New Member : ML 500 Driver

[Kibim]

I stumbled across the forum whilst looking for some comparison info between my ML and the G-classes.

I've got on 04 ML500 with 180000km on it, and plenty offroad use. I'm really enjoying the car, but get a little frustrated with it's low ground clearance at times. That being said, as is the case with most of our cars, 90% of the time they're on tarmac, and an high ride height is not ideal.

Also I've noticed recently that it feels a little down on power, and is using a whole lot more fuel than is absolutely necessary. I'm thinking clogged catalytic converters. What options are there? De-cat a possibility?

 

[Arnold Ross]

Well Kibim...

I'm driving a '82 300GD and a '82 280GE...

My question is - what is a catalytic converter...:-D

Regards,

Arnold

 

[munga]

I stumbled across the forum whilst looking for some comparison info between my ML and the G-classes.

I've got on 04 ML500 with 180000km on it, and plenty offroad use. I'm really enjoying the car, but get a little frustrated with it's low ground clearance at times. That being said, as is the case with most of our cars, 90% of the time they're on tarmac, and an high ride height is not ideal.

Also I've noticed recently that it feels a little down on power, and is using a whole lot more fuel than is absolutely necessary. I'm thinking clogged catalytic converters. What options are there? De-cat a possibility?

With the W163 MLs you can put on some bigger tires and do a DIY torsion bar lift that will give you another 30mm or so.

Check out:

http://4x4abc.com/ML320/ml320_torsion.html

That site is quite good for the 163 ML and G stuff.

CAT, MAF, etc. all these might need checking. Connecting to a diagnostic machine is probbaly best to find the problems quickly.

 

[Kibim]

Yeah yeah, Arnold, nice one.

I'm looking for a G-wagen to use as a weekend getaway car. If I find the right one for the right price, i may just snap it up. You don't want to sell one of yours? :ugeek:

 

[Arnold Ross]

Well - that depends if you are talking to me or my wife.

I will NEVER sell them!!! My wife feels that one is enough!

Naturally I do a lot of house chores to keep this argument in balance...

Regards,

Arnold

 

[munga]

Yeah yeah, nice one.

I'm looking for a G-wagen to use as a weekend getaway car. If I find the right one for the right price, i may just snap it up. You don't want to sell one of yours? :ugeek:

What you offering?

 

[Kibim]

I'm contemplating that 300GD in autotrader/junkmail...

Am I right in thinking that the 300GD is a non-turbo? I really would prefer a turbo diesel.

 

[Arnold Ross]

Ahhh yes... we all do, but getting them here in South Africa is like looking for information about the weapons transaction. Not available anymore...

Just joking! I would love to have one of the 617(a) in my G but it's not just a case of bolting a turbo onto a normal 617 engine. It's an engine that was specifically made for turbo with oil injectors under the pistons and different pistons and pre-combustion chambers etc.

If I can lay my hand ons one I will definitely grab it up, but unfortunately there are no offers.

Cheers,

Arnold

 

[munga]

I'm contemplating that 300GD in autotrader/junkmail...

Am I right in thinking that the 300GD is a non-turbo? I really would prefer a turbo diesel.

There are 2 kinds of common "300GD" motors found in SA/RHD. The OM617 and the OM603. The first is a straight 5 cylinder 3l and the 2nd is a straight 6 3l. They are both non-turbo. 65kW and 83kW respectivley.

Basically the 617 was fitted to the W123 sedan and the OM603 was fitted to the W124 sedan and we available in SA.

I am unsure of which you are referring to but the OM617 is a more common vehicle in SA.

As Arnold says the OM617(a) is a factory turboed 617 with lots of other goodies in. Andrew is the local expert on those as he fitted one to a G. From the pictures and discussions I had with him it was very nice! It was sold recently. Do some digging and you might see some pics.

 

[Kibim]

wow... 65Kw ... I haven't driven anything under 200kw in years. I don't think I could handle 65.

I do have a merc 560sel engine lying around ... shoehorn one of those into a G? That could be interesting. Sacrilege, but interesting.

 

[Arnold Ross]

Kibim

You sit in a yoga position with your thumb and pointing fingers touching and you go... Hummmmm... I find that this method helps.

Mind you - you do see a lot more of the scenery! There is that!

Regards,

Arnold

 

[Andrew]

Kibim

You sit in a yoga position with your thumb and pointing fingers touching and you go... Hummmmm... I find that this method helps.

Mind you - you do see a lot more of the scenery! There is that!

Regards,

Arnold

Brilliant!!

You know the first post on G wagen sites: "Hi I am the proud new owner of a 300 GD. I am not sure if anyone has ever asked the question before but is there anything that I can do to make it a little faster...."

Kibim at 200Kw you must absolutely definitely not buy a G!

 

[460LeoG]

I'm contemplating that 300GD in autotrader/junkmail...

Am I right in thinking that the 300GD is a non-turbo? I really would prefer a turbo diesel.

Was looking at that one and have heard of people turbo-ing the standard 617 not knowing different metal tecniques were developed for the 617A(as well as the lubrication etc etc). If it has a 617a you found the teeth on the hen. Dont know the condition of the vehicle but been on the market a while which tells me there must be a reason for that.

Down here in CA if I leave the Waterfront and floor it outgoing all the way I reach 100km/h at the Monte Vista turn about 12km further... 240d. Fuel consumption is great though.

 

[Kibim]

Down here in CA if I leave the Waterfront and floor it outgoing all the way I reach 100km/h at the Monte Vista turn about 12km further... 240d. Fuel consumption is great though.

So what you're saying, is that I must keep the ML, and tow the G on good roads ... as I could probably tow it faster than that!!

 

[460LeoG]

Keep the Ml, and get a good G!
Mine is not the rule but incorrect engine transplant done by previous owner (diff ratios not compatable) + larger tyres = no acceleration.

 

[Chris B]

So what you're saying, is that I must keep the ML, and tow the G on good roads ... as I could probably tow it faster than that!!

Kibim, you need a G55 or keep the ML500, just do a suspension lift.
Call Ted [at] Afrishox/Mikem in Jhb 0114935730. Many ML lifts where done by Ted, it really make a huge differens.

 

[Pete460332]

.. and disappointment.
peter

 

[noyota]

Was looking at that one and have heard of people turbo-ing the standard 617 not knowing different metal tecniques were developed for the 617A(as well as the lubrication etc etc). If it has a 617a you found the teeth on the hen. Dont know the condition of the vehicle but been on the market a while which tells me there must be a reason for that.

Down here in CA if I leave the Waterfront and floor it outgoing all the way I reach 100km/h at the Monte Vista turn about 12km further... 240d. Fuel consumption is great though.

Acceleration on my 240DA was marked on my calendar......even so, my staff managed to get a speed fine with it, within 50 metres from pulling away. I had the fine framed for years, but it got lost