Done something crazy!

[solmanic]

I may have gone and done something a bit crazy and bought a G-Wagen. :o

Ever since I took one for a test drive back in 2011 when they were re-introduced, I have thought this might be the ideal post-Defender upgrade for me. Like a Defender on the outside, like a Range Rover on the inside. Driving position and overall feel of the vehicle is so similar to the Defender except for the fact that it's quiet, and well sealed, and the hand brake doesn't jab you in the left leg, and the door catch doesn't try to undress you every time you climb in or out.

It's due to be delivered on Friday so I will post some more photos and a bit of a more in depth review once I have it dirty. For now, here are the photos from the dealer... It was my wife's choice of colour by the way.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/132337706.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/132337847.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/132337783.jpg

Of course the biggest problem I have now is that I put the Defender Day Out in my diary and now I mightn't even have a Defender to go to it in. Can I perhaps get special dispensation to bring this Weeds? I promise I will stay out of any photos.

[goingbush]

Can I perhaps get special dispensation to bring this Weeds? I promise I will stay out of any photos.

Only if Weeds can take it for a Test Drive I suspect. :wasntme:

your a long way from home, that is Burwood Highway, Ritter Land Rover is just around the corner.

[disco2_dan]

Bit of a rude question but how much did it set you back? Also what size and type of engine?

[manic]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/132337736.jpg


I promise I will stay out of any photos.

Ahhh my eyes - that's one Ugly Defender :wasntme:

[Psimpson7]

Very nice. A good mate of mine used to have a 2002 g500 swb which I drove a couple of times and it was fantastic.

[solmanic]

Bit of a rude question but how much did it set you back? Also what size and type of engine?

The price is a closely guarded secret, at least until I have the insurance in place. I got a quote from Allianz (my current insurer on the Defender) and when I told them the purchase price they responded "computer says no" and the insurance was declined. Apparently what I've paid is more than 30% below their expected price range. The vehicle probably has no roof or something. Nothing four years unlimited kilometer warranty can't sort out though.

It has a 2.9l V6 diesel engine that is very close to the standard TdV6 in the current Discoveries power & torque figures. Also has the Bluetec diesel exhaust cleaner which requires topping up with Adblue every 12,000km.

[solmanic]

Only if Weeds can take it for a Test Drive I suspect. :wasntme:

your a long way from home, that is Burwood Highway, Ritter Land Rover is just around the corner.

Bought it from a dealer in Melbourne. It's on it's way up to me on a truck as we speak (I hope). Could have been a car-sales pre-paid transport scam though... :eek:

Anyone over 30 who doesn't drink can take it for a drive... but I guess that rules out pretty much everyone on AULRO. :wasntme:

[solmanic]

Ahhh my eyes - that's one Ugly Defender :wasntme:

I have been waiting in vain for MB to release the G-Professional, but still nothing. This one came up surprisingly cheap so it's the next best thing. I could do without the colour coded bumpers, wheel arches and grille. I may be able to "Professionalise" it a bit and get rid of some of the bling. A set of black alloy rims like the Army ones is in order, with some decent AT tyres.

[Yorkie]

very nice :cool:
is that an oil cooler behind the front grill down low?, can you get b/bars for these?. think it would be leaps and bounds over the defender for comfort and performance. enjoy.

[Don 130]

Crazy? Looks very sensible to me. I hope you enjoy it. There's an older one parks around the corner from here. The owner must commute. It has bull bar and winch. Very much looks the goods...and immaculate.
Don

[sheerluck]

......Anyone over 30 who doesn't drink can take it for a drive... but I guess that rules out pretty much everyone on AULRO. :wasntme:

I'm 42 and a non drinker. I'll be knocking on your door the day after it arrives. :p

[manic]

I have been waiting in vain for MB to release the G-Professional, but still nothing. This one came up surprisingly cheap so it's the next best thing. I could do without the colour coded bumpers, wheel arches and grille. I may be able to "Professionalise" it a bit and get rid of some of the bling. A set of black alloy rims like the Army ones is in order, with some decent AT tyres.

