The ADE 352 engine is a 5.7-liter, 6-cylinder diesel engine, developed as a licensed version of the Mercedes-Benz OM352 and commonly used in South African military and commercial vehicles[3][7]. Its typical fuel consumption ranges from approximately 12 mpg (miles per gallon) or about 20 liters per 100 km, judging by owner-reported figures and forum discussions about real-world use in vehicles like motorhomes and trucks[2][4][6].
Owners report the engine is reliable but not designed for high speed or exceptional fuel economy, which means heavier vehicles with an ADE 352 can expect fuel usage at the higher end of these estimates, especially when loaded or driven in challenging conditions[6].
Because the ADE 352 is naturally aspirated and has a relatively modest power output (around 130 hp), efficiency depends greatly on vehicle configuration, driving style, and maintenance state. Some documented cases note occasional fuel starvation issues, but these do not dramatically affect average consumption over time[3].