MM 540 DP

MM 540 DP was the first change over from the traditional CJ-look. After 40 years of CJ vehicles, MM540 with its new look, rounded bonnet and profiled fenders was a welcome and refreshing change.

• Production – 1985 to 2005
• Plant – Kandivli
• Model – MM540 DP /MM550 DP (After 1994)

The MM 540 is fitted with –

• Peugeot XDP 4.90 2.1 lit diesel engine
• KMT90,  4-speed Gearbox
• T18, Spicer , 2-speed Transferbox (4WD)
• 95.5” Wheelbase
• 51” Wheel Track

The early models had the parking and direction indicator lamps on the 7-slat grill which later (in 1989) moved to the fender to meet the new regulations. The MM540 was also the first Mahindra model to have steel doors. The DNA of the door can still be seen on some of the current models.

The MM540 DP was available in canopy version and also with ROPLAS FRP body. The MM 540 DP vehicles were the mainstay of almost all Government offices as an upgrade for the higher grade officers. Police and later Indian Army were major users of the MM 540.

The MM 540 DP ceased production in 2005 in view of the implementation of the Bharat Stage 3 (BS3) emission norms.

Author’s note – They say Legends never die and thats true for the legendary MM 540. It will reappear in a new avator a few years later, with a new heart.