News! basicaly, a forum filler.
Having nothing better to do I am engaged into doing things I could do latter but I am not fixed to the things I should be doing now - shear indiscipline, lacking character and substance, yha, that's me alright.
Looking at our club forum, the traffic is slow so I poked my nose at what the other 'G' clubs around the world are doing. Not much at their front either; however, we seem to do better than most. We have hope yet.
The Australians' have reports of the Bluetec G350 engines having oil issues, I thought of mentioning this as news content in detail but then I got to thinking, who in our club would benefit from this info that is a paid up member, so I dumped the idea.
Generally, looking at most of these clubs some provide links to other clubs and none of these have links to our club. I have mentioned this to the South African club and waiting to see what they do about this. Instead they listed a well known independent dealer as a 'G' club.
I must not forget my 'position', my intentions to promote our club in the hope of attracting more members to join may not work but it should put us on the map; I must seek clearance from our powers that be, to do this task with their blessings. I could be in deep water and I won't like that, as I can't swim!
My opinion is that, we as club should provide similar links to other clubs. I cannot see any harm to our club in that, a point to be raise at the oncoming AGM. Interesting point, the Germans' by the end of this month will have undergone a program for 2013 of diver training course ranging from novice 4 X4 driving to extreme-advanced course and training include vehicle recovery using winches, ropes and tackle.
The course ranges from some €400 to €1000 plus accommodation, food etc. Training has taken place at various parts of Germany. There has been no mention of a 2014 schedule as yet.
Pity, Mercedes Benz UK do not see the UK market as worth their while to lay similar course for us here, costs aside, I think it is a good idea to evolve our drivers to progress their driving skills in a similar structured fashion.
Ah, well - I better start on the things I should be doing. First on my list is to look for a new TV, mine blew its tube a few days ago after some fifteen years of service.
Out of interest, are members interested in a structured driving course that may tackle topics of wet course driving, skid control, existing an over turned vehicle etcetra?
I would be interested to hear about the G350 oil issues; I assume anybody considering buying a used G350 in the future would be interested as well.
good idea rakesh , reaching out to other 'g' clubs across the world as we are such a small number in the uk ,i have been a member of the aussie gwoa for about a year and the southern african gwoa for 5 months or so ,the different technical problems they have are interesting and gives a fantastic insight into g ownership across the world (the 350 bluetec oil issue looks a bit of a worry..) i will leave it to you to give a synopsis.
G350 Bluetec - Engine Issues.
Reports from two G-Wagen clubs around the world have confirmed that the G350 Bluetecs' have, had a Service re-call. The service re-call codes are different in both countries as I expect this to be for the UK.
As is reputed, M/Benz in the UK (enquiries at local dealer levels) proudly uphold their ability to be unhelpful as ever. I had tried enquiring from three dealers in the midlands about the service recall; two could not comment without a registration number given to them and the third had promised to call me back, I am still waiting on his call! I would owners of G350 Bluetec get in touch with their dealer and follow up on this. They will not know of the recall but give them this code and ask, no tell them to check their WIS on this code. Service re-call 1003 (Code word 1204P01A81).
Anyway, that said, from the Australian Gelanderwagen Owners Association (AGOA) from their forum dated 15/03/2013 an inquisitor posed an enquiry on thee G350 Bluetec having engine issues. In a worse case scenario - engines have had to be replaced.
One member reported that his work was carried out 30,000 Kms and had not had any problems since but did not mention of any problems he may have had. Work took some 9 days or the workshop had the vehicle for the same.
Mercedes Benz in Australia call this Service measure 1003. Work measure is to have all G350's have increased capacity of sump from 9 Lts to 14 Lts.
Service 1003 involves: "Service Measure 1003 is to check for oil sludging. Sump is removed, sludge is checked using special gauge, depending on volume of sludge engine removed, main bearings replaced and larger capacity sump fitted. In some cases new engines are fitted!" - Quote of one member. Forum thread No:6.
Another member, also a member from South African club reported: "Campaign (recall) announced today in SA. I'm waiting for a booking at the dealer. The code here is 0190004" - Thread No: 27 on the AGOA forum.
Unfortunately, I could not access the South African club; I am not registered their site yet.
G-Wagen America reports similar issues but I not investigated their reports.
I will try to find out more on this; a WIS (workshop information service) enquiry would cost me €4.00; I will try a member friend to look into this, mentioning no names just in case big brother is looking in.
