2003G55

Given the advance press and spy photos of the mass produced new body Gwagen I am going to buy a 2005 G500 with the current body. Does anyone know if this last model run will have any changes? i.e. DVD based nav, different sound etc etc

I think that the current body style, although dated will remain an icon of dependability for years.... much in the same spirit as the Land Rover Defender 90 and 110. I am even going to keep my current G. What a great truck....20,000 miles so far and no problems.

jimmyg

No changes planned beyond the changes added for the 2004.5 models:

G55 Kompressor
G500 Anniversary Edition
curtain airbags
shoulder seat-belt for middle-rear passenger

I'm going to probably purchase one of the last G55 Kompressors built in 2005 if the new G-Class turns out to be a disappointment. Maybe I'll get AMG to build me a G55k convertible!

alexg500

Can anyone confirm the changes that are being made. I have a 2003 and would love to upgrade if the 2005 has the mentioned changes. I called MB USA and they confirmed the side air curtain, but had not heard about the middle seat rear bench shoulder belt. They also did not think any of the changes would be in effect until the 2005 model. If I read correctly, the 2004.5 were thought to have these changes.

Does anyone have any more info or heard any other news on changes and when they take effect???

Thanks,
Alex

jimmyg

Those changes are confirmed in all versions of the G-Class, but the G55 Kompressor also has additional improvements over the current version. The first G500 with curtain airbags and the rear-center shoulder belt arrived here recently as a 2004 model. Not sure how MBUSA will handle the model year designation.

Mr.PS

DVD Nav should be an upgrade for 2005 model year and comfort seats heat/cool with massage.

jimmyg

Is this a guess or based on some inside information? I'm asking because I really miss the comfort seats with cooling from my 745i, especially in the summer here when it routinely goes above 110F (40+ C).

2003G55

I just took delivery on a 2005 G Brilliant Silver/black. I've kept my 2002 so it is interesting to compare them back to back.
The only real change in the model is the addition of side curtain airbags. There is still only a CD GPS...not DVD. The seats are not cooled in the US. They are multi-contour as they were last year.

The headliner is solid grey velour type fabric instead of the mottled plastic that my 2002 has. Behind the back seat in the roof is a seat belt attachment for the middle passenger.

I had the SAT radio installed which is really nice but the dealer does not yet have my V600 phone in stock and they will not give an estimate when they will be available.

The suspension is different also. It seems much softer and forgiving. Ditto the steering. All in all it is a quieter vehicle.

Gunit

will the v600 work in a 2002 g?

2003G55

I assume that it might as my dealer offered to install a V60 in my 2005 rather than wait the month or so for the V600.

Does anyone know if SAT radio can be retrofitted into the 2002 Command head? There is a blank button where the 2005's SAT radio button is located.

I just noticed one more difference between the 2002 and 2005. There are now leather panels beneath all four door armrests.

Gunit

in order to have XM radio on a 2002, you have to install it externally via the aux outlet...
here is an example:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/foru...&posts=1&hl=XM

Modeer

I think the '05 G would be complete if it had the DVD based Nav, cd player (with mp3 playing capability), and to be bluetooth enabled so you can hook ur phone up to the sound system.

2003G55

well, one out of three is possible for '05. The MBUSA issue phone is now available in GSM and bluetooth. It is the Motorola V600 and I just had it put in my '05 G500.

a2gtinut

there will not be DVD navi for this car, why redesign this 50+ year old truck. I think they will end production soon. Just think, "special edition" is always made when the production is coming to the end- just like current ML.

DUTCH

25 yrs old in February of this year. Quite a run!

G500NyC

No DVD Nav for MY05, mine still has the old nav. Still a great truck though, I think its gonna be a classic, new body has nothing spectacular to it, maybe just technological extras and upgrades but other than that I dislike the style.
the "box" rocks as the guy at my garage told me :p