mbtech208

-ESP, BAS and ABS lights on
-Navigation/GPS complaints
-Exhaust system rattle
-Front or rear inner door handles not functioning

DUTCH

The nice thing is that none of these has been a problem on pre-MBUSA G500's.

jimmyg

There's nothing wrong with the new features in the 2002 (2001.5 in Europe/Asia) G-Class and newer...as long as they work reliably. Obviously, that isn't the case currently for some people. If they worked perfectly, I'm sure you wouldn't mind having them in your truck, right?

Now, they better do something about those faults because it's crazy that a $80k vehicle has some problems which make it completely inoperable. Sales of the G-wagen are up 46% for DC in 2002, including a 13% increase in Europe, but that trend won't continue unless they address issues like this. Anyone have any info about these problems happening to European customers? I know they've had some problems with the new SL and E-class.

I'm lucky that mine is working great except for squeaky doors (the graphite grease worked for a little while until it started raining) and vibration when braking. My next service is in 900 miles and they are going readjust all the doors. This is one problem my 1991 G-wagen didn't have...but then again, it doesn't rain much in the United Arab Emirates.

Thanks for the post MBTech. I'll make sure to mention them when my G500 goes in for its Service B next week.

DUTCH

Wrong.

ESP and BAS are something I don't need in a 4WD vehicle; and I do have ABS. As far as GPS is concerned, my Garmin unit works just fine; and it's mounted up on the dash where I don't have to take my eyes so far off the road to see it.

There are only two features of the MBUSA G500's that I would like to have on mine:


1.) Adjustable steering wheel. I'm tall; and the non-adjustable one in mine cuts across the top of the instrument cluster. I have to duck down to see the flasher indicators and my speed in the 60-80 mph range, although the Garmin unit fixes that.

2.) Climate control would be nice. I have it on my other vehicles; and "set it and forget it" is the word.

I also prefer the larger driver's seating area on mine compared to the new ones. Compared to my 84 280GE, my 2000 G500 is smaller to the pont of almost being too small; and the MBUSA versions are far too cramped for my 6'4" and 260 lb body.

Btw, instead of having your dealer adjust the doors to eliminate the squeeks, why not just lube the rubber seals a bit? The German G owners like to use vaseline for this purpose. I prefer a product called "Vinylex" by Lexol, as it protects as well as lubes the seals; and it's dry to the touch after application. I haven't had the first squeek or groan from mine.