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lawdawg04
Member
Date registered: Oct 2013
Location: atlanta, ga
Vehicle(s): G500
Posts: 7
| Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
I've been driving my 2002 G500 for a couple of years now and love it. I spend a lot of time on the road heading to look at different tracks of land (5 hour or so road trips each way) and appreciate the capabilities of the truck. I've been thinking of upgrading to a newer model because I've heard the ride quality has improved over the years and the interior comfort has gone up, as well as with increased sound proofing, some of the road noise at highway has gone down. I would love some feedback from people that have owned a couple different models and could give me some advice on what years they started noticing more improvements. Not looking to buy new, but could go up to about 2013, but could obviously get a better deal on a few years older. Thank you for any advice. Also, I do use the trailer hitch, and I believe that was an issue for a few years. |
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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: 9963
| RE: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
lawdawg04 - 11/2/2015 10:09 AM
I've been driving my 2002 G500 for a couple of years now and love it.
If that's the case, why not list it in your My Profile as one of your rides, especially on a G-Class forum.  |
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lawdawg04
Member
Date registered: Oct 2013
Location: atlanta, ga
Vehicle(s): G500
Posts: 7
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
Fair enough, didn't realize I hadn't updated it in a while |
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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
| RE: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
I looked at a 2014 the other day and the only major differences I noted were back up camera, AC seats, a little different dash design and that is it. I have not heard anything about better ride or soundproofing. |
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Monday
Date registered: Mar 2013
Location: PNW
Vehicle(s): 2005 G500 LWB - W463
| RE: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
JCH4 - 11/18/2015 1:43 PM
I looked at a 2014 the other day and the only major differences I noted were back up camera, AC seats, a little different dash design and that is it. I have not heard anything about better ride or soundproofing.
One thing that may improve the ride is the 2001 is a 5 speed where the 2014 is 7 speed |
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rjl
New user
Date registered: Sep 2015
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Vehicle(s):
Posts: 3
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
I have read where the '02s and '03s are prone to more electrical gremlins than later model years, but there is an exception for "late" production '03s. How can one tell whether a particular G is a "late production" '03? |
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djdinaz
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Arizona
Vehicle(s): 03 G55
Posts: 439
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
When it's made is on the VIN sticker in the drivers door frame... That or with an EPC subscription, put the VIN in and look at the datacard.
Near as I can tell, the production years run from June to May. e.g. 06/2001 to 05/2002 were sold as '02s. 06/2002 to 05/2003 as '03s, etc. |
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tradin1
Member
Date registered: Aug 2013
Location: Texas
Vehicle(s): 2002 G500, 2007 G55
Posts: 27
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
From someone who has personally had the interior out of an 02 G500 with165k miles and an 07 G55 with 130k and serviced both myself I'll tell you they are essentially the same car with diff eng. I put soft springs non AMG G550 and Bilstein shocks on both and they ride great.
The sound deadening is identical.
They both have the same issues imho. Just got done rebuilding the center shaft and replacing the wiper assembly on the 55 and did the 500 a few years ago.
If you like the truck you currently have, just replace the bushings, shocks and springs and enjoy it. |
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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
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
tradin1 - 11/18/2015 10:18 PM
From someone who has personally had the interior out of an 02 G500 with165k miles and an 07 G55 with 130k and serviced both myself I'll tell you they are essentially the same car with diff eng. I put soft springs non AMG G550 and Bilstein shocks on both and they ride great.
The sound deadening is identical.
They both have the same issues imho. Just got done rebuilding the center shaft and replacing the wiper assembly on the 55 and did the 500 a few years ago.
If you like the truck you currently have, just replace the bushings, shocks and springs and enjoy it.
Sounds like you have a lot of experience. I have a MY 2003 150,000 miles that I am currently addressing some rust and TC issues. If you have a minute, I would like to get your thoughts on what issues in your experience should be addressed at this time and any maintenance you recommend at this point. Neither my dealer nor my independent mechanic seem to be reactive versus proactive as to needed repairs/maintenance. |
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3006
| RE: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
Not long after buying my 2002 G500 with 57k miles, I had the opportunity to drive a brand new 2009 G550 for a few weeks. They were basically the exact same cars. The only difference was the Comand unit features. If you have a good 2002, I would just keep it unless you plan to pick up a very low mileage G550. Any used car is a gamble, just look at all the problems people post about that are secondary to their own mods, like suspension changes. And that doesn't include the trucks with the major rewired audio and lighting changes.
