Hello my fellow G enthusiasts. I'd really like to sell my LWB 300GD and end up with a Cabrio 460 and a G500. But this goal could take some time to save up to achieve. What I would like to know is how the 300GE compares to the pre MBUSA or post MBUSA G500s. Not the motor, as I would upgrade this, but the drivability, handling, and most importantly noise level on byways.

Also, if I actually found one for sale what do they go for and what are they worth? Say a 1991, but not Karl's old one all loaded up with extras. I have a feeling that they aren't worth much less then the G500s and it wouldn't be worth it, but maybe I'm wrong.

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Craig

I think they are fantastic machines. I helped two friends buy the same vehicle at different times. It is a 463 but has the advantages of early systems that are more mechanical and less electronic. Read - you can fix it yourself, man. An important feature for me anyway. It has a VG 150 and spins the front axle the right way, as opposed to the 460 series. It has rear drum brakes, not a big deal. Vented front disks...excellent. I like the simpler and more austere interior. No tv screen distractions. If I could get the one my friend owns I would drop a 617.95 motor in there and it would then run on recycled used veg oil a lot of the time. Bomber truck. The stock motor works well, straight six and smooth. No extra power like the V8 but it is a nice motor. A lifetime machine.

-Dai

Yes, the 300GE and G320 are some of the nicest made G Wagens ever.
Build quality is superb on these vehicles, and they are the perfect balance of 460 and 463 like Dai said.

Get either and dump in the OM606 and an intercooler with 603 injection....you know the deal.

That combo can still run veggie or bio-diesel with a single tank setup like plantdrive.com or other.

300GE I think is worth about $13-16k

G320 is worth about $15-17k 1996 and newer worth a tad more with the V6

1999-2000 G500 is worth about $17-24k

2002 G500 is $18k-32k

all these ranges of values vary based on condition and miles and whether CA legal or not.

Early W463's seem a bit hard to find (kind of like W460's) no?

From my previous research, I've seen more W460's for sale than early W463's(and I've only seen G320's). But of course with enough persistence you will find the one.

Out of curiosity Craig, what specifically makes you want to go from a W460 to a W463?

Thanks for the opinions guys.

Dai, maybe you haven't put a face to my screen name. I work for our family independent Mercedes repair shop here in Portland. My wife and I came to your G event last month. I work on these vehicles for a living and know my way around the G500s enough to do everything myself, at least with a little advice from my Uncle or Pops. You sure love the 617s don't you? They are bullet proof, take tons of abuse, were made to go a million miles, get good MPG, require no electronics, and run on any fuel. Although I threw an alternator in a om603 that has 398,000 this week and it is still running strong. Although the 617s are more bullet proof I prefer more power from the 603 and 606 engines. I've owned a couple 617s and loved them and a few years ago I owned two M103s and hated them. Not enough power even in the sedans, not as reliable, head gaskets go out every 150K, slow off the line, and require more maintenance. But hey its a preference thing as always. I'd much prefer a M104 out of C36 or a diesel.

Jeremy, I really want an early 463 because I want one that doesn't have as many rust problems, is more comfortable on long trips, still doesn't have as many electronics as the G500s, and is much more quite to drive. Although I also want a Cabrio 460 in the future is do moderate off-roading and what not. I'd like my cake and also be able to eat it too.

Is the road noise of the 300GE comparable to the G500s? Is handle also similar?

Anyone come across an early 463 for sale in the next couple years please forward that to me. I may not have funds liquid at the time I find one, but would love any and all leads.

Thanks,
Craig

PS Dai, I couldn't find your wine at the Sellwood New Seasons. Where else in Portland can I look?

I think Dai was simply saying that he prefers the early W463's over the late's due to less electronics/modules and that most anyone mechanical (not that just you specifically could work on it or not) can have an easier time working on them.

On eBay currently Craig;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCEDES-1991-G-WAGON-G300-VERY-RARE-TEXAS-TITLE-/160461050031?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item255c3950af

Thanks Jeremy I've been watching that one. I don't have liquid funds to get it, but am watching to see what it goes for. If it doesn't sell I may contact the seller later on, I like the one a lot.

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Craig

FYI - perfect example.

Karl's old 91 300GE sold for 16,000 with all of that extra stuff yesterday to a private party outside of eBay (as I was informed by the guy selling his 300GE in Texas). Just rumors, but no validity proven to his statement of such. This is purely a thought and example of what these things are going for. His truck had 141,000 something miles with all that stuff and it sold for 16 - not bad.

Are these early W463's going for more now than they had a year or so ago? Just curious if their market value is increasing or maintaining.