 The TM 170 was selected by the German Border Guard ("Bundesgrenzschutz") and state police forces to replace the old MOWAG MR 8 series of APCs, designated the SW1 and SW2.The TM 170 was designated the SW4 ("Sonderwagen 4" for special wagon 4)), the SW3 being the armoured version of the Mercedes-Benz 4 × 4 light vehicle.The first order for 87 vehicles was placed in July 1982 with deliveries running from 1983 onwards.