2013 Mercedes-Benz W463 G350 Bluetec (no titivating allowed)
Discussion
Feeding the car-crack habit again and not long after reducing the fleet of shonky old Mercs to three on grounds of economy, I have just acquired this 2013 G-Wagen. With less than 50k miles on the clock and fresh from a very expensive overhaul at MB Newcastle, it puts the rest of my cars to shame and wants for very little.
The car is a G350. This means it has the (found-almost-everywhere) 3.0litre om642 V6 diesel putting out 211bhp in this application. It runs on the AdBlue stuff to make it a bit cleaner. The motor is teamed with the 7-speed autobox driving all four wheels via a high-low transfer box and three lockable differentials, centre, rear and front. It is Obsidian Black metallic over black leather with black poplar wood trim. It is very black. My car has the sports pack (what sport? I hear you ask) consisting of grey wheels, extended wheel arches and stripy rubbing strips; the chrome pack consisting of a bling-a-ling chrome grille and various chrome accents inside; and the exterior pack consisting of the running boards and stainless spare wheel cover. It also has a tow bar and blacked-out windows. The list price was £87,450 back in 2013.
The obligatory first-drive forecourt shot:
I will photograph it better sooner or later. I expect it will be found on a filling station forecourt more often than not. It is the car's natural habitat. Driving like Miss Daisy is in the back, it has struggled to beat 22mpg. Thankfully it has a 96litre tank so it goes about four days between fills.
My intentions are to de-bling it a little. The big issue is the blacked-out glass. However, I suspect that will be very expensive to swap out. It makes the car very difficult to reverse in low light; at night it is almost impossible. There is a reversing camera but it gets dirty very quickly and also has a bit of an odd view. I also don't like the way that black glass makes raising a hand in thanks an unseen gesture. If anyone has any insight into the cost and ease of swapping the glass, fire away.
I have already swapped the clear indicators for orange. This is a vast improvement:
I'd like to remove the running boards (although the jury is out on that one) and have the wheels painted silver. Steels will not fit. I could go for 16s but it would cost a lot of money and I expect the handling would suffer.
I am not sure whether to replace the chromed grille with the earlier, more classic version as seen here:
In the meantime I have been spending many times over the savings made on the disposal of the dear old E430. New tyres are on the way, Conti WinterContact TS850P SUV (phew, what a mouthful). The present tyres are coot-like in their baldness. And a load of tat from the internet, too:
So what's it like? Brilliant. The feeling of solidity is unmatched. The doors... everyone raves about the door shuts and they are right to do so. Everything feels weighty and durable. The driving experience offers an unique feeling of well-being, security, safety. It is actually quite fun to drive because you have to think and concentrate. Going round corners tidily requires effort and effort is its own reward here as in everything else. And anticipation. And a fair bit of heft. It goes like the clappers up to about 60mph but then the wind slows the pace of change. It'll top out at 108mph but it takes forever to get much beyond 95. I'm used to that: my other car is a 124 diesel.
It is also pretty practical. A consignment of dodgy fireworks was, um, consigned to the vast boot with ease:
Will we take it skiing at Easter? I'm not sure I can be bothered to drive it (and fuel it) for 1,000miles at speed. Even my super-enthusiastic 8 year old says that is a job for the trusty 124.
The car is a G350. This means it has the (found-almost-everywhere) 3.0litre om642 V6 diesel putting out 211bhp in this application. It runs on the AdBlue stuff to make it a bit cleaner. The motor is teamed with the 7-speed autobox driving all four wheels via a high-low transfer box and three lockable differentials, centre, rear and front. It is Obsidian Black metallic over black leather with black poplar wood trim. It is very black. My car has the sports pack (what sport? I hear you ask) consisting of grey wheels, extended wheel arches and stripy rubbing strips; the chrome pack consisting of a bling-a-ling chrome grille and various chrome accents inside; and the exterior pack consisting of the running boards and stainless spare wheel cover. It also has a tow bar and blacked-out windows. The list price was £87,450 back in 2013.
