Mercedes Gelendvagen year of release. Mercedes Gelendvagen: an unfading classic. Class marking

My friends!
Finally, we got to such a topic as cars ... And not just cars, but legendary cars that have become in their own way a sign of a certain era.

Yes, Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen can rightfully be considered one of such luxurious cars. What kind of model is this and why does almost every motorist know about it?
Today I'll tell you everything about it: history, characteristics, prices, reviews, test drives, etc.

Mercedes Gelendvagen: history of creation

The first G-class car appeared in 1929. It is clear that it was produced by the German concern Mercedes-Benz. This model was not much reminiscent of the modern "black monster", but it was she who laid the foundation for the development of models of Mercedes G-class.

The initial version of the modern Gelendvagen is considered to be an SUV, the serial production of which began in 1979. This model was designed by specialists from two concerns - German Mercedes-Benz and Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch Gmb. The model was to the taste of wealthy buyers, and already in 1986 the 50,000th G-class car left the factory. After that, the designers of the plant began to constantly change the design and technical characteristics of the model. However, the structure of the square body itself did not undergo significant changes.

And in 1991, the concern improved the undercarriage of the car, which made it even safer to operate and ensured cross-country ability in those places where it was impossible for another car to pass. Various models were produced with different modifications of the G-class Mercedes.

And in 1999, the Mercedes Gelendvagen came out in a new, special G500 Classic series. It was at this time that the "black monster" had an on-board computer device.

To date, Gelendvagen is produced with two engines: 5.4 petrol with 507 horsepower and 5.4 diesel with 388 horsepower! There is a five-speed automatic, all-wheel drive is constantly functioning in the Mercedes.

It is worth noting that the unpretentious, downright military appearance of the car is becoming more and more popular among ordinary people. The square body does not cause surprise or disapproval - on the contrary, against the background of modern "tight" car designs, it immediately strikes the eye with its originality. And the level of comfort for the driver and his passengers is not at all military, but at the most elite level.

Mercedes Gelendvagen: main characteristics

We call this car "cube", "square" or "helicopter". It is he who is currently working in the security service of the President of Russia. Gelendvagen is immediately recognizable by its "aggressive" appearance, it is even impossible to imagine that you could not give way to it ... The black "Gelik" looks so that no one doubts the status of its owner.

The main technical characteristics of the Mercedes Gelendvagen include the following indicators. the site will consider the general characteristics for all G - class cars.

• Body type: SUV;
• Body length: 4662 mm;
• Body width: 1760 mm;
• Vehicle height: 1951 mm;
• Wheelbase: 2850 mm;
• Number of doors: 5 pcs;
• Number of seats: 5;
• Assembly: Germany;
• Engine displacement: from 2987 to 5980 cubic centimeters;
• Power: 211 to 630 horsepower;
• Maximum speed: from 175 to 230 km / h;
• Acceleration to 100 km / h in time: from 5.3 to 9.1 seconds;
• Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers: from 11.2 to 17 liters.

“As even an inexperienced car enthusiast can understand, the performance for an SUV is quite impressive. Fuel consumption is very high, but this is due to the increased engine power and cross-country ability in off-road conditions ".

Almost all men look for test drive videos on the Internet before buying an expensive car.

A video with a test drive of a Mercedes Gelendvagen, of course, is also on the pages of websites and on YouTube. You can see with your own eyes the off-road capabilities of the "cube", see how it confidently passes all the tests. Experienced drivers talk in detail about their personal feelings while driving a Gelendvagen.
And after that, you can already call the salon and sign up for a test drive yourself, in order to feel the control of the "black monster" with your own hands.

2018 Mercedes Gelendvagen

The new modification of the "Helika" this year is equipped with a 422nd biturmotor with a volume of 6.0.
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG G 65 stores 630 "horses" under the hood and is capable of accelerating to 100 km / h in 5.3 seconds.

For the most expensive modification, the "Edition 463" option is available. The 2016 Mercedes Gelendvagen has a chrome exterior, steel protection and huge 21-inch rims. The luxurious interior is covered with special leather and has carbon fiber inserts.

Not everyone can afford to buy a new Mercedes Gelendvagen. However, the possession of a sparkling "black monster" can not only emphasize the individuality of the driver, but also say a lot about his material well-being and lifestyle. Don't forget, Gelendvagen is the perfect SUV! Consider the 2017 prices for the new Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen models.

Impressive, isn't it? The most "unpretentious" diesel-powered Gelendvagen will cost more than 6 "lemons"!

After evaluating the price, expressed in seven- and eight-digit figures in the price of a new Mercedes Gelendvagen, the thought itself comes up: is it possible to buy a used Mercedes Gelendvagen? Of course you can! On the portals of sites for ads for the sale of cars (for example, avito.ru, auto.ru, etc.), you can also find notes about the sale of a used Mercedes Gelendvagen. A used car will cost you significantly less - approximately two to three times, depending on the modification and year of manufacture.