I was just messing, it looks like a nice clean g-wagen. Best of luck with it - I hope you enjoy it at least as much as your defender. Only keep us posted if you don't! :D

[solmanic]

I am becoming aware just how small the owner's community for G's is. Nothing like AULRO. I think it consistes of 4 or 5 crusty guys in tweed jackets.

Accessories are also slim pickings. Nearly anything I might want will be ordered from Germany. ARB & TJM don't do any kind of front protection. Ironman list a G350 bullbar on their website but when I rang them they said it was only in prototyping and not due for release until mid-year. I also cannot find a receiver type tow bar. The only one on offer in Australia is the genuine MB one and it has a fixed tongue, which I'm sure will mean bruised shins forever.

It would be good to know if there are any other G-Wagen owners on here.

[Sitec]

These are the product when two Unimogs are left in the same shed overnight!!! :D Nice looking vehicle tho. People who own them love them, and every Merc (trucks and Mogs) I've driven I've loved! Should be good! Enjoy!!

[robbotd5]

I am becoming aware just how small the owner's community for G's is. Nothing like AULRO. I think it consistes of 4 or 5 crusty guys in tweed jackets.

Accessories are also slim pickings. Nearly anything I might want will be ordered from Germany. ARB & TJM don't do any kind of front protection. Ironman list a G350 bullbar on their website but when I rang them they said it was only in prototyping and not due for release until mid-year. I also cannot find a receiver type tow bar. The only one on offer in Australia is the genuine MB one and it has a fixed tongue, which I'm sure will mean bruised shins forever.

It would be good to know if there are any other G-Wagen owners on here.
Sounds like you've been burnt already. Nice vehicle though. But can I ask? Why not a D4 or a RRS?
Regards
Robbo

[solmanic]

One of the things I like the most about the Defender is the flat, vertical sides and feeling that you know exactly where all the corners of the vehicle are. This is the only other proper 4WD I have driven which gives the same feel. Even 70 series Landcruisers don't accomplish this and their bonnets feel like they project into the next postcode. I looked at the RRS and it has doors a mile thick and the D4 is just too big all round for us.

I'm also not a big fan of having to add stuff to a vehicle to bring it up to a useable standard ("no... really?" says everyone). Diff locks all along the drivetrain as standard equipment is nice. The sum total of extra equipment i need on this is a tow bar, and a UHF. Front protection will happen only once someone starts making something ADR approved as the MB genuine bullbars look pretty weak and just attach over the top of the standard bumper.

[robbotd5]

One of the things I like the most about the Defender is the flat, vertical sides and feeling that you know exactly where all the corners of the vehicle are. This is the only other proper 4WD I have driven which gives the same feel. Even 70 series Landcruisers don't accomplish this and their bonnets feel like they project into the next postcode. I looked at the RRS and it has doors a mile thick and the D4 is just too big all round for us.

I'm also not a big fan of having to add stuff to a vehicle to bring it up to a useable standard ("no... really?" says everyone). Diff locks all along the drivetrain as standard equipment is nice. The sum total of extra equipment i need on this is a tow bar, and a UHF. Front protection will happen only once someone starts making something ADR approved as the MB genuine bullbars look pretty weak and just attach over the top
of the standard bumper.

Fair enough mate. Like I said, a very nice vehicle. I hope you enjoy it. Wouldn't it be great if LR did the same thing with the Fender instead of re inventing the wheel. Imagine, a Defender with a 800Nm V8 oiler, 6 speed auto, drive train to match. Plus an interior straight out of a D4HSE. Add a good range of aftermarket accesories that are already available and a 3500kg towing capacity and Mmmmm, a G wagon contender!!! Well I can dream.
Regards
Robbo

[Aaron]

Of course the biggest problem I have now is that I put the Defender Day Out in my diary and now I mightn't even have a Defender to go to it in. Can I perhaps get special dispensation to bring this Weeds? I promise I will stay out of any photos.

