Has anybody put a CDI into a newer G?
 

I wonder if anybody has heard of this being done?

I like the G's but I don't like the fuel costs.

I also know that in order for this idea to make economic sense would be to find a G with a bad engine(how likely is that?) and a wrecked sedan with the CDI.

Anyhow, I just had the idea and wanted to see if it had been done.

the Artisans @ The Factory do all the time.
 

Converting a U.S. spec GASOLINE G'Wagon will be a real project.
'Gotta have the COMPUTERS and Wiring Harness (s) for BOTH the Engine
and the Transmission.

What you want is the 400 CDI Engine.QUAD CAM / TWIN TURBO / V-8 CDI

Hang about on the roadway Between Charleston,S.C. and the MB Factory in
Vance/Tuscaloosa,Alabama. Mayhaps one will fall off a truck.
You want the "628.963" labeled box.
They are brought into the Port of Charleston and then trucked over to Vance
for installation in the MLs,then shipped out by Ro Ro from the Port of Savannah.

Mercedes does it, of course, as CDI G-class are sold everywhere except USA.

I figured it would be ridiculously complicated to do it but I was curious to know if it had been done.

They even used to make diesel Jeep Cherokees in Toledo that never were sold here.

Maybe I'll get a Mahindra....

Don't forged that you can use DODGE Sprinter engine as well :)

If you want to import it to Canada (I know that doesn't apply to you, but maybe the US has something similar) You can order and buy the vehicle in Europe, and after you have owned it for 6 months there, you can import it to Canada with minimum hassle...

You can get a diesel ML that will do maybe 75-80% of what a G will do. Not as "cool," of course, and will lose value a lot faster.

75-80% ? Not even close to that.

I watched a video the other day on the testing of the GLK.

It passed the same tests that the Range Rover Freelander did.

The GLK is a very capable off-roader.

I'm not too sure about the ML's.

I have seen a few GLK's around town and they do look very stiff and well put together over the rough stuff.

All the reviews I've read say the same thing.

However, I just can't get over the looks of them.

If only they could "butch" them up so that a man might be caught dead in one.

Was the GLK in that video a US model or a ROW (Rest Of World) model?

As an example, the ML's and GL's are available in the ROW with an off road package that includes a 2-speed transfer case and locking differential. That package increases the off-road ability of the ML and GL considerably; but that package is not available in the US.

If you visit the ML/GL assembly plant in Vance and get a ride on the off-road test track, only ROW ML's and GL's are used.

The GLK in your video might be a similar ROW model.

Here's one video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-NwSgAWVp8

This article confirms what you said about off-road packages not being available in North America, but why? Is it because the typical American luxury SUV buyer never leaves the pavement?

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-2009-mercedes-benz-glk.htm

Take a look at the license plates on the vehicles (not North American) and look what (G-Class) was used to pull them out when they got stuck. :D

Good points that have already been made.

It's because every single drivetrain combination requires a separate, very expensive EPA certification. If MBUSA determines projected sales won't merit the effort and cost, the USA market doesn't get it.

The EPA should modify their test requirements to eliminate this idiocy. We get stuck with watered down V6 gas engines and automatic transmissions in every car sold here, by almost every foreign manufacturer. :mad: I want a turbo diesel and a manual transmission. Dammit.

I'd buy a GLK right now *today* if they offered it as a manual CDI model. Heck, I'd buy just about ANY new small or medium sized BMW or MB, sedan, wagon, suv, I don't care - if offered here with a manual transmission and turbo-diesel engine. The only cars that fit this description are VW Jetta's, and while the new Jettas are pretty nice cars, they're front wheel drive which I don't care for. :mad:

Yes, I'm bitter about it!!!