Which engines does the Actros MP4 use?

The MP4 (2011-2019) was built with Euro VI inline six-cylinder OM470 (10.7 l), OM471 (12.8 l) and OM473 (15.6 l) engines.

Are MP3 and MP4 parts interchangeable?

Mostly no; the engine family and brake components changed substantially with the MP4. Parts selection must be verified against the OEM number or the chassis (VIN) number.

How often should the air dryer cartridge be replaced on an Actros?

Common practice is replacement once a year; intensive duty cycles and humid climates shorten the interval.

How do I find the VADEN equivalent using an OEM number?

Simply search the OEM number on the VADEN Mercedes-Benz cross-reference page or in the product search.

Do VADEN parts fit the Actros?

VADEN manufactures aftermarket parts to OEM dimensions for the Mercedes-Benz heavy vehicle family, including the Actros, under IATF 16949 certified production; products are listed with the compatible OEM numbers.

Vehicle Model Guide

Mercedes-Benz Actros Maintenance Guide: Generations, Engines and Parts Selection

Actros MP1–MP5 generations, engine variants, maintenance intervals and how to find compatible VADEN parts by OEM cross-reference.

18 iul. 2026 3 min read

The Mercedes-Benz Actros has been one of Europe's most widespread heavy-duty tractor units since its launch in 1996. Thousands of Actros trucks of every generation from MP2 to MP5 are still in active service in today's fleets — which puts accurate maintenance knowledge and correct parts selection at the centre of fleet operating costs. In this guide we bring together the generations, engine variants, maintenance intervals and a reliable parts selection method on a single page.

Actros generations and engines

Generation	Years	Engines	Highlights
MP1	1996–2002	OM501LA (V6), OM502LA (V8)	First generation; Truck of the Year 1997
MP2	2002–2008	OM501/OM502 (Euro 3–5)	Telligent brake/gearshift management
MP3	2008–2011	Updated OM501/OM502	Truck of the Year 2009; PowerShift became widespread
MP4	2011–2019	OM470, OM471, OM473 (inline six, Euro VI)	New cab; Truck of the Year 2012
MP5 / Actros L	2019–…	3rd-generation OM470/OM471	MirrorCam, Predictive Powertrain Control

When selecting parts, the generation alone is not enough: within the same generation, different engine and chassis variants (e.g. 1843, 1848, 1853, 2542…) may use different part references. The most reliable method is therefore to search by the vehicle's chassis (VIN) number or by the OEM number printed on the part itself.

Maintenance intervals (general framework)

Item	Typical interval*
Air dryer cartridge	12 months / check at every service
Brake pad & disc inspection	Check every 20,000–30,000 km
Compressor discharge line / carbon build-up check	During major services
AdBlue filter	~120,000 km
Transmission/retarder oil	Per manufacturer schedule

*These values are a general framework based on field practice; for binding intervals, the vehicle's maintenance booklet and the manufacturer's instructions prevail.

VADEN parts coverage for the Actros

In the VADEN catalogue, roughly one in every six products is compatible with Mercedes-Benz vehicles — that means more than 2,000 part references covering every Actros generation from MP1 to MP5: air brake compressors and repair kits, air dryers and the APU group, brake caliper mechanisms, brake chambers, valves, clutch servos, cooling and engine parts.

Two quick ways to reach the right part:

Search the Mercedes-Benz OEM number you have in our MERCEDES-BENZ cross-reference table and see the VADEN equivalent instantly.
Or type the number straight into the product search — it matches OEM numbers, VADEN codes and other reference numbers together.

Mercedes-Benz and Actros are registered trademarks of Daimler Truck AG and are referenced on this page solely for compatibility/cross-reference purposes. VADEN is an independent aftermarket manufacturer; its products are not marketed as products of the trademark owner.

Related compatibility pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Which engines does the Actros MP4 use?: The MP4 (2011-2019) was built with Euro VI inline six-cylinder OM470 (10.7 l), OM471 (12.8 l) and OM473 (15.6 l) engines.
Are MP3 and MP4 parts interchangeable?: Mostly no; the engine family and brake components changed substantially with the MP4. Parts selection must be verified against the OEM number or the chassis (VIN) number.
How often should the air dryer cartridge be replaced on an Actros?: Common practice is replacement once a year; intensive duty cycles and humid climates shorten the interval.
How do I find the VADEN equivalent using an OEM number?: Simply search the OEM number on the VADEN Mercedes-Benz cross-reference page or in the product search.
Do VADEN parts fit the Actros?: VADEN manufactures aftermarket parts to OEM dimensions for the Mercedes-Benz heavy vehicle family, including the Actros, under IATF 16949 certified production; products are listed with the compatible OEM numbers.