"Advises to think about buying a used Mercedes Gelendvagen, because this fact has little effect on its quality."

Today Mercedes Gelendvagen serves in the armies of 20 countries around the world. Its cost does not scare government agencies, because the quality of the car and its fantastic off-road characteristics can give an advantage in the defense of the state's borders.

The history of the G-Class began in 1972. Initially, a military version was developed, and in 1979 the first civilian version was released. The cars of the first series 460 were equipped with in-line four-, five- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines with a capacity of up to 156 liters. with.

In 1990, a car of the current 463 series appeared with continuous axles in front and rear, permanent all-wheel drive, electric lock and ABS actuators. The range of engines was made up of a four-cylinder engine (116-126 hp), as well as powerful units R6 (170-210 hp), V6 (215 hp) and V8 (241 hp). An update in 2000 brought the SUV not only a new interior, but also another engine - a V8 5.0 with a capacity of 296 hp.

In parallel with this, the AMG version also developed, which began to be produced in 1994. The first model, the G 36 AMG, was equipped with a 3.6 inline-six (272 hp), and four years later the company released the 55 AMG variant with a 354-horsepower V8 5.4 compressor engine. After the update in 2005, the engine power increased to 476 hp. with.

The next restyling of the SUV took place in 2006. As part of the modernization, the list of equipment was expanded, new trim options were added, and the G 320 CDI (224 hp) version appeared instead of the G 270 CDI and G 400 CDI versions. The power of the G 55 AMG version has grown to 507 hp. with., and its sales continued until 2012.

In 2008, an improved SUV was introduced. It received a radiator grille with three large slats, the G 500 version was equipped with a V8 5.5 engine (388 hp). A year later, the G 320 CDI version was replaced by the G 350 CDI version, although a 224 hp turbodiesel. with. remained the same. In 2010, the Germans began offering the G 350 BlueTec variant with a 211-horsepower engine, and in 2011 they announced the discontinuation of the three-door version.

One of the most ambitious updates was noted in 2012. The exterior of the model has LED running lights, new mirror housings and other rear optics. The interior has changed completely, now the top of the front panel was adorned with a tablet. The G 55 AMG was replaced by the G 63 AMG with a 5.5 twin-turbo V8 (544 hp) and the G 65 AMG with a six-liter twin-turbo V12 (612 hp).

In 2013, the Germans launched the three-axle G 63 AMG 6x6. The car was built on the chassis of an army all-terrain vehicle Mercedes G 320 CDI. The body length was 5875 mm, and the ground clearance increased from 210 mm to 460 mm. The car was equipped with a V8 5.5 engine and a seven-speed "automatic".

The last restyling before the change of generations, the SUV experienced in 2015. The car received new bumpers and alloy wheels, as well as widened AMG wheel arches. The 5.5 engine was replaced by a V8 4.0 turbo engine with two turbochargers (422 hp). The power of the turbodiesel for the G 350 version was increased from 211 to 245 liters. with. The "charged" modifications were now sold under the Mercedes-AMG brand.

I recently received a letter like this:

“Good day, the author of the blog, my name is Dima, we argue with friends - what is Gelendvagen! They say that this is such a Mercedes, and I say that this is a corny SUV! They don't believe me. How to convince them? Judge us, who is right who is wrong, can you write indicate such information ".

The question is, in principle, an easy one to go to the Internet and fill in the words "Gelendvagen" or "Gelik", hundreds of sites will come out, but if you want to hear from me, then read on ...

To begin with, as usual, the definition

"Gelendvagen" or "Gelik" (German Geländewagen) - if translated literally, then off-road vehicle or simply SUV ... However, such an abbreviation is called cars that really have very good off-road qualities, for example, they are large (often 200 - 250 mm), permanent four-wheel drive, wide and high wheels.

YES guys can't call ordinary city SUVs “GELIK” their language, they often get up in a slightly snowy courtyard, I'm already silent about the real off-road. Large SUVs can be called Gelendvagens, for example, Toyota Land Cruzer, Infinity QX56, by the way, even our UAZ will fit this name. So what is really, really - this is a "good SUV", there is no link to the brand!

But what about Mercedes - Gelendvagen?

The word is German and it just so happened - that the first to stake it into service was the Mercedes concern. And they began to call this a kind of Mercedes G - class. The first cars with the designation G - 6 X 4, appeared in 1929. It was far from today's GELIK - most likely it reminded our old "lorries", two wheels in front and four in the back.

However, more or less similar cars to the modern generation, appear only in 1979, it was they who began to be called GELENDVAGEN. Here the wheel arrangement is already 4 X 4, that is, two wheels in front and two in the back.

