Early 2000 G500 Reliability - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shoe · #1 11-25-2010, 08:56 AM

How reliable are the 2002, 3, 4 G500's? an particular issues with them? I have been lusting over these things for some time and seriously thinking of getting one when my wifes 06 E350 is paid off. I have seen some in the mid to upper $20K range with less than 100K miles. I would be interested in hearing from experienced G owners. Thanks

iwrock · #2 11-26-2010, 02:05 AM

They eat window regulators as well as door lock actuators. Not to mention fuel.

I have also noted that in shopping for a G, the earlier models had some problems with corrosion protection.

shoe · #3 11-29-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

They eat window regulators as well as door lock actuators. Not to mention fuel.

I have also noted that in shopping for a G, the earlier models had some problems with corrosion protection.

Well the eating fuel was a given!! good to know about the regulators. Thanks

lkchris · #4 11-29-2010, 11:44 AM

It's not going to be a refrigerator like a Camry, but then again in the conditions a G normally sees the Camry wouldn't be either.

You should consider it a high-maintenance vehicle.

iwrock · #5 11-29-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

It's not going to be a refrigerator like a Camry, but then again in the conditions a G normally sees the Camry wouldn't be either.

You should consider it a high-maintenance vehicle.

Actually, it is a fairly solid vehicle. The powertrain is fairly bulletproof...

It is all the C-Class electronics and interior bits that give problems.

Instrument cluster displays fading, clips breaking, the off electrical gremlin, all stuff that I have seen happen in the W203 C-Class likes to happen in the G. The later G's lifted the creature comfort goodies from the C-Class of the time, so if you want to see whats bound to fail, look at the C-Class lol

Fulcrum525 · #6 11-29-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Instrument cluster displays fading, clips breaking, the off electrical gremlin, all stuff that I have seen happen in the W203 C-Class likes to happen in the G. The later G's lifted the creature comfort goodies from the C-Class of the time, so if you want to see whats bound to fail, look at the C-Class lol

Yeah some of the 'pixles' on my old instrument cluster started to fade at one point. What's the fix? (haha, probably have to replace the entire cluster)

lkchris · #7 11-29-2010, 02:23 PM

Instru clusters and window regulators are piddly stuff compared to maintenance of REALLY heavy duty axles and transfer cases and suspensions.

If a G is used like it's designed to be used, there will very likely be some "fixing" required on these more significant parts.

Basic point is not to expect a "never have to do anything" vehicle from ANY Mercedes, and I'd think never from a 1970s design like the G. Hey, if nothing goes wrong you're ahead, but for sure don't buy in thinking that will be the case.

Fulcrum525 · #8 11-29-2010, 03:18 PM

Yes the front axle service jumps straight to mind....

shoe · #9 11-29-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

If a G is used like it's designed to be used, there will very likely be some "fixing" required on these more significant parts.

I am familiar with the Mercedes need for maintenance. I have been in the heavy duty vehicle and equipment repair business for thirty plus years so maintenance and repair of axles and transfer cases is not an issue. I would rather not have to go into a vehicle needing to do those items though.

Most of the candidates I have seen for sale are more soccer mom units that have not seen dirt much less the muck these are designed for.

While on the subject anyone have an idea of what the towing capacity would be?

iwrock · #10 11-29-2010, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoe

I am familiar with the Mercedes need for maintenance. I have been in the heavy duty vehicle and equipment repair business for thirty plus years so maintenance and repair of axles and transfer cases is not an issue. I would rather not have to go into a vehicle needing to do those items though.

Most of the candidates I have seen for sale are more soccer mom units that have not seen dirt much less the muck these are designed for.

While on the subject anyone have an idea of what the towing capacity would be?

US spec is 7000 lbs, Euro Spec is 7700 lbs.

shoe · #11 11-30-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

US spec is 7000 lbs, Euro Spec is 7700 lbs.

Cool thanks!

Hatterasguy · #12 11-30-2010, 11:49 AM

Look at my thread on the open forum, my friend just went through this.

Firstly don't be in a rush, its going to take you a bit of effort to find a nice G for less than $35k. Most are beat to crap, but good ones do pop up. When they do be ready to jump because they go fast. By jump I mean call the dealer and put a deposit on it with your CC before you go look at it, you have only a few hours 24 at most before its snatched up. Any G that's been on the market for a long time is a dog, don't even bother looking at it.

As for finding one I wouldn't waste my time on one that wasn't at a MB dealer, unless its very close. My friend and I looked at a lot and all of them at small shops except for one early 90's example were POS. If its 2000+ and not at a dealer their is a problem. He found his by searching MB's CPO inventory every day, and just waited a few weeks for one to pop up that was within a reasonable drive.

As for problems my friends 2002 already broke a window regulator, I would figure on having to replace those on a pretty regular basis. Also rust is the big issue, look under the rear tailgate they rust out under their.

Other than that they seem pretty bullet proof, the truck itself is coming up on 40 years old so MB has it figured out pretty well. The motor is just your standard M113 which doesn't have any issues, same with the gear box. Just find one owned by someone who cared and had the money to own a G. Fuel mileage isn't terrible, my friends gets around 15.

Also stay away from any G with wheels on it, 100% waste of your time its going to be beat.