Edited by otiswesty 11/21/2015 10:46 AM
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tradin1
Member
Date registered: Aug 2013
Location: Texas
Vehicle(s): 2002 G500, 2007 G55
Posts: 27
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
JCH4 - 11/20/2015 10:05 AM
tradin1 - 11/18/2015 10:18 PM
From someone who has personally had the interior out of an 02 G500 with165k miles and an 07 G55 with 130k and serviced both myself I'll tell you they are essentially the same car with diff eng. I put soft springs non AMG G550 and Bilstein shocks on both and they ride great.
The sound deadening is identical.
They both have the same issues imho. Just got done rebuilding the center shaft and replacing the wiper assembly on the 55 and did the 500 a few years ago.
If you like the truck you currently have, just replace the bushings, shocks and springs and enjoy it.
Sounds like you have a lot of experience. I have a MY 2003 150,000 miles that I am currently addressing some rust and TC issues. If you have a minute, I would like to get your thoughts on what issues in your experience should be addressed at this time and any maintenance you recommend at this point. Neither my dealer nor my independent mechanic seem to be reactive versus proactive as to needed repairs/maintenance.
I replace every suspension bushing with new nuts, motor mounts, Trans mount, tcase mounts, rod end, king pin bearings, shocks, springs, fluids (front and rear diffs, locker fluid, Trans with filter, oil with filter, brake fluid, power steering fluid and coolant), idler pulley, belt tensioner, serpentine belt, water pump, plugs and coils.
Perform an ac service after new condensers and dryers on both.
New pedal position sensor on the 500 so did the 55 as good measure along with the crank position sensor.
I rebuild the center drive shaft and grease the front and rear as they have always been serviceable.
Both trucks needed the wiper assembly replaced at which time I upgraded the radio and headliner.
I've had to replace 2 window regulators in the 500 and 1 in the 55.
Most of this stuff is routine maintenance on an almost 2 ton brick in my opinion.
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michel bertin
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2006
Location: SFO Bay Area, CA
Vehicle(s): '02 G500, '14 G550
Posts: 124
| RE: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
I have a 2002 G500 since new, now 105K mi; have had a 2005 G500 since new, sold in 2014 at 80K mi and have a 2014 G550 now 15K mi. All maintained far beyond MB requirements.
I think the 5.5l M273 atmospheric V8 engine coupled with the 7G trans make a huge difference for the better. I have not noticed better sound insulation, however the current generation exterior mirrors are quieter than the ones on the 2003-2012, themselves quieter than the ones on the 2002. I also like the side watch radars on the current one and I absolutely love the adaptative cruise control, because unfortunately we always have a lot of driving on crowded highways even to go off-roading... I do not like the current generation hvac system after its reprogramming in 2013 to adapt to the new dashboard to blow more air on the outside vents and hardly any on the inside ones.
Other changes on the current generation: thicker front seats that reduce the rear seats leg room a bit. Rear seat is more inclined to the back by a few degrees which reduces the trunk space.
All in all, we absolutely love the current 2014 model, it is always a pleasure to drive it.
Agree with above comments to look for a very well maintained G if you buy used. I would personally avoid the compressor G55 models used. The maintenance described by Tradein is reasonable, I have done similar on my 2002, plus replaced all rubber hoses. |
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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
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
tradin1 - 11/24/2015 1:17 AM
JCH4 - 11/20/2015 10:05 AM
tradin1 - 11/18/2015 10:18 PM
From someone who has personally had the interior out of an 02 G500 with165k miles and an 07 G55 with 130k and serviced both myself I'll tell you they are essentially the same car with diff eng. I put soft springs non AMG G550 and Bilstein shocks on both and they ride great.
The sound deadening is identical.
They both have the same issues imho. Just got done rebuilding the center shaft and replacing the wiper assembly on the 55 and did the 500 a few years ago.
If you like the truck you currently have, just replace the bushings, shocks and springs and enjoy it.
Sounds like you have a lot of experience. I have a MY 2003 150,000 miles that I am currently addressing some rust and TC issues. If you have a minute, I would like to get your thoughts on what issues in your experience should be addressed at this time and any maintenance you recommend at this point. Neither my dealer nor my independent mechanic seem to be reactive versus proactive as to needed repairs/maintenance.
I replace every suspension bushing with new nuts, motor mounts, Trans mount, tcase mounts, rod end, king pin bearings, shocks, springs, fluids (front and rear diffs, locker fluid, Trans with filter, oil with filter, brake fluid, power steering fluid and coolant ), idler pulley, belt tensioner, serpentine belt, water pump, plugs and coils.