At the moment, there are about 30 different modifications. Starting from a weak (in the size of an SUV) engine of 2.3 liters (about 102 hp). Finishing with powerful versions from the AMG studio - with a 6.0 liter engine (about 612 hp)

Modifications of Helicov from Mercedes

Still, there are only two modifications at the moment:

The first one, made specifically for the military or other special services, has the designation W460 /W461... Distinctive features - a minimum of comfort in the cabin (decorative elements removed, there are no electric windows, no sunroof), a narrow steel bumper, a steel radiator grill, rubber inserts around the headlights, narrow metal gutters, rubber fenders. It is practically impossible to buy for an ordinary civilian.

W463- the civilian version. Distinctive features, the cabin has a better level of comfort, all rubber elements are replaced with plastic ones, as well as a plastic bumper and a radiator grill.

So why aren't other cars called that?

Now many companies are switching to unified world abbreviations. So often SUVs are designated simply "4 X 4", or are called "OF-ROAD" (English - the end of the road). Nowadays, the word SUV - or "SUV" is still often used, but often these are converted hatchbacks, there can be no question of serious running characteristics, this is just a marketing ploy.

So "GELIK" or "Geländewagen" is a German designation, and this language is not international now, which is why many manufacturers do not even bother with such names for their cars. This is the same as calling German American or any other cars with the Russian word "SUV" - for other countries our word will sound very strange and incomprehensible!

That is why now there will be inscriptions on the sides - either "4x4" or "OF-ROAD" - in fact, it is the same as "GELENDVAGEN".

Here is such an article turned out, now we are watching a cool video.

By the way, useful articles about.

How it all began...

Someone, but the owners of this car, do not need to explain what kind of treasure they possess. Like a good cognac, it does not get worse over the years, it stands out of fashion and out of competition. I do not exclude that at the beginning of the next century it will be canonized as a classic car.

It is believed that the Gelaendewagen (literally translated from German - off-road vehicle) was developed by order of the NATO military. But the facts are against: the car went into production in February 1979, and its first military versions appeared only in 81.

Moreover: the brave officers of the Bundeswehr did not put a finger on a finger to get this all-terrain vehicle. And they even defiantly turned away from the Daimler-Benz concern when it offered Gelendvagen itself.

There were two main reasons for the refusal - economic and political. The military was embarrassed by the high cost of the Gelendvagen all-terrain vehicle, due to its design, in which an almost threefold safety margin was laid. But the main thing is that Daimler-Benz played "not by the rules", being the first to offer the all-terrain vehicle not to the German army, but ... to a foreign state.

Who ordered such an unusual car from the Stuttgart concern? Alas, some of the customers by the beginning of the production of the Gelaendewagen all-terrain vehicle were no longer alive. And the main one - Shah Mohamed Reza Pahlavi - was forced to flee from Iran to the United States, where, tormented by a fatal illness, he lived out his last days. The Islamic Revolution has mercilessly thwarted Daimler-Benz's distant plans.

But there was a moment when the largest shareholder of his German concern, Friedrich Flick, was already ready to sell his 38% stake to the East. Then the Iranian Shah wished to get 20 thousand original all-terrain vehicles for his guard, and Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Puch easily laid out 100 million marks to create a new enterprise in the Austrian city of Graz.

And what could then do with the all-terrain vehicles that Iran did not need? At that moment, no one thought that this car would have an unusual and long life. In 1983, the G-wagen, driven by Jackie X and Claude Brassier, won the Paris-Dakar supermarathon. The Pope used a special armored all-terrain vehicle G-wagen during meetings with believers. The all-terrain vehicle happened to work in the escorts of many important persons, including President Yeltsin.

And the military recognized the G-wagen as their own: it was adopted first in Argentina, Norway and Indonesia, and then in two dozen other countries.

"Mercedes" G-wagens are sometimes quite different from each other (three wheelbase lengths, four engine options and several bodies do not count). Firstly, according to the existing agreement, they are delivered to Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovenia and Croatia under the brand name not Mercedes-Benz, but Puch. Here, you know, the peculiarities of the national attitude towards Austrian and German goods played a role. Secondly, the Gelaendewagen can have either permanent all-wheel drive, or a transmission with switchable front-wheel drive.

They also differ in the factory designation, although not so much used among Russian motorists as W-140 or W-126. The index “460” hides the original version, the most modest one, with a switchable front axle drive. Now it has been replaced by the improved "461" model range, but the main feature - the switchable front-wheel drive - has been preserved. A very rare version - "462", it was not produced in the Austrian Graz itself, but in the form of a "designer" was delivered from there to the Greek Thessaloniki, where it was assembled for the needs of the Greek army. The assembly of the G-wagen took place in a similar way in Poland and Turkey, and only bodies, bridges and frames were delivered to France. The engine and transmission were installed by Peugeot, so the all-terrain vehicle was sold under its brand name. Agree, a vast geography!

1989 saw the launch of the more user-friendly and expensively designed series “463”, with permanent all-wheel drive. It is she who will have a journey into the 21st century.

