newbie looking to purchase in Europe - G500 or G55 what is best year for reliability

Nov 24, 2021 | 08:07 AM

jfutty

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looking

newbie looking to purchase in Europe - G500 or G55 what is best year for reliability

Hi, i am looking for a 2003-2011 or so G500 or G55. I have heard that the earlier ones maybe more reliable or less complex but the g500 with 5.5L drive much nicer. Which would be best from lowest maintenance cost / reliability. I hope to buy a fairly low mileage one.

thanks
joe

Nov 24, 2021 | 09:50 AM

crashworkz

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From: Sweden

2011 G55 AMG

I would say that they're more or less the same. The 5-speed is more reliable than the 7-speed so it could be something to consider. Other than that I'd just focus on the condition of any interesting (to you) car, rather than search for a specific model year or engine.

I was like you looking to buy a G last year, and I ended up getting a 2011 AMG G55 Kompressor. You can probably find a decent G55 for around 60k EUR (in Germany or Netherlands) today. 10k EUR less for a G500. Would not recommend anything cheaper unless you are looking for a project car.

As for running costs it's hard to say, but I wouldn't buy a G without also having an annual 10-20k EUR budget for repairs or service. Realistic fuel consumption for a G55 is around 30L/100km.

Important to note is that replacement parts are difficult to find, especially now. My car is still under MB warranty and I have waited on a replacement parts since April, so if you're planning on daily driving the G, make sure to also have a backup vehicle.

Last edited by crashworkz; Nov 24, 2021 at 09:57 AM.

Nov 24, 2021 | 01:08 PM

jfutty

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looking

Thanks. Wow on the 10-20k. Is that anticipating something big to break or just a lot of minor things?
I have had 2 r129 and r230 and have never spent that kind of money on maintenance but maybe i am lucky. This one is for sale near amsterdam as a Japan import https://www.reybergclassics.nl/colle...=pocket_mylist 48km 46k euro plust vat and its a 2005. I have seen the best examples of 2011 for 80K euro with less than 10km.

Nov 24, 2021 | 01:23 PM

crashworkz

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From: Sweden

2011 G55 AMG

I can only provide an anecdote but I have 100.000km on my car, it's well maintained, serviced throughout at MB dealer and in a very good condition. In six months I've had two window regulators and two central locking motors fail. I also had a check engine light and following diagnostics I ended up getting the throttle body replaced. My G is under warranty (which also speak some to its condition) so MB is covering the costs, but it gives you an idea of how "minor things" quickly could add up to that 10k I mentioned. As for "something big" I don't even want to think about it.

Nov 24, 2021 | 01:48 PM

PeriodCorrect

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2011 G550

$10-20K Euros a year in repairs/service? No chance.

That’s a wild number to throw out as a 6 month old owner with zero true experience. Be careful throwing such ridiculous claims out that can and likely will turn off a potential owner.

Most G’s are generally very solid. I wouldn’t run to the dealer every time a window regulator or door lock actuator go out and you can save quite a bit.

I have a 2011 G550 that’s been solid for the previous owner (I have all receipts) and so far solid under my ownership.

If it costs you over $3K euros year, you either got a poorly looked after example or you’re doing something wrong.

Personally I’m aiming to be at about $1500-2000 USD in annual maintenance and repairs.

The previous owner spent less. A lot less.

Nov 24, 2021 | 02:10 PM

crashworkz

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Joined: May 2021

Posts: 28

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From: Sweden

2011 G55 AMG

You can relax, no need to get rude. All I said is that I personally wouldn't buy a G without having an extra 10-20k in my budget. "Most G’s are generally very solid" - sure, and at the same time one of the most expensive cars you could own. If you think 10k a year on service and maintenance is so absolutely ridiculous for an AMG G-Class I must assume that you neither live in Europe, nor would ever have the need to let a dealer work on your car for you. Unfortunately not the case for me or everyone else.

I wish you all the best on your $1500 goal, and hope that I'll get as lucky. I'm sorry if my most personal but genuine experience got on your nerves, but now that you're here maybe you could help OP out with some insights as well?

Last edited by crashworkz; Nov 24, 2021 at 02:22 PM.

Nov 24, 2021 | 02:20 PM

PeriodCorrect

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2011 G550

Quote:

Originally Posted by crashworkz

You can relax, no need to get rude. All I said is that I personally wouldn't buy a G without having an extra 10-20k in my budget. "Most G’s are generally very solid" - sure, and at the same time one of the most expensive cars to own. If you think 10k a year on service+maintenance is so absolutely ridiculous for an AMG G-Class I can only assume that you neither live in Europe or would ever let a dealer work on your car for you. Unfortunately not the case for me, or everyone else.

I wish you all the best on your $1500 goal, and hope that I'll get as lucky. Also, instead of slamming my most personal but genuine experience, maybe help out OP with some insights?

I wasn’t rude, I did give him insights, and I didn’t slam your experience. But according to your post, you haven’t needed to spend $10-20K euros on maintaining your G. Brother step back and say this out loud… up to $20K euros per year on maintenance/repairs? That should mechanically total the truck. After two years you are upside down.

Lease or finance a new one and it’ll cost you way less.

I’ve had an 05 in years past as well as a 16 G63 in the family. I am very familiar.

OP- do some digging on club g wagen. You’ll learn that while components aren’t cheap, getting a well sorted truck will go a long way.

My other advice is to get the newest you can afford. The 5 speed transmission is thought to be more stout (as well as the m113 motor), but those vehicles are getting to an age where leaks (and general maintenance) are more common due to general rubber degradation.

i think 09-12 is a great spot, and I preferred the NA 550 to avoid any additional forced induction complexity.

Last edited by PeriodCorrect; Nov 24, 2021 at 09:14 PM.