Thai - G500

[toybox]

Thai just wondering if you have experienced any of the many and dreaded reliability problems with the G wagon? I remember before you bought it you were a bit leary about buying because of what you read on some forums.

 

[Thai]

Well, you're right...i was a bit hesitant at first. Luckily (so far), my '04 G500 has been very reliable (knock on wood). I have over 18K miles without a single problem. From my research, i have found that '02 G500 had the most problem...it was the first year it came to the US. Most of the problems were electrical (windows not working, door locks from hell, etc.). By the end of 2003, most of the problems were fixed. Most of the new owners (2004 and up) are problem-free like me.

There are signs of change in the car's software, such as the main computer. This may have made the biggest difference between '02 and late '03 model. All my electronics are working as advertised. I had more problems in my old BMW M3. My '02 4runner was problem free too, but it also did not have nearly the amount of electronics as the G500.

This all makes sense because in late '02 is when Mercedes made a concious effort to boost it's quality rankings by upgrading it's software and increasing quality controls.

In conclusion, so far so good....

 

[toybox]

That's great to hear. Gives me a little more confidence in which year to buy used if I ever get the chance. I've always liked these trucks and it is a shame that the G is taking such a drastic change with the new generation.