G Wagon (1 Viewer)

[RS6tofj80]

sorry all - been driving the G...... actually ran it back to TX where she will live for a while until she finds a new owner (anyone looking....?? ) Picked up a Tundra for work travel that is going to be extensive for the next year plus and hate to have the G not used as intended/ built.....

As for mileage... with a built rig like mine on highway running 80-90 on 35's I was avg'ing about 9-11mpg depending on hills or flat/headwind etc...so only a bit worse then my old 80.... tank was good for 220-235 typically.... it's running 35's and the sc'ed 5.5L has a tune ...

that said - I've built 2 dozen LC's from 40's, 80's and one each of the 100 and 200 - and the smiles per mile are as noted - are off the chart... for the tuned G55, just starting will make you smile...
that said, it's not well loved by most folks and opinions are formed quickly.... a bit less so armoured up and debadged, but. it's still a thing...

since fully baselining my rig has been utterly bulletproof.... and will wheel with the best of them, and then break 125mph on a highway running back home....

can't discourage you for one if you can justify the expense or /and wrench yourself a good bit..... the older 460's are likely where I will come back to - hopefully with a wolf and folding windshield and TD....someday - much like my old 73 FJ40...

 

[ace10]

This applies to most Mercedes in general.

My Cosworth ownership experience was less than optimal. No parts. Nobody to work it. It kinda just sat in a back corner of the garage.
Sad, because that was a dream car. I actually abandoned plans to dive deeper into the Sacco-era. The NLA parts thing is just a non-starter at this point.

The only MB we've owned which did not disappoint, was a '06 W211 cdi. Loved almost everything about that car. Wish we still had it. The last of the "real" diesels.

 

[JDM Journeys]

Lots to think about here folks. I appreciate the input and I hope the OP didn't mind me jumping into this one. Even after reading this, I'm still not fully dissuaded. I do 100% of the work on our vehicles, otherwise I'd probably not have any of the current fleet. I think I could handle some window regulators and t-case servos...

The only euro-vehicle I've ever had was an R53 mini (BMW) and I was thrilled with the performance and the "soul" while simultaneously saddened by the amount of plastic bits and electrical annoyances. Otherwise I've owned all Japanese for the last 30 years... I have always been enamoured with a Gelandewagen, so I'll keep on looking/considering. My poor Canadian dollar is not helping.

 

[Madtiger]

Here are two pics of my G

 

[rexington14]

Otherwise I've owned all Japanese for the last 30 years...

This should be your biggest red flag with purchasing a MB. Don't do it to yourself!

 

[RS6tofj80]

My 55 and the prior 63 were flawless during ownership - albeit the G55 got a huge dose of PM...and the 63 was only for 25k miles....

but with 2 dozen Toyota under my belt I'm impressed with the basics on the G's... they do eat door actuators and the front axles need to be redone just like an 80 (at 2x+ the cost).... but the HP is compelling.... even the Harrop on the 200 barely gets you to a lightly tuned G55's hp ( 540 for G55 - 550 for Harrop)

the decision tree for me on long term Merc, really comes down to can you wrench -or do you have a good indy you trust...

 

[JDM Journeys]

I've decided for now that the pros of my 70 series outweigh the cons compared to a G. I do all my own work but chasing electrical gremlins on things I don't even want seems like a step backwards.

But ultimately the fuel economy tradeoff was what I just couldn't get past. I can squeeze 700kms from a tank if I drive sensibly in my 4 door 70 series, and that's using pretty much any fuel that will work with compression ignition... So I'll be sticking to the slow lane... For now. Appreciate all the input.

 

[RS6tofj80]

that's a logical decision - moreso if you don't have good support locally.... I'd kill for a 79 series quad cab .....