Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!

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frankychops
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Hi all

I've looked in here loads over the years.  I'm now at the point where I think i'd Iike a G wagon as an every day interesting daily.

It'd do about 8-10k a year.  I've been looking into g350, specifically this one.

 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010205212303

I know its had a recall done for a larger oil cooler etc, what else is there to look for?

It seems the 2011+ resist rust a little better? Or am i making that up?  Any opinions on anything.

 

I'd happily have an older one, its just finding the right one.

Theo
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Re: Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!

Hi and welcome,

March 2011 registered, one of the first to be delivered to the UK, could only be ordered via Mercedes Brooklands. I prefer the look of the early 350s, more appropriate than the later cooler-in-the-bumper look.

It needed the oil cooler modifications. The photos do not cover this, there should be a plate underneath the car to protect the oil cooler. You probably already spotted these two threads:

http://www.gwoa.co.uk/content/g350-blue-tec-2011-oil-issue-0

http://www.gwoa.co.uk/content/purchasing-used-2010-2011-g350-bluetec-engine-issues

The air sensors in the exhaust pipe tend to fail, a yellow engine management warning light comes on if this is the case. Have a look through the service invoices when these have been replaced. If they have not been replaced ask the seller a direct question, it is possible to reset the warning light but it will come back after a few hundred miles.

On my car the plastic ventilation inlets in front of the windscreen needed replacing as they bent up and were causing unpleasant wind-noise when driving faster than 75mile per hour. Judging by the photos this might not be the case here but have a good look, they should be flush with the hood, not slightly raised between the fixings.

Otherwise, nothing to report, definitely no rust, feels and drives like a tank, the noise of the central locking and closing the doors is an event. Take it off-road, even with standard tyres it climbs like a goat in dry conditions

frankychops
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Re: Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!

Thank you for the reply.

Its got a service note for an oil cooler exchange/warranty work as part of a service bulletin.

Is it still possible to fit slightly thinner steel wheels to these?  Like yourself, I prefer the look of the earlier ones as they feel more in keeping before the external led's etc.

Theo
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Re: Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!

I'm not aware of any steel wheels for the 463, but these were available for the 460 and 461.

To get a more robust look, you can fit 16-inch wheels with off-road tyres; the Astaroth wheels are popular in this context; the next step is getting rid of the sidesteps, that gets you closer to a 460 (the picture shows a special edition 461 G); the Hutchinson wheels give you the army look, but these are heavy and do not help the already harsh ride of the G.

 

 

 

 

frankychops
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Re: Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!

i was looking for better road manners :)

Whats going on with the value of these?  I can't work out if its still got a way to drop?  

 

 

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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Re: Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!
3 owners, good mileage, full service history. Sounds good. I'd say the money is about right, bordering on good. Agree with Theo. I have the facelift 2012 model with higher mileage and it's a dream. I think the gearbox may be different (mine is 7 speed). My NOX sensors broke down and the Bluetec filling sensor played up. But I've had this engine 3 times in different cars and it's 225+ bhp and a smooth cruise at any speed you like. 22-26mpg. Never really use all the gimmicks, but then they won't break either. It's good for a daily driver. Go for it, imo.
frankychops
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Re: Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!

same gearbox etc.  I think a bit of milage helps!

Whats yours like on the motorway, I have 2 long trips a month, 400 mile round trips, would it do 24mpg at 70mph?  Cant wait to get one, its just finding the right one. it'll be good to give it a regular long run.

Where these have had differing plates, its difficult putting the history together.

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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Re: Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!
On 100mile runs at 80+, or 100+ I get solid 21-23 mpg. If you can puddle along at 60 and barely 2k rpm, you will get 25-29. I think you get the best of all worlds - motorway cruising at any speed, road presence, decent economy, heated seats! Btw those wheels are the same as I have now. You get the curious attention to check you out that you don't get in an older 460. Those seem to be regarded more fondly as a classic, and a workhorse 4x4. Just my 2 cents. I enjoy both.
Theo
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Re: Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!

frankychops wrote:

i was looking for better road manners :)

Whats going on with the value of these?  I can't work out if its still got a way to drop?  

16 inch wheels give you a smoother ride but less traction and more understeer; I stuck with 18 inch on mine.

frankychops
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Re: Newbie saying hi, lots of questions!

thanks all.

 

Just to find one.   I like the one in the link, however covid isn't helping.