For the twentieth anniversary, DaimlerChrysler, together with its Austrian partner, has prepared a special model G 500 Classic (series “463”). It is painted in a special color - black, which changes its hue to eggplant under the sun's rays. Bumpers are painted in body color. The 18-inch alloy wheels have an original pattern and are highly polished to a mirror finish. A special decorative strip along the side of the body and the “Classic” lettering underline the exclusivity of the model. Inside, the interior is striking, uncharacteristic of most off-road vehicles, the trim in nappa leather and walnut - this kind of work is done by hand.

Walking like that - in the anniversary all-terrain vehicle, much of what was installed in previous models for an additional fee is included in the standard list of equipment. For example, heated rear seats and an ultrasonic parking sensor. The Mercedes-Benz G500 Classic is equipped with an eight-cylinder V-shaped engine with a capacity of 296 horsepower, capable of speeds up to 190 km per hour and consumes an average of 16.7 liters of the best gasoline per 100 kilometers.

The avaricious aesthetics of this car have stood the test of time - nowhere in the world for that kind of money will you become the owner of completely flat body glasses combined with expensive finishes. To some, Gelaendewagen will seem the most remarkable anachronism of the outgoing automobile age. So be it. One thing is clear: twenty-five years must pass from the moment the car was released for it to be included in the category of classic. And Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen has every chance to meet this memorable event on the assembly line.

1972-1978 g.

In 1972, Mercedes-Benz and the Austrian car manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch mbH began developing a new SUV. For this purpose, Gelaendefahrzeug Gesellschaft mbH was founded with equal shares.
Initially, the new four-wheel drive vehicle was named H2 and was intended for military civilian purposes.

The first wooden car model was created in April 1973.
In 1974. the first metal prototype of the machine was completed.
To keep costs down, many parts were taken from existing Mercedes-Benz cars and vans. The first customer was Daimler-Benz's main shareholder, the Shah of Persia, who ordered 20,000 vehicles for the army. However, the contract was interrupted due to a change in power in Persia. A little later, the German Federal Police and the Argentine Army placed an order for the purchase of an SUV, now called the G-Class. This was followed by orders from the Norwegian and Indonesian armies.

1979 year

In February 1979, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the G-class model at the Paul Richard race in the south of France.
The first G class models were equipped with the following engines:
· 230 G - 4 cylinder engine had two modifications 90 and 102 hp.
280 GE - 6-cylinder 156 hp engine (however, deliveries were delayed until 1980 due to production problems)
240 GD - 4 cylinder 72 hp diesel
300 GD - 5 cylinder diesel which reached 88 hp.
All engines were installed. Available in three body styles for a long-wheelbase station wagon, a short-wheelbase station wagon and a convertible. For military purposes, models of the open G class with two and four doors were developed.

1980 g.

In November 1980, a closed minibus was added to the model range, two versions were available for order, a long wheelbase and a short wheelbase station wagon. The list of additional accessories offered power steering and differential locks.

1981 year
Since 1981, all vehicles have been available to order with the exception of the 230 GE and 240 GD with automatic transmission. The list of additional equipment has been expanded: air conditioning, winch, reserve fuel tanks, hardtop for the car "convertible" and protective grill on the headlights. The body color range has been increased from 5 to 22 colors. In addition, in December 1981, they began to install one rear door on the station wagon, which was attached to the left side. The spare wheel has migrated to the rear door and is now always installed outside, with the exception of the van body.

1982 year
In May of this year, the 230 G was equipped with an electronic fuel injection system, which increased the engine output to 125 hp. from 105 previous ones. Consequently, the 230 G engine was redesignated 230 GE.
In addition, the interior of the car has been significantly improved. Washer tank increased to 7 liters

1983 year

Starting in March this year, the 230 GE is offered with an automatic 4-speed gearbox.
Since July 1983, a 5-speed manual transmission has been available for all models and only the 240 GD has an automatic transmission.
The braking system of the convertible has been reinforced, the folding top has been replaced instead of the old removable tarpaulin, and a metallic paint is offered.
Jackie X and Claude Brochet won the Paris-Dakar Rally in a G280 GE.

1984 year
This year, the 280 GE engine underwent minor modifications related to the fuel injection system, the changes were caused by the tightening of environmental laws in Germany. As a result of these changes, engine power dropped to 150 hp.

1985 year
There is a constant change in the design of the model.
The production of a short-wheelbase van was discontinued. Locking differentials are standard.

1986 year
There is a catalytic converter of the exhaust gases on the G230 GE. In Italy, a 200 GE version with a manual 5-speed gearbox is available.

50,000th car produced

1987 year
Without doubt, the most important development in 1987 was the development of the new 5-cylinder 250 GD diesel engine with 84 hp. it replaced the previous 240 GD engine.
The new engine was installed with a manual 5-speed gearbox.
The list of additional equipment has been expanded with electric windows, an electric antenna and an oversized fuel tank.
Development of the W463 series began.

