G Wagen questions

G Wagen questions

Author
Discussion

Zadkiel

Original Poster:

390 posts

145 months

Wednesday 15th February 2017
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Hi guys, I bought a Land Rover Defender a while ago and I am loving the rugged utilitarian ability it has. However I am a bit let down by the overall build quality and the lack of shoulder space is really getting to me. So I have been checking out the well built alternative, the G Wagen, however I have a couple of questions.

For context the vehicle will not be my every day driver, it is more something that I want to be very reliable, flexible and ready to be used in all circumstances.

1. Originally I was looking at a early 90s G300 (M103 engine) as they are by far the most common option here in NZ (almost the only option baring near new G350 diesels) and I like their mostly straightforward interior and hopefully simplicity. My biggest concern however is that with such a heavy vehicle they will just be too gutless to be enjoyable.

2. This lead me the do a significant man maths leap to potentially importing a G55. I figure one thing that will ramp up the enjoyment is V8 rumble and it will certainly solve the grunt issue. However my concern with them is that it will completed eliminate all of the "basic" feel and also introduce reliability woes with all the added electrical complexity these engines bring.

What are everyones thoughts?

r129sl

9,518 posts

202 months

Wednesday 15th February 2017
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My brother runs a new G350d.

The build quality is beyond excellent.

They're not that complex. They lack all of the really fancy stuff of the last ten years. Just as a 300 GEL is a G-Wagen with the motor from a w124 E-Class in it, so a G55 AMG is a G-Wagen with the motor from a w211 E-Class in it. The rest is all much the same as ever. The m113 engine, even in super-charged form, is very reliable.

I'd have thought the G55, at least with the super-charger, probably suffers from being over-powered. The sweet spot surely is a G500? The 300 GEL is fine but it won't be fast and it will be thirsty. That said, it's just not a car to go fast in. Even in a straight line.

55palfers

5,892 posts

163 months

Wednesday 15th February 2017
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I run a 1994 G300 imported from Japan a short while ago.

It's never going to be swift but it goes well and is built like a tank.
The straight six sounds pretty good too.
After 23 years it's got a few creaks, but on the whole, I am more than happy with it.

If you can live with 15 to 18 mpg that is!

Noblebenn

297 posts

185 months

Thursday 16th February 2017
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Not driven a 350 but I run a UK RHD 300GE and have previously run defenders.

It is not quick but does move at a good pace, quicker then a TD5. What makes the difference is no wind noise and a lot less body roll so it feels very comfortable and smooth. Sits at 70 nicely all day.

Build quality is simply on another level, mine has done 145k and is rock solid.

Great cars

911Thrasher

2,573 posts

198 months

Friday 17th February 2017
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we run a G55K as a daily - never used it off roading - but as a Central London daily and big cruiser to the south west of France, I behaves wonderfully, has been super reliable and super practical space wise...unless you are a family of 5 (we are a family of 4)


(much better than our old L322 FFRR Supercharged - yet you have to give it to the FFRR, the FFRR is more quiet and has softer suspension)

_Nathan_

505 posts

247 months

Friday 17th February 2017
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Is it true that the steering does not self centre on these ?

Zadkiel

Original Poster:

390 posts

145 months

Friday 24th February 2017
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Hm, I think it is a case of G300 is enough, G55 is more than enough, which can often be the way to go smile

Tough decision.

rubystone

11,252 posts

258 months

Tuesday 28th February 2017
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Zadkiel said:
Hm, I think it is a case of G300 is enough, G55 is more than enough, which can often be the way to go smile

Tough decision.
I run a G500. Just the right amount of power and a V8. We've run 300s before but they're just a little too slow given the considerable weight of the car. They are head and shoulders above Defenders in build, ergonomics and style. Parts aren't cheap but they rarely go wrong

Zadkiel

Original Poster:

390 posts

145 months

Wednesday 1st March 2017
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What era 500 is it? There are a few here but they are LHD which is a nuisance and there is no road trips to Europe to make it better.

jke11y

3,181 posts

236 months

Wednesday 1st March 2017
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Zadkiel said:
What era 500 is it? There are a few here but they are LHD which is a nuisance and there is no road trips to Europe to make it better.
There are RHD G500s about in both LWB and SWB format. My 500 was LHD and it didnt bother me at all.

6point2

45 posts

96 months

Thursday 2nd March 2017
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jke11y said:
There are RHD G500s about in both LWB and SWB format. My 500 was LHD and it didnt bother me at all.
I'm looking for G500 SWB and I can only see previous generations kicking around. I'm searching for post 2008, do these exist in RHD?

55palfers

5,892 posts

163 months

Thursday 2nd March 2017
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jke11y said:
There are RHD G500s about in both LWB and SWB format. My 500 was LHD and it didnt bother me at all.
I suspect there are in the shop that sells hens teeth and rocking horse st.

Rarer then a rare thing. Japan may be your hunting ground?