Originally designed for the US/German MBT-70 programme, the 12-cylinder MB 873 of this engine family was chosen for the Leopard 2 MBT after the MBT-70 programme was cancelled. By increasing bore and stroke to 170 and 175 mm respectively, the excellent torque characteristic was further improved giving the Leopard 2 MBT and Buffel armoured recovery vehicle excellent mobility.

The eight-cylinder, originally selected for the trilateral 155 mm SP-70 howitzer, now powers the South Korean K-1 family of armoured vehicles (MBT, ARV and AVLB) as well as the German Keiler mineclearing vehicle.

In 1994, MTU announced that it had been awarded a contract to supply its MB 871 diesel engine to power the 24 Keiler mineclearing vehicles ordered by the German Army.

The Keiler is based on a modified M48 tank chassis with the conversions carried out by MaK at Kiel. Final deliveries were made to the German Army early in 1998.

For mineclearing operations the engine will develop 810 kW (1,100 hp) at 2,200 rpm while for normal operations it will develop 735 kW (1,000 hp) at 2,600 rpm.

The engine can transmit its full power either from the rear end of the crankshaft for normal driving or from the front end of the crankshaft for driving the hydraulic systems for mineclearing.

Its performance curve has been optimised specifically for mineclearing by increasing torque at below rated speed. For normal driving, electronic systems developed by MTU control engine output according to the load distribution requirements of the power transmission elements.

The air filters which protect the engine from the extremely high levels of dust generated when mineclearing, are mounted on the side of the engine.