Hi all,
I thought I would pick the collective brains of this great forum again, which I've always valued.

I have owned a 1982 240D for about 8 years now, original paint, no rust, clean interior, solid mechanicals (was an Arizona car originally, I live in the North-East and this car does not see winters).

My retirement is approaching , and I would like to acquire a used vehicle that would be suitable to some off-the-beaten-path road expeditions (up to Yukon/Alaska, Labrador and Northern Quebec, SW US, maybe eventually Mexico, etc.). I would like a diesel 4x4 LWB vehicle, for the mileage (given rising fuel prices!), ruggedness, and roominess. And preferably something older, so there are no crippling computer issues that could stop me dead in my tracks somewhere. I would spend the next couple of years checking/fixing the mechanicals, equipping it for such travels (Engel fridge, rooftop tent, storage boxes, GPS, etc.).

I have been toying with acquiring a mid-80's G-wagen, which could replace my 240D in my "stable" (though I am reluctant to part with it, I would have a hard time finding another one as nice up here, but there is only so much room and time), preferably one with diesel engine. I have looked at a couple of specimens, one was very nice (almost TOO nice for the kind of roads I envision, lot of gravel), but had a gas engine so I'd have to pay someone I met who installs good old OM617A's in them (more $$). But I'm wondering if that would be the ideal platform for what I want to do (and would turn out to be quite pricey).

I'm concerned about mechanical failures in remote areas, and am thinking that more commonly available N-A vehicles may be more suitable. Something like a diesel Land Cruiser wagon (60 series), which are built very tough, or something like a Dodge Cummins pickup with camper on the back (fixable anywhere in N-A).

Ideally, I'd like whatever vehicle I buy to be able to serve other purposes before and after the retirement (ie. commuting, driving around town, etc.).

Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly welcome.
Cheers!

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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K

I think the G wagen would be ideal, but about 3x the cost of the other options. It is also tough to find a diesel G.

There are a few members here who have put 616 engines in to old Land rovers with excellent results. One member even sells the adaptors necessary for the job.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Indeed, most G's are quite costly to buy, except some of the older ones from the 80's (460 models) but they can require a lot of (expensive) repairs to bring them up to snuff. Diesel G's I have found have the non-turbo 617 engine in them. I know someone who transplants the 617A turbo in them from the 300D/300SD cars. Most of them are not geared for extensive highway driving at 110-120kph, so many people put bigger tires on them to keep the revs down at that speed. Anyway, people who own them swear by them (as most aficionados of any brand will do...), but one has to be very careful and prudent in picking out a used one. Lot of bad apples out there...

When I owned my LR 110 (2.5L non-aspirated diesel, 5 speed) I had toyed with the idea of putting in a 617. Bought an adapter kit (which I still have!) but sold the truck because of financial reasons.

I like the 4 and 6 cyl non-turbo diesel engines in the LandCruisers of the 80's (3B and 2H engine) and am on the lookout for one of those vehicles.

Cheers,
--Robert

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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K

I've also been tempted to pick up an 80s diesel G-wagon, to replace my POS jeep. I don't think I would buy one for long trips, but it might be ideal for local 4WD use. The only problem is that even the crappy ones seem to be selling for around $20K, a little pricey for a 4WD beater. If I saw a decent one for a good price, I would probably grab it.

It sounds like you should visit pirate 4x4 or some other such forum. Diesel swaps are becoming increasingly popular, mostly for the low rpm torque. There are a lot of guys swapping cummins 4bt, isuzu 4bd1t, ect into any 4x4 imagiable. I would look into a swap, because your not going to be able to find what your after very easily. (at least not in US)
bb

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For Sale: 1982 MB 300TD
1995 Chevrolet Suburban 6.5TD

Sold: 1980 IH Scout Traveler- Nissan SD33T Diesel

Often one of the most expensive parts on the G Wagens are the 20" Bling wheels. Converting to a mobile concert sound system doesn't come cheap either.

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1980 300TD-China Blue/Blue MBTex-2nd Owner, 107K (Alt Blau) OBK #15
'06 Chevy Tahoe Z71 (for the wife & 4 kids, current mule) '03 Honda Odyssey (son #1's ride, reluctantly) '99 GMC Suburban (255K+ miles, semi-retired mule) 21' SeaRay Seville (summer escape pod)

I would say go for the G Wagen, either G240 or 300, one of the most competent 4WDs around period, check the hydraulics on diff locks as well as 4WD selector lever which has a tendency to jam when not used frequently.

