I'm thinking about selling my D90 for an older model G-Wagen - there are some specifics I want if I were to do the swap:

Wanted:
1. Diesel
2. LWB
3. Full-Time 4wd with front, rear, and center locking diffs.

Questions:
1. I can't seem to discern between the models to tell which years had the FT 4WD and locking diffs, or which are LWB as opposed to SWB in the older years.
2. which specific models and years meet my criteria listed above?
3. Power - these are heavy trucks (very similar to the D90) - how's the pickup? 0-60 before I reach retirement? I'm sure it's not good, (neither is my D90), but I'd like to be able to merge on the highway at speed). Can it climb mountain highways at speed (ie: 75mph?)
4. how's the sound/comfort in the cab? (roadnoise, windnoise, seating position, etc)
5. Maintenance/upkeep - how well do these hold up? on my LR's, lots of things start to need attention... is the G similar (consider that I'm looking for an '80's/early 90's vehicle)


Considerations:
this will be a daily driver AND a fairly serious off-roader hitting 4-rated trails semi-frequently... not a gonzo rock crawler, but will see most of moab's trails and the like.

any insight or comments appreciated.
BTW - I'm in the U.S., so I'm guessing it will to be a gray market vehicle...

[Edited by koly on 07-02-2001 at 07:31 PM]

G Info
 

You will find extensive information at this site:

http://www.g4rce.net/engl/index.html

There are links to other sites within the pages

koly
 

First off the Gs in this country are either 460 chassis models or 463 chassis models. The 460 was sold here from ~'79-'86, there were no Gs imported for several years after '86 due to the gov regs. When they started coming in again the 463 model had superseeded the 460 in '89. There is also a 461 chassis but it was not brought here, it is a more modern 460 without the 463 amenities and it still sold in europe.

The 460 is the older G you are refferring to. They all are part time 4wd. Almost all have front and rear lockers with the center being locked whenever 4wd is selected. The interiors on these models are spartan in the vein of your D90. The most powerful engine offered is the M110 2.8L inline six making 156hp stock. This is a low compression engine, a common upgrade is to up the compression using MB sedan components bringing power up 30hp or so. The automatics are slow, the manual trans cars are acceptable, probably on par with the D90. You can forget about climbing mountains at 75 mph, not at any altitude anyway. Gs are much more reliable than the Rovers, frames, axles, difs,engines, transmissions, suspension components are all substantially better than thier Rover counterparts. Drivetrain failures are unheard of, electrical problems extremely rare.

The 463 introduced in '89 is the modern G. It has full time 4wd with three lockers (on most models). The interiors are fully finished including an MB sedan type inst cluster and real walnut on the dash and console. All of MBs luxo goodies were available on these. The drivetrain on the 463s is also upgraded to handle the extra power from new engines. The 300GE and G300 (same truck) ran from '89-94 and used the M103 inline six at 170hp. There are some supercharger kits for these in the UK. That can raise power substantially and is a simple bolt on. For the first couple of years a five speed was offered, then in '92 I think they all became automatics. From '94-'98 the model was the G320 with the 210hp M104 inline six with modern FI and DOHC head with 4 valves per cylinder. This is the model I have currently, it is capable of the mtn highway speeds you desire. Of course you must pay for these models, probably starting at $45k and going rapidly upwards.

I have had a 300GE and the G320, they are very comfortable and quiet on the road. They have also proven emmensely capable off road, even pretty major rock crawling with 31-32" tires fitted.

There is not really any model distinction between LWB and SWB models, SWB cabriolets are also out there. i.e. you can have a 280GE in SWB, SWB cab, or LWB with no distinction in the nomenclature.

OOOPS, you asked about the diesels, and here I am telling you about gas models, duh! In the 460 the most common diesel model is the 300GD. These offer a whopping 88hp, they are tough as nails but slow as molasses. 75 mph downhill is a feat for this model. There really is no way to rectify this short of an engine transplant. I think there have been successful transplants of newer 300 turbo deisels, but this is a major undertaking. The 463 was offered with a 6 cyl TD in the 350GD, this may be one of MBs biggest engine mistakes ever, avoid it like the plague.

You can see my Gs in a little off road action on my web page at http://homepage.mac.com/bwinterholm have fun with your search!