Perform an ac service after new condensers and dryers on both.
New pedal position sensor on the 500 so did the 55 as good measure along with the crank position sensor.
I rebuild the center drive shaft and grease the front and rear as they have always been serviceable.
Both trucks needed the wiper assembly replaced at which time I upgraded the radio and headliner.
I've had to replace 2 window regulators in the 500 and 1 in the 55.
Most of this stuff is routine maintenance on an almost 2 ton brick in my opinion.
Thank you! This is exactly the information I was requesting and your response is appreciated. |
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mb230s
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SWFL
Vehicle(s): G-less for now, vintage MBs, FJ40
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
It's been a while since I sold my 2002. Been itching to get back into a G....stubbornly holding out for the off chance MBUSA will allow the diesel engined Gs to be sold here. I then started thinking maybe I'd find a G cabrio instead for a fun car vs. a daily driver. They don't pop up that often and prices have risen beyond what I think they are worth. More recently, the VW diesel scandal is making me even more leery of USA emmissions on a diesel engine. Diesels have gotten too complicated. I just bought a FJ40 so I the cabrio G idea is dead.
So now I'm thinking a gently used G550.
What mileage are people getting with the new engine?
Gripe about my old 2002 - with the smaller tank and the worse mileage of the M113 the range was very limited.
What year did the hitch return?
I used to know this detail but can't recall.
What was the first year of ventilated seats?
I really really like ventilated seats. So much more then heated. In the winter when your butt is cold the seat will warm up eventually even without heated seats. During the summer when your butt/back is hot....it stays hot and usually gets worse. How good are the G ventilated seats?
Thanks!
Edited by mb230s 11/30/2015 9:55 AM
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3006
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
Ventilated seats began in 2009.
No frame mounted hitch 2009-2012.
I believe the mileage has not changed significantly, just the output (HP&torque). Maybe the biturbo V8 in the 2016 G550 is a little better MPG. |
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mb230s
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SWFL
Vehicle(s): G-less for now, vintage MBs, FJ40
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
2013 would be the starting point. Probably need to wait another year for lower prices. I think the gas tank got bigger since 2002 so that would help. Was hoping for a couple MPG bump up also. |
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chsu74
Member
Date registered: Sep 2015
Location:
Vehicle(s): GL320, 550XI, 993TT
Posts: 5
| RE: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
Monday - 11/18/2015 6:58 PM
JCH4 - 11/18/2015 1:43 PM
I looked at a 2014 the other day and the only major differences I noted were back up camera, AC seats, a little different dash design and that is it. I have not heard anything about better ride or soundproofing.
One thing that may improve the ride is the 2001 is a 5 speed where the 2014 is 7 speed
I have the 7 speed gearbox in my GL and it struggles to find the right gear around 30-45 mph around corners. Also aren't the 7 speed gearbox rates for a lower tq compared to the 5 speed. Since fuel mileage is about the same, I am thinking that the 5 speed rated at a higher tq is a more robust part. Provide both gear boxes are not abused of course.. |
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chsu74
Member
Date registered: Sep 2015
Location:
Vehicle(s): GL320, 550XI, 993TT
Posts: 5
| RE: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
michel bertin - 11/25/2015 12:31 PM
I would personally avoid the compressor G55 models used. The maintenance described by Tradein is reasonable, I have done similar on my 2002, plus replaced all rubber hoses.
What is wrong with the G55 M113s? It is in E55 and SL55s making it one of the Higher volume AMG motors and it is reliable if kept stock. People get themselves in trouble with modding it I thought. It is not without problems but the shortcomings are well documented in forums with fixes. |
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3006
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
I don't think there is anything wrong with the G55 m113. The Kompressor models have more theoretical failure points compared to a naturally aspirated motor. Maintenance is more, but that should be about it.
The 7-speed has been problematic in some MB models, but I have never heard of anyone having issues with this trans in a G class. Maybe it is built differently with offroad use in mind. |
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chsu74
Member
Date registered: Sep 2015
Location:
Vehicle(s): GL320, 550XI, 993TT
Posts: 5
| Re: Upgrade from 2002? Major year differences?
otiswesty - 12/7/2015 11:31 AM
The 7-speed has been problematic in some MB models, but I have never heard of anyone having issues with this trans in a G class. Maybe it is built differently with offroad use in mind.
I have heard of the transfer cases going bad and MB would only replace the complete unit including the gearbox. Not sure if one can buy the transfer case for the 7 speed separately today. |
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