Its still yours! though I have already purchased seat rails and seat covers from MUD UK (fwiw.... postage costs more than the rails!). So long as you don't roll it or get it scratched up Im still interested.

[solmanic]

Wow! When I get over the initial excitement and have worked my way through some of the millions of manuals I will post some photos.

[djam1]

Well done I almost bought one back in the 80s
The only other Defender type 4x4 that I could respect

[JamesH]

Love these cars. They are my lotto dream car, well that or a FFRR. When the big cheque was presented I'm sure ill be really conflicted but given the style of camping I want to do and the fact that I love driving something "different" the G would be my choice, at least for a few years.

[solmanic]

Got some more info on my vehicle's short history. Apparently it was a Mercedes-Benz Australia promotional vehicle and was paraded about by them to drum up customers. MBAuPac were supporters of last year's Treffen (gathering) in Victoria and the Australian G-Wagen Owners' Association high poo-bah emailed me some photos. Thanks to MBZ460 for putting me in touch with him.

This explains all the dust inside the rear wheel cover.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Don't worry. I have had a good hard look at the floor and no way any water has gotten in there. The thing seals up tight as a drum.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/PA240738.jpg

Liking the black gangsta one next to it with dual snorkels..

[The ho har's]

Nice:)

hh is a little bit over 30 and he doesn't drink, so he counts for a drive, then I can be passenger:)

Mrs hh:angel:

[solmanic]

Nice:)

hh is a little bit over 30 and he doesn't drink, so he counts for a drive, then I can be passenger:)

Mrs hh:angel:

Nonsense! He's only 29 and I'm pretty sure you're not a day over 27.

[Scallops]

Let's hope it doesn't rust...If it's not too late, I can email you the quote from MR for maxi drive axles, lockers, and the body shop alpine roof repair and save you around $150,000.00! :p

[solmanic]

My dilemma... I'm having an emotional crisis selling the Defender. I keep telling myself that they are both different kinds of 4WD and it would make sense to keep them both.

...I wonder what would happen if they were to cross-breed?

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_0119.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_0120.jpg

Look at those windscreens... so flat, it's awesome!

[GuyG]

I hope you have another garage for the 105:)

[Disco Muppet]

*Emperor voice*
Good.....let the Landrover flow through you...."
Go on...keep them both....you know you want to.... :D

[robbotd5]

Keep the Defender mate. They look awesome together. You still GOTTA have a Landy!!!
Regards
Robbo

[Aaron]

Let's hope it doesn't rust...If it's not too late, I can email you the quote from MR for maxi drive axles, lockers, and the body shop alpine roof repair and save you around $150,000.00! :p

You can forward me on that quote. :)

[solmanic]

We went up to the property to see how things were after all the rain and to play with the new G. Not much in the way of hardcore off-roading but plenty of hardcore gardening. The track in was almost completely overgrown in places and many mid-sized trees down as well as a lot of tangled scrubby stuff blocking the way.

Played with all the diff-lock buttons but I can't say the track was difficult enough to need them. After about the sixth tree we called it a day before we even got onto the really gnarly part of the hill. Rain has kept us out since then but I'm looking forward to the next bit. Two more trees to go then we'll get to see how capable the vehicle really is.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_5980.jpg (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/solmanic42/media/IMG_5980.jpg.html)

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_5975.jpg (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/solmanic42/media/IMG_5975.jpg.html)

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_5972.jpg (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/solmanic42/media/IMG_5972.jpg.html)

A few spots where we have pipes under the road are beginning to wash out badly...
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_5993.jpg (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/solmanic42/media/IMG_5993.jpg.html)


http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_5983.jpg (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/solmanic42/media/IMG_5983.jpg.html)

Might need to consider getting a set of mudflaps. I wonder how many thousand dollars Mercedes-Benz charge for those?

