1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 300GD from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

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.

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 its 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.