From the following web site forum: http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/350-cdi-kundendienstmassnahme-t4326387.html I have a translated version of this report.
"350 CDI customer service measure
Created on 22 December 2012 at 06:19:04 Clock
Michigan33
Thread Starter
For the OM 642 (350 CDI) in the G model, there is a customer service measure
(Code word 1204P01A81)
Check Motorenoelqualität and modify engine! (Motor oil quality)
Depending on the deposits in the oil, e.g. visible at the oil filler cap (sludge) are made under this service action until the end of March 2013, with conversion to Motorspühlungen enlarged oil pan.
Crankshaft bearings are replaced or even built new engines depending on the pod for higher sound than another. (Oil sump or pan)
I would recommend G all affected owners, short term to address a MB workshop on the matter, which will then perform the proposed inspections and modifications.
Greetings Matthias"
source: http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/350-cdi-kundendienstmassnahme-t4326387.html forum
Further reports a per reported by the South African site; perviously unaccessable through the direct route, here is access from their posted forum.
http://preview.search.aol.co.uk/aol/search?s_chn=hp_t1&enabled_terms=&s_...
Hi,
I investigated this issue on behalf of the AGOA members and will have a report on my findings in the next G'ocentric which should be out soon. We have had two AGOA members that have had full engine replacements (one at 18,000 kms and the other at 30,000 kms from memory) and neither had seen any particularly hard work.
What bothers me about this Service Measure (don't call it a recall!!) is the very subjective assessment that is made to determine what action will be taken during the Service measure. They remove the sump and scrape a sump bolt vertically over the inside of the sump. If there is sludge adhering to the end of the bolt, they measure how much protrudes from the end of the bolt. This basically determines if you will have your bearings replaced or your motor replaced! What gets me is that if they fell that bearing damage may have occurred what other components that are lubricated by the same oil may be impacted - the turbo for example - however there is no check for this listed in the Service measure. It is essentially bearings and sump or motor.
The other hidden issue is the increased cost of service post Service Measure. Oil capacity going up significantly, only special oil to be used (at what extraordinary cost!) and reduced service intervals. They say that they will make no allowance for this for existing owners.
I wouldn't be rushing to buy a second hand G350 or even a new one unless it had been built with the enlarged sump.
Just one person's opinion.
John
So is the sump bolt the special gague that Pistonhead was reffering to?
Spider1V
The best ideas and tools are simple ones. 
Yes please don't call ot a RECALL!! They are very different things...
RECALL = Safety Related fault notified thru the DVLA in the UK to current owner...
SERVICE MEASURE = Non Safety related enhancement notified to last known owner...
Recall's usually run for a near indefinate period where as Service Measure's will have a start and end date, albeit usually 3-4 years.
Most dealers will be actively trying to get all these types of things through their door as basically its work, they are also penalised in the UK if a vehicle does pass through and they dont pick up and carry out these things...
Well I posed the question to MBUK and you can see his reply.
Spider1V
To 18/06/2013 23:45 Paul.Hayward@daimler.com
Subject G350 Service Measure
Hi Paul,
We are getting a number of inquires about problems with the new 350’s sump,
mainly from South Africa, Australia and Europe, do you want to comment/
address some of our members fears that there is a problem and how best to
rectify it?
Kind regards
Joe Askew
GWOA Southern Rep.
Hi Joe
If any works were required this would be communicated through to the
Retailers to action in due course.
Regards
Paul
Paul Hayward
Product Executive
Product Management Mercedes-Benz Cars
S/CL/SL/SLK/M/GL/R/G-Class
Tel: 01908 245720
Fax: 01908 445720
Mob: 07919 690923
Mobex: 5540
Email: paul.hayward@daimler.com com
Dear All,
Had been thoroughly enjoying my G350 Bluetec (11 plate) until I took it to MB Milton Keynes for a regular service end Jan 2014. Invoking service measure 1003, they kept the car for precisely two months - I believe mainly awaiting parts from Germany. Communications from the service department were very good but trying to get a G55 AMG to test for even a day (I wanted to trade up) was beyond Mercedes Benz. The main loan car was a new but basic E class diesel.
I believe that the sump was replaced (not the engine) with a much larger one, together with associated parts.
I gave up asking about the G55 AMG and as soon as my G was returned, with around three weeks to go until the end of it's warranty period, I sold it.