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_6006.jpg (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/solmanic42/media/IMG_6006.jpg.html)

[MBZ460]

Ah, just found this thread. Now I recognise your G and you can see mine behind in this pic.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/148YXC943redG3.jpeg

Its harder to find aftermarket gear for the newer models. Not so bad for old ones and its easier (and cheaper) for me to get things fabricated, like my custom receiver hitch. I am getting rock sliders/steps made soon and modify the front bar for a winch. I dont see the need, for me, for a bullbar although its quite easy to adapt a 70-series ARB bar to suit.

Here is a pic of mine on the same day.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E4t1DAIBSaQ/ULqs-5rq_QI/AAAAAAAAFC0/zDz6PV0hETg/s640/P1050552.JPG

And some G's from a different event.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/04/727.jpg

I first came to this site for some info on the No5 ex-army trailer I have and have stuck around. So much good info and discussion on this forum.

[cols110]

My dilemma... I'm having an emotional crisis selling the Defender. I keep telling myself that they are both different kinds of 4WD and it would make sense to keep them both.


I am still having the same problem, some days the 110 has to go other days it has to stay, over the last few years reliability as been an issue which is the main reason I got my G to start with. My 110 is only worth about 15k so it is a much easier decision than if it was worth double that figure. The money would be nice but I am sure I will kick myself one day if I do sell it.

On the other hand I now put about 10 000km on the G and the more I drive it the more I think I would have trouble owning anything else. :o

[Blknight.aus]

heres a fun one for you....

whats the data plate on yours say for weights? Im not sure if it applies to just the military ones but I remember reading a review of the merc having a GVM of 4.6T which means you cant drive it legally on a car license you need to have a LR class (http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/licensing/licence_classes.html).

and I dont envy your choices, a ford or a gaywagen....

[solmanic]

...On the other hand I now put about 10 000km on the G and the more I drive it the more I think I would have trouble owning anything else. :o

I am now officially too soft. I'm sure Discovery & Range Rover drivers would laugh, but I am now sadly comfortable with the automatic everything. Interestingly, I often see reviews of the G-Wagen where they praise the off-road ability but bag it for its on-road manners, body roll, schizophrenic stability control etc. Having come from a Defender though I can't say I've noticed any problems.


heres a fun one for you....

whats the data plate on yours say for weights? Im not sure if it applies to just the military ones but I remember reading a review of the merc having a GVM of 4.6T which means you cant drive it legally on a car license you need to have a LR class (http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/licensing/licence_classes.html).

Um... there is no GVM listed. I checked the manual and it defers to the relevant placard on the vehicle. Where the placard is meant to be on European vehicles there is just tyre and towing information. Australian vehices list the weights on the compliance plate under the bonnet... But on the compliance plate it just has "GVM kg". That's it. No actual mass listed at all. Unladen weight is 2530kg.

[goingbush]

Thats interesting, My Iveco had no such plate either, you can get it registered as either a car or truck. In my case I wanted it registered in the car category so Iveco riveted a plate on the door jamb stating GVM 4490 kg . I do have a HC licence but why register as GVM 5500kg and then pay extra for rego and yearly RWC inspections . Problem when I went to get it registered, because it looks like a truck they wanted to register it as a truck and put it over weighbrige etc , but pointing them to the local GVM plate solved the issue.

[cols110]

GVM 3100 kgs, I wonder if the W463's are 3100 and maybe the W461's which are Military & the Professional series as 4600 kgs.

As for handling our G is by far the best handling vehicle we have but that is not saying much as I am comparing against a 110 & DII. I have never driven a newer class of vehicle with independent suspension such as a D4, RRS, RR etc but I am guessing they would handle far better.

[solmanic]

I thought after about a year of ownership it might be worth giving an update on the G for anybody interested.

Firstly - still loving it, and everything still working fine. No breakdowns, no major issues, but still plenty of minor warranty work (and one major recall) that should be familiar to a lot of Land Rover owners.

