First Dirt In Our "Cheap" Mercedes G-Wagen: Is It a BEAST Or Completely Hopeless?

[@TFLoffroad]

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[@ianmoone6562]

Yall should import a cheap one from the 80's (try ex military) total "anti" america spec Manual, 2 door, DIESEL, 90 hp. That would be diferent

[@raytrace2014]

A proper G-Wagen. Not a car for drug dealers and wealthy soccer moms.

[@MainesOwn]

yes, one of those. Still not exactly "cheap" to get, though

[@ianmoone6562]

@@MainesOwn Is anything proper cheap these days? I googled out of curiosity 2 door, diesel, manual only and you can get g240, g300, 60k kilometers, 8-15k euros, dozens of them for sale. Maybe even I'll do something stupid.

[@NenadTrajkovic]

or Peugeot P4,same military purpose,only squere lights are deferant from Puch- Mercedes one

[@MainesOwn]

@@ianmoone6562 no, I don't disagree if you compare to a 60k buy. However, people like me really do have to compare to other 30yo cars, I guess. So "cheap" is a relative issue. A friend of mine got one for about €8k. It was a lot of work but it sure was worth it, he said. At least it looked amazingly original.

[@lordbrasic9469]

The depreciation on a new vehicle will cover any repairs needed on the G wagon. You should be able to keep the G for 5 years and you'll probably get your money back. Not to mention the fun you'll have with the G.

[@markmcc1]

I have the 550 version of this. I upgraded the tires to A/Ts and it was a game changer in looks and capabilities.

[@fredbrackely]

I think the 550 is actually the best version.

[@johnhart5102]

Should do a video where you take it to Toby over at your German Auto garage to take a look. We miss seeing him. He could also take a look at Andre's Tundra

[@HardcountsAdventures]

Next offroad challenge Cheap Jeep vs Cheap Toyota vs Cheap Bronco vs the g wagon on the onyx course. Only tire upgrades are tires.

[@showmemorefunthings9208]

Gotta add the discovery even if it's been done.

[@AndrewRoberts11]

Make that a 2005-2009 LR3

[@showmemorefunthings9208]

@@AndrewRoberts11 that would work too!!

[@TreatsOnTheStreets]

Add in the disco 3 for good measure

[@filmart430]

How about a full size bronco (90’s) vs full size blazer(80’s/90’s) vs ramcharger vs landcruiser (fj80) vs g wagon.

[@baywesty]

An old vs new G-wagon challenge would be interesting.

[@simjet22]

It’s funny how there was no mention of the Ineos Grenadier. The Ineos is more of a direct competitor to the G-Wagon than the Jeep and Ford

[@TFLoffroad]

But it’s a $85K rig this is a $58K one. New to new I’d agree though

[@StanfieldMacCue]

I have always wanted to see somebody mod up a G Wagen the way it was meant to be. Can't wait.

[@J.Young808]

I’ve seen some on Expedition Portal for sale and articles. I think I’ve seen a few G-wagers on YT videos

[@buddy1155]

In Europe it is not so hard to find an ex-military 300GD, just expect brown/green plaid interior and crank windows.

[@perpelle]

With insane spare part prices.

[@DaciaProject]

W461…

[@alexvinson7373]

"Factory restomod". That may be the best description of a G wagon I've ever heard. Bravo!

[@fredbrackely]

Yeah that was a great analogy by Tommy.

[@richardedwards2947]

My UK G Wagen 2013 Diesel 350 V6 on 18 in rims.. the single exhaust tail pipe tucked much higher under the running boards by the left rear wheel than the G63 so not a problem 90% of the time . Will consider Wildpeaks one size up so 265/65/18 not 60 should give slight lift. Diff locks need exercising monthly! You guys across the pond certainly have an obsession with cup holders!! I usually finish my coffee before getting in the G !!! Really good videos looking forward to next upgrade!

[@nouse09]

As someone that loves his 2005 AMG G55 I enjoyed hearing your take on it. I took one of my pipes off on my second trail drive. The Medano pass into the Great Sand dunes. I feel your pain with huge breaks limiting wheel size. Luckily I was able to get down to an 18". With a ~1.25 lift I was able to fit 33s (275/70 R18). Looking forward to more G content. Let me know if you want a G friend to join.

[@Loyalwhiteknight]

Das ist gut! They look so much better when set up to do what they do best....offroad. Nicely done men!

