new G320 CDi in right hand drive?
I'm a new member, in new zealand but out from the uk with our 15 year old beryl blue 300GDL which we've loved as a family since new. of course lots of other cars have come and gone in this time but nothing has ever been as nice or remained in such good nick. and so the inevitable question how can we get a new 320CDi in RHD. of course we have asked but they wont do anything but the G55. we have offered to pay the G55 price and suggested they leave it unbadged but still no. does anybody know anything about who does the RHD conversion and where, and how we might get this done direct? we have made all our enquiries so far through mercedes diplomatic and tourist sales ealing london and naturally they are limited in what help they can offer. we dont mind having to wait for say 12 months as the price or the wait just doesnt seem to matter for something so timeless. but we cant have the big engine and all that go-fast stuff, its just not what we think the car is all about and nor can we go around using so much petrol and looking like a hot rod - will leave that to the americans! though having said that and if we cant find any other way we will have to buy the G55 RHD and change the engine or convert it to LPG (which is big out here) or something! but really this will then be a bit of a mickie mouse car and we would much prefer to keep things original. dose anybody know why they are so resistant or is it just that nobody is persistant enough to push in the right places to get one. will they really stop production in 2010 or will they relaunch yet again with RHD engine options that are more in-tune with todays economis and ecology. would love to have some real answers, the people at mercedes just dont know.
Greg and beryl came from Hill mercedes in shrewsbury
Hi and welcome.... It's a real pain the path you are taking, trust me, :lol: however it took me a while to get to this information.. (I cut and pasted it from my introduction)
'When I called Mercedes in Germany they said the only RHD would be done by AMG, although for an extra £28K they would convert from LHD to RHD any G Wagen I wanted - not in my price bracket just yet! :) and also they were planning to put the 4.2 V8 Diesel engine, but this would be a LHD variant for the US market'
I have tried to find the names and telephone numbers but I have throwen the away. (When I got one of the last RHD 500 8) )
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/index2.html
You will have to push, and end up being 'ping pong'ed' between mercedes Gratz and AMG, as when I called they said that AMG have the tools to do RHD G's. The issues with the RHD is that they dare not bring it out as it would eat into both the GL and ML market.
You may like to call Mercedes World at Brooklands, as they gave me the numbers
Hope this helps...
Spider1V
Hello Greg & Beryl,
Although, I agree with you that the people at M/benz do not know when production on the G- class may cease; I would expect their decission will be market driven and on, how loud protests are made of ceasation.
In my opinion, the better route to enquire for conversions, would be approaching either Brabus or M/benz AMG to see if they will acccomodate your request for a 320cdi conversion. Not only that, these are the guys whom I would trust to install the current technology of wiring in the computers and the like.
I will try and talk to a contact I know of, in the Cross Country division in Stuttgart about your proposal, should a positive result materialise, I will contact you, otherwise if I do not get in touch is because, I got no result.
There are one or two specialist tuners in Germany, but this requires more research as to thier location and capabilities.
G-wagen Europa in the USA may be another alternative, after all they do total strip-downs and rebuild modifying as they rebuild.
Bye for now.
Regards,
As far as I have been told AMG will do it for about £25-30K. And if they don't then I would strip down a G55 as I don't think anybody else could be trusted.
Maybe try calling AMG directly? www.mercedes-amg.com
I am surprised that Diplomatic sales is not helping in this matter. Who are you speaking to?
Mercedes builds or is going to build RHD W461 G280CDIs for the Australian Army. Maybe it would be worth a call to somebody who deals with G280CDIs like the Swiss Garage Peter Ritzmann or maybe Tschiewagon(they had a few W461 G270CDIs for sale).
I haven't head of Jeff - try speaking to Howard in G-Class sales.
thank you max and i remember you from early tv days, and yes i will try howard
Have a look at the AMG site and see what it missing.
thank you max and i remember you from early tv days, and yes i will try howard
Hey someone who knows who I am! I'm back in the cinemas in a few weeks...
lol
greg wrote:thank you max and i remember you from early tv days, and yes i will try howard
Hey someone who knows who I am! I'm back in the cinemas in a few weeks...
of course we know who you are but have to say we prefer your old image!
lol
Have a look at the AMG site and see what it missing.
lol
Mercedes builds or is going to build RHD W461 G280CDIs for the Australian Army. Maybe it would be worth a call to somebody who deals with G280CDIs like the Swiss Garage Peter Ritzmann or maybe Tschiewagon(they had a few W461 G270CDIs for sale).
