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syncro
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2007
Location: Orinda, CA
Vehicle(s): '84 280GE LWB > 300GD, '75 240D
Posts: 477
| G500 reliability
Many of you guys champion the 460's for their reliablility. But how do the 463's stack up?
Do the G500's hold up with the miles and abuse?
Looking under the hood, they seem a bit complex for simple roadside repairs compared to an engine compartment you can see the ground through. Also the complicated electronics look like they're begging for trouble.
So what sort of problems or maintenance issues would you expect from a typical 463 (G500 here in CA) that has
50K miles?
100K miles?
150K miles?
-thanks, Christian |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9965
| RE: G500 reliability
syncro - 5/15/2007 5:37 PM
Many of you guys champion the 460's for their reliablility. But how do the 463's stack up?
Do the G500's hold up with the miles and abuse?
Looking under the hood, they seem a bit complex for simple roadside repairs compared to an engine compartment you can see the ground through. Also the complicated electronics look like they're begging for trouble.
They are not a "bit complex". They are a lot more complex; and pretty much out of the realm of a shade tree mechanic's ability. |
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Maxwell Smart
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: G500 reliability
They are a lot more complex as Dutch points out but they are also very reliable. At least the older ones. The 2002/3s had a lot of electronic problems but if you get a 1999/2000 you should be fine for reliability.
Alternatively see if you can get an older 463.
I had a 1992 300GD with 145,000 miles on it when I sold it and it ran perfectly. Of course there were a few niggles here and there but a lot more reliable than anything else with that kind of mileage.
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jcaine
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: G500 reliability
Frankly, I'm not a big fan of G-500's and certainly G-55's... mostly it's because it's more or less the same car as it was 25 years ago but with a big fat gas guzzling motor, and more bells and whistles to suck that gas... and the price of a new one is obscene... the vast majority of them never leave the pavement so you have people buying a status symbol that at the end of the day is outragiously impractical and an environmental assault. If you're not going off road with it, I say it's a bad statement given the environmental state of the world... dare I say Hummer?
With respect to reliability though, I'd have to say they should be every bit as reliable as any modern MB and that's pretty good... although all of mine have had some little electrical problems, usually AFTER the warranty has expired. |
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4x4abc
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: La Paz, Baja California, Mexico
Vehicle(s): 02 G500
| RE: G500 reliability
Jushua,
where is this sudden anger coming from? SUV bad - car good? Don't know about that.
I applaud that the vast majority (likely 99.9%) never leave the pavement. That's very environmentally concious. At least on
pavement they don't do any harm to Mother Nature.
Again - highly recommended: don't leave pavement. Plus its quieter when I go.
Satus symbol? Impractical? Environmental assault? Yes, yes, yes!
Don't we all make a statement with our cars? Possibly unconciously. But we all do.
I love impractical cars. Primarily very fast convertibles. The more expensive the better. Are we getting the practically police now?
You are only allowed what's practical for you? Hmmm... Do I hear 1933 in that?
Yeas cars are bad. Some more than others. Lets all walk from now on. India and China are happy to add the same number of cars
we give up - plus a few million.
I certainly don't like the status symbol cars - that's why I stay low, but will have to let others do whatever they like. After all,
more cars sold keep our economy happy. Helps us keep our jobs. What I like even less is the biodiesel driven as a statement
(I know, nobody would do that - yeah) saying "I am better than most of you." yuk!
Sorry, got off topic.
Reliability 460/463. Both of them are super reliable (including the 2002 G500) as long as they are properly maintained and not
abused (see Dave's remarks on preventive maintebnance here:
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=6623&pos...)
Neither one will leave you stranded - ever! Field fixes? Easier on a 460? Not really. Most parts, even when kinda simple will only
be touched by creative adventurers with strong mechanic's genes. For most, anything as complicated as a battery cable (I am
not joking) is too complex for a field fix. They'll survive - they'll find help. Humans are strong. We can compensate when the car fails.
A G500 is a tad more expensive to maintain than any of the 460. And thats true for all parts involved in maintenance and age
dependent
replacements.
On the positive side: the 463 is so much more fun to drive. On-road and off-road. Quite relaxing as well. It gives you confidence
by always having ample power at your disposal. The strongest point for me (still love my 280GE) is that the last generation of 463
(2002 and later) are so much safer with stability control, the brake force stuff (forgot the name).
My 300GD was the best car I had ever bought (that's what I told all my friends after 1986) - now I am even more excited about
my '02 G500! Best buy ever!