[@MainesOwn]

When I drove such a chassis (I don't dare to say 'such a vehicle'), it was 1992, it was a SWB 2-door with a (something like?) 90 HP 4-cyl inline diesel. It had a tricolor woodland camouflage and *no* extras except a (well) working heating and - opposed to its predecessor on the job, a Volkswagen 'Iltis' - got me anywhere I reasonably wanted to go. We also operated those with an extra LWB (a good deal longer than the civilian version). The problem with these was the engine tended to underperform with a fully loaded vehicle and the LWB basically made it impossible to crawl over anything. That one was more for flat terrain meadows and trails.

[@Jonatan_SE]

When you see Tommy and Kase in the thumbnail you know it's gonna be a banger! Love seeing the G put to the test, will be great fun to see were this series goes from here! Top-tier content guys!

[@drags666]

...seriously? As much as I hate shitting on KZbinrs I can't believe you are saying Kase is good. The guy is completely ruining these channels, he is not good at all and is shoehorning himself into everything. I am actually so sick of seeing him and his smug richboy attitude that I am unsubscribing from all tfl channels except tfltruck. The guy has zero personality and should have never been let on the other side of the camera. Andre Nathan Tommy Jen Mary Alex Producer Zack Roman Kase

[@J.Young808]

I thought it was Roman 😂😂😂

[@youngblood23rb]

​@@drags666 Hopefully you are joking, at least Kase can turn a wrench

[@drags666]

@@youngblood23rb This isn't a wrenching channel, this is a review channel. You need to have a good personality to be doing reviews on camera, Kase has zero personality besides being a smug richboy. He adds nothing to these videos, Tommy being paired with anyone else always makes a better video.

[@youngblood23rb]

@drags666 He is doing great, has improved on camera alot over the years

[@buechs25]

I would love to do this with my L405 RR-A. That air suspension goes so incredibly high. And it’s a TANK OFF ROAD. Pulled a full tractor trailer set out of a muddy prairie when a power wagon couldn’t. True story.

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

Always enjoy Tommy & Case working together along with the crew! Great video!

[@drags666]

Tommy good. Case bad.

[@davedonlick2146]

Love the tire selection. Totally changes the look of that box on wheels.

[@jackcpo]

I love my 2007 G55 with 150000 miles . The first mod I did was to cut off those beautiful pipes and reroute the exhaust to up in the fender well straight out in front of the tire. then a 2 inch lift with plastic spacers nothing else , then BFG At2 about 33`s. a high lift jack for recovery and a rooftop tent. It has been very reliable only repair needed was a windshield wiper motor. I take it off road lots and I am not gentle with it. Here in NC we have the Uwharrie Nat Forest off road trails which I have done all of .We also have the Brown Mt Jeep trails I also took it to VA to do the Bald Mt Jeep trail which was very rough. It handled all of it with ease. Every time I do a tough off road trip and Im on the highway driving home I am amazed at how well it rides. How can it do two such totally different jobs so well. I plan on keeping my G forever and asked to be buried in it .

[@thomaswoolsey2602]

Love it. Exhaust relocation and swap to sliders, perhaps some with a step-like design.

[@escdefender]

It’s funny how you guys loved the Grenadier then suddenly sold it and never said another thing about it. Those of us that wanted to see much more of the content for that feel like you totally left an amazing chance to compare it to all the other vehicles you’ve been testing all summer long. Could you explain to all of us, the reasons why you got rid of arguably, the most capable vehicle from the factory that you guys ever got? It seems like that is everything that that you’re trying to do with the G wagon 🤷‍♂️ Did Land Rover corporate pressure you guys to stop showing it???

[@husshardan3511]

Yeah that was weird. I was really looking forward to the long term test, but ‘poof’ it was gone.

[@DoubleDsp]

Question 1. Probably Question 2. Probably It's about content and even though they did that money on views vid. This channel and people are really not like most of us. It's weird!

[@escdefender]

@@DoubleDspso odd, and I’m not much of a conspiracy, but it did seem like suddenly they bought another defender which they hated initially and dumped the Grenadier…. I just wish they would do a video explaining why they got rid of it and why they’re doing all these other tests with vehicles that directly compete with it and don’t even put it as part of the test.

[@grantdavis6011]

@@escdefender General interest for the vehicle on the channel went down and it wasn't earning its keep in terms of KZbin revenue. So bye-bye Grenadier. If no one's watching, TFL will find something else.