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99 Gurkha with OM616 IDI turbo

2015 Gurkha with OM616 DI turbo

2014 Rexton W with OM612 VGT

Saw this diesel G-wagen for sale locally a couple of weeks ago. Imported from Cairo last year, appears rust-free. Some issues: the 617 diesel engine appears tired and leaks oil noticeably from the front; it has a manual 4 speed transmission which with the gearing, makes for very noisy driving at highway speed (100kph), due to engine revs. Instrumentation not working, broken bits. Seemed to have potential though (although that could also mean a money pit, as these trucks are not easy to get parts and repair work done!). Hence my hesitation. The price was ok (asking $13K US, I offered around $10K and was turned down). Maybe I should have another look at it...

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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K

Even though the body looks fine, the problem is the vehicle was used in Cairo which is quite dusty, if the engine is tired, the the miles on the vehicle. It may have other issues like transfer case and diff locks, $10000 is fair offer, he will get round to it, no one else will pick it up.

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99 Gurkha with OM616 IDI turbo

2015 Gurkha with OM616 DI turbo

2014 Rexton W with OM612 VGT

You're better off with a Suburban, and here's why. When you get to the boon-docks and end-of-the-world, if your G-wagen decides not to play ball with a glitch, no one (read: NO ONE) will be able to help you and certainly no one will be able to get you parts.

If you want security, you'll buy a Chevy, Ford, or Dodge that can be worked on by any mechanic in NA with parts that are easy to obtain.

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

G Wagens are among the most reliable of all 4WDs along with TLC, and if they break, OM617 parts are easy to find, so is the 4 speed tranny parts. As for MB's commitment, recently a person was stuck with a G in woods of Gerogia, MB had a mechanic and parts helicoptered right there in the middle of Georgia forest to fix it, tell me any other company with that kind of commitment.

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99 Gurkha with OM616 IDI turbo

2015 Gurkha with OM616 DI turbo

2014 Rexton W with OM612 VGT

Atleast up here in canada we can import them quite easily, I was looking at that G-Wagon that was listed above, and I also thought it was abit pricey needing the work to be done.

I know of a Gwagon (230GE) in toronto for ~$9000 CAD, email me Icefire_@hotmail.com, and we will talk more.

I have a 5spd HJ60 Land cruiser diesel that I might also be sellng since I want a G.

There is a dealership in toronto Karman fine cars, that regularly imports gs and fixes them up, they have a 91 300 GD that looks great from the outside for 16K CAD, better deal than Dans 88 300GD.

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1984 Euro 300SDC, (4spd standard)
1986 Toyota Landcruiser Diesel HJ60 5spd X2

Gone but not forgotten (some sold, some stripped)
1983 300 SD, 1985 300 SD, 1983 240D, 1986 300 SDL, 1985 300 SDL, 1983 300 D, 1984 300 D, 1985 300SD, 1987 300 SDL, 1983 300 SD, 1985 300 TD Euro, 1983 380SEC, 1990 300 D, 1987 300D, 1982 300D, 1982 300D, 1994 E420, 1987 300 TD, 1987 300 D, 1984 300 D

Well, I'm sure those were exceptional circumstances, and I imagine the owner had a nice bill to pay when it was all over...

Not sure about the 4 speed manual tranny, but the 617 engine parts are very common in N-A, you have a point. THe vehicle is pretty basic, so little can go wrong if one heads out in a G that has had all the key components checked/repaired/replaced, probably... (unless one goes tramping through the bush, rocks, etc.).

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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K

Thanks and yes, I've often thought of that approach, it has a lot going for it. I suppose with N/A trucks the likelihood of something failing on the lengthy trip is arguably HIGHER than for a more solid, well engineered truck like a G or Land-Cruiser (assuming they are in good shape), but as you say, getting service or parts is a non-issue, so there is definitely peace of mind in that, which appeals to me. Still, I consider the other solutions because of my love of the marques (G, Land Cruiser), and also maybe a certain desire to be a little different, to push the envelope a little bit. Fine line to draw, though.

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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K

The seller has relisted on another site and now indicated the mileage to be 470,000 kms (!), which is indeed a lot. So that engine might be on its last legs, and God knows what kind of shape the other drivetrain components are in... Even for $10K, it's like rolling the dice...

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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K