461 is a much more basic G thant the 463 in regards to interior appointments. mechanically it is pretty much the same.
then i will start talking to graz about jumping in on the back of the 461 RHD australian army line run and perhaps they can build up from there to a 463? tho somehow i suspect there will be problems with things like wiring looms and RHD fittings for handbrake/dashboard/steering wheel etc all to the 463 spec. if i new how it all works at a factory level i might be a little more confident. is there a contact at graz who could answer these questions for me? to ask amg for a RHD conversion of the 320 at ukpounds 25 - 30k on top of the euro 60k basic model brings the cost up to that of the G55 with all its extras. what a dilema! and i suppose you guys are sitting laughing at somebody setting out on something you've long since understood
The W461 G280CDI has a simpler interior, W460 style front end, only 5speed gearbox(same one as used in 01-06 W463s). The engine is the same one as in the G320CDI, but is detuned to 184Hp and 400 Nm torque. LHD G280CDI with all extras(A/C, auxilary heather, leather seats, 7.50 XZL tires, single rear seats...) costs about 55 000 Euro.
thank you and so interesting to see the enormous difference. our 15 yr old 300GDL looks like a rolls royce by comparison
For a lot less money you could find a G500 rhd made between 98-2000. £40k would get you one probably.
For a lot less money you could find a G500 rhd made between 98-2000. £40k would get you one probably.
I would even venture to say that £30K give or take a little will get you one...
Roly wrote:I would even venture to say that £30K give or take a little will get you one...For a lot less money you could find a G500 rhd made between 98-2000. £40k would get you one probably.
Link removed. Requested by vcars.co.uk
shipping to nz isnot too bad at all and there is no duty and only 12.5% vat. we bring in a lot of near new but used vehicles from japan and thats how the few Gs that are here arrive - mostly RHD G500s. but we have our hearts set on a brand new 320 with a few nice extras and even tho the conversion is a bit of a silly cost its probably what we will do, and its not so bad when you get say 10 - 15 years of really good motoring. also nothing else that we've had is as comfortable or lovable.
shipping to nz isnot too bad at all and there is no duty and only 12.5% vat. we bring in a lot of near new but used vehicles from japan and thats how the few Gs that are here arrive - mostly RHD G500s. but we have our hearts set on a brand new 320 with a few nice extras and even tho the conversion is a bit of a silly cost its probably what we will do, and its not so bad when you get say 10 - 15 years of really good motoring. also nothing else that we've had is as comfortable or lovable.
Hear! Hear! :P
Must say that the 'G Bug' is a powerful thing! Good luck in your quest, please keep us posted on what you do eventually decide on doing.
(.......... wonder if you had say 10 people who wanted RHD 320's if they would do a run........?) :?:
(.......... wonder if you had say 10 people who wanted RHD 320's if they would do a run........?) :?:
200 is the magic number according to MB.
!!!! :oops:
(what about tacking on the Australian Run> Or is it they want 200 320's???)
Spider1V
200 463s.
haven't been to the factory and still dont really know how to quantify the differences between the 461 and 463 when it comes to RHD conversion on the production line. but suggest that the 463's higher level of interior finish and electrics means too much re-tooling for a factory run and hense amg get the job on a hand crafted level. wish somebody really new the definitive answer and could then authoritively identify the best option. does anybody have a contact name and address at graz i could write to and who might be sensitive enough to the question to reply with a firm direction to follow.
haven't been to the factory and still dont really know how to quantify the differences between the 461 and 463 when it comes to RHD conversion on the production line. but suggest that the 463's higher level of interior finish and electrics means too much re-tooling for a factory run and hense amg get the job on a hand crafted level. wish somebody really new the definitive answer and could then authoritively identify the best option. does anybody have a contact name and address at graz i could write to and who might be sensitive enough to the question to reply with a firm direction to follow.
That is largely correct.
Part of the issues have to do with the location of the steering box and engine space due to larger engines.
But a lot also as to do with the interior finish. The RHD G55Ks are all converted by hand. The reason that a finished LHD G55K is sent to AMG is they cut the dash in half and piece it back together as a RHD.
This info together with the magic 200 is straight from the mouth of the man in charge of the MB cross-country vehicle division.
For what it is worth he is pushing for a RHD but he needs enough countries to commit to the volumes to justify it. He felt that MBUK alone should be able to sell 200+ RHDs... but if I recall MBSA commited to more vehicles than the MBUK. Goes to show how much MBUK care about the G....
by chance i saw a spanking new RHD G55K straight off the docks here in auckland only last month. a stunning machine even though i'm not inclined to the hot roddy look. somebody said only 12 were made last year and funny to know where they're ending up.
so the finished G55 gets delivered to amg in germany for a handmade conversion job into RHD and, obviously graz want nothing to do with this - their business being production line. but why do they appear to restrict conversions to the G55 which really must have its appeal to the LHD US market rather than the more ecologically minded RHD brits? and i say appear because in my first enquiry to MB tourist london they said no - only the G55 and yet you guys have confirmed that they will convert anything for UK25 -30k. i can understand this cost when it is largely done by hand and is delivered through MB with 2 yr warranty. i can also see that amg will really only want to do their go fast cars and so i was thrilled to hear from you that they will do others.
i would now very much like to know who to write to (a name and a contact address, and an introduction if needed, please) to ask if amg will do a RHD G320 cdi for shipping to nz. i'm happy to wait if enquiries need to be made from your end first, i don't need to rush, i just don't want to loose the chance should they be on the brink of ending those few conversions altogether.
thank you, greg
I would just phone AMG in Germany direct.... it's not Graz that wants to restrict you its MBUK which is just too darn lazy and probably hope you will cough up the money for a G55.