[@escdefender]

@@grantdavis6011 I think the problem is that they don’t even mention it when they’re testing other vehicles, which is really suspicious. Also, I think they jumped the gun and got it too early when people really didn’t know about the vehicle and the awareness was much lower. I feel the very least they should probably bring one in again just to do a direct comparison against all the other vehicles and its class - it would make total sense, unless like I fear, Land Rover has told him not to ever speak about it again.

[@dougpendleton1266]

Love these videos, seems like a Grenadier is the comparison to be made here!

[@_._._._._._]

A comparison to the Grenadier and G580 EQ would be interesting.

[@michaeltapper9004]

Let’s see David’s reaction to a G Wagon! Miss him a lot! The new girls are fun tho!!

[@kevincraftsbcs4488]

Great job, Case and Tommy! The G-Wagen content is absolutely appealing to me, much like the old tough T-series videos you guys did. I really enjoyed those! I would have loved the Cayenne series too, but I know you sold it before we could get more videos. By the way, your friend from Couch Engineering in Denver and Dirtbox Overland has a modified G-Wagen that’s seriously impressive-I hope to see something like that on your channel in the future. Keep up the amazing work, and I can’t wait to see more of this content.

[@Easton_Johns0n]

Something that would be really cool is a rock slider, that has holes in the side to surround and raise the pipes. As long as it doesn’t compromise integrity that would solve all the issues with the exhaust.

[@melmelcorvette]

Great video! I’d love to see more Mercedes off-road content. Maybe you could retest an ML550 with air suspension or try something unexpected like the GL450, comes standard with air suspension. I’ve taken both on Colorado trails, and even the little ML320 performs well, especially with low range engaged. I saw your previous ML320 test-unfortunate that the transfer case gave out on that one. The transfer case is more of a maintenance item and needs regular replacement, especially on older models. I owned an ML320 for years here in Superior CO and recently sold it. With proper care, these vehicles can handle much more than people expect. In fact, I took my ML320 (without the front bumper for better clearance) to Moab and tackled some trails and many trails in Colorado I eventually sold it after 5 years. Great car never left me stranded sold it with 234k mi purchased with 180k. Many of the first Gen ml models are very prevalent on the road locally and around the country ive noticed. These vehicles are underrated for off-roading. The combination of ETS and low range essentially turns them into mini-crawlers. If you ever try again, I’d recommend a W163 ML500, W164 ML550, or an X164 GL450/550. Air suspension is DIY-friendly on these models, and they’re far more capable than most people realize-provided you keep up with maintenance and parts sourcing eBay part are fine and sometimes made in the same factory as the oem part. Keep up the great work!

[@brianmoore4778]

Love the duel purpose rock slider exhaust tips.

[@VasilyPavlik]

I still remember crumpled Tesla Mode 3 and Tommy phoning Roman: "Hey dad, I need help" :)

[@mustangdbest220]

PUT AN AFTERMARKET EXHAUST ON IT

[@robervin9107]

Let go Alex. 🎉. Yay hallelujah. He saved the day with spotting hearing his voice and seeing him. On this. I was so happy. Tremendous teamwork you four. Tommy awesome face reactions. Hilarious. 23:10 Yup five stars. ❤.

[@brokenmedic9133]

My 2013 Armada with the exhaust system is just fun as hell sounding as I rip it off road like I stole it. Gimme a call and I will bring it out and we can see what it sounds good NOT being able to do! No modes. No solid rear. No lockers. Just 4Hi and 4Low and a hell of a V8 sound!

[@gilbertferguson1685]

I agree it is a cool vehicle with a lot of presence and capability. If I ever decided to dump my cheap Bronco I would look at one of these. Nice video.

[@RussellRoth]

I love seeing "bill" in front of the g wagon like congrats your g wagon can go any where a base wrangler can

[@jdfleetguy28]

Awesome video guys. Great start to my Saturday morning. Thanks guys! That thing sounds awesome. Nothing sounds better than a healthy v8.

[@zoefaith120]

Only, thing missing is the show from the other video..... snow and g wagon!

[@Kingsley-vj3ih]

The On x off-road AD says it all between G-wagen and a Jeep :D

[@Skott62]

In Florida its not rock climbing but mud holes.