The obligatory first-drive forecourt shot:
I will photograph it better sooner or later. I expect it will be found on a filling station forecourt more often than not. It is the car's natural habitat. Driving like Miss Daisy is in the back, it has struggled to beat 22mpg. Thankfully it has a 96litre tank so it goes about four days between fills.
My intentions are to de-bling it a little. The big issue is the blacked-out glass. However, I suspect that will be very expensive to swap out. It makes the car very difficult to reverse in low light; at night it is almost impossible. There is a reversing camera but it gets dirty very quickly and also has a bit of an odd view. I also don't like the way that black glass makes raising a hand in thanks an unseen gesture. If anyone has any insight into the cost and ease of swapping the glass, fire away.
I have already swapped the clear indicators for orange. This is a vast improvement:
I'd like to remove the running boards (although the jury is out on that one) and have the wheels painted silver. Steels will not fit. I could go for 16s but it would cost a lot of money and I expect the handling would suffer.
I am not sure whether to replace the chromed grille with the earlier, more classic version as seen here:
In the meantime I have been spending many times over the savings made on the disposal of the dear old E430. New tyres are on the way, Conti WinterContact TS850P SUV (phew, what a mouthful). The present tyres are coot-like in their baldness. And a load of tat from the internet, too:
So what's it like? Brilliant. The feeling of solidity is unmatched. The doors... everyone raves about the door shuts and they are right to do so. Everything feels weighty and durable. The driving experience offers an unique feeling of well-being, security, safety. It is actually quite fun to drive because you have to think and concentrate. Going round corners tidily requires effort and effort is its own reward here as in everything else. And anticipation. And a fair bit of heft. It goes like the clappers up to about 60mph but then the wind slows the pace of change. It'll top out at 108mph but it takes forever to get much beyond 95. I'm used to that: my other car is a 124 diesel.
It is also pretty practical. A consignment of dodgy fireworks was, um, consigned to the vast boot with ease:
Will we take it skiing at Easter? I'm not sure I can be bothered to drive it (and fuel it) for 1,000miles at speed. Even my super-enthusiastic 8 year old says that is a job for the trusty 124.
Edited by r129sl on Saturday 2nd November 18:54
Hey, what kind of amateur do you think I am?! I have the chassis number (memorised already, my geek-facility to memorise long numbers depresses me rather) and the data card. The car has option W72, privacy glass from the 'B' pillar back (option W70 is privacy glass from the 'C' pillar back only). This means the tint is in the glass. However, I do think there is a tint on the front door windows and this must be a film. I have had a pick at the edges but I cannot find an edge or indeed any sign that it is film.
Here is a front grille shot:
I have turned off the day-light running lights, too. They are pretty grim but I think removing them will not be easy. What were Merc doing when they spoiled the styling of this car? The original w463, which ran from about 1990 to 2008, is perfect in my eyes.
Here is a front grille shot:
I have turned off the day-light running lights, too. They are pretty grim but I think removing them will not be easy. What were Merc doing when they spoiled the styling of this car? The original w463, which ran from about 1990 to 2008, is perfect in my eyes.
Towing is a breeze indeed. I had 4T on it (don't tell anyone) during my temporary custodianship back in the spring and it whizzed up grades and cruised at speed with aplomb.
If I did anything with the DLRs, it would be remove them and replace the headlamp surrounds. I don't know whether the electrics would then get grumpy. I suspect not. I am working on the glass. I have part numbers and it may not be expensive (being flat and square).
If I did anything with the DLRs, it would be remove them and replace the headlamp surrounds. I don't know whether the electrics would then get grumpy. I suspect not. I am working on the glass. I have part numbers and it may not be expensive (being flat and square).
Me and my rants. It's not really a modern, though, is it? And I am doing my best to de-modernise.
I have orderd a non-chrome pack (code ZD6) radiator grille mask at a cost of less than £100. I'll have to get it painted Obsidian Black but that won't be too bad.
The car has this interior, only all black:
irish boy said:
What was the “extensive” work required by the dealer if it’s not cheeky to ask? Seems very great to require much.
