Mercedes Benz ATEGO 1223 Removal Box Truck The Mercedes-Benz ATEGO 1223 with a removal box truck body is a versatile medium-duty truck commonly used for moving and logistics. Here’s an overview of its key features:
Mercedes-Benz ATEGO 1223 Removal Box Truck Specifications:
- Engine:
- OM 906 LA (Euro 3/4/5 compliant)
- 6-cylinder diesel
- ~231 HP (170 kW)
- Torque: ~810 Nm
- Transmission:
- 6-speed manual or optional automatic (depending on configuration)
- Chassis & Dimensions:
- GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): ~12,000–14,000 kg
- Wheelbase: ~3,600–4,800 mm (varies by body type)
- Cab options: Day cab or crew cab
- Box Body Features (for Removal/Loading):
- Box Length: Typically 6–8 meters
- Load Capacity: ~5–7 tons (depending on configuration)
- Rear Door: Swing doors or roll-up shutter
- Loading Height: ~1.1–1.3 meters
- Optional Features:
- Liftgate (hydraulic tail lift)
- Side loading doors
- Interior cargo securing points
Common Uses:
- Household & office removals
- Freight transport
- Logistics & delivery services
Advantages:
- Reliable Mercedes-Benz drivetrain
- Good maneuverability for urban operations
- Durable construction for heavy loads
- Comfortable cab for long-distance driving
1. Engine & Performance
- Model: Mercedes-Benz OM 906 LA (6-cylinder turbo diesel)
- Displacement: 6.37L
- Power: 231 HP (170 kW) @ 2,200 rpm
- Torque: 810 Nm @ 1,200–1,600 rpm
- Emission Standards: Euro 3 (common), Euro 4/5 (later models)
- Fuel Consumption: ~18–22 L/100km (varies by load & driving conditions)
- Ad Blue (SCR): Required for Euro 4/5 models
2. Transmission & Drivetrain
- Standard: 6-speed manual transmission (Mercedes G56)
- Optional: 6-speed Telligent automatic (in later models)
- Axle Configuration:
- 4×2 (single rear axle) – Most common for box trucks
- 4×4 – Available for off-road/rough terrain use
- Rear Axle Ratio: ~4.89 (optimized for urban/medium-duty hauling)
3. Chassis & Dimensions
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 12,000–14,000 kg (region-dependent)
- Wheelbase Options:
- Short: 3,600 mm (for better maneuverability)
- Long: 4,800 mm (for larger box bodies)
- Max Payload: ~5,000–7,000 kg (after body installation)
- Turning Radius: ~12–14 meters
5. Cab & Driver Comfort
- Cab Types:
- Day cab (standard)
- Crew cab (for extra passengers)
- Features:
- Air conditioning
- Adjustable steering wheel
- Comfortable suspension seats
- Telligent shift system (if automatic)
6. Maintenance & Costs
- Service Intervals: ~30,000–50,000 km (or annually)
- Common Wear Parts: Brake pads, clutch (if manual), Ad Blue system
- Fuel Tank Capacity: ~150–200L
- Reliability: Known for durability, but electronics (Euro 4/5) may need attention
7. Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Strong, reliable engine
- Good payload for removals/logistics
- Comfortable for long-distance driving
- Mercedes-Benz service network
Cons:
- Older Euro 3 models may face city restrictions
- Automatic transmission rare in used market
- Higher maintenance costs than some competitors (e.g., MAN, Iveco)
8. Pricing (Used Market, Europe)
- Euro 3 (2000s): €25,000–€40,000
- Euro 4/5 (2010s): €45,000–€70,000
- New (if available): €100,000+ (with box body)
9. Who Should Buy It?
- Moving companies needing a mid-sized, reliable truck
- Delivery/logistics firms operating in urban/suburban areas
- Businesses wanting a Mercedes-Benz badge & support
10. Alternatives to Consider
- MAN TGL 12.250
- Volvo FL 250
- Iveco Euro cargo 120E
- Need More Info?
- Let me know if you’d like details on:
- Specific configurations
- Fuel efficiency tests
- Comparison with competitors
- Where to buy (new/used)
Engine Secrets & Tuning Potential
- Hidden Power: The OM 906 LA can be chipped to ~270 HP without hardware changes (popular in Eastern Europe).
- Durability: Known to last 800,000–1,000,000 km with proper maintenance (oil changes every 30,000 km).
- Weak Points:
- EGR valve clogs (common in Euro 4/5 models).
- Turbo lag below 1,200 RPM (fixed in later OM 934 engines).
