Unimog (MB) 403, 406, 413, 416

Differential fluid capacity & service interval

Unimog (MB) 403, 406, 413, 416 models require differential fluid with a capacity of 2,5 liters. Service intervals include checking every 100 hours and changing every 1600 hours or 12 months. The data covers 6 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
  • U 900 (406), U 1100 (416) (1985-1992)
  • Front
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,5 liter
  • Check 100 hours
  • Change 1600 hours/ 12 months
  • U 900 (406), U 1100 (416) (1985-1992)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,5 liter
  • Check 100 hours
  • Change 1600 hours/ 12 months
  • U 800 (403), U 800L (413) (1970-1992)
  • Front
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,5 liter
  • Check 100 hours
  • Change 1600 hours/ 12 months
  • U 800 (403), U 800L (413) (1970-1992)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,5 liter
  • Check 100 hours
  • Change 1600 hours/ 12 months
  • U 900 (406), U 1100 (416) (1970-1992)
  • Front
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,5 liter
  • Check 100 hours
  • Change 1600 hours/ 12 months
  • U 900 (406), U 1100 (416) (1970-1992)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,5 liter
  • Check 100 hours
  • Change 1600 hours/ 12 months

Additional Notes

  • Every differential position listed across all four Unimog variants — front and rear, across all covered model years — carries an identical 2.5-liter fluid capacity, indicating a uniform differential housing size throughout the 403, 406, 413, and 416 series.
  • The 2.5-liter figure applies as a service fill capacity, meaning the amount required when refilling a differential during routine maintenance rather than a full overhaul rebuild quantity.
  • Fluid level checks are specified at 100-hour intervals for all listed configurations, a schedule tied to operational hours rather than calendar time, which reflects the working-machine nature of the Unimog platform.
  • The change interval is set at 1,600 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first, applying a dual trigger that accounts for both heavy-use and low-use operating patterns under normal conditions.
  • All six rows carry a normal use condition designation, meaning the 1,600-hour or 12-month change interval is not a reduced severe-duty schedule but the standard baseline for typical operating environments.
  • The U 800 (403) and U 800L (413) share identical front and rear differential specifications across the 1970-1992 range, with no variation in capacity, check interval, or change interval between the two variants.
  • The U 900 (406) and U 1100 (416) appear in two overlapping year ranges within the specifications: a 1970-1992 entry and a 1985-1992 entry, both carrying the same 2.5-liter capacity and identical service intervals for front and rear differentials.

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