Motor Coach Industries E4500
| |
| Years of manufacture | 2001 to 2012 |
| Length | 45 feet |
| Width | 102 inches |
| Power/Fuel | Diesel |
| |
The Motor Coach Industries E4500 is a luxury North American motorcoach. It was MCI's flagship coach and best selling conversion shell before being surpassed by the J4500. After the 2013 restyling of the J4500, the E4500 was quietly discontinued.
Design history
For the 2001 model year, the 102-EL3 received a number improvements and was renamed the E4500. The E4500 was equipped with traction control and tag axle unload, in addition to a solid-link sway bar to improve handling. The coach received a new instrument panel and redesigned driver's area with more storage.[1] One of the most noticeable changes was the use of flush-mounted passenger windows.
In 2009, standard features included wide-ride suspension, electronic stability control, a reverse sensing system, and an upgraded SmarTire® pressure monitoring system.[2] Amerex fire surpression system, Asset Tracking System (GPS) and DriveCam monitoring system also became options. MCI also added a new interior lighting system which fades on and off. In addition the E4500 comes with optional LED cabin night lights.[3]
MCI selected the Cummins ISX engine as the standard for the EPA 2010-compliant J4500 with the Detroit Diesel DD13 as an option. The Allison transmission is standard and the ZF transmission will become an option later in 2011.
Specifications
| Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Length: | ||
| Width: | ||
| Height: | ||
| Wheelbase: | ||
| Turning Radius: | ||
| Gross Vehicle Weight: | ||
| Engine | Emissions | Availability |
| Caterpillar C12 430 hp | 2001-2004 | |
| Caterpillar C13 12.5 litre, 410 hp | EPA 2004 & 2007 | 2004-2009 |
| Cummins ISM 10.8 litre, 330 or 350 hp | 2001-2004 | |
| Cummins ISM 10.8-liter 410 hp | EPA 2007 | 2007-2010 |
| Cummins ISX11.9 11.9 liter, 425 or 450 hp | EPA 2010 | 2010-2013 |
| Detroit Diesel DD13 12.8 litre, 410 hp | EPA 2010 | 2010-2013 |
| Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7 litre, 400 hp | 2001-2005 | |
| Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7 litre, 435 hp | 2005-2007 | |
| Detroit Diesel Series 60 14 litre, 435 hp with DDEC V with Jacob's engine brake | EPA 2007 | 2007-2008 |
| Detroit Diesel Series 60 14 litre, 425 or 445 hp with DDEC V with Jacob's engine brake | EPA 2007 | 2008-2010 |
| Transmission | Availability | |
| Allison B500 6 speed | 2001-2013 | |
| ZF 10AS2301BO 10 speed | 2003-2007 | |
| ZF 12AS2301BO 12 speed | 2007-2013 | |
| Axles | ||
| Front: ArvinMeritor 16,500 lb, unitized wheel ends | ||
| Drive: ArvinMeritor 23,000 lb, pre-set bearings | ||
| Tag: ArvinMeritor 16,500 lb tag, unitized wheel ends | ||
| Brakes | ||
| ArvinMeritor EX-225 all-wheel disc | ||
| Suspension | ||
| Electronically controlled air suspension with Koni FSD shock absorbers | ||
| Steering | ||
| ZF variable ratio and steerable tag axle | ||
E4500 LX
In conjunction with the release of the D4005 model, the E4500 LX was introduced at the United Motorcoach Association Expo 2005.[4] "At its unveiling, the luxurious E4500 marked a breakthrough in design. Now the E4500 LX custom-modified coach surpasses the imagination. Marked by unbridled opulence, the LX feature upgrades galore including saddle-toned genuine leather seating and accents. The mid-cabin opens up to a lounge area featuring dual conference tables and a rear galley with Euro-style cabinetry and solid-surface counters. The MCI® E4500 LX is offered in conjunction with conversion specialist Amadas Coach."
Operators
Canada 
- 417 Bus Line
- Absolute Charters - Halifax, NS
- Autocar Bégin
- Banff Transportation and Tours - Banff, AB
- Bell-Horizon
- Cabana Charters & Tours - Halifax, NS
- Casino Group Specialists Tours - Schomberg, ON
United States 
- Academy Bus Lines - NJ
- Arrow Stage Lines
- Blackhawk Express
- Crystal Transport - Brighton, MA
- Dillon’s Bus Service - Hanover, MD
- Dineen Coach Lines - Kittery, ME
- Enchanted Tours - Sewell, NJ
- Fullington Tours - Clearfield, PA
- Harms Charters - Sioux Falls, SD
- Holiday Motor Coach - Idaho Falls, ID
- Kobussen Buses - WI
- Lewis Stages - Salt Lake City, UT
- Mayes Bus Lines - Knoxville, TN
- Miles Away Charter - Waldorf, MD
- Royal Coach Tours - San Jose, CA
- Royal Star Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
- Starline Luxury Coaches - Seattle, WA
- The Free Enterprise System - Chicago, IL
- Trans-Bridge Lines - Bethlehem, PA
- Trobec's Bus Service - St. Stephen, MN
- Venture Tours - Virginia Beach, VA
Demonstrator units
| Fleet number |
Thumbnail | Year | VIN | Engine | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1M8TRMXA71P061460 | Cummins M11 |
References
- ↑ Updates to the MCI E-Series coach announced. 31 August 2000. Motor Coach Industries.
- ↑ Royal Star Hawaii strikes gold with six new MCI® E4500 coaches, first in fleet to feature clean-engine technology, mcicoach.com, retrieved on 09-03-04
- ↑ New MCI Improvements for 2009, busmag.com, retreived on 2011-04-23
- ↑ MCI unveils two heart-racing models amid a wedding at UMA EXPO 2005, mcicoach.com