Such a pity - there is nothing around with quite the road presence of the G. I was simply put off by the sales guys I came in contact with - none of whom gave anything but the most cursory interest. I guess sales must be good.
I did enjoy keeping up with the forums - even though I wrote little - and wish you all well.
All the best, Nik
Dear All,
Had been thoroughly enjoying my G350 Bluetec (11 plate) until I took it to MB Milton Keynes for a regular service end Jan 2014. Invoking service measure 1003, they kept the car for precisely two months - I believe mainly awaiting parts from Germany. Communications from the service department were very good but trying to get a G55 AMG to test for even a day (I wanted to trade up) was beyond Mercedes Benz. The main loan car was a new but basic E class diesel.
I believe that the sump was replaced (not the engine) with a much larger one, together with associated parts.
I gave up asking about the G55 AMG and as soon as my G was returned, with around three weeks to go until the end of it's warranty period, I sold it.
Such a pity - there is nothing around with quite the road presence of the G. I was simply put off by the sales guys I came in contact with - none of whom gave anything but the most cursory interest. I guess sales must be good.
I did enjoy keeping up with the forums - even though I wrote little - and wish you all well.
All the best, Nik
Hi Nik...
I think you should write to the chief executive of MB to relate your poor experience.. i have heard far too many stories of bad experiences with MB... and unless you name and shame.. these pompous MB garages will continue to destroy the long built good name of Mercedes Benz.. they lost sales as a result of the uninterested amateur salesmen that they sometimes employ.... so much so.. for the first time in 10 years of MB ownership and of personal appalling experiences... and the dismissive attitude of Brooklands MB...that i went outside the service network myself and had a refreshingly excellent service from a MB specialist... (DDR Surrey) and saved £300 on a single service.. !!!
They used genuine parts..the mechanics are all ex MB and well trained and they updated my service record on my wife's E Coupe onto the MB service records computer.
I wont be using MB except for parts i cannot get from elsewhere...
write and complain.... tell them you were a loyal G Wagen customer.. and they lost a G55 sale...
you might be surprised...
good luck..... don't give up on the G,,,,, it will out-live us all!!
Regards
John
Hi NikH,
I would also echo the advice of writing to the CEO and complaining. But please write to the Group CEO, as the UK view the G as a necessary evil! The fact that they can afford to keep someone willing to shell out over £115K for a car either shows the arrogance of the MB UK team or downright stupidity of the sales staff.
TBH MBUK and the G have not really hit it off as MBUK do not have staff able to compete against the competition, once the customer highlights the point they can buy a Range Rover for a lot less, its like watching a Darlek on tin foil! LOL. Try it sometime - Go in express an interest in a G let them quickly hunt down a catalog and read to you the salient points - just in case you could not read yourself! Then drop into conversation the price and watch their eyes and reaction. If you really want to have some fun, as them about the difference between ETS and true diff locks - its just great! :)
Do let us know how you get on.
Spider1V
12 years ago I was contaced by the heinz ( now retired and living in the US) sales manager of G class and M class for America and Europe. He asked me if I could contact 3 MB dealers if they would be interested in selling the G again. He couldn't contact them direct, why ?politics and because of pompous MB UK, they flatly refused.
Out of the 3 dealers I contacted one said yes, but only if they had a specialist sales person selling it. The others said no way. MB UK hate the G due to its poor sales in the past i believe, but also the fact that at the time the G was not so popular and not a prestige model. It will never change in the UK.
More on this issue from another thread......
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/content/purchasing-used-2010-2011-g350-bluetec-eng...
Thanks guys for taking the time to reply.
Genuinely appreciate it and of course I recognize the stuff in post 'Purchasing a used 2010/ 2011 G350 Bluetec - Engine Issues'. Didn't want to bore you with detail - simply wanted an audience to 'listen to the music'.
Over the weekend I've taken up the suggestion to write to the CEO of MB - have emailed both the UK and European Cars CEO's. Will let you know if there is a response.
All the best, Nik
PS - the irony is that I'd like to be a G owner again - let's see if MB can become interested in selling me one.
sounds like the old 350 TD of the 90's, and the 4.0 ltr V8 of the 21st century...bit of a disaster.
sounds like the old 350 TD of the 90's, and the 4.0 ltr V8 of the 21st century...bit of a disaster.
sounds like the old 350 TD of the 90's, and the 4.0 ltr V8 of the 21st century...bit of a disaster.
