DB Class 215

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The DB Class 215 is a four‑axle diesel locomotive in the V 160 family built for the Deutsche Bundesbahn from 1968. It was designed for medium‑weight passenger and freight work on both secondary and main routes and later passed to DB Services/DB Regio and DB Cargo. The class is a longer version of the original V 160 and includes steam heating equipment.

Build and variants
- Builders: Henschel, Krupp, Krauss-Maffei and MaK
- Prototypes: 215 001–010; production: 215 011–150 (total built: 150)
- The engines came in two main versions:
- 215 001–010 and 071–093: Maybach MB 12 V 956 TB (V12)
- 215 011–070 and 094–150: MTU 16 V 652 TB (V16)
- Transmission: Voith L820 brs or MTU K252 SUBB
- MU working: All units can work with DB Class 211, 212, 213 and other V 160 family locomotives
- Brakes: Hydrodynamic brake and air brakes
- Safety: ETCS installed on later units

Specifications
- Configuration: UIC B′B′
- Gauge: 1,435 mm (standard)
- Length: 16.4 m
- Loco weight: 79 t
- Fuel: Diesel, capacity 2,700 L
- Lubricant: 690 L
- Water: 2,850 L
- Prime mover: 12 V 956 TB (V12) or 16 V 652 TB (V16)
- Cylinders: V12 or V16
- Transmission: Voith L820 brs or MTU K252 SUBB
- Maximum speed: 130 km/h for early units (215 001–004); 140 km/h from 215 005 onward
- Power output: 1,320 kW (V12) or 1,840 kW (V16)

Service history and later changes
- The Class 215 was used for both passenger and freight duties across Germany. A number were rebuilt later, with some converted to the Class 225 for freight work.
- A notable rebuild: 14 locomotives were rebuilt by AW Bremen in 2003–2004 as Class 215.9 (numbers 215‑901 to 215‑914) for DB AutoZug to haul car‑train services between Niebüll and Westerland; the steam heating was removed and ballast weight added. The rest of the fleet saw various transfers, including moves to DB Cargo.
- The sub‑class 215.9 operated on the Sylt AutoZug service until 2008. One unit, 215 112, was rebuilt as DB Class 218 399 after an accident.
- In the 1980s, the 215s also ran high‑profile services such as the D 216/217 “Austria‑Express” between Klagenfurt/ Graz and Amsterdam.

Summary
The DB Class 215 expanded the V 160 family with a longer, steam‑heated design for flexible use on Germany’s rails, serving in passenger and freight roles and evolving through rebuilds and derivatives to meet changing needs.