Frank says above that Iglhaut 4x4 systems are not approved by Mercedes Benz anymore. On website
www.4x424.com I came across this 2006 article about their Sprinter all-wheel-drive system. Though outdated, I thought I'd post it for the tire and clearance data to enhance such discussions above.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles introduces the Sprinter 4x4 permanent four-wheel drive. The Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Van Division of DaimlerChrysler SA identified a need in the southern African market for an all terrain vehicle to meet the demands of their customers. Partnering with a Mercedes-Benz approved dealership and preferred body conversion company Messrs. Iglhaut GmbH has provided an opportunity to meet this demand.
Iglhaut GmbH has recently imported their test vehicle for demonstrations throughout southern Africa. While the Iglhaut team is preparing to open local workshops here in Gauteng, the Sprinter 4x4 will be touring the country and giving demonstrations to various industries, namely the emergency services - ambulances, fire engines, disaster management rescue units, telecommunications and electricity suppliers, and tour operators.
The Sprinter 4x4 is based on a standard Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van and/or chassis cab, which is converted by Inglhaut to customer specifications. The basic drive train used is the same as the standard Sprinter. However, the front axle has been converted into a driving axle together with 3 diff-locks and transfer gearbox, including low range (i=2,5). The vehicle is fitted with tires ranging from 265-285-315 X 16-inch wheels, dependent on the application and usage of the vehicle. The Sprinter 4x4 has a five-speed manual gearbox with permanent four-wheel drive.
This conversion with their wheel changes gives maximum ground clearance of 315 mm, making it a real off-road all terrain vehicle. The approach and departure angles are dependent on the wheelbase. The Sprinter 313 CDI with a wheelbase of 3,550 mm has a front approach angle of 39 degrees and a departure angle of 29 degrees.
Orders for the Sprinter 4x4 can be placed through the local Mercedes-Benz dealership, who will also stock the various parts. No specialized tools are required as these are standard Mercedes-Benz stock items. Artemus Trading Ltd of Pretoria will stock the special parts required for the 4x4 conversion and will carry a surplus for spare parts.
"Although there are a number of 4x4 vehicles on the market, the Sprinter has the advantage of space and is easily adaptable to many different applications," said Gert Grobler, Product Manager, Mercedes-Benz Van Division of DaimlerChrysler SA.
Safety features are standard and include ABS (anti-lock brake system), integral ASR (acceleration skid control) and ESP (electronic stability program) to improve driving stability. The Sprinter 4x4 comes standard with parcel shelves, side panels, a fire extinguisher, a grab handle at the entrance, and an emergency exit. Airbags for the driver and front passenger are standard.
The bottom line is safety systems help overcome critical situations, but the laws that govern the physics of driving still apply. Drivers need to learn how to use the systems properly. For this reason, many companies insist that their drivers attend a safety training course, and Mercedes-Benz will be instrumental in conducting specialized 4x4 training courses for these units.
Once the 4x4 conversions of the Mercedes-Benz panel vans or freight carriers has been undertaken by Iglhaut, the body conversions can only be done through recommended Mercedes-Benz convertors, who are SABS approved. They offer a wide variety of conversions to suit specific requirements, including ambulances, fire engines, mobile workshops, motor homes and eco-tourism buses, among others.
"Our body-builders specialize in the conversions of all Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito vans, and are fully equipped to ensure the necessary safety measures are adhered to. They also ensure the conversions keep in line with our stringent body-building directives," said Gert Grobler.
"The Vito and Sprinter vans are ideally suited for any conversion due to the flexibility of the interior design, and can acommodate many types of conversions," added Grobler.
The Sprinter 4x4 vans come in hi-roof versions, and are ideally suited for conversion purposes, as persons can stand up stright and avoid neck and back injury. Easy access is gained through the convenient wide-opening sliding doors and the double-opening rear doors. Several anchorage lugs in the rear are securely mounted for additional safety, and all seats are fitted with integral three-point belts, two or four-way head restraings. A tow hitch and winch can easily be fitted to the front and/or rear of the vehicle.
Iglhaut GmbH is based in the Wuerzburg area of Germany, and have been in operation since 1965. They recently celebrated forty years of operation as a successful Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle and passenger car dealership, and twenty-five years experience in the off-road market. The two workshop/sales/service outlets, situated in Marktbreit and Kitzingenin, have unsurpassed expertise and knowledge in the conversions of the Sprinter 4x4 vehicles. Iglhaut is the preferred supplier of quality 4x4 Sprinters in all configurations for DaimlerChrysler AG in Germany.
The Iglhaut factory is based in Marktbreit Germany and conducts a serious program of ongoing testing on the Sprinter 4x4 units in extreme conditions. With a full staff complement, the vehicles are produced to extremely high standards.
"We are delighted with the opportunity of this unique partnership, which also provides an opportunity of passing on our skills and expertise in the training of technicians locally," said Michael Iglhaut, Dealer Principal of Iglhaut GmbH. The new South African factory will commence their first phase of operation on November 1, 2006. Artemus Trading Ltd will initially train 10 young technicians who will be sourced from local technikons, and will received theoretical and practical training to the exacting standards of the Iglhaut GmbH technicians in Germany.
"We are aware of the harsh southern African conditions and the local units will be converted to these conditions," added Michael Iglhaut. "The Sprinter 4x4 is a real off-road vehicle, not to be confused with the standard all-wheel drive available from the factory in Germany." The 4x4 Sprinter is a purpose built unit, expecially designed and built after many requests from the emergency services in the various provinces and other Quasi government divisions to give them an all-terrain vehicle with high ground clearance in a van execution.
Iglhaut GmbH supplies off-road vehicles to a number of high-profile customers all over Europe, including the Red Cross. They export to Iceland where the conditions are treacherous and mountainous, as well as to England andAustrailia. production of the Sprinter 4x4 in Europe has reached 150 per year and Iglhaut expects to manufacture a similar quantity in South Africa.
"Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles are aware that the need for services in the informal settlements are imperative, and are confident that the Sprinter 4x4 will be able to gain immediate access due to its agility and speed. Even in permanent four-wheel drive, the Sprinter 4x4 can travel at high speed when required. With emergency services and disaster management in mind, we as a manufacturer take their needs extremely seriously, and for this reason have established this unique partnership with Artemus Trading Ltd and will maintain that our vehicles be adequately prepared for these conversions," said Grobler.
The current test demonstration vehicle is the Sprinter 313 CDI. However, the model chosen for the southern African Sprinter 4x4 is the new Sprinter 315 CDI, which will be introduced in March 2007. The 4-cylinder engine will give a power output of 110 kW and a more than adequate 330 Nm of torque. The wheelbase of 3,665 mm is best suited for a wide variety of applications, ensuring a comfortable ride, and is the ideal fit for the 4x4 conversion.
Full detailed information on all Mercedes-Benz vans including full specifications, dimensions and applications can be discussed directly with Artemus Trading Ltd. However, all orders will be placed through the MercedespBenz local deal network.
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