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JamesG
Regular
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550, 2000 L.C.,1997 L.C.1987 FJ60
Posts: 98
| RE: G500 reliability
Harald, I agree with your summary completley! These anti SUV voices grow louder and more frequent. Some should hang out at a truck stop and observe the trucks idling for hours. Think about the number of semis on our roads everyday, where is the outrage. Or what about the commercial aircraft and what they create everyday nationwide or worldwide, but god forbid that I drive my Landcruiser without someone's permission 
Nothing short of arrogance and ignorance  When I think global warming, I think Lemmings. |
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Jonathan Joseph
Expert
Date registered: Oct 2006
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Vehicle(s): 2004 G55
Posts: 1538
| RE: G500 reliability
Ok my two cents, even though I thought better of repling here, ( Also completely off topic sorry)
I think many of us agree, excessive fossil fuel consumption is bad. Hurts the world. Excessive, poorly informed, inconsiderate, offroad driving, hurts the world. Can we change it over night? Of course not. Can some start moving in a better direction? Of course, easily. Should we try to influence others to do the same? What harm is there in that? There are a lot of things we do every day that are necessary to maintain the way of life we are used to that destroy our enviroment. This is a given.
What I have a problem with is the f*#@$it I can't change it so I'm gonna keep living the status quo to the max...drive my Hummer to the store two blocks away to buy a quart of milk, just because they tell me I can't! Laugh all you want but this attitude exists, unfortunetely even on this forum.
Jonathan
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jcaine
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: G500 reliability
JamesG - 5/15/2007 11:50 PM
Harald, I agree with your summary completley! These anti SUV voices grow louder and more frequent. Some should hang out at a truck stop and observe the trucks idling for hours. Think about the number of semis on our roads everyday, where is the outrage. Or what about the commercial aircraft and what they create everyday nationwide or worldwide, but god forbid that I drive my Landcruiser without someone's permission
Nothing short of arrogance and ignorance When I think global warming, I think Lemmings.
Now fellas let's be nice... I'm not judging anyone here... the guy asked about 463's and I gave my opinion...
my neighbor, a young girl has a g500. She NEVER hauls anything, carrys passengers, goes off road, or does anything with that car but drive around Beverly Hills. Is that a good use of a G let alone a G55?... I don't think so... Does it make sense to do that kind of driving in a car that gets 7-8 miles per gallon?... I don't think so. But that's my opinion. She and you guys can do whatever you like. I'm not and wouldn't do it...
As for the BS about lemmings, Now THAT'S ignorant... global warming is real... there is no dispute. The fact that we are using oil at such a rate that if it doesn't change drastically now, there will be HUGE changes in the way we live our lives within 10 years and fundimental impact on our very existence within 20 is fact... Yes air craft are wasting fuel and polluting, as are truckers, RV's, various motorsports, etc... does that mean we all should?... what kind of nonsense is that?... If we all do just a little, we can change alot... use flouescent bulbs, solar, wind, insulate your house, keep you tires inflated, filters clean, and just think about it a little... it's easy.
Sure it's still personal choice... like the guy who throws his trash out the car window or the guy at the next table sucking down the cigs while your sitting there with your kids... they can do it, but is it right?
Be smart and be cool... that's all I'm saying. |
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jcaine
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: G500 reliability
Jonathan Joseph - 5/16/2007 12:47 AM
Ok my two cents, even though I thought better of repling here, ( Also completely off topic sorry)
I think many of us agree, excessive fossil fuel consumption is bad. Hurts the world. Excessive, poorly informed, inconsiderate, offroad driving, hurts the world. Can we change it over night? Of course not. Can some start moving in a better direction? Of course, easily. Should we try to influence others to do the same? What harm is there in that? There are a lot of things we do every day that are necessary to maintain the way of life we are used to that destroy our enviroment. This is a given.
What I have a problem with is the f*#@$it I can't change it so I'm gonna keep living the status quo to the max...drive my Hummer to the store two blocks away to buy a quart of milk, just because they tell me I can't! Laugh all you want but this attitude exists, unfortunetely even on this forum.
Jonathan
Couldn't agree more...  and to be totally honest that hummer could just as easily be a G55... it's not the car it's how you use it...  |
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jcaine
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: G500 reliability
4x4abc - 5/15/2007 9:36 PM
Jushua,
where is this sudden anger coming from? SUV bad - car good? Don't know about that.
I applaud that the vast majority (likely 99.9% ) never leave the pavement. That's very environmentally concious. At least on
pavement they don't do any harm to Mother Nature.
Again - highly recommended: don't leave pavement. Plus its quieter when I go.
Satus symbol? Impractical? Environmental assault? Yes, yes, yes!
Don't we all make a statement with our cars? Possibly unconciously. But we all do.