1988 year
Development of the OM617 engine for the 300GD model. Armrests for the driver and the front passenger were also presented. On two diesel models, the fuel tank was replaced with a plastic one.

1989 year
For 10 years of production of the G-class, approximately 75,000 cars rolled off the assembly line. For the anniversary, Mercedes-Benz has released a limited edition of 300 cars called "Classic". This is a short-base 230 GE series with additional accessories: body color painted, painted blue or black metallic, chrome door sills and chrome-plated Bullbars (additional protection on the front bumper is usually used as a power element for the winch, additional protection for the front of the car, for the installation of additional lighting equipment).

In September 1989, the body of the new W463 series was presented to the public in Frankfurt. The G-class finally became respectable. A new salon has been developed with a comfortable rear seat, a new dashboard, as well as trim from expensive varieties of wood - all these are attributes of convenience and luxury. The G-Class now has all three locks for the front, rear and center differential.

1990 year

Mercedes-Benz enters the 90s with a new model range: the W463. The model combines comfort, excellent offroad qualities. Three body types, four engines were offered at the buyer's choice. Simultaneously with the introduction of the "comfort" models, the 280GE and 300GD were discontinued. The company identified two lines of models: the W460, and the W461, which was to enter the commercial market. The new W463 series was supposed to bite her.

1991 year
Already in September 1991, Mercedes introduced the 350 GD version with an automatic transmission. This engine was borrowed from the S-Class and replaced the 3.0-liter diesel in the 300GD version.

1992 year
In April this year, a modification of the W461 was presented. The W461 series was considered higher in rank than the W460. A pickup with a wheelbase of 2850 mm also debuted. The engines have undergone changes: now there is a 2.5-liter engine with 5 cylinders and a return of 95 hp. from MB "Sprinter". Production of the W460 was stopped a month later. Also, production of 250GD was stopped due to lack of demand.

1993 year

ercedes-Benz presents the 500 GE version. This model was limited to only 500 pieces. All options were included in the standard equipment, only differential interlocking can be ordered.

1994 year
The model rad W461 has undergone changes - now there is a modification with a base of 3400 mm. The names of the W463 series were changed: the 350 GD turbodiesel became just the G350, and the 300 GE became the G300. On the W461 series, all names have remained the same. Since March, all W463 models have come standard with driver airbags. In the summer, a modification of the G320 is presented, which will soon replace the G300. Also soon, along with the G300, the G230 was discontinued.

1995 year
In September this year, the standard equipment has changed. The standard package now includes disc brakes, remote control for central locking and an immobilizer.

1996 year
Both the W461 and W463 have been updated this year. After 17 years of production, the convertibles have acquired an electro-pneumatic canopy folding system. The G300 debuted in Munich with a turbodiesel and a 5-speed gearbox as standard. Also this year, the standard for the W463 includes: an airbag for the passenger, headlight washers and cruise control.

1997 year
This year, the list of additional equipment for the W461 has been increased: a driver's airbag, heated windows and cruise control. Due to low demand (2% of sales were for gasoline versions of the W461 series), the 230-GE model was discontinued. The 3.2 V6 W463 series engine has undergone modernization.

1998 year

At the tenth Offroad show in Munich, the V8-powered G500 was unveiled. With a capacity of 300 hp For the first time in its history, the G-class stepped over the border at 200 km / h.
Upgraded engine version 290 GD. The diesel now develops 120 hp. and only comes with an automatic transmission. Also, the list of additional equipment was replenished with an air conditioner.

1999 year
Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the G model, the G500 "Classic" anniversary model is on sale. Also, all models of the W463 line receive all the multifunctional features available to Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

2000 year

In December 2000, the German-American concern DaimlerChrysler AG plans to start production of the updated Mercedes-Benz G-class SUV.
The car will be shown for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in September 2000.
The car will be updated, in particular, the interior of the passenger compartment, the central instrument panel. The 2001 G-Class will be powered by gasoline engines ranging from 215 to 296 hp, as well as a diesel with 250 hp.

2001 year
Once again, the king of all-wheel drive vehicles, the G-class, was modernized. This time, looking inside, you will find extremely bold changes directly affecting the dashboard and transmission of the jeep. The multifunction steering wheel and dashboard are made according to the latest concept in the new C-Class. The information display, controlled from the steering wheel, automatic transmission with Tiptronic function, climate control are so well suited to the Mercedes Gelandewagen that the classic body shapes fade into the background, since the external changes consist of new white lenses for direction indicators and taillights.

Perhaps, many potential customers will be interested in the 250-horsepower V8 400 CDi, which consumes an average of 12.8 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. A rain sensor that controls the windshield wipers and automatic headlights are also included in the restyled G-Class.

