I wanted to get more details on the G300DT. I've always had Great Luck with the Mercedes Diesels! I know that they are reliable and last forever.
I am actually willing to give up the extra horsepower for the diesels that I know and trust.
Before I start looking to trade my G320 for the Diesel, I have some questions...
What kind of fuel economy does everyone get? I noticed that the G500 actually gets better fuel economy than the G320? More horsepower and better fuel economy too. How does the the G300DT do?
How is the torque at lower RPMs? I noticed that my G320 is always around 4000+ RPM. With my diesel cars, I'm used to low-end torque.
How much electronics do the newer ones have? I am familiar with the 300D and 350D (in the cars 350SDL) and would take either in a heartbeat. When was the last year before they switched from vaccuum power to electric garbage?
I think my G320 has one of the more dependable engines (M104 - straight six). The newer G500's scare the hell out of me. Electronic this and fiber-optic that. I don't want want anything that I can't fix on my own, or in the field.
In the past month, I've done a full tune-up on my G320. I've changed the plugs, the wires, and even one of the coils. The truck is now running great.
On my diesel cars; clean oil, clean air, and clean fuel... and they'll run forever!
I guess I'm more confortable with the Diesel Mercedes. Can you tell?
How about you guys? How would you compare your G against the other models?
Chuck
Quote:
In the end, there are only two types of people who own Mercedes. Those who can work on them, and those who can pay for them...
__________________
Chuck "You can't kill em"
'74 240D - 359,000 Miles (sold) • '76 300D - 350,000 Miles (sold)
'84 300CD- 280,000 Miles (sold) • '85 300D - 380,000 Miles (sold)
'87 300D - 275,000+ Miles • '87 300D - 175,000+ Miles (yes I have two)
'98 G320 - 150,000+ Miles (Official Range Rover Recovery Vehicle)
IMO the only viable diesel G is the G300TD like Alan McReynolds owns. I am sure he will reply as well but, I think he gets nearly 20 mpg with that truck. The hp is less than the G320 but the torque is higher and that engine is backed by the five speed auto instead of the four speed in the early 320's. That model should be very comparable to what you have now except be diesel powered.
The 350GD is not something I would consider. The engine is a time bomb without some major updates to the cooling system and possibly a new cylinder head. This was probably MB's worst diesel ever.
The problem with the 300GD is power, you get 88hp, not much in a 5000lb+ truck. What I have considered is a swap to the 617A turbodiesel which brings you up to about 125hp and old school MB reliability. There are really no electronics at all on a 300GD and addding the turbo engine is an easy swap that makes the truck much more drivable.
The pre MBUSA G500 still gets my interest. I really did not like my '02 much, except for that V8 engine, which is a gem. Yes, they do get marginally better milage as well. The diffs are geared up and the five speed auto has an OD so the rpms are not nearly as high as the G320. The power is VERY nice in those trucks, and while there are electronics to deal with it is less than the '02 and newer trucks.
I have decided on my ultimate G. I will have a 300GE cabriolet at some point in the next few years. This is the 170hp gas engine in an early 463 chassis. Very simple and lacking electronics, very reliable easy to work on engine, and all the advantages of the 463 chassis which I have decided I prefer.
Brent is right the 300DT like Alan's is the way to go if you can find one. I have a non-turbo 300 463 with a auto 4spd. I love it - Very simple to work on and parts have not been a problem- I get in the mid 20's for mileage a little better on the highway going 60mph- I have run "green diesel" with out issue- I is not for everyone 113hp when new. If you got the "new G book" from Dutch - there is a guy who has traveled the world on a low HP diesel- many more miles then any or maybe all of us will ever but on our G's- I travel from Seattle to BC in mine- It is slow off the line but does fine. I am always looking for a turdo engine to swap out someday. Good Luck- CW
I must say that I'm happy with my G300DT. It is pretty simple to work on with the exception of replacing glow plugs and the left engine mount.
Yes, it does have engine electronics. However these shouldn't be a cause for too much alarm. In place of mechanical systems that wear, there are easily testable sensors and an engine control module that should never fail. (I develop microcontroller based devices for a living, so I'm biased). Some earlier complications dissapeared. For example, cruise control is just a bit of software and some switches. (Ask DUTCH about that ;-) Also, the rear brake pressure compensator went away in favor of direct ABS control.
When things do go wrong it tries it's best to go into limp mode (~88hp or 3rd gear). This has happened to me once for the transmission and once for the engine. I didn't bother to pull the codes for either.
Fuel economy has averaged 18.8 over 28Kmiles (min16, max24). I generally drive very smoothly in the city, can you say "momemum management". The mileage improved with 265/70R16's (from 255/65R16) and would probably improve again with 265/75R16's. It currently spins ~2600rpm @65. Fully loaded, it climbs all freeway grades at the limit, usually in 5th. Altitude has no effect except to slow the initial launch. The torque band is flat from 1600->3300rpm and drops off sharply on either side. More power can be had: http://www.hs-elektronik.com/datenbl...es-g300td.html
The only real gremlin I have is that the intermittant wiper starts up on it's own every once in a while. Probably just an abraded wire somewhere.
Norm may have another one, or might be interested in bringing more in. It might be hard to justify though, what with the glut of G500's on the market.
Linear Mode
