So I have been looking into getting a used G-Wagon. Anywhere from the 2007 to 2010 model year, so I know that will fall between the G500 or G550. Mileage wise i was looking anywhere between 70-100k miles. I wanted to get some feedback from past or current owners. I know there is a difference between the engines obviously, but (1)is there a big feeling difference between the 500 and 550 engines, in terms of power and torque and also reliability? I used to have an 03 S500, and the engine in that car was a blessing, barely any if no faults at all. The rest is another story. Also of all the ones I have seen in the years I have been looking, they are 7-speed transmissions, and I have read that the 7-speed transmissions have their issues, I believe the big one is the overheating issue. (2) Is there a year that was fixed or what year would be recommended. (3) Also would it be a better option to just ensure that the proper maintenance has been on the 7-speed and it should be okay, for example regular fluid changes? In addition, I have seen various cars with 4+ owners. Here the question is, (4) does it matter how many owners a G has? (5) Would it be better to look at one that has two or three owners? Moreover, when actually looking at the car in person, (6) what specifics should I look at in the car, whether it would be rubber hoses, interior trim, engine bay, obviously rust? Another question I have is (7) how much does the mileage typically matter for these cars? For what I have seen, with my older landyacht, S500, and my families Audi A8, after roughly 130-140k miles, some parts obviously take their tole and need replacement, either electrical, various pumps, etc, so is(8) there specific issues that people have seen with the G500 or G550 around this mileage on them? Lastly, (9) any input or experience you have had would greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

PS. I asked these questions because as I have done some research and read various forums, the G is a completely different car then others. I would not even think typically about buying a car with more than 3 owners, depending on the year, but in this year range, not a chance. But again the G is a different machine. Also I have read that the car is just built differently so, that is why I would be looking at an older car, around 10 years old, where typically at this price range, I would look at cars not even 5 years old. Also I do plan on keeping the car forever so again, thank you in advance.

 

In my opinion the G500 and G550 drive pretty much the same in the city. This is all from driving used models of various vintages between 06 and 18. In fact, I think my 2018 G550 with another different engine feels very similar power wise in city driving, if you like hard acceleration obviously the G550 will be more rewarding. Plus the G550 comes with the sports exhaust that sounds awesome with the naturally aspirated engine in the 2009-2010 G550.

There seemed to be issues with the M273 motor in its early years (2007-2008?) but I think MB fixed it later. I would do some research and just confirm that the 09s have the fixed motor.

Personally I would rather buy a lower mileage no rust one owner G500 .vs. a higher mileage G550 with more owners and surface rust.