Hi,
I've been looking at the idea of getting a Geleandewagen to complement my 500E ever since Benzmac had his for sale last year. I don't know much about the lineage, though. Can someone tell me if there are certain versions/years that are better than others, options to get, avoid, etc.
Also where I might find ones for sale.

Thanks,
Eric

You should pick up Hemmings...There is a guy in there named Norm Kieser who sells alot of G's/ I don't know his history, but I do know he carrys a variety of models and prices. I have seen a listing of his online, but I don't remember where.

Maybe someone here knows where that listing is..

I bought my '95 G320 from Norm a few months ago. He has a pretty good inventory and very fair prices. Like any used car be sure to view it in person. We all have unique perspectives on condition. He has a website at http://www.keisermotors.com

Which model to buy? How much do you want to spend? They run from $15k-150K. The early Gs are reffered to as the 460 chassis ('79-'86 in the US) and the newer versions are 463 chassis ('90-Present). 460s run $15-25k and 463s from $40k on up to the stratoshpere. The 460s were offered with several powerplants. They came as 240 and 300 diesels, no turbos. The gas engines were the 2.3 4cyl 230 and the M110 2.8L 6cyl arguably the best choice in a vehicle this heavy. The 460s ahve a very basic interior, reminds me of an old Isuzu Trooper. They are equipped with a part time 4wd system. 463s step up to a modern MB sedan style interior availible with all of the amenities. They also get an updated full time 4wd transfer case. Engines availible are the M103 3L six from '90-'94, the 350 diesel (problematic) and the M104 3.2L six from mid '94-98. After '98 the 5L V8 from the new S class is the power plant.

Other than Keiser Motors I know of a 300GD auto SWB in pretty good shape for ~$10k for sale privately in Minneapolis. Brent

Since they are not sold in the US, will a Benz dealer service a G?

Normally what Europa (the importer) would do is get you in touch with somebody in your area that had serviced Gs. The MB dealers are touch and go, some realize that the engines and transmissions are so similar to their sedan counterparts that working on them is no problem. On the other hand many would just rather not work on them. I have had my G to the dealer a couple of times, they basically appraoch it with a no garunties type of attitude. I've never had a major problem though. The G will be coming to a dealeship near you very soon. I have no idea if they intend to support the older models. Brent

My experience with the local dealers has been a joke. When I first got my G, my first instinct was to aproach the dealers in a very nice and friendly way. Being nice and friendly got me no where and soon gave up on the idea. The dealers here in South Florida want nothing to do with a G-Wagen or they would make it so expensive or difficult with so many rules. After a long search found a Hatian trained Mercedes guy who opened is own business. Turns out that G's are quite common in Hati and he was familiar with them. I wonder what the attitude will be once the dealers start selling them. I once had a D90 and found even the LR dealers had trouble dealing with there own make. I ended up knowing more than the dealer.