Brabus G400
I'm now on my seventh G-Wagen, having traded in a G300 in Munich a few months ago and bought a new G400. Took it down to Graz to see how they are built before bringing it home by way of the Brabus HQ at Bottrop. Here they fitted the full G400 conversion so now I have 310hp and 650 ft lbs of torque. As a result it is by far the best G-Wagen I've ever owned. The G350 being the worst.
I have to say, however, that I am far from happy with the build quality of this vehicle. I am constantly having to tighten up the door catches - particularly the rear door - to avoid a succession of squeaks. But when it comes to performance it is nothing short of wonderful.
Welcome to the forums.
Your G sounds awesome. Any chance of a few pics, or better still, how about a test drive :twisted: :lol:
mark
Hi, I am owalston's son. Thought I would post a few pictures that we took on the way back from the factory last year. The last 5 are recent ones showing the external Brabus bits.
The G350 being the worst
Neither the first time nor the last that somebody (justifiably?) derides the OM 603 DE 35 LA. More at:
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/node/357
I have to say, however, that I am far from happy with the build quality of this vehicle. I am constantly having to tighten up the door catches - particularly the rear door - to avoid a succession of squeaks.
Nothing surprising here either.... I like to say that Mercedes stopped producing proper cars in the nineties when they switched to round headlamps -bar the G, of course. Problem is that any G-Wagen contemporary with the round headlamp saloons boasts terrible build quality and that includes anything after the 2001 model year. You'll be able to tell by looking at the interior: if it has round shapes, Command, TV and all that, it's one of those to avoid.
Problem is that the wonderful CDI engines -like yours- only come with this package, and it is a shame because all the reports I have had of 2002 and later models are of terrible build quality and more visits to the garage than a Morris Marina, but then again this is the sad story of a Mercedes Benz which has succumbed to the temptations of the easy buck.
My other car is a 1998 W202 C-180 Estate and when I'll need to replace it, I'll probably get myself a similarly-aged -if not older Mercedes. If I were to choose between a new Mercedes and a Vauxhall Vectra I'd probably buy the Vauxhall.... it's more honest.
Cheers
Squeak or no Squeak...
I have to say that its a beautiful looking car. Hasn't always been my favourite colour in a G, but from the pics it looks awesome.
Do you have any problems driving the LHD in the UK? I've always contemplated on buying a G from the mainland, simply for price and avaiability.
madferrit :-)
Sounds like a good trip and a truly awesome G, someday I hope I will own one of them! :) . Can I ask how long it took Brabus to put on the kit and what its done to your fuel economy? Like the way they call the kit the D8 S, kind of like the caterpillar, enough torque to pull your house down! :lol:
Do you have any problems driving the LHD in the UK? I've always contemplated on buying a G from the mainland, simply for price and avaiability.
madferrit :-)
LHD isn't really ever a problem, I don't think any of us that drive it even notice any more. Maybe if you want to overtake on a narrow lane, but the good thing about the G is that you can see over the top of the car in front most of the time anyway, so it doesn't matter.
Sounds like a good trip and a truly awesome G, someday I hope I will own one of them! :) . Can I ask how long it took Brabus to put on the kit and what its done to your fuel economy? Like the way they call the kit the D8 S, kind of like the caterpillar, enough torque to pull your house down! :lol:
I think it took about 4 hours or so to do each kit, so 8 hours total. Roughly... Fuel economy not a lot of change really, but Dad can give you a better idea of that if he posts again later.
True,
The ride height and driving position of the G is one of the benefits of the car (for everyday use). I have the pleasure/ experience of having an ML430 whilst my car was in for a service last week, and was glad to give it back. It felt and drove like an estate with raised suspension.
I've had LHD cars in the past.. BMW Z1, Porsche 911, MB E500 to name a few.. but the only problem i found.. was having to jump out or lean over.. when standing at the car barrier to get my ticket and pay for my stay. I guess its easily overcome by taking the misses everywhere!
:lol:
Madferrit!
Yes, you are right. Easily the worst thing about LHD is having to get tickets from machines. But our one spends quite a lot of time in France, so it's swings and roundabouts.
Ticket barriers :shock: :shock: :shock:
Every morning i come across this as i barrel my G500 into the station to make my train... I'm getting quite adept at sliding over the seats to push in the pass card in one graceful movement... mostly!!! It's when i drop the damn thing and have to run around the bloody truck that gets my day off to a bad start :wink:
whats worse is when you manage that cool calm and sophisticated slide over to the other seat... and in the process.. slide down that window.. only to find that the car park really only catered for mini's and you end up actually sitting in the passenger seat, just so that you can get your ticket out of/ into the damn machine!
Now, that is a pain in the (_|_)
:lol:
Oh Dear, what a hassle. :lol:
THANKS GUYS HAVE REALLY ENJOYED READING THIS AND LOOKING AT THE PICS - WHAT A GREAT LOOKING G, I WANT ONE TOO!.
I HAVE A SUGGESTION, AS WELL AS MY RHD G300 (SAME COLOUR AND I LIKE THE ALPACA!!) I HAVE A LEFT HOOK MASERATI - I JUST REVERSE IN! SERIOUSLY YOU WILL SOON GET P****D OFF WITH LEANING OVER
HI,
I read somewhere that someone kept one of those plastic grabs normally associated with litter collection down the side of their seat, maybe Brabus do something similar :lol:
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