Well, to be honest, I'm not sure as I haven't collected the service history yet (the car comes from a family member). It has new discs and pads all round, new rear springs, some other suspension work and air bag sensor. £5k, I am told. It is driving very well and I am looking forward to getting it on new tyres, which arrive tomorrow.I quite fancy a camo wrap but that wouldn't be cheap.
Edited by r129sl on Thursday 31st October 20:15
littlebasher said:
Wouldn't look out of place on a Moscow street, full of armed men !
Like this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MhuNw0IeTs&fe...
^^^To identify alternative part numbers, just do an EPC search by model rather than any chassis. You then get multiple variants of the same part, distinguished by option codes. In the EPC proper you can "filter" the search to show variants.
Driving home tonight there was a sudden power loss. Cruising at 95, it dropped back to 70 and wouldn't accelerate uphill. I suspect inlet port shut off motor or turbo wastage solenoid but I am going by Baister's tomorrow and will get a diagnosis if not a fix. Just my luck.
Driving home tonight there was a sudden power loss. Cruising at 95, it dropped back to 70 and wouldn't accelerate uphill. I suspect inlet port shut off motor or turbo wastage solenoid but I am going by Baister's tomorrow and will get a diagnosis if not a fix. Just my luck.
Problem solved, thanks to the legendary Baister and his selection of laptops. It was a bad exhaust back pressure sensor. MB Newcastle had one in stock and I couldn't wait until its appointment with Baister on Tuesday. £45.80 plus £7.50 for a deep 24mm socket one of which irritatingly I already had. It's right next to the turbo. Let engine cool, disconnect plug, unscrew, replace. All fie and dandy and power restored.
While I was in there, I notice a lot of oil around the turbo. This is a leak from the boost pipe seal; Baister will replace it on Tuesday.
I gave it quick wash and took a couple of pictures on the road to the village:
Earlier today I had breakfast with a good friend who has the same car (and a lovely Malachite Green 300 GEL with a Louis Vuitton interior which will be hitting the market soon):
Unfortunately, my six year old pulled the ashtray out of the rear door and then fell out of the car. I subsequently drove over the ashtray. Oops. The ashtray is not as tough as the car.
While I was in there, I notice a lot of oil around the turbo. This is a leak from the boost pipe seal; Baister will replace it on Tuesday.
I gave it quick wash and took a couple of pictures on the road to the village:
Earlier today I had breakfast with a good friend who has the same car (and a lovely Malachite Green 300 GEL with a Louis Vuitton interior which will be hitting the market soon):
Unfortunately, my six year old pulled the ashtray out of the rear door and then fell out of the car. I subsequently drove over the ashtray. Oops. The ashtray is not as tough as the car.
New tyres are installed by a local man who covers most of Northumberland with his van. Brilliant service and not expensive. The vehicle was awful on the baldy Yokohamas in this evening's heavy rain: very understeery in roundabouts and not so hot on brakes, so I was very pleased to get these on. A quick drive suggests a transformed car. Quieter and a lot more stable. I love new tyres.
I'm sure my receptionist loves these deliveries:
Andy's tyre van, my new rubber racked up ready to fit:
And the old ones, front on top, illegal, I suspect:
I'm sure my receptionist loves these deliveries:
Andy's tyre van, my new rubber racked up ready to fit:
And the old ones, front on top, illegal, I suspect:
It is a wonderful machine and exceeds my (high) expectations. I have to stress that I enjoy it as a result of another's generosity. I took Mrs r129sl out in it tonight to a nearby restaurant to celebrate our wedding anniversary (9 years, that's why I am back home typing this rather than, well, you get the idea). She was saying how much she liked it. It is lashing down here in rural Northumberland and being out in the G feels like having the right tool for the job. It is very secure and very strong.
I priced up new glass with the main dealer. The rear door windows are a bargains £73 each. The boot side windows a less bargains £170 each and the boot door window a ridiculous £278. I may be able to get a boot door window for half that price and I am sure I have seen some boot side windows at about £80, too. Then there is fitting...
In the nine days I have had the car, I have covered almost 1,000 miles at 20.1mpg. Hmm.