According to the latest reports, Mercedes is in full swing developing a new model of an SUV based on the M-class, which is intended to replace the famous, but aging (21 years of impeccable service) Gelenevagen: the "chopped" body shape is quickly becoming obsolete, and the G- the class will immediately cease to be itself. And this is despite the fact that Gelenevagen's sales are growing exceptionally. Recently, Mercedes more and more often talk about the need to improve "emoks": cars initially oriented to the American market do not pull on a real SUV. Indeed - a viscous coupling instead of a forced locking of differentials, an automatic transmission ... That is why the developers expect to replace the "Olympic jeep" with some fundamentally new car from "emoks" - similar in functionality and practicality, but not at all similar in appearance. So far, of course, it is too early to talk about a full-fledged replacement for Gelenevagen, but a step forward, and quite significant, has already been made. Recently, the press leaked details about the new brainchild of "Mercedes" - an enlarged M-class SUV. Officially, they still talk about him as a competitor to the widely announced BMW X7 based on the Bavarian "seven".

09.12.2017

Mercedes Gelendvagen (Mercedes-Benz G-class) is a premium German G-class SUV, which is produced by the Austrian company Magna Steyr and is sold under the Mercedes-Benz trademark. For 37 years of assembly, the appearance of this car has practically not changed and today is considered a classic - doors with external hinges, iron buttons on the handles and an always recognizable chopped silhouette. Such a brutal design attracts and repels at the same time. Recently, this car has become a true "Rolls-Royce" among all-terrain vehicles and with each update it only becomes more expensive. Many fans of the model do not have enough funds to buy a new "Gelika", so they are forced to look for more affordable options in the secondary market. But how justified the purchase of such a car will be and what problems will be faced during the operation of a used Mercedes Gelendvagen, now we will try to figure it out.

A bit of history:

The first Mercedes G-class was created at the beginning of 1926, while a trial Mercedes G1 equipped with two rear axles appeared on the German domestic market. The history of the modern "Gelik" began in 1972. It was then that the Iranian Shah Mohammed Rez Pahlavi, at that time one of the shareholders of the Mercedes company, asked to start the production of special vehicles for the military personnel of his country. The Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, which is part of the Mercedes concern, was entrusted with the development of such a car. The first model of the Mercedes Gelendvagen was made of wood, presented in April 1973, and the next year a metal prototype was created. The debut of the serial civilian version of the car took place in early 1979 at the Le Castellet circuit located near Marseille.

The second generation Mercedes Gelendvagen (W 461-463) was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1990. In the same year, the first production copy of this model rolled off the assembly line at a plant in Austria. The peculiarity of Gelendvagen is that, despite the large number of restyling carried out, the exterior of the car has practically not changed to this day. The first update of "Gelika" was carried out in 1994 - front ventilated disc brakes and an immobilizer appeared. In 1996, the production of Gelendvagen in the back of a cabriolet was started, which was named "Mercedes-Benz G Cabrio". Another significant modernization was carried out in 1999, but the changes affected only the top-end version of the G 500. After the update, the main differences from the usual versions were: a steering wheel equipped with multimedia equipment control buttons, a more informative dashboard display, and the position of the keys on the instrument panel changed.

The next restyling was carried out in 2000, after which the interior of the car underwent cardinal changes - the door trim was changed, the Command multimedia unit appeared, and the location of the differential lock buttons was also changed. In 2001, a more in-depth restyling of the SUV was carried out, this time the changes were extremely bold and affected not only the interior, but also the power units and gearboxes (the Tiptronic function appeared in the automatic transmission). All changes were in line with the new concept of the concern. The new multifunction steering wheel, multimedia display with steering wheel buttons and climate control are so well integrated into the interior that the body styles that have become "classics" faded into the background, as the exterior changes consisted of new white direction indicator lenses and taillights.

The debut of one of the most popular versions of the Mercedes Gelendvagen - G55 AMG, with a capacity of 476 hp, took place in 2004. In 2006, 2009 and 2012, the Mercedes company carried out minor restyling, which, as a rule, carried minor cosmetic changes. In 2009, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the model, a limited edition G 500 Edition was produced from June to August. The premiere of the most charged version of the car - the G65 AMG with a capacity of 612 liters, took place in 2012. In 2016, engineers began work on the creation of the third generation Mercedes Gelendvagen (W464), which should debut in 2018-2019.

Weaknesses Mercedes Gelendvagen (W461-463) with mileage

The paintwork is rather weak ( especially on cars of the last years of production). Because of this, the paint on the front of the car, wheel arches and sills is quickly sandblasting and requires constant updating. Many owners of Mercedes Gelendvagen, in order to reduce costs, rushed to paste over the body with a protective film. Despite the fact that the car has straight body lines, it turned out that "Gelik" is one of the most difficult machines for pasting with film, so the cost of such work is quite high. With increasing age, there are many questions about the corrosion resistance of the body. The weakest point is the door hinges - they begin to corrode after 5-6 years of operation. In the first years of the car's life, paint will peel off the outer hinges, and rust streaks may also appear. On cars over 5-8 years old, significant traces of rust can be found on the welds, windshield frame, sills, tailgate and roof gutters.

