History of G models (UK)

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Jdring
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Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
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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).

 

 

Arnie
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Re: History of G models (UK)

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.

 

 

 

 

Jdring
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Re: History of G models (UK)

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.

Arnie
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Re: History of G models (UK)

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.

 

prwales
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Re: History of G models (UK)

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]