The Origin and History of Diesel at Mercedes-Benz?
 

Someone on this board must know the history of MB diesels.

Did M-B build diesel engines for German submarines before WWI? Did M-B build diesels for the German Navy during and before either 'WW' war. What boats/ships were powered by M-B designed or built motors?

What other military vehicles used by the German Army did M-B build diesels/powertrains for? The pre-cursor of the Gelandewagen (Unimog)? What else?

:confused: Why do I ask? Two reasons. First, I've wondered where Chester Nimitz studied when he visited Germany to study diesels. The U.S. Navy eventually built the first diesel powered ship and submarine seen in the U.S. based on Nimitz recommendations and real world knowledge learned in Germany. Second, I want to read some confirmation of an opinion that the motor noise one hears at 75-80mph bring is not unlike what one would hear if one were crew on 'Das Boat'. Is it just me or are OM617 motors the grandchildren of marine diesels?:operator:

they have been making diesels for a long long time. If I wasnt tired Id pull out my big book of Mercedes -Benz history. But I can tell you that they have had the diesel in operation since at least the early 1900's...

the first passenger diesel vehicle wasn't until IIRC the 170DV or something like that.. my brain is farting out

Totally, they do indeed sound similar. I've heard a real recording of a WWII German (MB) diesel sub engine, and its kinda eerie how similar they are.

The design of the 615/616/617 is probably heavily influenced by what was present on the Sub/Marine engines. Think about it, MB started producing this series of engines less than 7-8 years after the war ended, and it took them at least a few years to even build their facilities back up for making civilian cars/trucks, so only a few year gap. Very likely they are related. ;)

U-Boat in Bremerhaven.....
 

I've been thru the Deutches Schiffarts Museum in Bremerhaven...and have been thru the U-Boat there....U-2540.....it had MAN engines...and AEG electric motors.....

Link to U-Boat http://www.dsm.de/e3ubor.htm

Link to Museum http://www.dsm.de/edsm.htm

I have been an engineer aboard several different German built ships and have never seen anything like a Mercedes-Benz engine aboard.....

The German maritime tends to go with....
MAN....Machinefabrik Augsburg Nurnburg
B&W...Bermeister & Wain
MAK...Machinewerk Au Krupp
Lister
Deutz (KHD)...Klockner Humboldt Deutz
Caterpillar (Zepplin).....yes Virginia there are metric Cats!!!

Sulzer ....Swiss...almost German tho....

to name a few.....but no MB

SB

I don't have the books at my fingertips, but IIRC, the first diesel powered car was a Peugeot; The first diesel powered production car was a Mercedes. Both cars were first made in the mid 1930s.

Quick note....
 

I have to head to school for finals in a few minutes.....but this question got me to wondering......

I looked up Mercedes in 'Diesel Motorships, Engines and Machinery" by Christial Knack......no Mercedes....BUT...they do list a Maybach Type MD 655, V12, 4 Stroke, 950kW/1274hp @ 1500rpm....I don't know what the exact connection that exists between MB and Maybach is......but the Maybach is in there.....it is specifically notable because of it's "tunnel' style of construction....this allows the crankshaft to be axially shifted in and out of the crankcase....main bearings are also roller bearings....

I think, perhaps, that if MB did make Marine Diesels for the Kreigsmarine, they most probably would have gone into Schnell Boats (PT Boat, sorta).....

Will look at other references later when I get home.....

SB

and yes, I am embarking on a second degree....this time Surveying/Forestry......

This is quite an interesting thread. From my limited knowledge I'd say offhand that Mercedes did not in fact build diesels for the Kriegsmarine. Uboote etc used MAN as already mentioned. Not sure about Schnellboote but I suspect the same. In terms of military engines I think Daimler Benz only built Aero engines. The DB600 series that powered various Messerschmitt fighters etc.

They were the primary designer and producer of both the Panzer Mk111 and the Sturmgeschutz assault guns based on the Mk111 but both of these used Maybach engines.

- Peter.

Daimler marine engines
 

Before the Daimler Company (the Mercedes bit) and the Benz Company came together in the late 20's financial crisis in Germany, Daimler made a wide range of stationary diesels that powered everything from pleasure yachts through to much bigger ships.

I do not know the role of Mercedes Benz diesels later but I have to assume that they powered quite a few different marine vessels.

Maybach and Mercedes Benz
 

To answer a question above, Maybach was the chief designer of engines and autos under the founders when the merged Mercedes Benz was created. When the founders were replaced with one of the sons (can't remember who) Maybach has pushed out and he started his own company........

Usual story of arrogant know-it-all son who thought he knew more than the chief designer!

Where maybach diesel engines used in the zepplins? Who built the diesel engine used in some german bombers in the second world war?
Overall I found them reasonably compact for a 600 horsepower rating. Somewhat unorthodox in design with two cranks. It was not a very successful engine in operation apparently yet was very reliable. It apparently changed operating speeds at too slow a rate. Pretty large blower on the back of the engine on the one I examined.

Really neat picture of a WWII era Mercedes Benz diesel truck and a dog.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=186998&highlight=diesel+dog

Daimler Benz built diesel engines for the Panzer tanks in the Second World war, in addition to truck engines.

see the forum in www.axishistory.com and also take a look in www.achtungpanzer.com
for more information and photographs