On cars of the first years of production, the body mounting brackets, shock absorbers, rear support springs, without proper care, rot and fall off the frame. You can find rust in the area of ​​the rear optics, and in the absence of a heat-insulating screen for the muffler, and on the floor of the body. The development of corrosion under a layer of paint and varnish is considered quite common; swollen areas of paint will notify the presence of such a problem. If the problem is not solved for a long time, it may so happen that the steel in this place will rot through and through. The exhaust system and metal bands of the fuel tank are also prone to corrosion. The five-door versions of the cars have a high probability of cracking the sealant at the joints in the rear, while the three-door versions and the convertible do not have this problem.

The Vin number of the body also requires special attention. The fact is that it is located on the frame in the area of ​​the front wheel arch and is exposed to moisture, dirt and reagents. The frame is another weak point of this car, if its condition is not monitored, then it can corrode to the point where operation is already contraindicated. Often, moldings and door seals are added to the owners' headaches - they come off. The windshield, the owners often call it a consumable, since with frequent trips on the highway, it has to be changed every 30-50 thousand km, and, here the reason is not in the quality of the glass, but in its unfortunate location. Another chronic ailment is the wear of the axles of the windshield wipers and the souring of the sunroof drive mechanism. On machines equipped with a hatch, it is necessary to clean the drains, otherwise the hatch may start to leak. Over time, the doors begin to close poorly, and the side windows begin to rattle, especially in the half-open state.

Power units

The line of Mercedes Gelendvagen engines was assembled from the best engines of the Mercedes-Benz concern. Depending on the volume of the power unit, the car was assigned the appropriate index:

• Gasoline- 2.0 (113 HP) - 200 GE; 2.3 (126 HP) - 230 GE, G 230; 3.0 (170 HP) - 300 GE, G 300; 3.2 (210-220 HP) - G 320; 5.0 (240 HP) - 500 GE; 6.0 (331 HP) - 500 GE AMG; 5.0 (296 HP) - G 500; 5.5 (388 HP) - G 500, G 550; 3.6 (272 hp) - G 36 AMG; 5.4 (354, 476, 500 and 507 hp) - G 55 AMG; 5.5 (544 hp), 6.3 (440 hp) - G 63 AMG; 6.0 (612 HP) - G 65 AMG.
• Diesel- 2.5 (94 HP) - 250 GD; 2.7 (156 HP) - G 270 CDI; 3.0 (113 HP) - 300 GD and G 300 Diesel; 3.0 (177 HP) - G 300 Turbodiesel; 3.0 (224 HP) - G 320 CDI; 3.0 (136 HP) - 350 GD; 3.0 (136 HP) - G 350 Turbodiesel; 3.0 (224 HP) - G 350 CDI; 3.0 (211 HP) - G 320 BlueTEC; 4.0 (250 HP) - G 400 CDI.

Disadvantages of gasoline engines:

The weakest atmospheric power units M102 have a volume of 2.0 and 2.3 are not often found - they were installed on cars produced in the early 90s. Of the common ailments of these motors, it is possible to note a small resource of the camshaft and timing chain - 100-150 thousand km, the "zhor" of oil - appears as a result of wear on valve stem seals, engine mounts quickly fail. To date, most of these power units have been overhauled, the only question is how high-quality it was and what parts were used. When buying a Mercedes Gelendvagen with an M102 power unit, you need to be prepared for anything, and in case of a serious breakdown, it is better to buy a fresher engine, since it is not known how the engine was operated and serviced and how many non-original spare parts were delivered there during this time.

More recent cars are equipped with 3.0-liter M103 engines, which are very similar in design to the M102 series engine, but have a larger number of cylinders. Common disadvantages of these power units include: unstable engine operation - occurs as a result of clogged fuel injectors. Poor quality of the U-shaped gasket of the front engine cover - it starts to leak over time. Like the older motor, valve stem seals have to be changed every 100-150 thousand km. If this is not done, the consumption of expensive branded oil will unpleasantly surprise. The timing chain begins to stretch closer to 150,000 km, simultaneously accelerating the wear of the tensioner and sprockets. Given the middle age of the power unit, we can safely say that other breakdowns associated with natural wear and tear will occur during operation. Both engines, with proper maintenance, can take care of more than 500,000 km without major problems.

In 1994, the M103 gave way to the M104 motor. This power unit has become more reliable, but not perfect. The main problem with these engines is the leakage of the cylinder head gasket and the oil filter heat exchanger housing. Also, the tendency of the motor to overheat can be noted. The main source of the problem is the poor condition of the cooling radiator and viscous coupling, the resource of which rarely exceeds 100 thousand km. Engine overheating tends to warp the cylinder head. Using non-genuine engine oil increases the likelihood of clogging of the oil injectors, which leads to scuffing in the cylinders and a noisier engine. From time to time, it is necessary to check the condition of the wiring harnesses under the hood - over time, it cracks and can close together. Very often this leads to failure of the engine control unit. With proper maintenance, the motor does not require serious interventions up to 400-600 thousand km.

