G350 Turbodiesel M603 - I am about to buy - Please help
I am currently seriously considering to buy a 1995 G350 Turbodiesel. Engine has already been rebuilt with new pistons and head...
...I keep hearing horror stories about this engine, a M603 derivative, ...is it all really true? What do I need to look out for? Apart from the engine the car is in top condition.
G owners - please share your wisdom!
Thanks
George
George,
I'll jump in hear, though my knowledge is limited,
I understand that the problem was due to insufficient cooling, later models of the 350 were fitted with a different water pump ? and perhaps radiator ?
Someone more knowledgeble can be more specific.
Marcus
George,
The cooling problems of the 350GD/G350 where solved with the launching of the 1994 model year which is precisely when the G-Class models were renamed, causing the hitherto named 350 GD Turbodiesel be rebadged as G350 Turbodiesel.
If the truck is question was first registered in 1995 it is most likely that it will have the modifications introduced to correct the said issues incorporated. The best way to tell, apart from the model name (check with the original papers, not just the badges since these could have been replaced at some point) are the eight-hole alloys (7,5x16), the driver's airbag and the dark-wood panelling of the dashboard (rather than the lighter-coloured Zebrano of the older model).
In any event, send me the VIN and I should be able to tell you when that G was actually made.
Regards,
Providing that it has the later version of the head it will be good. I guess that if the engine has been rebuilt the correct head was used. Make sure that it has T30 coolant in the radiator and you have a top G. What info does the accompanying paperwork contain?
not too much knowledge from me but i have no regrets with my g, they are built very tough, much like the coupe youve got, not like todays merc's.
the engine should run fine if you stick to those oil changes etc, no reason for it to stop.
as for the fuel, ive got the 230 engine and yeh its guzzles but the fun of owning a g makes it seem insignificant
Tom
There are more knowledgable people on here than me but sincerly I have never known a chassis to crack they are tough tough tough, rear shock mounts have been known to rust but easy to see under rear arches.
Pampering is the key I have a 1987 looks in the condition of a later model because i pamper it ,TDs NEED oil change every 6-8000klm I have always done this to all diesel vehicles including vans and those that i have kept have all exceeded 300,000miles.
Keep on top of the service regime including all the grease nipple points jet wash the underside regularly and it will last you a lifetime i am sure.
Dear G owners,
thanks a lot for the advice. Just to provide additional information:
- Yes it a 1995 W463 model, 5 hole alloys, burl wood dark
- Cylinder head and pistons replaced for around EUR8,000 by previous owner (why not buy a new engine?)
- Mileage is around 210,000kms of which rebuilt engine mileage of 35,000kms.
Given the overall mileage of the car, how long will the rest of the car hold up despite the rebuilt engine? It seems to have been mainly road driven, limited offroad use, not used for towing.
Even if this is the flawed 350 design M603, will some TLC with Mobile 1 oil changes every 10,000kms, careful warm up driving, and moderate highway speeds ensure that the engine will not die again?
What else should I look out for with the W463 chassis? I hear the suspension can crack, wheel bearings can seize, and rust can gather in hidden places (where?).
Are you guys happy with your Gs? I have surrendered to the fact that the car will drink fuel like a truck - but apart from that any other gripes? No regrets?
I am really looking for a keeper and my current MB Coupe has 260,000kms on the clock with a smaller 230 engine. I love Benz and look after them - just want to make sure I don't by a fundamentally bad car that will die no matter what I do.
Thanks everyone for your advice. :)
George
As I said, yours is a second series G350 TD. The reason for the previous owner having chosen not to replace the engine but to repair it is that a new complete 350 engine could go for some € 14,000 (I now that the complete OM603 of my 300 GD goes for something like € 12,000).
If you pamper your engine, do not exceed 3,500 revs in long runs and use Mobil 1 (no need to change it more frequently than every 15,000 Km or one a year) there is no reason to expect it to last less than 500,000 kms without trouble. But if you really want to improve reliabilitity, performace and fuel economy, fit an intercooler to the engine. Brabus did one for this.
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Dear G owners,
thanks a lot for the advice. Just to provide additional information:
- Yes it a 1995 W463 model, 5 hole alloys, burl wood dark
- Cylinder head and pistons replaced for around EUR8,000 by previous owner (why not buy a new engine?)
- Mileage is around 210,000kms of which rebuilt engine mileage of 35,000kms.
Given the overall mileage of the car, how long will the rest of the car hold up despite the rebuilt engine? It seems to have been mainly road driven, limited offroad use, not used for towing.
Even if this is the flawed 350 design M603, will some TLC with Mobile 1 oil changes every 10,000kms, careful warm up driving, and moderate highway speeds ensure that the engine will not die again?
What else should I look out for with the W463 chassis? I hear the suspension can crack, wheel bearings can seize, and rust can gather in hidden places (where?).
Are you guys happy with your Gs? I have surrendered to the fact that the car will drink fuel like a truck - but apart from that any other gripes? No regrets?
I am really looking for a keeper and my current MB Coupe has 260,000kms on the clock with a smaller 230 engine. I love Benz and look after them - just want to make sure I don't by a fundamentally bad car that will die no matter what I do.
Thanks everyone for your advice. :)
George