1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 300GD 3.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A car you can put in your will

Faults:

Front seats do not wear well.

Starter motor needed to be replaced at 110000 miles, £500.00 from the dealer.

Top speed is 60mph, downhill it is 70mph.

Glow plugs are 9 volt ones not 0.9 volts, found this out after blowing out £100.00 worth of plugs from the Mercedes dealer.

Heaters need looking at. They blow hot on a hot day.

General Comments:

Drives like a tank.

Feels like a tank.

The security is the greatest compared to any road going vehicle.

The best vehicle I have ever driven.

Reliable.

I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who drives a multi-personnel vehicle or four wheel drive.

It has great road presence.

Engine sound is excellent.

I am saving up to get a newer version.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2003

26th Mar 2004, 13:25

I can't believe some of these comments. I have a 1986 230GE, it is most definitely not slow! With 125 BHP on tap, its acceleration is most respectable for a 2.5 ton vehicle, and it is easily capable of just under the ton.

With Michelin all terrains on, it handles very well. Even off road with front and rear diff-locks on, this will still go through very deep mud.

Its only drawback is fuel consumption, but no other 4x4 is any different if it's good. There are also some rumours about the cost of spares, which are totally untrue, I have bought some major items for very little money.

I'm afraid that £500 for your starter motor is crazy money, the starter from a 308D van is supposed to be the same, reconditioned starter motors can be obtained through many Motor Factors. I strongly suggest you join the G Wagen owners club http://gwoa.co.uk and save yourself a fortune, both in spares and sound advice in a friendly environment.

2000 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 290GD 2.9 turbo diesel from Hong Kong

Summary:

Who needs a Hummer?

Faults:

Slight rumble from the transfer box gear lever, diagnosed as a `characteristic' by the dealer. Solved by stuffing cloth around the lever.

Occasional failure of the central locking to unlock one of the rear doors.

General Comments:

Makes Land Rover products look like Meccano kits. Everything underneath is twice as strong and properly rust proofed.

Main dealer service atrocious - sticky tape and twisted wire reconnection of new rear bleeper, and charge for oil changes beyond the vehicle's service guide book.

Needs more power than 129 BHP Five - why can't I get a right hand drive with the V8 Diesel?

Spacious, comfortable, handles OK even on oversize tyres.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2003

3rd Sep 2006, 09:07

Why don't buy G400 CDI so?

19th Apr 2009, 15:06

Would you sell it?