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Hi everyone, I’ve recently acquired a 2005 G500. The story goes that the original motor with 330k miles was replaced with a used motor that only has 52k miles. Upon test driving it, the harness was not secured and burned on the exhaust manifold. this caused the wires to melt, shorting it out and causing it not to run. Wires were fixed supposedly, however will not crank.
This has always been a dream vehicle of mine, along with an e39 m5. Landed one of those a couple years ago so the stable is finally filling up This will be a LONG and extensive restoration as this G has seen better days and I do like customizing my cars quite a bit. I’m thinking a pink chrome wrap and Lambo doors?
First step, get this thing running and driving. I love learning and diagnosing so I’d like to know what kind of software I should be looking into. Then any ideas on what to look into first?
I plan on making a build thread as I think that will be pretty fun. Looking forward to it!
Where'd you find this?! I would've snatched that in a heartbeat. Don't really have a suggestion on where to start as I'm not too familiar with the platform but I'll definitely be following along. Good buy!
Did YOU test drive the car or was this the story from the seller? My thought is that you still have some shorted wires or maybe fried the ECU... Though I would think it would be protected given how stout the rest of the vehicle is. Have you checked all fuses and relays?
That doesn't look like a 300K mile G to me... Excellent job! I look forward to your build thread. You may also want to post on ClubGWagon.com.... There is more action over there.
Where'd you find this?! I would've snatched that in a heartbeat. Don't really have a suggestion on where to start as I'm not too familiar with the platform but I'll definitely be following along. Good buy!
Good ole FB Marketplace! And thank you, I thought so too!
Last edited by davelaz23; 10-30-2023 at 12:25 PM.
Reason: added quote
Did YOU test drive the car or was this the story from the seller? My thought is that you still have some shorted wires or maybe fried the ECU... Though I would think it would be protected given how stout the rest of the vehicle is. Have you checked all fuses and relays?
That doesn't look like a 300K mile G to me... Excellent job! I look forward to your build thread. You may also want to post on ClubGWagon.com.... There is more action over there.
I did not test drive the car, that's what the seller told me. I was hoping that there is some kind of software that can communicate with the ECU/PCM whatever, and start there. It was just delivered two days ago, it's been raining and I can't get the hood open lol, FUN! For the price and condition regardless of having 330k+ miles, I think I did a good job as well, thank you! I also appreciate the advice on ClubGwagon, I haven't heard of it until now, the more you know!
For 8k, you got a great deal. Considering the cheapest running and driving W463's start in the high 20's minimum.
For diagnostic computers, you'll want to look into an MB STAR/Xentry system. C4 is the correct generation to get. They'll set you back around $1k but are very worth it if you plan on troubleshooting everything on your own. There are a few sources online, ebay, etc but I don't know of any trusted sources to get your own hardware/laptop/software. There's also BenzNinja on this forum that offers his services along with hardware, but that would be your call.
First thing you should probably do is go through all the wiring that was melted/burned and check every plug for continuity. Tracing the lines shouldn't be too difficult. After that I would inspect everything related to the engine including a compression/leak-down check. Change the oil, check the battery, check for spark, and lastly the fuel. All the things one would normally do when getting a vehicle with questionable history that doesn't run.
Instead of Lambo style doors, I think rear suicide doors or Tesla falcon type doors would be a lot more useful and unique. Also, remember, you'll probably ruin the door thunk should by doing any modifications to the system.
Cheers and welcome to the forum. Also join over on the ClubGWagen forum as there seems to be a lot more traffic over there these days.
Cheers and welcome to the forum. Also join over on the ClubGWagen forum as there seems to be a lot more traffic over there these days.
This is such great info thank you! I’ll look into that software asap. Really excited to dig into this thing.
Kidding about the lambo doors but rear suicides is such a cool idea wow. But risk the infamous door thud? Not sure that I can…I’ve probably randomly opened and closed the door over 100 times by now just to hear it.
