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Mercedes-Benz G-class (Geländewagen)
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Comments
Consider the prodcution numbers of the G. They are EXTREMELY low for anything considered to be a "production" vehicle. The G is still hand built in ways any modern manufacturer would scoff at. There is another issue and that is with the tooling. It is becoming more and more difficult to meet quality standards with the old tooling. The cost of replacing that tooling....well thats just not going to happen.
An internet search will reveal a few g-class websites. The 280GE is really not rare...for a G-wagen. There are probably about 800 of them in the US currently. What is it worth? I would need some details to nail that down but they are selling between $12,000-18,000 maybe a little more if it is REALLY nice. E-bay is as good a place as any to put it up for sale IMO.
"Where did I find the SWB G?" It was on e-bay, though I knew the owner via an internet forum and bought it outside of e-bay. They are fairly rare. If you want a G500 swb, there are only 10 in the US. There is one for sale at gwagen.com. I think it is a 2000, 55k miles, dark blue/black, $55k. Nice truck, been considering it for myself. Older ones, 280GE, 300GD, show up from time to time on e-bay or in the clubgwagen.com classifieds. Good Luck
I too think the current G should be kept around as long as possible and this new large SUV should be called the MLX meaning a larger M-Class, which is what it really is. I'm reading that the new SUV will be called the "GL".
M
G Class - GL Class. Seems close enough to warrant posting here.
Steve, Host
This is the only aftermarket supplier I have found. Their product is german made, bolts on and is chrome plated stainless steel, they even include shipping, which is an issue because of the size and weight of the product. I also just bought german made tail-light guards from an outfit on ebay called "4x4 Club". They are heavy wrap around style ones like on the G55. I'll post a review when I get them on and see if they stay put. They were were about 50% less than the $1100.00 that the dealer and "performance auto" wants. By the way, performance auto also has grill guards but expect to pay $2000, they have VERY NICE underside protection bars, and turn-signal protection cages for $219.00 as well.
p.s. I called The GWAGEN USA guys in New Mexico 8 TIMES (their website says they stock the parts) and they have never returned a call, they suck! They parts guy is perpetually "at lunch", never returns calls or emails, and I even spoke to the parts manger who apologized profusely and said he would make sure the guy called, surprise - 3 weeks later NO CALL. I would be wary buying from them, if they can't take the time to make the sale, God help you if you need product support after you have bought from them.
I am considering buying either a 2002 (or 2003) G500 or maybe even a 2003 Range Rover 4.4 HSE. I have done some research. I know that the G500 will hold its value better than the RR. And I also realize that the insurance on the G500 is a bit more than the RR and that the gas mileage is tad worse as well. I am simply looking for a luxurious, and highly capable off-road vehicle, which I WILL be using off road. The car will also be my ONLY vehicle, as I am selling my current SUV.
My major issue I guess would be reliability. What in your guys' (and gals') opinion would be a better choice?
My father has a 1994 LR Defender 90 and it is pretty much unreliable. Looking at the RR board, I am not too convinced that the "new" RR departs substantially enough from its traditional Land Rover reliability issues.
If anyone owns a G500 around that year (2002-03) I would be curious as to any problems they have had or major defects - - oh, and also any exorbitant repair costs and dealership treatment.
thanks a bunch in advance,
dizzle_65
Since it is unique and is NOT replacing the G, why doesn't it have it's own discussion thread! :mad:
C'mon Edmunds!
Thanks!
tidester, host
Drive on over to my place!
2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Steve, Host
Thanks SO MUCH!
It's well hidden in the "Mercedes Benz related" section folks. Perhaps one day it can jump onto the legitimate model page! Like Honda's upcoming Fit. :surprise:
FYI: The only active "Owners" disussion I've found was on the M-B owners mbnz.org website FWIW. Once the media blitz starts hopfully it'll get more active!
Regards,
Paul
Not sure what that translates to in US sales.
First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 (Inside Line)
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
http://www.pbase.com/flydutch/gclass_assemby
I also have a very nice 18-19 minute commercially made DVD Video of the assembly line and the test track on Schöckl Mountain, which I can duplicate.
My guess is that you need to lubricate the rear door latching mechanism. Also try a very light coating Vaseline smeared on the rubber door gasket - all the way around the door. Vinylex cleaner/conditioner also works.
The G will be made at least through 2010. That was announced by DCAG in November of 2005, although it took some of the MBUSA dealers a little time to get the message.
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=57
(Moderator, feel free to edit that out, if it's not allowed.)
That squeek/creak in the rear door is not uncommon. Lubricating the door gasket will often solve the problem. Sometimes it takes a lube and a slight adjustment of the striker/latch mechanism; but that is usually only required when there's a clunk back there.
I've been driving a G for 22 years. They are tremendous vehicles; but - admittedly - not for everyone. One of the biggest problems in the USA is that the MBUSA dealers never really got any good service training on the G's; and they look at the G as a ba$tard step child, with which they really don't want anything to do.
If you were in Georgia, I'd be happy to look at it for you. If not, try another dealer. They're not all equal when it comes to the Geländewagen.
Be happy wth your 2005 G. They finally seem to have worked the many bugs out that plagued the earlier models that came to the USA. The folks who will really be ticked are those who buy the 2006, since there are some upgrades and modifications scheduled for the 2007 model year.
Here's a link to some photos. Other than the Xenon lights, the changes are to the powerplants and the interior. At this point no diesels for the USA. Darn! :sick:
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=153080
One of those $160k customers sold his truck 18 months and 22,000 miles later for $60k. Now that's depreciation!!
Any car with real rain gutters gets high marks from me. :shades: Nice to see that they didn't go away.
Steve, Host
To those ends, we will be shutting down the general make/model discussions and work exclusively with specific issues. This requires us to populate the make/model subsections with relevant, interesting and timely topics. Rather than having the hosts simply create boilerplate topics for each make/model, we feel that you, the owner, the make/model enthusiast and the prospective buyer can best judge what those topics should be.
You can help by adding a discussion (it's easy!) or suggesting one here.
To add a discussion, click on the last link in the "You are here" line at the top of this page. That will take you to the topic page for this make/model. Review the list of topics and click on the "Add discussion" link when you've decided what topic you'd like to add. Follow the directions and you're done! Feel free to add more than one. Just avoid duplicating existing topics and try not to make it TOO specific!
Your help and continued participation in the Forums is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Why not sort things out correctly? :confuse:
The GL has what, the 320, 420 (Bluetec?), 450 and 500? But only the GL420 and GL450 in this US? Oh wait, the GL320 is a CDI isn't it? :confuse:
It's easy for Mercedes fans but the rest of us like names like Murano, Explorer, or my fav, the Geländewagen that comes complete with real external raingutters. Say G-Wagon and I immediately know what SUV you are talking about.
The G-Class, G-Wagen or MB Geländewagen is still hand built in Graz, Austria; as it has been with very little change in style since February 1979. It is one of the last hand built production vehicles left. It is not a GL; nor is the GL a direct descendant of the G !
PS
Any years to steer clear of?
I would try search MB forums in general about the smart key since it probably won't be G specific. You might also want to try some of the other G forums which are visited more regularly.
You will be limited in who you can take your G to in London unfortunately. MB Mayfair (now in Park Royal) are the only dealer in London who work on Gs on a regular basis but as you point out it may require a small bank loan.
There are also people like George Fraser who's rates are half of MB.
Sell it and get another but don't get put off by it! Most Gs are rock solid reliable.
YL
Anybody thoughts would be appreciated.
thank you!
Thank you!