History of G models (UK)
Years ago, i recall a timeline history of the G models as released in the UK (RH drive).
I am interested to see an uptodate history. I particularly want a 6 or 8 cylinder SWB, around 2000.... I love my 3L diesel estate Merc Auto, and think a 320GD G-Wagen would be good enough to cruise and 20-30 mpg ? But is there one?
I have a 230GE auto and it is missing a 5th speed to cruise at 65. (my old manual 230GE cruised really well when you got it rolling).
Hello, I don't recall ever seeing that timeline. However, if you want a later RHD, then you are limited to one of the handful of 8,cyl, M113 engined, G500 produced in RHD format in 1999/2000 as special imports
Otherwise, up until 1997, you could get an M103 engined, straight 6-cyl, G300E (petrol) or an OM603 engined, 6-cyl, G300D (Diesel).
There was a straight-6 G320E in LHD format with the M104 engine, but no Diesel.
If you don't mind LHD and like diesels, I might suggest a G270 CDi, (2001 onwards) which has a solid engine without the issues of particulate filters etc, and should easily achieve 25 MPG.
For RHD Diesel, you need to look 2009 / 2010 onwards, when they were again officially imported into the UK, with choice of the the usual petrol V8s or the G300 CDi six.
Yes, those, G500 from year 1999/2000 were in both SWB and LWB. they are considered to be the pinnacle of the G as they have the old, 1990's build quality combined with a relatively modern and powerful engine. There was an SWB recently on sale with an asking price of £80,000 (IIIRC). In that case, you'll probably find a G350 better value.
I was going to edit the above to add that there was a G320CDi from 2001, with the straight-6, OM648 engine. but LHD.
the GD350 turbo diesel is based on the om603 engine and unlike the non turbo has a very poor reputation, the engine to have is the om606a first used in the 2nd Generation e class in the UK [it made it into the w124 in lhd format]
Thanks. Good summary, and I just found that timeline on good old Wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_G-Class
A G350 would be nice (nice price too), or one of those G500's (did they import a SWB one?). I like modern diesels.