In 1998, this motor was replaced by a more complex power unit of the M112 series. As with older powertrains, increased oil consumption is common. There may be two reasons - carbon contamination of the ventilation of crankcase gases and wear of the valve stem seals. Often, owners note the appearance of an oil leak through the seal of the oil heat exchanger. When using low-quality gasoline, you should not count on the long-term operation of the injectors (60-80 thousand km). The problem is manifested by a drop in power. The service life of this unit is about 300+ thousand km. The 5-liter V8 M113 engine has similar disadvantages and resource. In 2007, the M113 was replaced by a more powerful 5.5 liter M273 engine, which is considered the most unsuccessful - the cermet sprockets of the balancing shaft wear out quickly, problems often arise with the exhaust manifold flaps, the exhaust manifold plugs leak. I wrote in more detail about the shortcomings of this power unit in .

For the "charged" versions of the car (AMG), engines of the M113, M137, M157 and M275 series were used. The M137 power unit turned out to be not very reliable, because of this it was installed for a short time - from 2002 to 2003. Most often, failures occur in the ignition systems and control of the unbalanced operation of the cylinders, as well as in the deactivation system of the left bank of cylinders ZAS. Other common ailments include current heat exchangers, weak threads in the holes for the cylinder head bolts. More modern motors M157 and M257 are also not problem-free, and given who drives them and how, problems with them can be very serious and expensive. But, if you have money to buy and maintain a 550-horsepower car, then you should not worry too much about this, since in case of any trouble, you can pull the repair.

Diesel engines installed on Mercedes Gelendvagen

Old aspirated engines OM602-603 are not only simple and reliable, but also have an impressive resource - about 1,000,000 km of run. But they also have a weak point - the engines are prone to overheating. Therefore, you should carefully monitor the engine temperature level and the condition of the radiator, pipes and fluid in the cooling system so as not to overheat the engine. If this trouble happens, in most cases you have to change the cylinder head. The 177 strong three-liter engine (ОМ606) is considered no less successful. The first serious problems with it, as a rule, appear after 400,000 km. The most common ailment of this engine is the wear of the connecting rod liners (they run 400-500 thousand km). Of the minor troubles, it is possible to note malfunctions in the operation of the K40 relay unit - the problem is solved by re-soldering the unit.

Its main drawback is that the temperature sensor in this motor is located unsuccessfully, because of this, drivers often find out late that the engine temperature is at a critical level - a high probability of overheating with all the ensuing consequences. For the restoration of the power unit, mechanics will ask you for at least 1800 bucks for replacing the cylinder head. More modern power units with the CDI prefix in the name, are equipped with fuel equipment with a Common Rail injection system, are not only sensitive to the quality of diesel fuel, but also require high repair and maintenance costs. Owners of a Mercedes Gelendvagen with an OM612 engine often face failure of valves in the intake manifold and injection pump, and on some copies there were problems with the cylinder head.

In the most common three-liter engine OM642 (since 2006, the only diesel engine in the lineup), up to 200,000 km, it may be necessary to replace injectors and a timing chain with a tensioner. But the biggest nuisance is the destruction of the intake manifold. When destroyed, the particles of the collector enter the turbine, damaging its blades, shaft, as well as the mechanism for changing the geometry. If you monitor the condition of the collector, the turbine will last at least 200-250 thousand km. In order to avoid unforeseen costly repairs, it is necessary to change the glow plugs in a timely manner, the fact is that when they are inoperative, they quickly adhere and it is not always possible to unscrew them in a natural way - the cylinder head must be removed in order to drill out the burned out candle. If there is abnormal noise and vibrations during engine operation, first of all pay attention to the condition of the crankshaft pulley clutch.

The most powerful engine 4.0 CDI (ОМ628) has serious design errors with fuel equipment, which entail constant expensive repairs, and also significantly accelerate the wear of the piston group and the block head. Most often, the fuel equipment bothers - piezo injectors and high pressure fuel pumps. The timing chain, as a rule, begins to stretch closer to 200-250 thousand km, often during the same run the turbine needs to be replaced. The solution to any of these ailments will require no small investment. It should be understood that most of the power units of the Mercedes Gelendvagen have already been influenced by time, so you need to be prepared for the failure of control units, relays and all kinds of sensors from the first days of buying a used Gelika. On a car over 10 years old, the wiring dries up from old age, attachments fail, air leaks appear.

What is longer?

The Mercedes Gelendvagen has a large number of gearboxes, an all-wheel drive system with three differentials, and its legendary "indestructible" suspension requires special maintenance. All this will be discussed in my article.

If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you had to face during the operation of the car. Perhaps it is your feedback that will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.

Best regards, editors AutoAvenu