Hi guys!

A neighbor of mine has his 1983 300GD G-Wagen up for sale!

I gave it a quick look. It looks to be in good shape. It is equipped with the OM617NA and a 4-speed and AC!

Everything else is manual.

He's asking around $20K for it, but I'm sure I can talk him down.

So, the questions are:

* How hard are these to get parts and service for?
* What problems are common to these models?
* Would it be a good idea to pick this up as a daily driver?
* Anything else?

I've always been really intrigued by these and have wanted one for a long time, but now that one is available, I'm hesitating.

I'd really appreciate your honest advice.

Sincerely,

Packman

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83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige
189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too!

If its in good shape and you can talk him down in price I'd go for it! They are awesome vehicles. Not comfortable like a car though, its a truck.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

we need pictures or as they say around here.....peetchurs.

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Ben
1987 190d 2.5Turbo

Do you have personal experience with one? Can you give more detail please?

Actually, does ANYONE have significant personal experience with these, and if so, would you give some details on the ownership experience?

Thanks,

Packman

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83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige
189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too!

I have not owned/driven one. They are essentially a military spec truck. If I had the chance to buy one I'd jump on it if it was in decent shape.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Parts are available in the USA. Europa in Santa Fe used to be an MB authorized dealer and had the parts microfiche for that year G-Wagon. If you don't want it pass on the info. Not a highway cruiser given the gearing but great off road. They typically have significant problems with rust. Is it a 4 dr or 2 dr model?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I looked at one hard a couple of years ago here in BC.

Bomb proof. Quite literally if you can find the right ex-mil version

And wonderful off-road.

If you drive on rough gravel or worse more than 50% of the time, get it. If you need to keep up with modern traffic on normal roads, don't buy it.

For that kind of money, I would be afraid to drive it or get it dirty.

Very cool machine, though. If you got the scratch and a use for it, buy it. I don't think it's going to be a great highway commuter but who knows.

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1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors.
2003 S430 - 107K
1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+.
1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K.
Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge

Mileage, any rust?

We need more info

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Current : 1988 R107 560SL

Previous: W123's, W211, w210 E55, W463's, W108's, W111

They are great vehicles. I am on my second. My first was an 83 300GD cabrio. I had a transplanted 617A turbo motor in it with a 5 speed. Great running car. It was my daily driver. I sold it just because The cab top did not allow me to secure my tools and such inside.
Check for rust around the rear tail lights, the rockers, and the floor.
All parts from Europa in Santa Fe were purchased by Eurotruck in Flowery branch GA. ( Eurotruck Importers, Your source for Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicles and spare parts! )They are one of the main suppliers in the states also Gwagen Preserve ( GWAGEN PRESERVE ~ Parts and Overland Accessories for Mercedes Gelandewagen ).
Great guys knowledgable and can get about any part you want. Also peruse the EPC (electronic parts catalogs) and if you have the part numbers the dealerships are more prone to help you out.

Mark

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91 300GD SWB with transplanted 87 OM603 turbo motor

Also this is great site to familiarize yourself with the various models: g4rce or all about the Mercedes G.

mark

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91 300GD SWB with transplanted 87 OM603 turbo motor

Also check for rust on back panels under windows around body welds, around rear door, and roof rails.

I have had 3 G500's. Loved them!

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Current : 1988 R107 560SL

Previous: W123's, W211, w210 E55, W463's, W108's, W111

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83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige
189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too!

Summary:

* Really straight body. No body damage that I can see. No Bondo, no respray (or if it was done, it was a body-off-frame restoration).
* Driveline has a lot of vibration, shuddering and shaking. I suspect u-joints and/or driveshafts need to be balanced or replaced.
* Very clean, virtually no rust. The only spots are below the door as shown in the peetchurs Easy to repair.
*A/C is dead
* Engine is very strong, and very little blow-by. I was able to get it up to 70-75 on the freeway, even with the driveline issues. All the bits seem to be in the right places, no hacking or weird stuff going on. Starts on the first glow, very little smoke, good power.
* A few little trim pieces missing.
* Temp gauge seems flakey.


To do list:
* Get the driveline balanced.
* Figure out the coolant gauge issues. It seems to jump around, making me think it is a faulty gauge. I need to put an additional gauge in, and possibly swap the thermostat, flush the radiator, etc.
* I'm going to need to put more gauges in! I'm thinking oil pressure, coolant temp, Tach (is that possible?), and voltage meters. I can't believe it doesn't have any of those, or that the ones it does have are so rudimentary!
* Fix all the little missing parts.
* Fix the rust!
* Fluid changes on everything!
* Diesel purge!
* Valve adjustment
* Outsource the A/C to be fixed when my wallet has recovered.
* Polish it up!

So, any recommendations? Suggestions? Comments?

(Yes, I bought it!)

Sincerely,

Packman

__________________
83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige
189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too!

Damn. I'm jealous.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13