Need advise from all G-wagen Master and Gurus
 

I have owned one W123 wagon, several W124s wagons and about two years ago acquired my dream car: an S 500 L (W140).

Now I am toying with the idea of getting into a G-wagen (which I also admire).

Having owned Mercedes-Benzes for over 22 years, I can pinpoint every fault and maintenance issue on W123s, W124s, and now W140s. But, I am not to well informed about the G-wagens.

I am planning to buy a G 320 L (long wheel base wagon) from 1996 to 2001 (I really don't like the new facelifted interiors of the post 2002 models).

I am familiar with ALL issues concerning the M104 engine on W124s (wiring harness, front oil leaks) and the harmonic balancer issue on the M112 V-6s. Are there any other issues involved with these engine regarding specifically to the G-wagen?

What faults or things should I look for on the chassis or electrics before buying? Are the electronic differentials really realiable?

The only issue I have heard of here in Costa Rica is that due to our terrible roads, the steering damper fails constantly, and the there is a slight steering vibration typical on most Gs between 50 to 60 m.p.h, but thats about it. Anything else you can think of?

Thanks in advance!!!

Talk to the folks at the MB Costa Rica dealership. They are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the G. I just spent two days with them in Graz, Austria where the G was born and is still made today. If you want a name there, let me know by email; as I don't want to publish it on an open forum.