1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 300GD 3.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A car you can put in your will
Faults:
Front seats do not wear well.
Starter motor needed to be replaced at 110000 miles, £500.00 from the dealer.
Top speed is 60mph, downhill it is 70mph.
Glow plugs are 9 volt ones not 0.9 volts, found this out after blowing out £100.00 worth of plugs from the Mercedes dealer.
Heaters need looking at. They blow hot on a hot day.
General Comments:
Drives like a tank.
Feels like a tank.
The security is the greatest compared to any road going vehicle.
The best vehicle I have ever driven.
Reliable.
I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who drives a multi-personnel vehicle or four wheel drive.
It has great road presence.
Engine sound is excellent.
I am saving up to get a newer version.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd June, 2003
26th Mar 2004, 13:25
I can't believe some of these comments. I have a 1986 230GE, it is most definitely not slow! With 125 BHP on tap, its acceleration is most respectable for a 2.5 ton vehicle, and it is easily capable of just under the ton.
With Michelin all terrains on, it handles very well. Even off road with front and rear diff-locks on, this will still go through very deep mud.
Its only drawback is fuel consumption, but no other 4x4 is any different if it's good. There are also some rumours about the cost of spares, which are totally untrue, I have bought some major items for very little money.
I'm afraid that £500 for your starter motor is crazy money, the starter from a 308D van is supposed to be the same, reconditioned starter motors can be obtained through many Motor Factors. I strongly suggest you join the G Wagen owners club http://gwoa.co.uk and save yourself a fortune, both in spares and sound advice in a friendly environment.