Bremens to get ABS
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• The first Mercedes-Benz Ti 'Bremen' vans and chassis cabs to be fitted with an optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) make their debut at the Frankfurt Show in two weeks time — but the cost of ordering ABS on right-handdrive models means it is unlikely to be offered to UK operators.
M-B (UK) has, however, confirmed that its long-awaited 4.6-tonne GVW version of the Ti range will be shown for the first time at the Scottish Show in November.
The four-channel ABS circuitry on the left-hand-drive Ti Bremen allows wheel lock-up to be sensed individually on all four wheels and for the individual braking forces to be modulated accordingly so that tyre adhesion is maintained under full braking, regardless of road conditions. ABS also allows the driver to steer while braking hard without any loss of control.
The Ti ABS has been developed jointly by Bosch and Daimler-Benz and incorporates speed sensors on all the wheels, with electronic and hydraulic control units.
The rotational speed of each wheel is converted into electronic signals by the sensors. These signals go via the electronic control unit to the solenoid valves of the hydraulic controller which is built into the brake lines between the tandem master brake cylinder and the brakes on each wheel. By activating the solenoid valves with varying current intensities, the brake fluid pressure in the relevant wheel cylinders can be maintained, reduced or increased.
While the system is likely to create interest among continental operators, M-B (UK) says that the cost of ordering ABS as an option would prove prohibitive to its adoption in Britain, unless changes in braking legislation require ABS to be fitted on light commercials. On RHD Mercedes cars ABS costs around 21,200.
0 Mercedes-Benz (UK) says that its 4.6-tonne GVW Ti range (CM 30 May), which comprises the 53kW (71hp) diesel-engined 407D and the 70kW (94hp) petrol-engined 410 vans and chassis cabs, will be officially launched at the end of October. A 407D longwheelbase high-roof van with full-height rear doors and twin rear wheels will be on M-B's stand at the Scottish Show.