G400

I'm not able to advise you on price but you should research the issues with the G400 Cdi;  there is a consenus to avoid the early cars (2002 falls into this category):  the electrics/ electronics are famously unreliable due to the CAN-bus system; the engines had issues, make sure that the camshaft chain has been replaced (£3k replacement cost); on the other hand, a friend of mine has owned one for more than ten years, he had his fair share of problems but loves the engine.

I have a 2001 G400 and the only issue that I have had with it - which took a while to figure out - was the engine stopping intermittently. This was due to a faulty capacitor in the ECU, but after sorting it, no other problems.

I hear that on pre-2002 versions, the camshaft chain tensioner will need replacing if the chain  becomes rattle, but not needed to do that yet.

I think that it's the same stories going around that give the G400 an undeserved reputation, for reliability.

True, the G400 was never sold in the UK, but the engine is not entirely unknown. The S400, GL420 and ML420 have essentially the same engine and I have had no issues with servicing at Brooklands and obtaining parts.

The electrics are mostly from the c-class and are all multiplexed, fly-by-wire wiring to control all functions and lighting through central modules. It gives flexibility and reduces the amount of wires, but  yes, the system is not as robust, as on the previous generation with its point-to-point wiring, chunky switches with silver plated contacts, heavy gauge copper wiring, and relay modules as the most complex bits of electronics. Having said that, I've not really had any wiring/electronic issues on the G400, other than noting that the wiring connectors are definitely cheapened and can fall off on their own (eg from window switch on drivers door) and would not look out of place in a PC. The electronically controlled transfer case can very occasionally forget what gear it's in - I don't like that system- the original manual level is 100% better. However, the same electronics are now prevalent everywhere, so if you want traditional wiring you need to limit yourself to vehicles before 2000.

Of course, the engine is really shoehorned into the engine bay and there is little or no space to work on it, without dismantling a lot of parts for access.

It has massive torque -more than the G500- and is great to drive, although the extra 100kg is noticeable up front.

As for Brabus - I don't get it. It seems that their styling is designed to look different - almost at any cost - and it doesn't look right or aesthetically pleasing to me. The g has been around for 35 years and has a classic look. Fitting a front grille with two twin lights may look cool and different today, but will be sorely outdated tomorrow. The g is designed as an offload vehicle and not as an autobahn-stormer. 20" wheel with all that unsprung mass of live axles will make for a sore ride. Just my opinion.

If you are looking at a G400, you obviously don't mind LHD.

In that case, there's a much bigger choice in Germany and there you will find some G400 at good prices - including some early ones with intergalactic miles - so they can't all have been that unreliable. But you will also find the G270 Cdi and other models that may take your fancy.

 Hi Mark,

Having driven the same as this below, i know which i would buy if you can stretch your budget .....    http://www.avantgardecars.co.uk/cars/mercedes-benz-g500/

must have been a very fast 350TD.

Power band! Lol

i drive it everyday, I fact it is my second 350TD. The turbo make it nicer to drive.

heres se a nice one? It's even in my town, seen this in person, nice car. Not bad paintwork. Black RHD AUTO, W463. 

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/mercedes-benz/amg/merce...

Hi Fred,

Not comparing,

just a suggestion to the one buying.

theres a g350td come on the market very bling, not original might be marks taste?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1995-mercedes-g-class-g-wagon-g350-turbo-diese...