Mercedes-Benz O305

Mercedes-Benz O305
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1969–1987
Assembly	Mannheim, Germany
Body and chassis
Class	Complete bus Bus chassis
Body style	Single-decker bus Single-decker articulated bus Double-decker bus
Doors	1 or 2 doors (Single decker/Double decker bus) 2 or 3 doors (Articulated Bus)
Floor type	Step-entrance
Powertrain
Engine	Mercedes-Benz OM407.908 133kw rear underfloor (diesel) Mercedes-Benz OM407HG.295 147 kw rear underfloor (LPG) Mercedes-Benz OM407.913 rear underfloor (CNG)
Transmission	Mercedes-Benz 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length	11.2 m to 17.1 m
Width	2.5 m
Height	3.0 m or 4.0 m
Chronology
Successor	Mercedes-Benz O405

The Mercedes-Benz O305 was a highly successful single-decker bus, double-decker bus and articulated bus manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in Mannheim, West Germany from 1969 until 1987. It was built as either a complete bus or a bus chassis and was the first Mercedes-Benz adaptation of the unified German VÖV-Standard-Linienbus design, that was produced by many different bus manufacturers including Büssing, Gräf/Steyr, Heuliez, Ikarus, Magirus-Deutz and MAN. The O305 was designed for use as a single-decker bus, however it was later designed to accommodate double-decker bodies.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the O305 prototype in 1967, production in Mannheim started in 1969. A slightly elongated Standard-Überlandbus suburban model followed in 1970, replaced by the O307 class in 1972. From 1974 the O305 received a more powerful engine and an epicyclic gear rear axle plainly audible by its distinctive singing noise.

An articulated version was named the O305G. In the mid 1970s, the Falkenried rolling stock manufacturer had developed a transmission concept with the engine and the power train placed in the rear part. After Mercedes-Benz had acquired the patent, a 1977 prototype was deployed by the Hamburger Hochbahn public transport operator. Production began in 1978.

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