Faults:

It is very common for the transmission electrical connector (pilot bushing) to lose its seal, resulting in fluid leaks and potential failures in the control module (TCM).

Abrupt gear shifts are common, generally caused by worn solenoids or a valve body that requires significant maintenance.

Steering linkages, shock absorbers, and their seals wear out or develop leaks sooner than expected due to the vehicle's weight and rigidity.

The rear control modules can fail due to moisture, affecting the rear electrical system.

Recurring failures of the master power window switches and air conditioning vents prone to cracking.

General Comments:

The G 500 is a luxury off-roader that combines an iconic military design with the ultimate comfort of a sedan. I highlight it for its ruggedness and exclusivity; it represents the perfect balance between extreme off-road performance and elegance.

It has kept its boxy, rugged silhouette virtually unchanged since its original conception. It is distinguished by its straight lines, flat hood, spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, and heavy doors that close with a solid, distinctive metallic sound. Accessing the cabin usually requires a step due to the vehicle's high ground clearance.

The 2014 version of the G500 features a V8 engine that, while thirsty, is just as reliable as classic Mercedes engines.

It is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission (9G-Tronic) that manages power exceptionally well.

The driving experience is spectacular; it is a very comfortable vehicle. It features the Dynamic Select system (Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Individual), which adjusts the steering, suspension, and engine response.

Despite its rugged exterior, the interior is a true luxury Mercedes. The quality of the materials is outstanding, featuring leather upholstery, trim options such as wood, carbon fiber, or metal, and excellent sound insulation. It also incorporates dual digital screens for infotainment and the instrument cluster, along with premium audio systems.

It stands out for its commanding presence in the city and on the open road, offering excellent visibility thanks to its elevated driving position. However, its true habitat is challenging terrain. Its ladder-frame chassis and three 100% mechanical differential locks make it one of the most capable off-road vehicles I have ever driven.

Faults:

Almost everything.

General Comments:

To begin. I am guilty of buying a 20 year old car that needed a little love. I need to be completely transparent that the previous owner and mechanic really didn't do the best job keeping the car up. Despite that, a lot of things have broken and/or don't work that simply shouldn't have for a car with just 114,000km (that's only 70,000ish miles).

I have always had older cars. 8 years old is probably the newest I have had, so I'm used to needing to put some work and parts in them and I'm normally OK with that. I got a SIMPLE version worker truck, a w461 (the 290gdt), on purpose to avoid some of the complications of the fragile w463. I bought it because I have always liked the styling of the G and I wanted an automatic, 2 door turbo diesel that was tough and would last me forever. I thought paying 2-3x times more that any other vehicle of its age was a indicator of how strong they are. NOPE!

At first, I blamed a lot of the troubles on the previous owner, rather than the quality of the car. Now, however, after a year and a half of owning it, it has been in the shop for 12 of the 18 months. This is supposed to be a tough car (why I bought it), but it isn't. The G-class is the most delicate and unreliable 4x4 I have ever owned by far. I will go further to say I have never heard of anyone having a less reliable car than this one. Bolts have just fallen out of the A/C mounting bracket (apparently this is common), there are important wires and components under the fenders which are completely exposed to rocks and such, so going off road breaks things. The vacuum and electrical systems are quite fragile, the engine is really pretty rough and loud, even for a diesel. The motor is strong, but has prehistoric technology and performance. The top speed is maybe 110km/h. The suspension components aren't really very strong for a paramilitary work truck. I know my mechanic well and he isn't the problem, because each time it breaks it's something different. I am part of the G-class club and we all pretty much agree that our trucks are just a hobby second car (if they are more than 10 years old) because they aren't reliable and it costs a fortune to fix them. Other than the way they look, I can't think of much good to say. If you want a serious, reliable, comfortable 4x4... Go Toyota or Nissan.