As for why do they only offer the G55 converted at the dealers? Probably due to the fact that the conversion costs so much they can't possibly imagine someone spending nearly 50% of the base purchase price of a cheaper model just for the privilege of having a RHD. Nor can they imagine that for those that can afford the conversion why they wouldn't just get a G55. Forgetting that for many there is a use beyond cruising the city streets.
thank you max, the riddle is un riddling. but i would prefer to write by email - think its just a little less aggressive and would really love to have a name or a department - would it be g wagen sales or conversions or specials ??. will just have a go this weekend if nobody has anything else to say.
Howard in the G-Class division from Mercedes Diplomatic Services wouldn't help you?
just had a reply from peter templman, sales exec at mb tourist delevery saying "the programme for RHD conversion is restricted ONLY to G55 and amg do not undertake the conversion to any other vehicle in the G-Class range." my email was addressed to howard at G Class sales. dont know who peter is but his reply is pretty short and dismissive. please does anybody have a contact name and address at amg in germany, mb uk just don't want to help
Peter and Howard are the two people who deal with Gs at diplomatic sales. I prefer Howard for the reason you pointed out.
Sorry no contact at AMG - suggest you try and call them directly or perhaps go through one of the two main G dealers in German - Eberhard Heinrich in Hamburg or Oliver Hufnagel in Munich.
Maybe Peter knows what he is talking about. I could see that AMG would be able to modify the G for a G55 and sell it ,but if a one off order comes in for a 320 cdi? The amount of design work required to do that would be prohibitively expensive. It goes a long way past the dash and interior. Every wiring loom would need designing and the Gs have plenty of them, Exhaust pipe clearing the engine, the list would be endless. They obviously have sorted out the 55 but would have to start from scratch with a 320cdi. I wish you luck but I think that it would be far easier to buy a RHD55 and have it de-blinged by AMG
you're onto it. peter has replied now citing that safety and quality checks for the 320 would require a whole new development programme over and above that already done on the G55. and true to form that is where he suggests it ends. i am not so easily put off and will follow up your other suggestions
Why don't you live with a LHD and save lots of money? I personally find them preferable.
Heck for the price of the conversion you could buy yourself a G320 in LHD and then buy a RHD G500 with the money you'd save. Two Gs...now there's an idea.
well thanks. I guess the short answer to that is that I'm an architect - I like things just right, I hate clutter and anything superfluous, also hate collections. just can't imagine being on the wrong side and trying to tell myself and everybody with me that its ok or even right!
Besides, the basic model with its fabulous 320 engine is to my eye a real classic, and with its updates will make it so much easier than our Beryl. We have other cars, all heavy on petrol and of no character - have never even thought to give them names, but being up to the minute they are convenient and easy. Also I don't really like heavy luxury - personally I find it just a bit destasteful and especially in todays climate.
Wrote back to Peter and very nicely asked if we could see if Graz and AMG might collaborate in so far as respectfully stripping back from the G55 to something nearer the 320 to keep it more in line with their standard conversion. Suspect they wont even refer the question to germany and will get back with another one sentence ruboff. I'm an optimist and when we do eventually get to the germans I think we'll find that its not quite so impossible as MBuk would have us believe.
I did a little informal survey the other day and G owners, at least those who frequent G forums, are quite often architects, creatives, engineers, mechanics or entrepreneurs....
Not sure what roads are like in NZ, but I find a LHD preferable in England as we have a lot of narrow roads and it allows you to get right over to the edge when oncoming traffic approaches.
Also the truth is all RHD Gs have a few compromises which just makes LHDs that tiny bit more comfortable. Nothing major but if you're an architect they may matter... little things like the bonnet release is backwards in a RHD and harder to reach since they had to reverse the cable direction...
If AMG won't strip it back then have them send it to ORC (www.orc.de) and they will.
....
Also the truth is all RHD Gs have a few compromises which just makes LHDs that tiny bit more comfortable. Nothing major but if you're an architect they may matter... little things like the bonnet release is backwards in a RHD and harder to reach since they had to reverse the cable direction...
