The Panzerkanpfwagen IID was a radical departure from the earlier light tanks of the series. As an attempt to increase the tanks performance the PzKpfw IID was fitted with Christie suspension and four large road wheels per side. Built by MAN from May 1938 to August 1939, these tanks had uprated engine and 7-speed transmission. However the PzKpfw IID had inferior cross-country performance to the IIF, and as a result was withdrawn from front line service in 1940. Some PzKpfw IID's were converted to Bruckenleger (bridge-layer) by Magirus. A simple bridge structure with a ramp was mounted on the hull, this was an improved version of the bridge mounted on the PzKpfw I. The Bruckenleger auf PzKpfw IID was more successful and enterd service with the German Army in small numbers.