Amongst their special features were the MaK motor with only 750 rpm and the Beugniot lever between the individual axles, that improved curve running.

These belonged to the so-called MaK rod-coupled locomotives [de], that were operated in large numbers by private railways.

The locomotives were initially deployed in the area of Marburg/Lahn ahead of light passenger trains, but in 1964 they were replaced by the more powerful V 100.

The remainder were employed at Hamburg-Altona where their duties included working on the Hamburg Harbour railway.

In the first scenes of the 1962 film Die Tür mit den sieben Schlössern (The Door with the Seven Locks) a DB V 65 engine can clearly be seen standing in the station.