To this day, Toyota ships the Bandeirante or Bandy, for short, with the legendary Mercedes-Benz OM314 engine. The same engine that once powered the über Unimog! A 3.8l 4cyl Diesel pumping out very few kW but torque far north of 1200Nm, some sources say 1500! That's as much as a 15.5l V8 turbodiesel of the 1980's 2633 truck! The Bandeirante being a double cab version of what seems to be the FJ45 Landcruiser. I stand corrected, as usual.
OM 314, for it only being 4cyl, still did impress with low down torque and tractability, plus endurance and longevity. Good thing they lasted long, typically north of 600 000 km, as the typical backyard inde would have a hard time overhauling it, something that requires special tools and techniques.
The Unimogs that I knew, had a different 5.7l straight six motor altogether. Also known for being tougher than nails. But, are there any privately owned OM314 Mogs in SA? Decades ago, I visited a farm just outside of Worcester, on the Wolseley road, where there were two older Mogs. I can't recall the farmer's name at all.
But the Unimog's great heart lives on in Brazil, where even OM314 engine parts reportedly are regularly available.
OM 314, for it only being 4cyl, still did impress with low down torque and tractability, plus endurance and longevity. Good thing they lasted long, typically north of 600 000 km, as the typical backyard inde would have a hard time overhauling it, something that requires special tools and techniques.
The Unimogs that I knew, had a different 5.7l straight six motor altogether. Also known for being tougher than nails. But, are there any privately owned OM314 Mogs in SA? Decades ago, I visited a farm just outside of Worcester, on the Wolseley road, where there were two older Mogs. I can't recall the farmer's name at all.
But the Unimog's great heart lives on in Brazil, where even OM314 engine parts reportedly are regularly available.
Last edited: