clubted

Hi, Longtime MB owner both vintage and current (16 so far) thinking of mixing it up and getting a G500. Like the reliability and relative simplicity of the 5.0 V8 and the 5 speed, I've had cars with both and they worked well. Other than rust and signs of abuse any weird things to look out for i.e. timing chains of the R107, etc? I ask as there is a 2 owner 2005 with 67k available locally but he wants pretty serious money for it.

Diablo360

If you’re already accustomed to Benz ownership then you won’t experience anything abnormal with these cars. They’re pretty solid and much less complicated and cheaper to maintain than modern S class, SL, CL, and other high end Benz’s. Other than the obvious things to check for (service records, etc.) I’d specifically look to see if and when the window regulators were fixed, as they all go out eventually; low mileage doesn’t matter here, they eventually all need to be replaced, over and over lol. Check all the door locks and handles, these break/malfunction as regularly as the window regulators. Other than than I’d look for water leaks in the interior and make sure that all of the electronics function properly. Little water leaks here and there can cause interior electronics to go crazy. Oh, and check all the seals and make sure they work (sunroof, door seals, etc).

clubted

Thanks for your thoughtful response. I had a 2000 E430 Sport and the rear window regulator failed, turns out the routing of the cable is what leads to the failure. The simple fix was to use the switch to just disable it. Thanks again.

achatgrau

http://clubgwagen.com is another helpful forum to check out (if you haven’t already). I think I’ve seen the listing for the 2005 G500 you’re talking about; Good luck with your search!

clubted

Thanks, I did peruse that site a bit, seems pretty helpful.

GOBP

when I started searching for a G500, these are the items I found were repeated often:Rust everywhere (windshield, rockers, rear door, door handle)

Coil suspension (rear at top and bottom)

Door locks

Power windows

Sunroof

Sunroof drains

Headliner

Glove box handle

Rear main seal

Differentials (3)

Cardan shafts (3, $700 each)

Wheel bearings during tight corners

Engine/ tranny/ suspension mounts

Texas E63

For sure, find the cleanest most rust free example you can - that's the one tide that's tough to turn back.... I looked at more then a dozen before finding our g55, and it still had it's own challenges to sort ( mechnical)

if you're looking for a bit more pep over the 500, and an expo built rig - I'm considering selling.....