26th Jul 2004, 00:58

I find the 300 GD challenged up inclines however, no vehicle can match its ability to descend at full throttle - normally 150 kph - not at all slow.

The 290 GD does much better up inclines, but is not as confident round bends and rough terrain. It is my dream car.

The TD version is much too fast and takes the fun out of flat out driving.

I do concur with the central lock problems more so in dusty environs.

I'm yet to come across an AC unit that does not malfunction after a while.

Pity we cannot get new 300 or 290 plain GD anymore. Really fine cars. Should consider factory re-runs.

George - Kenya.

25th Sep 2006, 06:00

In 2003 I bought a 1986 Mercedes G with the 240 diesel engine which I find very slow indeed. A friend recently told me that it is possible to transplant any of the range of engines from the Mercedes "sprinter" range of vehicles with no modifications. Is there anyone out there that can confirm this.

16th Oct 2006, 16:26

You can transplant a 300 turbo diesel were the 240d was. They are cheap and have much more power 125 compared to under 80hp for the 240d.

12th Jan 2008, 00:15

I look forward to some comments which compare Toyota Land Cruiser's reliability against G500's reliability. I have not owned either, but was just wondering as to which one is more reliable and longer lasting.

19th Feb 2008, 09:26

Land Cruisers are probably the only other 4x4 that deserve the respect of G owners. Both are great cars.

But if you want something unique that will get you there in style then it's a G hands down. I think the longevity of the G is probably also superior.

But a LC will be cheaper and probably easier to get serviced and parts depending on where you live.

I drive a G.

14th Apr 2008, 22:52

I have a 1987 300GD no turbo, it's a dog on a incline. Does anyone know if you can change the 5 cyl. motor out for a 6 cyl. turbo motor? I have access to a 300 SDL turbo motor.

7th May 2008, 02:09

Ha-ha, everyone wants a G with more power... I do agree all the same but these things were built to be dogs.. for whatever reason mercedes just didn't give us then much desired 30 more hp.

With that said, I know where to get a very nice well tuned Turbo 300GD for about $4000 Canadian but just don't know if its worth the money... I think its going to be slow no matter what... Does anyone think that is worth it... I know they are not that easy to find.

I have a Long 1989 300GD (non turbo) now and a 230 Gas as well... Both are new 2 me and I planned on selling but its funny... I want to keep both now.

Is there anything else that can be done to either to increase power short of changing out the engine.

22nd May 2009, 06:04

Hi out there G fans. GD's were mainly designed to perform off road - that's where its true worth shows. For more muscle, try fitting a 300 TD engine. MB resolved this problem by bringing the 290 TDI into production, and then abruptly shut it down - why, why, why? The other big boys G500 & club were really not meant for money conscious fuel gauge watchers like myself.