I love impractical cars. Primarily very fast convertibles. The more expensive the better. Are we getting the practically police now?
You are only allowed what's practical for you? Hmmm... Do I hear 1933 in that?
Yeas cars are bad. Some more than others. Lets all walk from now on. India and China are happy to add the same number of cars
we give up - plus a few million.
I certainly don't like the status symbol cars - that's why I stay low, but will have to let others do whatever they like. After all,
more cars sold keep our economy happy. Helps us keep our jobs. What I like even less is the biodiesel driven as a statement
(I know, nobody would do that - yeah ) saying "I am better than most of you." yuk!
Sorry, got off topic.
Reliability 460/463. Both of them are super reliable (including the 2002 G500 ) as long as they are properly maintained and not
abused (see Dave's remarks on preventive maintebnance here:
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=6623&pos...)
Neither one will leave you stranded - ever! Field fixes? Easier on a 460? Not really. Most parts, even when kinda simple will only
be touched by creative adventurers with strong mechanic's genes. For most, anything as complicated as a battery cable (I am
not joking ) is too complex for a field fix. They'll survive - they'll find help. Humans are strong. We can compensate when the car fails.
A G500 is a tad more expensive to maintain than any of the 460. And thats true for all parts involved in maintenance and age
dependent
replacements.
On the positive side: the 463 is so much more fun to drive. On-road and off-road. Quite relaxing as well. It gives you confidence
by always having ample power at your disposal. The strongest point for me (still love my 280GE ) is that the last generation of 463
(2002 and later ) are so much safer with stability control, the brake force stuff (forgot the name ).
My 300GD was the best car I had ever bought (that's what I told all my friends after 1986 ) - now I am even more excited about
my '02 G500! Best buy ever!
not to belabor but I want to be clear...
1. I'm not angry.
2. Never said or meant SUV bad, car good. I have a G...remember?
3. The very fact that big suv's especially a G, (the best offroad vehicle on the planet) don't leave the pavement represents a misuse of the vehicle... a vehicle which happens to take a whole lot of fuel to run, which IS doing a whole lot of harm to mother nature. The more you use it for it's intended purpose (in my opinion) the more sense it makes even if that's hauling kids around in ice and snow, moving equipment, ranch work, etc... this premise goes for sports cars as well... if you go ripping up the twisties in your Porsche or Ferrari, it's the intended use of the car and makes sense...
4. I run BIO and Veg because it's the right thing to do... for me and for you. I NEVER use it to belittle or condescend to anyone... In fact I take time to explain it to anyone nd everyone who wants to know... I think that's agood thing...
5. I'm no one's boss in here and I'm not telling anyone what to do... but if someone asks, I'm giving my opinion... isn't that the point of a forum?
Peace and Love Friends...
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NorthseaRoughneck
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Berghem, the Netherlands
Vehicle(s): 300GD SWB - 300GD LWB
Posts: 538
| RE: G500 reliability
To get back on topic ...
Reliability of W463s! Well, I don't have experience with W460s nor with G500s but I guess it is safe to say that W463s are every bit as reliable as any W460. I know that mine has done 365.000+ KMs without too many issues. Ok, you'll have some problems and challanges every now and then but what can you expect from a 17 year old car that's being used as a daily driver both on an off road.
Maintenance ... or even, proper maintenance at correct time intervals will keep any G reliable. That's what I think anyway.
Which ever type of G you'll end up buying I hope that you and your wive will enjoy your road trips (both on and off road) and that you can enjoy your G in a reliable and safe way.
Regards,
NorthseaRoughneck
PS: All other issues discussed in this particular thread should have been discussed in separate threads and on top of that I think we should all stop pointing fingers at eachother for no obvious reasons no matter what the issue might be. Discussion yes ... shoving down ones point of view down someone else's throat no. |
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hus55
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: north cyprus,lapta.
Vehicle(s): 300GDS, G300 LONG,300GDT CLK55 AMG CAB.
Posts: 2230
| Re: G500 reliability
i think that sometimes you've just got to be lucky.anything can go wrong,break or fail,its the luck of the draw. the only reliability issue the 460 has over the 463 is less electronics,(WHICH MEANS LESS POBLEMS).
but the 463 is a much nicer drive especially in G500 terms!
the more you spend the more you get is the general philosophy.but if a G500 is on the agenda, GOOD LUCK AND GREAT CHOICE! i would possibly look into finding a good local non franchise mercedes mechanic.here in the uk mb is very expensive but there are a few ex-mb mechanics joining forces and giving us owners better value. |
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KERR
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: G500 reliability
"Does it make sense to do that kind of driving in a car that gets 7-8 miles per gallon?... I don't think so. But that's my opinion."
