Possibly buying a 350 GD

[Norvan Cruiser]

I've always been a Landcruiser guy and love them, but I've had my eye on a 1993 G-wagen 350GD. There's not a lot on ih8mud to go on for common issues and problems with this model, so I would love some help from you guys here on EP.

The guy seems like a legit dude, seems to have loved his rig, and is generally the type of guy you want to buy a vehicle from. As helpful as he's been, I'd have to be slow if I was going to take any seller's word as gospel however.

So, here's the link: http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/3333231911.html

Thanks in advance!

 

[otiswesty]

I've always been a Landcruiser guy and love them, but I've had my eye on a 1993 G-wagen 350GD. There's not a lot on ih8mud to go on for common issues and problems with this model, so I would love some help from you guys here on EP.

The guy seems like a legit dude, seems to have loved his rig, and is generally the type of guy you want to buy a vehicle from. As helpful as he's been, I'd have to be slow if I was going to take any seller's word as gospel however.

So, here's the link: http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/3333231911.html

Thanks in advance!

I I had the money, I'd be buying it!

 

[Norvan Cruiser]

It's nice. If you have any advice or would like to share any trouble spots to look for, I'd love to hear it.

There's obviously a decent culture here for the Gwags, but other than most people posting about it's capabilities, there's not much in the way of overall reliability. MUD is too biased against anything not TLC, so that's why I'm here

Thanks again!

 

[Norvan Cruiser]

FOUND IT!

Did some digging, and so far this is the best post on the subject by far. I hope that this re-post from pointed-three is okay, and if it's not, I will immediately remove this link. Anyway, some great reading for anyone in my situation:

http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/fo...er+guide&highlightmode=1&action=search#M80438

:Wow1:

 

[ScottReb]

P3 is a great Mercedes specific forum. The G class guys are top notch! Much like the IH8MUD for LC. Post it up there and people will give feedback and maybe have seen it or are nearby. I recently got my own G after some great help and direction. Good luck.

 

[Norvan Cruiser]

I'd post pics, but they're not mine to post (yet). As CL is a public site, I'll re-post the link to it where some pics are up: http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/3333231911.html

Any help here is appreciated, and if you have some quick observations I'd love to hear them.

 

[Xfactor]

did you end up buying it?

 

[Flanker525]

Just going to chime in here: Keep one very important thing in mind when you're looking at any 3.5 L OM603. In the Mercedes diesel community this engine is known as the "Rod Bender" and for good reason.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum...43-rod-bender-true-stories-how-broke-why.html
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/205236-3-5-liter-rod-bender.html

I used to have that engine so you can ask me how I know.....

If by chance a vehicle with a 3.5L 603 is purchased be prepared in case you have to swap the engine (3.0 OM603s are the most straightforward option but you could also use an OM602 and OM606) Keep in mind that NO swap is going to be completely straightforward on a Gwagen.

 

[beverly]

How about the OM617A swap, retaining the G transmission?

 

[Flanker525]

How about the OM617A swap, retaining the G transmission?

Much more straightforward if it's a W460 (The 350GD in question is a W463 which is an entire different animal)

 

[Titus Pullo]

How about the OM617A swap, retaining the G transmission?

No go, the bellhousing is different, 617 - starter at RHS, 602, 603, 606 - starter@ LHS.