2020 Mercedes-Benz OH 1518

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz OH 1518 is a chassis designed for bus and truck applications, particularly popular in South American markets. While specific horsepower and torque figures can vary based on market and configuration, the OH 1518 typically utilizes a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine known for its reliability and efficiency. While not a passenger car, owners appreciate its robust construction, ease of maintenance, and suitability for demanding transport tasks. Common dislikes often center around the inherent limitations of a commercial vehicle chassis, such as ride comfort and noise levels compared to passenger vehicles. Engine options can vary between markets.

Engine

OM 924 LA (Tier 3)

• Excessive Black Smoke
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine emits excessive black smoke, especially during acceleration, indicating incomplete combustion. May also be accompanied by a decrease in power.
  • Solution: Check and clean or replace the air filter. Inspect the fuel injectors for proper spray pattern and replace if necessary. Verify proper turbocharger operation. Recalibrate the engine control unit (ECU).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from various points in the cooling system.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace hoses, radiator, water pump, and thermostat housing. Repair any damage to the engine block or head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the source.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

G85-6 Manual Transmission

• Difficulty Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard to shift gears, especially between certain gears. Grinding noises may occur during shifting.
  • Solution: Check and adjust the clutch linkage. Replace worn clutch disc, pressure plate, or throwout bearing. Inspect and repair or replace damaged synchronizers within the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Jumping Out of Gear
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission unexpectedly pops out of gear while driving, particularly under load.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace worn or damaged gear teeth and synchronizers within the transmission. Check and repair or replace damaged shift forks or linkage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2500+ depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging/Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leans to one side. Reduced ride height and increased harshness of the ride. Visible cracks or breaks in the leaf springs.
  • Solution: Replace worn or damaged leaf springs. Inspect and replace U-bolts and spring bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ per spring depending on the shop.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Starter Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to crank or cranks slowly. Clicking sound may be heard from the starter motor when attempting to start the engine.
  • Solution: Test the starter motor and replace if faulty. Check and clean or replace battery terminals and cables. Inspect and repair or replace the starter solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems such as lights flickering, gauges malfunctioning, or the engine stalling. Visible damage to the wiring harness, such as frayed wires or corroded connectors.
  • Solution: Inspect the entire wiring harness for damage. Repair or replace damaged wires and connectors. Ensure proper grounding.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming along seams, around windows, and in areas prone to moisture and road salt exposure.
  • Solution: Treat affected areas with rust converter. Apply primer and paint. In severe cases, cut out and replace rusted metal panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the severity of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop in the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace the entire dashboard or repair with a dashboard repair kit. Use a dashboard cover to protect against sunlight.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1000+ depending on the method.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz OH 1518 chassis generally experiences issues related to its heavy-duty application. Engine issues related to excessive smoke and coolant leaks can arise, while transmission problems often manifest as shifting difficulties. Suspension concerns involve leaf spring wear, and electrical problems can stem from starter motor failures and wiring harness issues. Exterior corrosion and dashboard cracking are also observed. The severity and cost of repairs vary significantly depending on the specific issue and the extent of the damage, ranging from relatively minor fixes to more extensive and costly replacements.