G-Wagen #2

G-Wagen is one of the most powerful four wheel drive in the world. While many other four wheel jeep could transport you from point A to point B, the G-wagen would deliver you in style and comfort. Mercedes G-Wagen 1981-94 (Brooklands Road Tests) has a plus point advantageous apart of its off road capability. Long distance trip with full cargo onboard the Benz offers an enjoyable driving with secure feeling.

For a high speed cruising along the winding road the car has impeccable road holding manner. Despite of its huge, tall and heavy body it is very nimble car to manoeuvre and easily blend in into flowing traffic. No doubt that its commanding high visibility helps us to see ahead before the rest of traffic on low gravity sedan could even catch a glimpse of it.

I have a few of friend who dare to drive from Jakarta to Bandung via Puncak pass a good 180 km with lots of twisting and ascending section in a mere 2.5 hours (early 80s). Yet I did not have the guts doing so on sedan, this car allow you to peek the traffic ahead giving me opportunity to drive almost all the time on the passing lane. It was the only 2.5 hours Bandung trip's record as opposed to 4 hours regular trip time. My best ever record, thanks to G-Wagen.

The Puncak Pass has only two lanes and we are driving on the left hand side (similar to UK and Australia) and also has lots of blind corners. A few years later with more traffic density I managed to make almost similar records yet in a brand new Civic and another one in a brand new three series BMW e-36 sedans.

Not practical though for urban and heavy congested traffic as it has cumbersome heavy load to haul on a stop and go driving style, equally unpractical on toll driving as its top speed is a mere 140 km max. As this 280GE is of an older prime moving generation still adopting DOHC, unlike its successor 300GE an inline SOHC. The 300E engine found on W124 has more power and flatter torque due to its less reciprocating mass. Yet the older DOHC was responsive engine with broad band rpm.

Both engines are sadly the last example of robust package from the over-engineered Benz technology, as they still rely on open loop engine management. The multivalve version of 300E the 320E, had started to use a full closed loop system. If all those electrical sensors receives abusive drive without maintenance care, the engine is almost likely have suffered overheat problem. Overheat is catastrophic for such high tech engine; cracking cylinder head or misaligned block.

I will dwell on common technical attention on 80,000 km mileage GE, on the coming article; meanwhile for those looking for this awesome classic monster make a selection out of either 280GE or 300GE. Both have handling and ride characters that puts a shame on even the latest Toyota Landcruiser, yes the Landcruiser is more reliable. For occasional drive and with your loyal chauffeur a 280 would do, else get an auto shifter 300GE. And be prepare for fuel gulping ride, both are gas guzzlers!

reference and/ relevant other articles;

1. My-drive, an article on my own driving wheels; This article is based upon my own driving experience on 1986 280GE from 1989 - 1996.
2. g-wagen, my own article on rare G-Wagen and specially built AMG version.
3. Leisure light modification for Benz, Volvo and Bimmer
4. Accessories for your G-Wagen.
5. Oil Change and maintenance for optimal GE drive