Your opinion and her milage is wrong. I'm about 99% sure i have the worst mileage of anyone on the forums, do to very heavy right foot, steel wheels, and larger tires. I still get 11.5-12.5 on average. If she is getting 7-8 mpg is probably because thats what some one told her she was getting. Matter of fact ive only gotten 6 mpg once and 5 MPG once.. The 6 MPG was pulling a SL500, and the 5 MPG was pulling 14K lbs of tile...
Also before you make your self look worse off, G's get a lot better milage than other suv's. My mom and dad have 07 denalies, Dad gets 8.5 mpg average in town. mom get 9.6... My wifes armada gets 12.-12.5 in town.. and our GMC truck gets about 11, Not to mentione excursions.. ever ask a owner of a V10 excursion what mileage he gets?
Bottom line all cars but a honda drink fuel,
as for the comit on the twisties, im about 90% sure a good driver could pase you trun for turn in your 911 TT with a G55K. Its about who has the "boys" to push and trust in your driving and car.
Back on topic.
I'm not sure how to feel about this topic.. On one hand ive had nothing but problems with my G electrically, on the hand nothing has given me problems in drive train excepts 1) secondairy cat's came appart, 2) 4 bad spark plugs. after 76K hard miles im just now starting to have some problems... But the way i drive, the places i drive and the things i tow with my G, would probably equial about 155K miles for the normal person....
Im now in the process of seriously looking at trading, depending on what my repair bill will be... I mean i know at least $700 for brakes, ( thats a given cant blame that on any one) But my AC noises, and poping / shake in the axles might ad up to a lot of money. On the other hand if i can fix it for say $2-3K and those parts last another 70K miles its worth it.
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Ed Mclass
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Vehicle(s): 1958 180a, 2010 GLK, 2000 G 500, 2005 SLK 350
Posts: 1215
| Re: G500 reliability
Compared to the UNIMOG the G 500 is a practical vehicle, but I don't get the looks in it like I did in the UNIMOG. My favorite adventure in the MOG was to drive through the 2,200 acre park in our city with the Shelties saying "hello" to the other dogs! |
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jcaine
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: G500 reliability
KERR - 5/16/2007 10:19 AM
Also before you make your self look worse off, G's get a lot better milage than other suv's. My mom and dad have 07 denalies, Dad gets 8.5 mpg average in town. mom get 9.6... My wifes armada gets 12.-12.5 in town.. and our GMC truck gets about 11, Not to mentione excursions.. ever ask a owner of a V10 excursion what mileage he gets?
Bottom line all cars but a honda drink fuel,
as for the comit on the twisties, im about 90% sure a good driver could pase you trun for turn in your 911 TT with a G55K. Its about who has the "boys" to push and trust in your driving and car.
As usual some guys have to take things where they don't need to go... great miliage figures... wow that's awesome!you and your family should be proud...
I have $10,000 cash for anyone who can "pase you (me) trun for turn in your (my) 911 TT with a G55K."
I'm done with this subject in this thread... |
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KERR
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: G500 reliability
lol... c ya.. I guess i hit a nerve...
on a side note your preaching about MPG the last turbo Porsche we had only averaged about 10 mpg in town and about 15 on the highway.
If I had a G55K and didn’t live 3K miles aways it would be a lot of fun weather your money was on the line or not… Maybe If I had a Cayenne turbo S it would be more fitting though.
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Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: G500 reliability
Well al I have to say is this, maybe someone should kick all the environmentalists for profit here in California in the ass and let us have some diesels that aren't Super Duty pick-ups...if you bring them, we will buy. Stupid legislature/special interests, blah blah blah. |
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Maxwell Smart
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: G500 reliability
KERR - 5/16/2007 3:19 PM
...as for the comit on the twisties, im about 90% sure a good driver could pase you trun for turn in your 911 TT with a G55K. Its about who has the "boys" to push and trust in your driving and car.
Did anyone see the video that was posted a few months back with the VW bus (albeit modified) passing the Aston Martin (if I remeber correctly) on the race track? |
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JamesG
Regular
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550, 2000 L.C.,1997 L.C.1987 FJ60
Posts: 98
| RE: G500 reliability
JCAINE,
Can you quote your sources on the "facts" about global warming? Hasn't been proven. The media has spoon fed you on the so called facts. Careful with the word "opinion". Don't confuse it with fact and judgement. |
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4x4abc
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: La Paz, Baja California, Mexico
Vehicle(s): 02 G500
| RE: G500 reliability
I am certain that we have global warming:
 (global_Warming.jpg)
Attachments
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 global_Warming.jpg (106KB - 36 downloads)
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