Mercedes Tractor Units
Mercedes-Benz tractorheads
Mercedes-Benz Trucks, a division of Daimler Truck AG, manufactures the Actros at its Worth am Rhein plant in Germany — the world's largest truck factory. The Actros is the best-selling truck in Mercedes-Benz history, with over one million units produced since 1996.
Mercedes Actros: generations and technology
The Actros MP5 (current generation since 2019) introduced the revolutionary MirrorCam system replacing conventional mirrors with cameras and interior displays, improving both aerodynamics and visibility. The OM 471 12.8-litre engine delivers 421 to 530 HP with maintenance intervals of up to 150,000 km.
Active safety systems
The Actros features Active Brake Assist 5 (emergency braking with pedestrian detection), Sideguard Assist (blind spot assistant), Active Drive Assist (Level 2 semi-autonomous driving) and Predictive Powertrain Control (automatic driving adjustment based on GPS topography). It is the truck with the highest level of series-production automation available.
Why buy a used Mercedes Actros and who it suits
The Actros is the premium benchmark of long-haul: the haulier who prioritises cab comfort, technology and brand value chooses it above all. Its technology (MirrorCam, PPC, ABA 5) cuts fuel use and accident rates, which appeals to large fleets with permanent drivers. The trade-off is a higher used price; to see what sellers are asking today for an Actros by version, year and mileage, check the market price table in this same tab, calculated from real listings. It suits intensive international work where comfort pays off in driver retention. Coatrucks imports German Actros stock directly from origin with Star diagnostics.
OM 471 and MirrorCam maintenance: what to inspect on a used Actros
The 12.8 L OM 471 is robust, but check typical points: the SCR AdBlue injectors tend to crystallise after long stops (repair ~EUR600); also check the turbo control valve and possible leaks in the cooling circuit. On the MP5 generation, verify the MirrorCam cameras and their displays work flawlessly (replacement is expensive) and that the software is up to date. Request the Mercedes ServiceCare history. The PowerShift 3 gearbox is very reliable; check the clutch at high mileage. Coatrucks verifies the SCR, cleans the DPF and checks the MirrorCam before delivery.
Used Mercedes tractorheads
Inspected second-hand Mercedes Actros. Premium quality.
Frequently asked questions
Which Actros power to choose: 1845, 1851 or 1853?
The 1845 (OM 471, 449 HP, 2,200 Nm) is the best-seller and best on resale: enough for 40 t international work. The 1851 (510 HP) adds margin for hilly routes or road trains. The 1853 (530 HP) is for heavy transport or car carriers. All share the 12.8 L OM 471. For standard international use, Coatrucks recommends the 1845 for its fuel/performance balance and market demand.What is MirrorCam and does it cause problems on a used Actros?
MirrorCam (from MP5, 2019) replaces mirrors with cameras and two A-pillar displays, improving aerodynamics and blind-spot vision. On used units you must verify the cameras and displays work flawlessly and the software is up to date, because replacement is expensive. It is not a reliability weak point, but a cost to check. Coatrucks checks the MirrorCam on every MP5 Actros before selling.Differences between used Actros MP4 and MP5?
The MP4 (2011-2019) has conventional mirrors, OM 471 and PowerShift 3 — very reliable and cheaper used. The MP5 (from 2019) adds MirrorCam, improved Predictive Powertrain Control, Level 2 Active Drive Assist and MultiMedia Cockpit. If you prioritise price and simplicity, the MP4; if you prioritise fuel, comfort and technology, the MP5. Both run the same base engine, so the mechanicals are equally robust.Is the Mercedes Actros OM 471 engine reliable?
Yes, the 12.8 L OM 471 is robust with maintenance intervals up to 150,000 km. The typical point is the SCR: the AdBlue injectors crystallise after long stops (repair ~EUR600). Also check the turbo valve and cooling circuit. With an up-to-date service history it comfortably exceeds 1.5 million km. Coatrucks verifies the SCR and cleans the DPF before delivering each Actros.Which Actros cab to choose: StreamSpace, BigSpace or GigaSpace?
StreamSpace has a low engine tunnel, fine for national work or routes without daily overnight. BigSpace offers a flat floor and more height — the balance for international work. GigaSpace is the tallest and most spacious, maximum comfort for drivers living in the cab for weeks. For long distance and better resale, BigSpace or GigaSpace; for distribution, StreamSpace is enough and saves weight.Is it worth importing a Mercedes Actros from Germany?
Yes. Mercedes is a German manufacturer (Wörth am Rhein) and there is huge used stock in Germany, often better equipped and with a full history. Coatrucks imports directly: deregistration at origin, zero-VAT invoice (form 349/VIES), reduced homologation with COC, DGT fees and registration in 7-15 days, with a fixed quote before we start. Request the Star diagnostics and verify the AdBlue. German stock usually pays off even with transport included.Does a used Mercedes Actros hold value well versus competitors?
The Actros holds solid value through brand, service network and international demand, especially the 1845 BigSpace. Its depreciation is slightly lower than Renault/Iveco and comparable to Volvo/Scania. MirrorCam and PPC technology add appeal in fleets. The risk is the cost of repairing advanced electronics out of warranty. Buying a Euro 6 Actros with Mercedes ServiceCare history is a safe 3-5 year investment.