For 8k, you got a great deal. Considering the cheapest running and driving W463's start in the high 20's minimum.
For diagnostic computers, you'll want to look into an MB STAR/Xentry system. C4 is the correct generation to get. They'll set you back around $1k but are very worth it if you plan on troubleshooting everything on your own. There are a few sources online, ebay, etc but I don't know of any trusted sources to get your own hardware/laptop/software. There's also BenzNinja on this forum that offers his services along with hardware, but that would be your call.
First thing you should probably do is go through all the wiring that was melted/burned and check every plug for continuity. Tracing the lines shouldn't be too difficult. After that I would inspect everything related to the engine including a compression/leak-down check. Change the oil, check the battery, check for spark, and lastly the fuel. All the things one would normally do when getting a vehicle with questionable history that doesn't run.
Instead of Lambo style doors, I think rear suicide doors or Tesla falcon type doors would be a lot more useful and unique. Also, remember, you'll probably ruin the door thunk should by doing any modifications to the system.
Cheers and welcome to the forum. Also join over on the ClubGWagen forum as there seems to be a lot more traffic over there these days.
Hi everyone, I’ve recently acquired a 2005 G500. The story goes that the original motor with 330k miles was replaced with a used motor that only has 52k miles. Upon test driving it, the harness was not secured and burned on the exhaust manifold. this caused the wires to melt, shorting it out and causing it not to run. Wires were fixed supposedly, however will not crank.
This has always been a dream vehicle of mine, along with an e39 m5. Landed one of those a couple years ago so the stable is finally filling up This will be a LONG and extensive restoration as this G has seen better days and I do like customizing my cars quite a bit. I’m thinking a pink chrome wrap and Lambo doors?
First step, get this thing running and driving. I love learning and diagnosing so I’d like to know what kind of software I should be looking into. Then any ideas on what to look into first?
I plan on making a build thread as I think that will be pretty fun. Looking forward to it!
Oooohh Imola with gold 65s?! Very nice... Tell me more about both! The stance on the G is great, 33's on 18" wheels?
2006 G500 on 285/70/17 BFG KO2's with 40mm spring spacers and 25mm wheel spacers. Up and out! And to keep the thread G-related, what's the latest with your acquisition?
The M5 is a 2003 with black sport leather interior. SuperSprint headers and Britalman exhaust. 19" style 65 wheels painted bronze, but wish they were more goldish. I bought them like that. What about your M5? Looks a bit lowered.
2006 G500 on 285/70/17 BFG KO2's with 40mm spring spacers and 25mm wheel spacers. Up and out! And to keep the thread G-related, what's the latest with your acquisition?
The M5 is a 2003 with black sport leather interior. SuperSprint headers and Britalman exhaust. 19" style 65 wheels painted bronze, but wish they were more goldish. I bought them like that. What about your M5? Looks a bit lowered.
The G looks awesome! This pic here makes me feel as if maybe I don't need to modernize the front bumper, looks great here. The wheel setup on point too, I love the overland look. I do actually plan on doing light offroading. I'll be going with a very similar stance but with 22's on all terrains.
The latest on my G500 was testing for signal to the starter. I didn't get one so the next plan is to see if I can turn the motor over by hand (make sure its not seized) and then jump the starter to get it started just to make sure the engine is in fact ok. Once I hear it running alright for a few seconds, I'll shut it off and reevaluate.
I'd love to get headers for the e39! Previous owner deleted the cats so I actually had to install vibrant resonators to tone it down. It is lowered on Bilstein coilovers from the previous owner as well but I need an entire suspension refresh including either new coilovers or a KW/Dinan strut combo. Just want a comfy reliable fun backroad carver. And to look good in the garage of course
10-29-2023, 11:24 PM
This will be a LONG and extensive restoration as this G has seen better days and I do like customizing my cars quite a bit. I’m thinking a pink chrome wrap and Lambo doors? 
