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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
| 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
My current 2002 G has over 200K miles and I am thinking of buying a newer one.
The 2002 G had lots of minor annoying electrical issues that I’ve had to fix over the years. Other than that it’s been a good vehicle.
Between 2005 and 2011 are there any years or models that are better than others?
Any special issues I should look at or know about in these other years?
Thanks in advance.
AGuess |
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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: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
I don't know if you do any towing, but there was a period of time when there was no ability to install a hitch. That would be a negative for me. |
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gbenzer
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2006
Location: Georgia
Vehicle(s): 2007 G-500, 2017 Audi Q7
Posts: 418
| RE: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
I installed a MB (American style) hitch on my 2007 G-500 and it was a simple bolt on process. I do have a continuing ABS light issue that has been previously discussed and I suppose that could be classified as an electrical gremlin.
We also have an inactive forum member with a 2006 G that has a hitch but I'm not sure if he had any problems installing it.
Edited by gbenzer 7/23/2018 4:44 PM
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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: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
Yes, I need to install a hitch to pull my boat. |
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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: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
AGuess - 7/22/2018 11:46 AM
Yes, I need to install a hitch to pull my boat.
On some years it is not possible to install a hitch. They removed that possibility due to Federal regulations regarding rear end collision puncture of the gas tank.
Renntech made an aftermarket option, but it was very pricey and required a bunch of welding. |
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Braingears
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Vehicle(s): G320 & ML320
Posts: 1450
| RE: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
Does anyone know exactly what model years could not install a hitch. |
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Floobydust
Veteran
Date registered: Mar 2014
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Vehicle(s): 1995 E320 Cabrio, 2003 G500, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8
Posts: 284
| RE: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
Braingears - 7/23/2018 9:20 AM
Does anyone know exactly what model years could not install a hitch.
Model years 2009 through 2012 have no provisions for mounting a hitch. |
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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: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
Thank you and that is sad. 2011 is what I was looking at.
How much work is involved to install in those years, if possible.
AGuess |
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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: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
AGuess - 7/23/2018 8:50 PM
Thank you and that is sad. 2011 is what I was looking at.
How much work is involved to install in those years, if possible.
AGuess
Check with Bob Brady at Renntech.
bobb@renntechmercedes.com |
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GwagenLover
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Winston Salem, NC USA 27104
Vehicle(s): 2016 G550 & 2016 GLE350
Posts: 473
| RE: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
AGuess - 7/22/2018 9:19 AM
My current 2002 G has over 200K miles and I am thinking of buying a newer one.
The 2002 G had lots of minor annoying electrical issues that I’ve had to fix over the years. Other than that it’s been a good vehicle.
Between 2005 and 2011 are there any years or models that are better than others?
Any special issues I should look at or know about in these other years?
Thanks in advance.
AGues.s
My 2002 had electrical problems until the alternator went out. Once replaced, there were no more electrical problems.
I for one feel that I should have kept the 2002. The 2016 is far too powerful and extemely noisy. I cannot tell any difference in fuel consumption either.
The most aggervating thing about the 2016 is the auto engine stop when the vehicle comes to a stop. That drives me nuts and I cannot seem to remember to push the button every time I start it.
By the way Dutch, the 2016 has a hitch, but it comes with a brush guard that costs $4400.00 that I could have done without. It is in the basement now.
Maybe the 2019 will be an improvement, but I doubt it.
Edited by GwagenLover 7/24/2018 8:09 AM
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NHDave
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2013
Location: Seacoast NH.
Vehicle(s): 2004 AMG
Posts: 464
| Re: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
GwagenLover, do mean a hitch to tow the G-wagon or a hitch to tow something?
Googled 2016 tow hitch but didn't see a rear brush guard.
Cheers
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GwagenLover
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Winston Salem, NC USA 27104
Vehicle(s): 2016 G550 & 2016 GLE350
Posts: 473
| Re: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
NHDave - 7/24/2018 6:44 PM
GwagenLover, do mean a hitch to tow the G-wagon or a hitch to tow something?
Googled 2016 tow hitch but didn't see a rear brush guard.