The major recall was actually an already existing "service measure" that was in place when I bought the car. Seems that the addition of all the bluetec emissions jiggery-pokery had the unwelcome side effect of raising oil temperatures on the 3l diesel engine to the point where some were experiencing sludging. My vehicle having done only about 4000km at the time had little worry of this but nevertheless still took 5 weeks to have the service measure done. Most of this time was taken waiting for parts from Germany since they couldn't be ordered until the lower sump was disassembled and they could get the correct numbers off the crank shaft since the parts are matched. Still, I got to spend those 5 weeks driving just about every other car in Mercedes model line-up.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

One other owner in Melbourne had a particularly nasty failure on his G350. One of the cylinder liners slipped when he was off on a trip to somewhere out west and resulted in an entire engine replacement. Again, MB came to the party supplying him with a GL delivered to where he broke down so they could complete their journey. I guess this just highlights how important the service back-up is in making even major failures bearable.

The other warranty work I have had done was all minor and would be familiar to most Land Rover owners. A coupe of window regulators and the sunroof chain came off its pulley. The odd rattle and a dodgy bit of floor carpet that Mercedes insisted on replacing despite me not really caring. Some crossed wiring which caused one of the million speakers to whistle whenever the lights were on. And a couple of times the exhaust pipe has had to have brackets replaced due to looseness and vibration noises.

The only thing that was in any way a bother was a clunk in the front steering that was there from new. It took three trips to two different dealerships before it was correctly identified and fixed (I had to find the one person who had already come across this problem as all the previous mechanics were just shooting in the dark suggesting it might be this or that). The cause was typical Mercedes over-engineering. They apparently put too much underbody sealant on in the factory which prevented some steering components from being properly torqued-up. Once they cleaned the excess sealant off everything was correctly re-tightened and the problem solved.

I've only had one service so far and the price was surprisingly reasonable, although I will be supplying my own oil in future. MB has about a 50% mark up on Shell Helix Ultra over say Supercheap. I plan to suck it up and continue with dealer servicing for at least the first couple of years before looking for a suitable independent workshop. The level of customer service from MB is outstanding and quite addictive. Free everything at their in-house cafe including cooked breakfasts and decent coffee.

Things I'm loving:
- Being able to fit into most car parks.
- Effective air conditioning and heating.
- Outstanding sound system.
- Diff locks and the associated confidence off-road.
- Knowing those diff locks are factory standard and no-one will give me grief if they or any other part of the drivetrain fails.
- The Defender-like seating position and visibility.
- The Defender like ground clearance.
- The compact exterior dimensions.
- Rear seat passengers no longer complaining about not being able to see out.
- Being able to make U-turns at will.
- Being able to go through the McDonalds drive-thru without having to do three-point turns around the corners.
- No leaks - not a single one.
- Not getting into an argument every time I have to talk to the dealership.
- A million other things related to now being soft and liking comfy driving.

Things not so good (compared to the Defender):
- Missing those few extra inches in the back and things that now just don't quite fit in.
- Slightly worse fuel economy (but slightly better on the highway).
- Feeling a bit of a ****** with everybody looking at you thinking the same. This is moderated slightly by the blokes you see mouthing the word "awesome" and kids who go ape**** when they see it.
- The car also makes me drive more like a ****** unfortunately.
- Access to decent and reasonably priced accessories. I still can't find a good bullbar and god knows where I will mount the UHF.
- Worrying a LOT more about the vehicle, especially when parked in certain neighbourhoods.

So overall, positive. I notice that when I bought the G there were quite a lot of 2011MY G350s for sale but currently there is only one on Carsales. Mine is also actually a 2010MY despite being first registered in 2013. It seems MB brought a bunch of them over and just stored many for a long time before selling. Weird.

Will I go back to Land Rover? Well that depends on what the new Defender ends up being and whether LRA stop behaving like a bunch of ****** and learn how to effectively service their customers instead of treating them like an inconvenience. They could learn a lot from MB Australia-Pacific.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/solmanic42/media/IMG_5985.jpg.html)

[cols110]

Thats a nice honest report mate.

