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JCH4
Regular
Date registered: Jun 2010
Location: Charleston, SC
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500, LR 1972 IIA, LR 1962 IIA, Husqvarna 350
Posts: 99
| To keep or not to keep, that is the question
We have a 2003 G500 which we have had for 5 years. Usual problems here and there but overall very happy with the G500. I am a point where I need to decide whether to buy a new car or keep this one. I prefer to keep this one but it has 150000 miles. Does anyone have any opinion on what is a realistic number of miles to expect out of a "well maintained" G500 V8. In addition, if the engine was to need to be replaced/rebuilt the cost and difficulty of doing so? Advice appreciated. |
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colo77bronco
Member
Date registered: Aug 2015
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Vehicle(s): Toyota Tundra SuperCrew and GL450
Posts: 14
| Re: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
See my reply at expedition portal forums. |
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AGuess
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Holly Springs NC
Vehicle(s): 93 500GE, 93 500GE, 2002 G500
Posts: 717
| Re: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
I have (3) G's.
93 500GE (M117 engine) with 285K miles. Have changed timing chain twice, upper guide rails, intake gasket, vacuum lines and pulled the heads at same time for a valve job. Run's like new.
93 500GE (M117 engine) with $145 K miles. Have changed timing chain once and valve guide seals. Run's great.
2002 G500 (113 engine) with 185K miles. Replaced water pump and tensioner pulley.
Change oil in all every 3K miles. I hope to get at least another 100K miles on first 93 500GE before having to pull and rebuild the engine.
If you have maintained your engine, etc. with proper oil changes and routine maintenance, I would expect it to last quite a while unless there is a known problem with the engine and I hope not as I expect you have the 113 engine, like my 2002.
Good luck.
AGuess |
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Braingears
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Vehicle(s): G320 & ML320
Posts: 1450
| RE: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
When you have a well maintained G-Wagon, it's much less expensive to replace the engine than to replace the entire G-Wagon. Most of the guys on the forum have a second vehicle, so if their G-Wagon is down for a week or two for an engine swap, it's not too big of a deal. |
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BlueG
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2009
Location: DC
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500
Posts: 714
| Re: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
You've barely broken in a G with 150,000. Keep on going. We'll talk more at 300,000. |
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3004
| Re: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
Don't sweat it. I am looking to buy a G with 160K miles right now. |
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MiN
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Alpujarras, Spain
Vehicle(s): No cars, at all.
Posts: 555
| Re: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
I sold my '99 G500 last year. It had 293,000 miles on it. Never had a gear box problem and the engine never missed a beat. I did change such things as the tensioner pulleys, idler pulleys, v belt, oil pump seal and did the standard maintenance. Many of those miles were hard off-roading in the Arabian peninsula. |
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4x4abc
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: La Paz, Baja California, Mexico
Vehicle(s): 02 G500
| RE: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
first I thought, what a weird question - then I saw you own 2 Land Rover. That can distort your thinking about cars dramatically.
I am at 300,000 mi without any serious hiccups. Thinking of changing my spark plugs soon though.
The M113 is the most durable engine Mercedes has ever built (sorry diesel fans)
However, I can replace window regulators in the dark by now.
Almost forgot - I am on my 3rd battery. And the shocks are finally gone.
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olasdeplata
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Sep 2006
Location: At the Beach in Hatteras
Vehicle(s): 280GE convertible 84, 300E 89
Posts: 396
| Re: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
I agree with Harald. The engine is not the issue. I think you need to estimate what are the next things that will need replacement, like AC compressor/accumulator, shocks, window regulators, rubber parts that after 13 years can become brittle depending where you live, etc. Then decide. |
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jmr89
Date registered: Nov 2012
Location: France
Vehicle(s): Class G W463 320Cab V6 >>Ancien 230 GE Cab 1990
| Re: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
péférable it is to keep it as it is well maintained |
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atg
Veteran
Date registered: Nov 2014
Location: Los Angeles
Vehicle(s): 2005 G55, 1985 300tdt
Posts: 129
| Re: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
My wife drives a newer car because her work is very time sensitive and a breakdown would be potentially very costly.
Our G is ten years old and my wagon is thirty years old. I agree with Harald about the m113 vs diesel longevity, having just rebuilt the top end of my om617a.
A G is a great long term vehicle. You are going to have to go to another forum if you want someone to talk you into buying a newer one. |
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Braingears
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Vehicle(s): G320 & ML320
Posts: 1450
| RE: To keep or not to keep, that is the question
The great thing about the older Mercedes is that it would give you warning that it needed attention. A pulley may be noisy, or a steering component may get loose, or a wheel bearing may whine; but you would easily notice it before there is a failure that leaves you on the side of the road. |
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