Introduction to the Mercedes T2 Düsseldorfer (Düdo)

The Mercedes-Benz DüDo (a popular nickname for the Mercedes-Benz T2) is a legendary series of commercial vehicles and minibuses that were produced between 1967 and 1996. The name 'DüDo' is a contraction of Düsseldorfer, named after the factory in Düsseldorf where these vehicles rolled off the assembly line for decades.

History and Generations

First generation (1967-1986)

This is the classic DüDo. Approximately 540,000 were produced worldwide. These models were known for their robust construction and were frequently used as fire trucks, ambulances, horse transporters, campers (type , and city buses (such as the famous O 309).

Second generation (1986-1996)

The successor received a slightly more modern, angular design but retained the rock-solid engineering and reliability for which the series was known.

Successor (1996-2013)

The T2 was succeeded by the Vario, after which the production site shifted to Ludwigsfelde.

Technical Features

Engines:

The DüDo is known for its reliable indestructible diesel engines such as the legendary diesel OM314, OM616/OM617 and OM352 and the petrol M115 and M102 engines.

Weight Class:

The vehicles typically had a gross vehicle weight between 3.5 and 7.5 tons.

Drivetrain:

It featured heavy rear-wheel drive, twinned wheels or dual wheels designed to tow and carry heavy loads.

The Mercedes-Benz T2 Düsseldorfer (also known as DüDo, Düsseldorfer Transporter, or Bremer) was produced in a large number of type designations. The type code roughly indicates the gross vehicle weight and engine power.

For the classic T2 (1967-1986), the following usually applies:

L = truck chassis

O = bus chassis

First digit = weight class (approx. 4, 5, or 6 tonnes gross vehicle weight)

Last two digits = rounded engine power in hp +/- 10

D = Diesel

Without D = Petrol engine

So - you can imagine - there is a wide variety in type designations: L406 D, L407 D, L408, L409, L508 D, L608 D, L613 D, O309, O309 D, O407 en O608 D

Understanding the Model Designations

For the first-generation T2, the numbering generally followed this logic:

4xx = approximately 4-ton Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

5xx = approximately 5-ton GVW

6xx = approximately 6-ton GVW

D = Diesel

No D = Petrol (gasoline)Examples

407 D = approximately 4-ton diesel

508 D = approximately 5-ton diesel

608 D = approximately 6-ton diesel

613 D = approximately 6-ton, 130 hp diesel

The last two digits generally referred to the engine's approximate horsepower rating (for example, 08 ≈ 80 hp, 13 ≈ 130 hp), although this convention became less precise over time as engine specifications evolved.

Factory Variants

Beyond the standard model designations, Mercedes-Benz also offered numerous factory variants, including:

Panel van

Window van (Kombi)

Bus/Minibus

Chassis-cab

Double-cab chassis

Flatbed truck

Dropside truck

Box truck

Tipper

Ambulance

Fire brigade vehicles

Motorhome chassis

Special-purpose and military versions

Additionally, the T2 was available with several wheelbases, roof heights, axle ratios, and engines, including the OM615, OM616, OM314, OM352, OM364, and other Mercedes-Benz diesel engines.

The T2 was factory-built with several wheelbases, including:

2,950 mm

3,350 mm

3,700 mm

4,200 mm

4,600 mm (special applications)

Different wheelbases could be combined with almost every chassis type.

Complete Mercedes Factory Documentation

The complete Daimler-Benz spare parts catalogue (Ersatzteilliste) contains over 600 individual Baumuster for the T2, covering every combination of:

Chassis type

Wheelbase

Roof height

Left- or right-hand drive

Engine

Transmission

Axle ratio

Suspension

Export market

Ambulance, fire brigade, military, bus, motorhome, and special-purpose versions

In total, the factory recognized more than 600 distinct T2 variants, each identified by its own Baumuster code. This level of detail goes far beyond the commercial model names found in sales brochures.

DudoParts is the most comprehensive supplier of parts for the Mercedes T2 Düdo. Please contact us for specific parts and always share your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) with us so that we can look up parts for your specific Düdo.