The complete Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 buyer’s guide: how to choose the best used truck for your business
It would be an understatement to say that Mercedes-Benz has a really strong presence on the truck market. The manufacturer has set many standards in this field. The rich history of the brand is full of innovations and success, which lead to today’s highly efficient and reliable production models. The Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 is one of the top-sellers, there is no doubt about that. The desirable model stands out from the crowd not only with its modern and sleek design but also with the numerous features it offers. The spacious cabins, the reliable engines, and the price/quality ratio are the reasons why businesses often choose the Actros 1845 as part of their tractor truck fleet.
There are, however, things to consider when searching for the best deal on the market. Needless, to say, the lowest price should not be your main priority. After setting the right budget, you need to know what to look for when you choose a particular second-hand vehicle. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Actros 1845 before you buy a used one.
The Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845: Tradition and technology meet to achieve excellence
As soon as it was launched in 2011, the new Actros became an instant success. It was developed over the years, becoming even more refined and efficient than it already was. The test of time showed that one of the best truck engines on the market was the OM471 straight-six diesel engine. Available in different models with several levels of power output, the 12,8-liter beast is as reliable as it could possibly be. The power plant delivers 449hp and 2,200 Nm of torque, coupled with a really good transmission capable of smooth and fast gear changes, and, what’s most important, great fuel economy.
The truck is easy to maneuver with and the ride is as good as any other high-class tractor truck, probably even a tad better, but this is one aspect that is entirely based on personal preferences.
Things to consider before scanning the market for your secondhand Actros 1845?
First of all, you need to be aware of the current rules and legislation in your country, as there are different standards any truck must comply with in order to be roadworthy. The emission standard is one of the most important things to check. Sometimes used trucks are fitted with downgrade kits for export purposes, and even their DPF filters are removed. This is done for increasing the truck’s reliability and making it easier for the machine to cope with harsh road conditions and low-quality fuel in countries outside of Europe.
Second, there are several possible issues that you need to consider before taking a look at any used Actros 1845. The checklist below will help you identify if the particular used tractor truck you are interested in will cause trouble soon.
What are the most common faults of the Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845?
The Actros range of trucks is a symbol of longevity to many operators but they are still only machines. Despite the regular maintenance, any used Actros 1845 tractor truck are prone to the following failures:
- Wiring looms causing ECU problems: water can get to the wiring looms and damage the connectors and the engine management unit, which is an expensive fix;
- The TCM module air leak fault: most of these gearbox control units fail, and you need to make sure it has already been replaced on the truck you are interested in;
- AdBlue sensor acting strangely: sometimes it causes the AdBlue warning light and even the engine management indicator to flash on the instrument panel. This would require a replacement sensor to be sourced;
- Radiator vents: the vents mounted on the grill are variable and they open up depending on current engine temperature, but they sometimes get stuck and cause cooling issues;
- Run-up ramps: earlier production models had run-up ramps that turned out to be more rigid than the chassis of the truck, causing the latter to bend in case the truck picked up the trailer on a steep slope. This problem has been fixed on the later models;
- AdBlue consumption: while this is not an issue to sort out, just keep in mind that all Euro 6 Actros tractor trucks consume more AdBlue than the Euro 5 units;
- Wipers: some drivers have reported an unexpected potential problem. The motors of the wiper system sometimes fail suddenly, and this is something you could easily check even before the test-drive;
- The catwalk steps: the retractable steps of the Actros sometimes fall down. This fault is caused by the poor design of the catches, which is an easy fix as well;
- Rattling interior: more than a few parts of the interior tend to squeak and rattle much sooner than expected;
- Exterior scoops: the ones mounted on the front, near both headlights, cause a rattling noise on higher-mileage used trucks;
- Switches: the driver’s door window switch, as well as the cruise control switch, tend to wear much more than the rest of the controls in the cabin, so you should check them for wear signs;
- NOx sensor failure: this, alongside clogged DPF filters, and carbon build-up inside the EGR valves, is common on higher-mileage examples, and need to be tackled on before causing bigger problems. The main contributor to these faults is bad diesel fuel.
What is the overall conclusion considering the Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 checklist?
When buying a second-hand truck, or any other kind of machinery, for that matter, the overall condition of the particular vehicle or equipment is the most important factor. Of course, it is better to choose a manufacturer with lots of history and tradition. Mercedes-Benz is definitely one of those brands you should always consider, and the Actros 1845 tractor truck has stood the test of time. Despite the minor faults typical for the particular model, it is a reliable workhorse that you can trust.
Once you check all the weak points listed above, make sure to thoroughly go through every system of the vehicle.
How to choose the best second-hand Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 tractor truck?
When looking for a good deal on a second-hand truck or a specific piece of machinery, you need to be in the right place. Here is a valuable piece of advice: always choose a specialized online marketplace, instead of relying on social media or a shady website with no guarantees.
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 is related to a long search process, followed by several checks you need to do, starting with making sure the dealer is trustworthy. We made that process easier by offering vehicles from verified second-hand dealers.
The Sales Machinery team works hard to deliver the best services for all clients. The professional sales platform offers exclusive deals on used construction and agricultural machinery, trucks, buses, and a great variety of specialized vehicles. Every used truck dealer that becomes part of the platform is thoroughly checked and we guarantee that all the ads listed are real.
You can always contact our experienced professionals and receive advice on your planned purchase, as well as a recommendation on a reliable second hand truck dealer or even particular vehicles.