I am just back from a 2000 km 6 day trip into Oman with mine, it was the first decent trip I have done and it drove like a dream, 5 people onboard, set the cruise at 120 kph and enjoy the ride.

It is a fantastic tourer, it is not quite to the level of my fully locked 110 off road but as an all round package it is way ahead. As you mention the rear is a little cramped compared to the 110 but to be able to carry 5 people in comfort is the flip side.

The only downside is the fuel economy luckily fuel is cheap here as I averaged 18-19 l/p 100 km, on one of the days we were running into a strong 20-30 kt wind for around 400km, with the cruise set at 120 kph it drank fuel to the tune of 25.5 l/p 100km which was quite frightening, but when fuel costs 45c/p/ltr it does not really matter to much.

I might post a report with a few photos.

I have owned my G for almost 6 months now and am really having trouble justifying keeping my 110. My dog is the only one who hates the G as she cannot cruise with her head out the side window as she can in the 110. :D

[solmanic]

I have to admit, it was the urban needs that forced the issue with us. The Defender's achilles heel was really it's height and inability to get into most multi-storey or underground car parks. The fact that the G is so close to the Defender in overall configuration and off-road performance was just the best, even considering the price difference. My logic went something like this... You pay a certain amount for a decent off-road vehicle (say a Defender), then pay a certain amount for a decent urban vehicle with suitable levels of luxury and refinement... then either buy two cars or add to two figures together and presto - a G-Wagen.

[AndyG]

There is one slight difference

G-Class SUV
G 350 BlueTEC

Manufacturer's List Price
including GST $127,875.00
Recommended maximum dealer delivery1
including GST $2,692.31
Luxury Car Tax (LCT) $21,075.39
QLD Registration $517.75
QLD CTP2 $334.60
QLD Stamp Duty $5,309.50
Drive Away Price
Base model featured only. $157,804.55

[solmanic]

There is one slight difference...
Base model featured only. $157,804.55

Nooo, never pay retail!
However, I didn't give an example of the "urban" vehicle in my explanation... how about say a Mercedes E class + Defender. That's probably about the right sum total and a lot of the interior appointments in the G are similar.

[MrLandy]

Thanks for the fantastic review Solmanic... way out of my price range, but very interesting with regard to what the 'new Defender' could be...
Cheers
MrLandy


I thought after about a year of ownership it might be worth giving an update on the G for anybody interested.

Firstly - still loving it, and everything still working fine. No breakdowns, no major issues, but still plenty of minor warranty work (and one major recall) that should be familiar to a lot of Land Rover owners.

The major recall was actually an already existing "service measure" that was in place when I bought the car. Seems that the addition of all the bluetec emissions jiggery-pokery had the unwelcome side effect of raising oil temperatures on the 3l diesel engine to the point where some were experiencing sludging. My vehicle having done only about 4000km at the time had little worry of this but nevertheless still took 5 weeks to have the service measure done. Most of this time was taken waiting for parts from Germany since they couldn't be ordered until the lower sump was disassembled and they could get the correct numbers off the crank shaft since the parts are matched. Still, I got to spend those 5 weeks driving just about every other car in Mercedes model line-up.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_6030.jpg

One other owner in Melbourne had a particularly nasty failure on his G350. One of the cylinder liners slipped when he was off on a trip to somewhere out west and resulted in an entire engine replacement. Again, MB came to the party supplying him with a GL delivered to where he broke down so they could complete their journey. I guess this just highlights how important the service back-up is in making even major failures bearable.

The other warranty work I have had done was all minor and would be familiar to most Land Rover owners. A coupe of window regulators and the sunroof chain came off its pulley. The odd rattle and a dodgy bit of floor carpet that Mercedes insisted on replacing despite me not really caring. Some crossed wiring which caused one of the million speakers to whistle whenever the lights were on. And a couple of times the exhaust pipe has had to have brackets replaced due to looseness and vibration noises.