[@nathanlivingston3445]

One cool thing about the suspension is that some G Wagons even have Portal axles.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

I have always wanted a G-Squared. Way out of my price range...

[@robertkoch1327]

I recently picked up a 2017 AMG G63, also a vehicle on my bucket list Would you mind telling me the exact size of the Wildpeaks you installed, and what size wheel spacer? Did you have any rubbing, and how far off is the Speedo?

[@997carreradriver]

The size of the tires are seen clearly in the video

[@robertkoch1327]

Thank you so much for your douchie response, consider me unsubscribed

[@C-M-E]

Last time I watched the TFL G-Wagon feature, I started getting All Kinds of 'engineers gone mad' type stuff in my feed box, which tells me far too much about my search history and how the algorithm works. 😁 Admittedly, one of them was very memorable. An AMG engineer designed a G-Wagon drive system where it could do a zero degree turn, essentially being able to turn around in its own footprint while (presumably) in traffic. The Ultimate "Honk at my One More Time" mode.

[@Dottydawes]

There is a video out there that shows two G Wagons trying to go through the Australian desert. Cars were brand new and German Engineers were there. Let’s say it didn’t go as planned. These are not as “ bullet proof” as people think.

[@dylanallen8712]

G wagons are so cool. I must say during the video it was talked about the bronco raptor having power and I have to disagree. I recently got a 392 wrangler over a braptor and a big reason was the braptor just did not feel powerful. It felt like you had to really push it to get the response wanted. The braptor felt like a BMW x5 with a b58 power wise. Obviously suspension is a different story. Love the videos!

[@JeffreyMota]

This is gonna be a great series of reviews on this g wagon

[@jackhandeganiii]

Swap Springs and shocks for 550 parts and convert to a dump vs side exit....enjoy!

[@richardjones7386]

Add portal axels. Make your own 4x4 squared. That would be interesting.

[@juanirving276]

I really like these, they're very expensive new and even used for me it's out of my price point. But i was very impressed with Whislin Diessls durability test on the G Wagon. To me they look really good, and I agree they're like a from factory restomod. I feel like if I had to choose between a used G Wagon and new Jeep id take the g wagon. But a new Bronco over a used G Wagon would be a tougher decision for me.

[@aaronbritt2025]

I think if you re-route the exhaust and replace the side steps with sliders, this thing will be better than an H1 off road.

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

Lol, I'm right there with you. I drive an LR3 because the G is so expensive! I prefer selectable lockers

[@respectthisdiesel6433]

I take my G55 Offroad, its pretty beastly

[@BrentRussell-w2x]

I'm sure you'll get to this in the Slip Test, but I've seen videos of the G traction control working as well as the Land Rover. Does locking the center diff dissable that completelly?

[@TimeMariner]

I want that thing put in situations that guarentee Roman has a nervous breakdown.

[@Cloud30000]

5th gen Rams have the same extra large brakes that only fit certain 18” rims, so if you find 18” rims that are confirmed to fit the Ram then they should also fit the G-Wagon.

[@MS-mr4zm]

Imagine if you put actual Legit tires on the thing…I see space around the disc & caliper, you could def run a 19” wheel w/ thicker sidewall, maybe even 18”

[@muddyram]

It’s hard to go wrong with a v8 and solid axles

[@panagiotisf7228]

I would see what it can do 2wd first aired doen vefore going into and 4wd settings.

[@scottbott8525]

Whistlen Diesel already took a G Wagon to moab

[@TFLoffroad]

Nope, he smashed a G wagon in Moab.

[@scottbott8525]

@TFLoffroad lol. Very true

[@pere_gt__stgtsport5467]

Not a "real" one, post 2018 IFS... 😎

[@wynter988]

I know bills need to be paid I get it. But two ads per video is too much. I already pay for KZbin premium to not be fed ads. Then getting more and more integrated is just insane.

[@DoubleDsp]

Wow that snow went away pretty quick!

[@Redfour5]

That makes a hemi growl sound like a purr.

[@patrickseals5746]

Wranglers will never cost what it costs to repair a GWagon even if they’re purchase price was the same. That is one this to definitely consider but wrangler has never offered an all steel top either.

[@kyleyoder1822]

I can tell Kase has been going to the gym 💪🏼

[@morilot]

In Europe we can buy them with 3L diesel and from factory on portalaxels.

[@G500expedition]

yayyyy im so happy as a fellow G owner!! I wanna bring mine over and have fun with you guys!!! CAN I ????

