A total of 60 class M 296.1 and M 296.2 motor cars were built for the operation of important fast and express trains on non-electrified lines. The trains also included the “Vindobona” Berlin-Prague-Vienna. The vehicles are rounded at both ends, both of which have a driver's cab but a gangway only on one side. Trains were made up of two motor cars and four trailers. A 588 kW engine is located in the car body in a separate engine compartment. From 1997, 50 vehicles were converted to the class 854, receiving a new Caterpillar engine with the same power and a more modern passenger compartment. 