.
never really noticed. What other one's do they have over a RHD.
Spider1V - Glad he has the CORRECT car for UK roads....... 8)
Its da roundabouts and overtaking dat causes the problem
I do prefer to see before I pull out in either case
Its da roundabouts and overtaking dat causes the problem
I do prefer to see before I pull out in either case
roundabouts? how do they pose a problem?
overtaking is only a problem if you have a truck in-front of you and no passenger... you can see either over or through most everything else.
and on straights you can also pull far left and look past from that side.
the only problem i can imagine on a G320 is ticket barriers. it's not so bad on my G as you can lean across to reach it. but on a G320 there will be that massive console between the seats. might necessitate a garbage picker up arm.
never really noticed. What other one's do they have over a RHD.
Spider1V - Glad he has the CORRECT car for UK roads....... 8)
that's because you've probably never opened your bonnet.... :)
there are other details like on some RHD Gs the draglink rod has one fixed end, but on a (newer) LHD they are both replaceable.
the map reading light on your dome faces the driver - not the passenger
i also find the pedal relationship between the brake and accelerator slightly out of place on a RHD. don't ask me why... i just notice when i move my foot from the accelerator to the brake - it feels like i need to really pull my foot back and across rather than just across. noticed this on a few RHDs but not LHDs.
there are others which I can't think of at the moment.... maybe roly will pitch in as it was he i was having the conversation with.
Max - glad he has the better designed car
Spider1V wrote:
never really noticed. What other one's do they have over a RHD.
Spider1V - Glad he has the CORRECT car for UK roads....... 8)
that's because you've probably never opened your bonnet.... :)
there are other details like on some RHD Gs the draglink rod has one fixed end, but on a (newer) LHD they are both replaceable.
the map reading light on your dome faces the driver - not the passenger
i also find the pedal relationship between the brake and accelerator slightly out of place on a RHD. don't ask me why... i just notice when i move my foot from the accelerator to the brake - it feels like i need to really pull my foot back and across rather than just across. noticed this on a few RHDs but not LHDs.
there are others which I can't think of at the moment.... maybe roly will pitch in as it was he i was having the conversation with.
Max - glad he has the better designed car
Yes, yes, so what about the dag link? So it likes dressing up in womens clothes - big WOW!
Just looking at my map reading lights one faces the driver and guess what one faces the Passenger!
I would have to agree with you in the pedal relationship, you have to get used to not sliding across, but lift slightly
Hmmm these are serious differences, Iwill have to take note when I get him (Gerhard) back.
Spider1V - Thankful that he does not have to reach across to pay tickets........ (and that he has one of the last OFFICIAL G500's........ 8) :P )
the map reading light on your dome faces the driver - not the passenger
with my passenger it would be wasted pointing the right direction!
Tom - thinking you should be happy as all ive got is a 190!
aside from whats good or not good about being on the opposit side we are not allowed to register new LHD vehicles on the roads here.
max, I will check out ORC thank you and, peter templeman replied with even more venom. maybe it riles him when people are polite. I have a few more things I need to know so will try to keep him from spitting the dummy just a little longer - anyway its quite fun watching him rise to the bait.
aside from whats good or not good about being on the opposit side we are not allowed to register new LHD vehicles on the roads here.
max, I will check out ORC thank you and, peter templeman replied with even more venom. maybe it riles him when people are polite. I have a few more things I need to know so will try to keep him from spitting the dummy just a little longer - anyway its quite fun watching him rise to the bait.
Does that only apply to new vehicles? I know someone who bought a used LHD G to bring back to NZ...
aside from whats good or not good about being on the opposit side we are not allowed to register new LHD vehicles on the roads here.
max, I will check out ORC thank you and, peter templeman replied with even more venom. maybe it riles him when people are polite. I have a few more things I need to know so will try to keep him from spitting the dummy just a little longer - anyway its quite fun watching him rise to the bait.
Does that only apply to new vehicles? I know someone who bought a used LHD G to bring back to NZ...
I don't rate Peter very highly either - hence why I said speak with Howard. You will get much better service from dealing with a dealership on the continent. Both of the German dealers specialise with Gs and can help with exports.
new or used it doesnt matter youre just not allowed to regester a LHD vehicle now. a fairly recent rule. so we get things like enzos which people can only use recreationally round the track.
ive written an oozing letter to peter!
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this is what i want to hear, will now take this up directly with amg and also with our mercedes man jeff young at dip and tourist sale ealing. would prefer to get what we want through mercedes rather than brabus or the americans if only to keep things true to the original. we do very little offroading as such but new zealand driving does somehow seem to get you into places that are prety close to it. so we dont need the big engines deisel or petrol and it realy is the comfort of the newest car we want.
thank you all and i will keep in touch and any more ideas or contacts will be hotly persued, greg