[@andressaucedo7992]

Is it posible to make a 4x4² réplica?

[@fredbrackely]

There is no disputing the G is well made. Where most manufacturers spot weld seams, G wagens are fully seam welded by blokes in welding gear.

[@bogdandanailescu]

Factory restomod 4 sure ❤ I'm pretty sure Tommy was closer to the guillotine than Marie Antoinette 😂

[@Skfkf1393a]

Does running spacer have negative effect on the long term reliability of the suspension components?

[@m_m_m_beer8917]

It is an impressive vehicle.

[@relaxgaming8872]

My 04 wj door locks sounds like that!!! Does that make it cool? 😂😂😂

[@joeblack1052]

Surprised the 4WD equipment still works

[@pauliewalnuts240]

When are you releasing the durability test video?

[@anthonymrskipt9252]

I’m entertained by this series and suspect you may end up with an off-road beast, but it will not be cheap and keeping it running will not be cheap. I see lots of these where I live, many with CA plates despite living in UT, and I also see some set up to off-road and some actually being driven off-road. I’ve seen a few old diesels off-roading and even a few of the fancier ones that have been heavily worked on to be off-roadable. Based on conversations I’ve had with owners, they are solid and actually off-road pretty well, but cost a ton to set up and keep running. Sort of like the old restored Defenders that people have paid $150K and up for that look really cool, but may not get off-road very often and cost a ton to keep running. I do have to wonder whether a G would be nearly as pricey without the star. Still, I understand the desire to be different and everyone is free to spend their cash as they see fit.

[@styrkjarsteibjorn1860]

In Germany these (the cheap diesel ones) are owned by Farmers and Hunters and you'll see them in the fields all day.

[@evankatz2893]

Great video as Always guys& you didn’t trash Daddy’s Love Machine!

[@TFLoffroad]

Thanks so much!

[@PetarDimitrovMKD]

Compare it with Andre Buhanka

[@youngblood23rb]

What happened to the TFL Offroad course?

[@donleamon8653]

😅 I knew they’d have issues with the wheels/tires. The pipes are gonna have to go, along with the runners for some actual step-sliders.

[@roastingpeanuts]

G wagon vrs jeep 392 offroad video!!

[@claytonbyrd6134]

Alex gotta learn what leg-day is, holy crap lol

[@markanglin1425]

End links ? suspension sound like repairs are coming

[@Oldjeeper]

First love was Land Rover; then Grenadier; then rover again, now Mercedes. Back and forth. I’ll stick with my jeep.

[@alexkostenyuk]

Looks so good out there 👍

[@stevekniess3665]

I love it. Thanks guys

[@jonkann8988]

What is loose and making noise underneath?

[@donleamon8653]

sounded like something with the camera mount

[@gabrielback5615]

I would way rather this vehicle than a new anything, Toyota,bronco,jeep etc, as its not loaded with sensors and modes and electronic babysitters.

[@BillPatten-zh6lx]

Get or make oval shaped pipes for an extra inch or so of exhaust clearance

[@jaypikachu6660]

My parents taught me that if I can’t afford a new one, don’t buy a used one😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@kevincollins3298]

Go for the MBRP exhaust. First mod I did on mine. Tucked out of the way plus sounds great!

[@bobcoats2708]

People in Beverly Hills have personal assistants to hold their drinks, so cup holders are not an issue 😂

[@tonygersbach375]

The only sold axle vehicle with flex of a brick

[@videowsatcher]

if the battery hangs underneath avoid water crossings based on my exp

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

What’s faster, this G or the old white Range Rover with the supercharged engine

[@REFRACTARlO]

I love this machine ❤

[@RedHawkish]

Not the right one for offroad due to Brakes - Well, which one is the right one?

[@realAAron124]

80 Series vs G Wagon lets do it. Same tires and both have lockers.

[@lizkatari]

What is the last year the gwagon had the solid axles?

[@johnhahn8464]

I think 2017

[@lizkatari]

@ Thank you. 👍

[@jst4curiosity704]

I've always admired the G-Wagons, especially the Bi-Turbos like yours.. I have to admit though that I was cringing as you got close to those pipes..

[@IndefiniteGentlemen]

I was about to criticize y'all for not doing anything actually difficult in the Gwagen, but honestly the first time i scraped the pipes I'd be done for the day too. so now we know.