I priced up new glass with the main dealer. The rear door windows are a bargains £73 each. The boot side windows a less bargains £170 each and the boot door window a ridiculous £278. I may be able to get a boot door window for half that price and I am sure I have seen some boot side windows at about £80, too. Then there is fitting...
In the nine days I have had the car, I have covered almost 1,000 miles at 20.1mpg. Hmm.
A good chum of mine is selling his very tidy w463. I have come to know this car very well and it has to be one of the best out there.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1177091
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1177091
Some natty rubber floor mats came from the incredibly courteous and polite Patrick in Germany. I’ve bought a few sets of mats from him and he really couldn’t be more helpful nor his product any better.
https://www.m.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?sid=lospfurros...
Next up, boy one and I removed the window tint from the front glass. Boy wafted heatgun over the glass, I snicked up an edge with the craft knife, then carefully pulled. Very easy but take care and be thoughtful around the edges. Also, avoid melting any trim or your dad’s hands with the heatgun.
The glue dissolved in isopropyl-alcohol and rubbed off with steel wool. What a difference. Driving in the dark should be a lot better.
https://www.m.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?sid=lospfurros...
Next up, boy one and I removed the window tint from the front glass. Boy wafted heatgun over the glass, I snicked up an edge with the craft knife, then carefully pulled. Very easy but take care and be thoughtful around the edges. Also, avoid melting any trim or your dad’s hands with the heatgun.
The glue dissolved in isopropyl-alcohol and rubbed off with steel wool. What a difference. Driving in the dark should be a lot better.
For the first time in my life I did a bit of greenlaning in the G-wagen today. I splashed out on the fantastically good value OS map app. For £25 you get an annual subscription covering the entire country, 1:25,000 and 1:50,000. It is very impressive. I scoped out some byways open to all traffic near my mother's house and boy one and I met my brother-in-law who has a seriously chunky Ford Ranger.
The G was amazing. It just went anywhere. Here it fording the river Wansbeck. There was a seriously tricky (for me, anyway) approach angle climbing out.
https://vimeo.com/376656870
Hilariously, just before the ford we encountered 9 Land Rovers coming the other way. One of them had slashed a tyre in the river. They were very friendly but I could sense they were willing me to fail in the flashy G. The more spectacularly the better, I suspect. A mobile phone movie of my toy car getting washed away would sell well to the Daily Mail. The Ranger struggled a bit, but the G didn't.
This sort of stuff is dead easy, even on road tyres:
I let the boy have a drive by himself. Not on dad's lap anymore.
The G was amazing. It just went anywhere. Here it fording the river Wansbeck. There was a seriously tricky (for me, anyway) approach angle climbing out.
https://vimeo.com/376656870
Hilariously, just before the ford we encountered 9 Land Rovers coming the other way. One of them had slashed a tyre in the river. They were very friendly but I could sense they were willing me to fail in the flashy G. The more spectacularly the better, I suspect. A mobile phone movie of my toy car getting washed away would sell well to the Daily Mail. The Ranger struggled a bit, but the G didn't.
This sort of stuff is dead easy, even on road tyres:
I let the boy have a drive by himself. Not on dad's lap anymore.
Edited by r129sl on Sunday 1st December 16:58
It was very narrow, steep and angled but it was also a soft wall, more mud and grass than anything else. All good fun. But I'll not be doing it again in a hurry.
The vehicle's ability was really demonstrated by the difficulty the Ford Ranger faced. Now, of course, the G has three locking differentials and I had watched the Ford go through and taken mental notes of how it might be done better but, all the same, the ease with which it hauled itself up that the step out of the river was impressive. A brilliant car.
Here's the Ford: https://vimeo.com/376660001
The vehicle's ability was really demonstrated by the difficulty the Ford Ranger faced. Now, of course, the G has three locking differentials and I had watched the Ford go through and taken mental notes of how it might be done better but, all the same, the ease with which it hauled itself up that the step out of the river was impressive. A brilliant car.
Here's the Ford: https://vimeo.com/376660001
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