Mercedes Benz Unimog U 5000
Built: 2002–2013 · Series: 437.4
More machines from model year 2002
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 Unimog U 5000 (series 437.4): four-cylinder engine rated at 160 kW, rear-wheel drive with switchable four-wheel drive, built 2002 to 2013, top speed around 90 km/h.
The Unimog U 5000 of the 437.4 series was built between 2002 and 2013 by Mercedes-Benz at its Gaggenau plant as one of the modern, deep-off-road Unimog lines. Vehicles of this series frequently served as the base for expedition and living bodies, and in disaster relief work, where extreme off-road ability is required.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The water-cooled four-cylinder engine displaces 4,801 cm³ and produces 218 hp (160 kW) at 2,200 rpm. Drive runs through the rear axle with switchable four-wheel drive, shifted through an eight-forward, six-reverse gearbox. Fitted with 14.5 R20 tyres front and rear and a 3,250 mm wheelbase, the U 5000 reaches a top speed of around 90 km/h.
At around 90 km/h the U 5000 is well above the 60 km/h limit of the T tractor licence class and is registered as a lorry. Portal axles combined with a pendulum rear axle give the vehicle the wheel articulation and ground clearance typical of the Unimog in demanding terrain. The 14.5 R20 tyre size is matched to exactly this kind of use.
When buying a used U 5000, the history of the body matters, since many vehicles served as a base for living or expedition bodies whose mounting to the chassis needs checking. The portal axles need their own oil in the hub reduction gears and should be checked for leaks. The rear pendulum axle and its bearings should be checked for play. Spare parts are available through Mercedes-Benz's Unimog programme.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells Unimog U 5000, Mercedes-Benz
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 218 hp (160 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,200 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 4correct |
| Displacement | 4,801 cm³correct |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Wheelbase | 3,250 mmcorrect |
|---|
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 8V / 6Rcorrect |
| Front tyres | 14, 5 R20correct |
| Rear tyres | 14, 5 R20correct |
| Top speed | ~ 90 km/hcorrect |
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 5000 have?
The Mercedes Benz Unimog U 5000 delivers 218 hp.
What engine does the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 5000 have?
4 cylinders, 4,801 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 5000 go?
Top speed is 90 km/h.
When was the Mercedes Benz Unimog U 5000 built?
Production years: 2002–2013.
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 front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- 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.
We do not sell machines. We ask the dealers who carry this model and come back with price and lead time.
Request a quote →
We ask the suppliers and come back with price and lead time.
Request spare parts →
This page carries 13 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
Missing a figure you were looking for? Report it →
Know this machine better? Have a photo, a manual, or know that a figure is wrong? Add it to the register →
Sources: Wikibooks Traktorenlexikon (CC BY-SA 4.0) (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.