The only thing that was in any way a bother was a clunk in the front steering that was there from new. It took three trips to two different dealerships before it was correctly identified and fixed (I had to find the one person who had already come across this problem as all the previous mechanics were just shooting in the dark suggesting it might be this or that). The cause was typical Mercedes over-engineering. They apparently put too much underbody sealant on in the factory which prevented some steering components from being properly torqued-up. Once they cleaned the excess sealant off everything was correctly re-tightened and the problem solved.

I've only had one service so far and the price was surprisingly reasonable, although I will be supplying my own oil in future. MB has about a 50% mark up on Shell Helix Ultra over say Supercheap. I plan to suck it up and continue with dealer servicing for at least the first couple of years before looking for a suitable independent workshop. The level of customer service from MB is outstanding and quite addictive. Free everything at their in-house cafe including cooked breakfasts and decent coffee.

Things I'm loving:
- Being able to fit into most car parks.
- Effective air conditioning and heating.
- Outstanding sound system.
- Diff locks and the associated confidence off-road.
- Knowing those diff locks are factory standard and no-one will give me grief if they or any other part of the drivetrain fails.
- The Defender-like seating position and visibility.
- The Defender like ground clearance.
- The compact exterior dimensions.
- Rear seat passengers no longer complaining about not being able to see out.
- Being able to make U-turns at will.
- Being able to go through the McDonalds drive-thru without having to do three-point turns around the corners.
- No leaks - not a single one.
- Not getting into an argument every time I have to talk to the dealership.
- A million other things related to now being soft and liking comfy driving.

Things not so good (compared to the Defender):
- Missing those few extra inches in the back and things that now just don't quite fit in.
- Slightly worse fuel economy (but slightly better on the highway).
- Feeling a bit of a ****** with everybody looking at you thinking the same. This is moderated slightly by the blokes you see mouthing the word "awesome" and kids who go ape**** when they see it.
- The car also makes me drive more like a ****** unfortunately.
- Access to decent and reasonably priced accessories. I still can't find a good bullbar and god knows where I will mount the UHF.
- Worrying a LOT more about the vehicle, especially when parked in certain neighbourhoods.

So overall, positive. I notice that when I bought the G there were quite a lot of 2011MY G350s for sale but currently there is only one on Carsales. Mine is also actually a 2010MY despite being first registered in 2013. It seems MB brought a bunch of them over and just stored many for a long time before selling. Weird.

Will I go back to Land Rover? Well that depends on what the new Defender ends up being and whether LRA stop behaving like a bunch of ****** and learn how to effectively service their customers instead of treating them like an inconvenience. They could learn a lot from MB Australia-Pacific.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMG_5985.jpg (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/solmanic42/media/IMG_5985.jpg.html)

[MBZ460]

way out of my price range

Maybe for the W463 chassis, which has so many luxury features.
There are still W460 (1979-1989) models which come up for sale, fairly regularly around the country.
While they may look similar and share many components the to the W463, W460 is a pretty basic vehicle and really should not be considered in the same field as any modern Discovery, Rangie or late model Defender.

The biggest issue being its lack of power.

But it has rock-solid build quality and the same "German anal'ness" in its engineering, much like the Pinzgauer/Haflinger/VW Kombie 4x4 from the same factory (Steyr Daimler Puch) and Unimog (different factory)

But I have invested a bit of money into my W460 G-wagen and have updated to a newer motor (as used in later G-wagens,OM606 turbo) and gearbox (5-speed auto, in progress) to make it a much better all-round tourer. Like a modern 4wd. At a fraction of a new G-wagen.

Just did a 11,500km trip to/around Tassie in it.

Having said that, I would love a new W461 (civilian version of the miltary G, no bling) estimated $120k, about the same as some Disco 4/Sahara and less than a few others)

But even with the W463 like Solmanics, its a lot of money but so are many other luxury 4wd's, sometimes much more expensive like Porsche/BWW/Lexus "SUV's". I dont know why there are not more new G's around.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/03/809.jpg



-Graham