2. Transmission Deep Dive
- Manual (G56):
- Gear 1-3: Short ratios (good for city starts).
- Gear 6: Overdrive (for fuel savings at 80+ km/h).
- Automatic (Telligent):
- Rare but smoother for stop-and-go traffic.
- Downside: 10% higher fuel consumption than manual.
3. Suspension & Load Handling
- Front Axle: Parabolic springs (comfort-focused).
- Rear Axle: Air suspension (optional) – critical for fragile loads.
- Stability Control: ESP + ASR (prevents skidding when empty).
5. Fuel Economy Hacks
- Best Speed: 65–75 km/h in 6th gear (~18 L/100km).
- Worst Speed: City traffic (~25 L/100km).
- Tire Tip: Low-rolling-resistance tires save 5% fuel.
6. Real-World Payload Test
- Legal Limit: 12,000 kg GVW → ~5,500 kg payload after body + fuel.
- Overload Risk: Some operators push to 7,000 kg (axle stress).
7. Winter Performance
- Cold Starts: Reliable down to -25°C with winter diesel.
- Weak Spot: Door seals freeze (silicone spray recommended).
8. Buying Used? Inspection Checklist
Check:
- Oil leaks (especially around turbo).
- Clutch wear (hard shifting in manuals).
- Rust under cab mounts.
- Ad Blue system errors (Euro 4/5).
Avoid:
- Trucks with “engine remap” but no paperwork.
- Ex-rental units (often abused).
9. Spare Parts Price Examples
- Turbocharger: €1,200–€2,000.
- Clutch Kit: €800–€1,200.
- Tail Lift (used): €3,500.
10. Niche Modifications
- Mobile Workshop: Add workbenches + 220V generator.
- Camper Conversion: Rare but possible (6m box = 2 beds).
Final Verdict
- Best For: Small moving companies needing a no-nonsense workhorse.
- Think Twice If: You need Euro 6 compliance for city centers.
- Need more? Ask about:
- Leasing vs. buying costs
- Fleet management solutions
- Comparison with the ATEGO 1528
Hidden Mechanical Secrets
- The “Million KM” Tweak: Adding a secondary fuel filter (2-micron) extends injector life by 40%
- Transmission Hack: Running 75W-140 gear oil in winter prevents 3rd gear synchro wear (common issue)
- Steering Quirk: The ZF 8098 steering box needs fluid changes every 150K km or develops play
Payload Wizardry
- Legal Cheat Sheet:
- 12T GVW model can carry 5,800kg legally with:
- 2,300kg front axle
- 9,700kg rear axle
- Add air suspension to maximize weight distribution
- Volume vs Weight:
- 8m box hits volume limit (32m³) before weight limit with furniture
Specialist Configurations
- Antique Movers Edition
- Air ride cab + rear suspension
- Humidity-controlled box
- 3-stage loading ramp
- Urban Delivery Beast
- 6m box with 270° doors
- 1.05m loading height
- Hybrid cooling unit
Performance Mods That Actually Work
- Wastegate Adjustment: +0.3 bar boost = 12% more torque (safe limit)
- DECAT Delete: Gains 3% fuel economy (Euro 3 only)
- Intercooler Upgrade: 8°C lower intake temps in summer
Used Truck Detective Guide
- Clock a Tampered Odometer By:
- Checking pedal rubber wear vs km
- ECU error log hours vs distance
- Service sticker dates vs recorded km
- Best Hidden Gem Models:
- 2008-2012 ex-DHL fleet units (perfect maintenance)
- Finnish imports (rust-proofed)
- German rental returns (low km but hard life)
Regional Spec Differences
- UK Models: 5% shorter 5th gear for stop-start traffic
- Middle East: Extra large coolant radiators
- Nordic: Web ASTO pre-heaters as standard
DIY Repairs Worth Doing
Easy:
- Door latch adjustment
- Mirror motor replacement
- DEF tank sensor cleaning
Leave to Pros:
- Injector coding
- ABS module repairs
- Cab alignment
Resale Value Tricks
- Keep the original box paint (repaints hurt value)
- Document all load weights (proves careful use)
- Save the factory exhaust (needed for some EU inspections)
When to Walk Away
- Cab mounts with >5mm play
- “Ghost” electrical faults
- Any signs of overload damage:
- Bent frame rails
- Suspension seat cracks
- Rear axle seal leaks
Future Classic Potential
- Last mechanical injection ATEGOS
- Pre-DPF simplicity
- Overland conversion base
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