Mercedes-Benz Bus History - Daimler

Power was transferred to the rear planetary hub reduction axle by
either a synchronized five-speed manual transmission or a three-speed
automatic transmission. In both cases the gear gradations and the
performance characteristics of the engine provided both respectable
acceleration and a low level of vibrations at low engine speeds. In
fourth gear the speed could be reduced to almost 20 km/h without
any significant vibrations occurring.
One thing had changed versus the O 305, however: the prototype of
the urban bus had already attracted criticism with its unusual, very
deep windshield which curved outward like a sail. Accordingly Daimler-
Benz modified the windshield and improved the aerodynamics at the
same time. In the O 307 the windshield was also rounded off at the
edges, significantly reducing the air resistance to a Cd figure of 0.42.
The requirements of the transit operators for a vehicle with a long
operating life and easy maintenance were not only met by the well-
proven quality of the engine, the robust suspension and strong body
components. The engine compartment and fuel tank, batteries,
auxiliary heater and electrical system were also easily accessible via
large external maintenance flaps.
In one respect this standardization of urban and rural-service buses
did not quite meet the expectations of the transit operators, for
although the ongoing costs for servicing and maintenance were
significantly reduced, the purchase price increased. Whereas Daimler-
Benz had offered the O 302 for DM 65,000 to 88,000 in 1966, the
O 307 started at no less than DM 140,000, even rising to DM 290,000
by 1984.
Quality simply has its price, and this was recognized by Daimler-Benz
customers. Up to 1984 they ordered 3,985 units of the O 307, making
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/Germany
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