Cheers
NHDave: I'm not too sure you are pulling my leg.
I have to assume you know brush guards are front mounted and most hitches are rear mounted.
Now re-Google! |
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NHDave
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2013
Location: Seacoast NH.
Vehicle(s): 2004 AMG
Posts: 464
| Re: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
"2016 has a hitch, but it comes with a brush guard that costs $4400.00 that I could have done without."
Yes sir, that is the usual arrangement and I have both.
You could've ordered your truck straight from Gras without the brush guard and maybe save some money.
That you could've googled.
Cheers
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HolsonY
Member
Date registered: Oct 2017
Location: San Francisco
Vehicle(s): 18 G550
Posts: 18
| Re: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
<div>Have you looked at the 2013s, they come with the newer interior and the factory trailer hitch is back I guess. Otherwise, I would probably stick with the 2008 or 2007 when the G500 started to come with the factory HID headlights</div><p>Re: brush guards. </p><p>I tried ordering a 2018 without the brush guard and the dealership rep told that I wouldn't save any money since the car would be ordered in the standard configuration with the brush guard and that the brush guard would be taken off the car at the USA VPC per my request.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
Edited by HolsonY 7/27/2018 11:39 AM
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gbenzer
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2006
Location: Georgia
Vehicle(s): 2007 G-500, 2017 Audi Q7
Posts: 418
| Re: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
My 2007 G has HID headlights and I'm very happy with them. I haven't needed auxiliary lights for nighttime off-roading yet. |
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GwagenLover
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Winston Salem, NC USA 27104
Vehicle(s): 2016 G550 & 2016 GLE350
Posts: 473
| Re: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
I want to tell you guys about a conversation I had with the shop foreman about the new Gwagens.
I was curious about extended warranties and after a quote of $4,000.00/year, I let it slide.
He enlightened me about many things, but the one that got my attention was when he started talking about the engine and replacing it if need arrised.
He was clear when he said to replace it would cost $57,000.00.
That brings me to the thoughts of keeping a Gwagen until it fails. Something to think about for long term ownership, and I mean really long term like many on the forum tend to do.
Given the fact that the new G550 and up are over powered by turbos and compressors, I think the old ones are worth keeping in working order and let the new ones lie.
Add your thoughts.
Edited by GwagenLover 7/28/2018 7:59 AM
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HolsonY
Member
Date registered: Oct 2017
Location: San Francisco
Vehicle(s): 18 G550
Posts: 18
| Re: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
GwagenLover - 7/28/2018 4:50 AM I want to tell you guys about a conversation I had with the shop foreman about the new Gwagens. I was curious about extended warranties and after a quote of $4,000.00/year, I let it slide. He enlightened me about many things, but the one that got my attention was when he started talking about the engine and replacing it if need arrised. He was clear when he said to replace it would cost $57,000.00. That brings me to the thoughts of keeping a Gwagen until it fails. Something to think about for long term ownership, and I mean really long term like many on the forum tend to do. Given the fact that the new G550 and up are over powered by turbos and compressors, I think the old ones are worth keeping in working order and let the new ones lie. Add your thoughts. Yikes! I plan on keeping my 2018 for a long time. I love 90s Benzes and grew up in Indonesia always watching the limited selection of MBs that were imported (mostly 230E, 300Es but the 300GE and 280GE always stood out, always loved them even though the LC FJ80s were more popular). I toyed with the idea of getting used MBUSA G's in 2007-2009 but those were the sports coupe days for me until I realized that I don't like driving fast and the G is hella fun to drive slow so I bit the bullet when the 2019 came out, had to have the last 463 that I've always wanted. Hopefully it lasts a long time and won't cost me $57K to replace the motor. I DO think the older station wagon models with low mileages will continue to be worth quite a bit because of what you stated above. Plus they do have the more classic look
Edited by HolsonY 7/28/2018 1:56 PM
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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: 2005 thru 2011 model years. Any better than others?
One thought has crossed my mind; removing my fuel tank plate and installing a plate from an older G? then install a hitch. This might be a dumb question |
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