2nd to 3rd or 4th to 5th gear.
- Solution: Check and adjust the clutch linkage and cable for proper engagement. If the problem persists, inspect the synchros within the transmission. Worn or damaged synchros will require transmission disassembly and repair or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Gear Slippage
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission unexpectedly jumps out of gear while driving, or “slips” where the engine revs up without a corresponding increase in speed.
- Solution: Inspect the transmission’s internal components for wear or damage, including the gears, bearings, and shift forks. A transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500-$4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Sagging/Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, reduced ride height, rough ride quality, and potential snapping noises from the suspension.
- Solution: Inspect the leaf springs for signs of fatigue, cracking, or breakage. Replace the affected leaf springs individually or as a set.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400-$1,500+ per spring
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Shock Absorbers
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling, and increased stopping distances.
- Solution: Inspect the shock absorbers for leaks or damage. Replace worn shock absorbers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+ per axle
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Charging System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming lights, and potential stalling.
- Solution: Test the alternator output voltage. Replace the alternator if it is not producing the correct voltage. Also, check the battery’s condition and replace it if necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Wiring Harness Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, such as lights flickering, gauges not working correctly, or starting problems.
- Solution: Inspect the wiring harness for damaged wires or corroded connectors. Repair or replace damaged sections of the wiring harness.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$1,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Corrosion
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming in areas prone to moisture and salt exposure, such as around wheel wells, undercarriage, and body seams.
- Solution: Remove rust with mechanical methods (sanding, grinding) or chemical treatments. Apply rust inhibitor and repaint affected areas.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ (depending on the severity and extent of the corrosion)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming on the dashboard surface, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
- Solution: Repair the cracks with filler and refinish the dashboard, or replace the entire dashboard.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on the repair method)
- Recalls: None Found
In summary, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz OF 1318 is a robust chassis but can experience a range of issues typical of heavy-duty vehicles. Engine issues, especially related to smoke on startup and turbocharger failures, can be moderately expensive to repair. Transmission problems, particularly difficulty shifting, are also fairly common and costly. Suspension wear is to be expected in these vehicles due to the heavy usage. Other less common issues include exterior corrosion, dashboard cracking, and electrical faults. While these issues can be a concern, the overall reliability and durability of the OF 1318 chassis make it a popular choice for bus operators.