Mercedes Benz VARIO 812
Built: 2000 · Series: VARIO
More machines from model year 2000
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
Mercedes-Benz Vario – a light to medium-duty truck succeeding the T2 and LN1 series: four- and six-cylinder engines from 2.9 to 6.4 litres, 85 to 130 kW, gross vehicle weights from 3.5 to 13.5 tonnes
The Vario replaced the T2 and LN1 series in 1996 as Mercedes-Benz's light to medium-duty truck and was built until 2013 at the Mannheim plant. The type designation follows Mercedes' usual commercial-vehicle scheme: the leading digits give the power output in metric horsepower (614, 816, 818), the letter D denotes a diesel engine, suffixes such as DK or DKA indicate a double cab with body, and 4X4 marks four-wheel-drive versions. The Vario served trade, fire-service and municipal operators as well as being a popular base vehicle for motorhomes.
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The register holds 27 versions here with 85 to 130 kW from four- and six-cylinder engines of 2,874 to 6,374 cc, kerb weights from 3,280 to 10,700 kg, gross vehicle weights from 3,500 to 13,500 kg, lengths from 6,160 to 9,080 mm and widths from 1,880 to 2,550 mm.
In the segment between the Sprinter and the Atego, the Vario occupied a niche also served by rivals such as the MAN L2000 and Iveco Eurocargo; the four-wheel-drive double-cab versions in particular became sought-after fire-service and rescue vehicles. As a motorhome base, the Vario offered more payload than an ordinary panel van.
Used, check for corrosion in the frame and cab mounts, the condition of the manual gearbox and clutch, and, on municipal and fire-service vehicles, the condition of the respective body. Parts for the engine and chassis are supplied through the Mercedes-Benz commercial-vehicle network, body parts through the respective bodybuilders.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Mercedes-Benz Vario, Mercedes-Benz Trucks (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Power | 85 kWcorrect |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,874 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 7,095 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,205 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 4,100 kgcorrect |
| Gross vehicle weight | 6,600 kgcorrect |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 20.7 kW/t (85 kW / 4.1 t)
Stronger than 4% of the trucks in the register — out of 25,242 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Mercedes Benz VARIO 812 have?
The Mercedes Benz VARIO 812 delivers 85 kW.
How much does the Mercedes Benz VARIO 812 weigh?
The unladen weight is 4,100 kg.
What is the gross vehicle weight of the Mercedes Benz VARIO 812?
6,600 kg.
What engine does the Mercedes Benz VARIO 812 have?
2,874 cm³ displacement.
What are the dimensions of the Mercedes Benz VARIO 812?
7,095 mm × 2,205 mm.
When was the Mercedes Benz VARIO 812 built?
Production years: 2000.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 7 individual figures for this model. They come from 2 recorded sources; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
The technical data on this page comes from official vehicle registration records (RDW/Traficom), not from the manufacturer.
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Other models in this series
MERCEDES VARIO
MERCEDES VARIO 813DE
MERCEDES VARIO 816BE
VARIO
VARIO 613DKA Kasten/3700
VARIO 614 D
VARIO 614 D-KA
VARIO 615D
VARIO 814 D
VARIO 815 DKA-67035/4250
VARIO 816 D 67032/4250
VARIO 816 D/42 4X4
Sources: Traficom — Finnish vehicle register (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
Truck in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
