Diesel G-Wagen ... am I an idiot to consider this? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BodhiBenz1987 · #1 01-08-2005, 12:03 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31854&item=4516518117&rd=1

I'm moving to a snowy region soon (central PA), and the 'rents insist I get something a little more "butch" to supplement my 300D during the wintery months of the year. My first suggestion was another 300D or an SDL, which, understandably, was not met with much enthusiasm. Basically, I want something DIESEL and I want something MB. And it needs to be "dependable." I saw this 300GD on Ebay, and was wondering if I'd be INSANE to purchase a grey market car like this one? I'm toying with the idea, as I love the look of the G-Wagen, but don't want a gasser AT ALL. I know grey markets can be tough to service and get parts for. How tough is it? Would an import mechanic be able to deal with most of its possible problems? Would simple DIYs be practicle? Can I trust the history of the vehicle at all? Basically I want this car to get to and from work when the weather isn't great. I won't be driving it long distances or extendedd road trips and probably not putting a lot of mileage on at all ... it would be my "secondary" car, as the 300D will always be #1 in my heart.

If there's any use to running a CarFax on this car, could someone do it for me? WDB46033317043793

Thanks.

#2 01-08-2005, 12:37 PM

I really like it. The only down side I can find, besides the price, is it's an NA engine. Something that heavy with 4x4 really needs the power.

coachgeo · #3 01-08-2005, 01:08 PM

Looking at the pics and from memory I say yes it is NA

Richard Eldridge · #4 01-08-2005, 01:46 PM

They say they "do not know or care to know" the actual mileage.

Why would they "not care to know"?

The car may be great. nearly 20K seems a tad high for a 1986.

These guys do not sound like anyone I'd trust. See it first.

kerry · #5 01-08-2005, 02:01 PM

Europa in Santa Fe is not longer a G-Wagon importer. They have the fiche for parts, but are not as interested in supplying parts as they used to be. Getting parts from Europe is not that hard, but a little pricey given the current exchange rates.
Note what the seller says about the top speed. I suspect it is geared like my 409d with the NA617. The engine is flat out at 65mph. If you do a lot of highway driving, you need to drive that vehicle first before deciding to buy it.
The 617NA in my big 409d van is not a problem. Indeed, I think the van is faster from 0-45mph than my 77 NA 300d, but the top speed is definitely limited.
I'd probably buy one myself, but not at that price. There have been others on Ebay that are less expensive.
Note the seller's attitude about the odometer. I take those comments to mean, "We believe there's a hell of a lot more miles on this vehicle than the odometer shows but we'd don't want to know that because then we'd have to tell you."

engatwork · #6 01-08-2005, 03:12 PM

That would be a neat vehicle to own in my opinion.

With that kind of interest I will not be surprised to see that G wagon bring close to $23k.

pawoSD · #7 01-08-2005, 06:19 PM

That does look like a pretty neat vehicle, I'd certainly not mind having one, it'd be nice if they had a turbo though.

chuck95e300d · #8 01-08-2005, 07:44 PM

I really like the G-wagens. You might consider the 96-99 models, I believe they had the turbo OM606 motor. Check with the folks on this board for info about G-wegens:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/forum-view.asp?fid=30

You might want not share the ebay link though, else the price might get driven up on the 1986 you're looking at.

mplafleur · #9 01-08-2005, 10:01 PM

Quote:

These trucks are not very fast on the highway but the on demand front and rear locking differentials make it easy to go through the roughest terrains.

If I could put the OM603 turbo in there, that'd be something.

Zeitgeist · #10 01-08-2005, 10:35 PM

I've seen cheaper ones on Ebay, but they were all two door versions. This is the first diesel four door I've seen here in the states. I generally hate SUVs, but I could make an exception in this case. Seems like there's a lot more "utility" in the diesel G-wagens.

#11 01-08-2005, 11:53 PM

I work in the Marietta area, if you want someone to go take pics or anything, let me know. If, that is, this Wagen hasn't gotten a little too rich for your blood by now

tangofox007 · #12 01-09-2005, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webwench

I work in the Marietta area, if you want someone to go take pics or anything, let me know. If, that is, this Wagen hasn't gotten a little too rich for your blood by now

Now WW, there are 72 pictures in the eBay ad already! Or maybe you are just needing a good excuse to go look at Wagen yourself.

coachgeo · #13 01-09-2005, 02:02 AM

For a lot cheaper you can put a 240D engine and tranny into a US Suzki Samuri or a Geo, Mistubushi, etc. Infact the 617 turbo should fit into the RangeRover looking-ish Mistubishi. This was also sold under the Ford Bage

In this Pirate 4x4 thread is a pic of a well used rockcrawler Samuri with 240D innards

Veloce300DT · #14 01-09-2005, 02:16 AM

If you really want a G-wagen, Keiser-Motors, located in the Bay Area, deals primarily with pre-owned G-wagens of all vintage. Ive seen lots of diesel, turbo and non turbo, powered G's listed on their website.

Check em out!

www.keisermotors.com

Gurkha · #15 01-09-2005, 03:48 AM

A G is one of the last few of the true 4WD, diesel G or gas, either will give you true off road and inclement weather ability as they all feature diff locks for rear and front, this is one feature which is missing from today's wannabe 4WDs, only Land Cruiser gives this but on request. Also G is among the least plasticky and truly durable and utilitarian vehicle around so it promises you long life off road or on.