Dear All,
Just a heads up that I haven't received acknowledgement from either recipient of my emails. Early days.
Amusingly (I guess co-incidentally) I was courtesy called just now by MB of Milton Keynes re: annual servicing of the G350 Bluetec. I pointed out that this went to a new owner last April.
MK Service ought to know as they were asked for a 'reference' at the time - I was present when the call was made. They will update their records.
Will keep you posted.
All the best,
Nik
As far as lemons go, the 400CGi's CAN-bus system is a nightmare; otherwise, I file the above exchange under "New Year's Rant': G350TD engine sorted long-time ago, 996 is sandwiched between the last air-cooled 993 and the much improved 997 but that does not make it a nightmare once ex-warranty; as far as the G350 Blue Tec goes: I would have preferred a G500 but the G350 engine in combination with the 7-speed gearbox is a smooth combination, a good cruiser at 90 mph on the Autobahn, my car has no quality issues and the engine oil issue has been dealt with under warranty in a preemptive way (similar to 996); definitely not a lemon; probably not a car to drive to Siberia or to cross Africa in but then, who does?
Anyone know if the G350 Bluetec is the same engine in the ML350 Bluetec ?
Gentlemen - John 757, Spider IV, Axel, Big Block - I received acknowledgement of my email from the PA to Mercedes UK CEO this morning and courteous it was too.
Will go into radio silence and let you know the outcome from this correspondence and any discussions that may take place when it is clear what direction we're going in.
Happy motoring in your iconic vehicles!
All the best, Nik
350 Bluetec engine is being used in C-, E-, CLK-, ML-, S-, R-class as well as Vito/Viano and Sprinter. The oil sludging appears to be a general issue of the Bluetech technology, I know of two non-G cases where engines (with G type symptoms) were not replaced under warranty as the owner had not adhered to the service intervals. Today's diesel engines are high-performance units optimizing fuel consumption and emissions not reliability. [did I mention G500?]
Dear All,
Just had a call from someone at HQ customer service.
Mercedes response 'sorry you've moved over to another brand and sorry we failed to communicate on the lack of availability at the time of the G55' and reasons for that'.
That's it - so over and out from me.
Best, Nik
At least they called you back. I supposed there's not much else they could say to you.... you've moved brands so they're hardly likely to be able to convince you to sell your current new car and re-buy a MB.
/pedant mode/
"Over and out" is a contradiction of terms.... 
It's "over" or "out" 
When will UK companies learn that every single customer counts!!
MB UK Shame on you!!
You have/had some excellent people in your company... i know because I ve met them (my ex MB Mechanic Paul worked for them for 32 years before he was forced out due to staff reductions)(The guy who services my car wife's E Coupe at DDR Surrey, and Gav on here to name but a few) their knowledge of the G and other MB models is lost to them forever... you see the staff are not always treated well.. I blame the fat cats at the top... senior management... who neither manage or have much idea of what the customer/staff wants... if I am going to shell out serious money on a car... to quote Richard Gere in Pretty Woman... some " serious sucking up is required!!!" I have bought 6 new Mercedes in the past 12 years..spent many thousands of hard earned pounds and the level of service (read - sucking up) has deteriated to such low levels that the salesmen and some service staff... give you the distinct impression they are doing you a favour by even speaking to you!! , even when shelling out 40-50k on a new car!! !!
and sometimes they even resent dealing with your queries..
so as a result i will never buy a new Mercedes Benz again ( your loss Mercedes UK)
I do however love the engineering and the brand despite my own poor experiences... Nik's experience mirrors my own... if it wasn't for the fact i know good Mercedes People...( Yes you Gav !!) and the Icon that is G Wagen.. I might be trotting off to a different brand as well... but I am loyal to the oldest car manufacturer on the planet... because it was built with quality in mind as well as good engineering and style..
I Hope Nik realizes he doesnt actually need MB UK at all.!... there are plenty of independents out there who will help him and treat him like he is as important as he really is to their business... once the Gliteratii have bored of their bedazzled MB AMG Trinkets... and move on...
its the ordinary buyers like us on here who will keep MB where they are for a few hundred years more.....
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Hello Theo,
Thank you, my forum filler has generated interest. I will post up my finds on this very thread tomorrow morning at some point.