I may be in the market for a mid to early 80's gelaendewagen and I was wondering if anyone could give me some info on actually owning one these beasts. I drive a 1987 300E with 169k and have also owned a 1975 300D, so I am used to Mercedes maintenance . Should I expect to pay on average much more to keep up a G? Also, I know the hp rating is quite low for the 300GD, but are they terribly slow? Basically, what are the pros/cons of owning a diesel or petrol G? Having owned both, the lack of power does not bother me as long as we aren't talking 240D slow. Also, I see Keiser motors has some decent looking early 80's for sale, is this a trustworthy source, or would I be better off looking for a private seller? What is a fair price for a five door mid to early 80s G with low miles? Sorry for the thousands of questions, but I want to make sure I understand what I may be getting into. Thanks in advance!
Chris

Chris,

If your serious, get a subscription to CPI (Cars of Particular Interest) (800) 972-5312.

Norm Keiser is a reputable gent. A number of fellow G Wagen owners have purchased from him.

of the 1986 and below, the 280GE has the most HP. I own a 1986 280GE. I had debated between diesel and auto/manual trannys. Ended up with an auto. Glad I did. I own a Volvo and 450SEL. so I pretty much had all the tools.

Chris, go to metacrawler: http://www.metacrawler.com, and do a search for "Mercedes Gelaendewagen". You will be amazed at all of the sites, sales, and clubs listed there. :cool:

Some of the G-Wagen specific sites may be better equipped to answer your questions for the time being than the G-wagen forum here as it just started today.

[Edited by longston on 02-19-2001 at 03:40 PM]

Chris,

Feel free to repost in the new G-Wagen forum. I and the folks that are moving to it can help you get started.

First, thanks JR! This has been one of my favorite sites for quite some time. Now with a G section I can "one stop shop" for Mercedes info.

Chris,
The 300GD IS 240D slow. Remember the G wieghs 5000 lbs, and is shaped like a brick. Top speeds hover around 75 mph.

I would not expect more maint than any other you have owned. The G is very overbuilt components are designed to last a long time. Like any used vehicle, get it inspected and try to be present for the inspection.

I like the 280GE autos or possibly a 230GE manual in SWB. I think Norm Keiser has a good inventory of used Gs. His prices are fair. That is where I bought my '95 from. Good luck and post if you have any other questions.
Brent

The diesel G is even slower than a 240D -- it weighs almost twice as much (6,000 lbs is closer to the truth than 5,000 lbs, not to mention that it's the antithesis of streamlining -- so the result is obvious). I've got a 280GE, and I'm spending a pretty penny to get more horsepower (see my post on this forum).
Don't get me wrong, it's got planty of power at lower speeds when you can use the gears -- it's at highway speeds (on hills) when you'll feel the shortages.

I bought my G from Norman. I can't fault him. I'd buy another from him if he has one that I'd want when I'm ready to trade up.