Mercedes G Wagon (Overland Build): The Ultimate Diesel Off-Roader!

[@mdb_mississippi]

Funny you mention the lack of knowing the revs. In the UK you are taught to change gear without looking at revs and playing it by ear.

[@kevinanderson5095]

Ben, that is the W460 G class. Engine and transmission swaps/rebuilds were very common for this model since it was fairly accommodating with the rest of the Mercedes engine and transmissions in this era. The W461 is the upgraded model of this that looks similar from the outside but has a slightly nicer and upgraded interior. Most of these models were built for English, Swiss and Dutch armies. Civilian versions were made (G300 Pür) but not for sale in the USA. Mbusa fought hard to keep these out and unavailable for sale since they didn’t match the luxury Benz image in the states. More of these W460’s and early W461’s may make their way to us per the 25 year old import rule. The W461’s get the newer engines and are just a BLAST to drive, especially off road.

[@Sardalani7]

What is the difference between W460, W461 and W463? I thought they all shared the same chassis.

[@randyking1715]

Ben that vehicle is AWESOME! Your advice to look for unique vehicles at high end dealers is paying dividends.

[@texandy89]

it's a map light old schooled I love those style of lights for the inside

[@pellcio]

I love it. But yeah, it's clear you know very little about these trucks. First, it is not a 5 cylinder. It's a map light. It's a "barn door" model which is uncommon. Most all Gs have a large single rear door. That bumper, with pin is a stock MB item, not ARB. The stubby lever is for the transfer case, with 2H, 4H & 4L. It wasn't until sometime in the late 90s that Gs had AWD and the 3 diff locks. The "more vents down below" is an aftermarket AC system, as they did not have them untill they went upmarket. This vehicle is most likely a military G, which probably had a puny and even slower diesel engine. Which explains the swap to a bigger "faster" engine. Are you sure you weren't driving around in Low Range? 60 kmh seems awfully slow in 5th gear.

[@YangGQ]

In 2024 - my doppelgänger - 300GD Automatic 1983 G-Wagen LWB RHD in same colour is daily driving the school run in Malaysia to Malborough College. So good to see the extra bits of sprack - roof racks and lights... that one day I will fit to mine! Thank you for sharing!

[@edwardpeters4700]

The light you were wondering about is a map light. It allows the navigator (front passenger) to read a paper map without lighting up the entire front cabin. They're very common in emergency vehicles like ambulances and old-school overland rigs.

[@paachi]

That’s an engine and trans conversion. It’s an OM606 from the 1996-1999 463 series. Last of the true MB in-line six diesels with an iron box 5 speed trans. Very tasteful conversion

[@paachi]

Oh and the OM 606 is a revvy diesel. I think redline is 5-5.5k. It has good torque and at freeway speeds of about 75 mph it lopes at 3000 rpm depending upon the trans setup. Very cool trucks and imho under appreciated

[@texandy89]

Ben should do some classic reviews maybe a new channel called Ben Hardy Classics if you know someone who has a Shelby Cobra review that. Anyone of a Ben Hardy Classics Channel say I I

[@J.Young808]

I grew up driving a 1976 MB 240D sedan that my parents bought 2 months after my birth. I had to turn on the key and pull out a lever to heat the glow plugs to start it. I also got to drive a 1980 300TD wagon, it was much nicer to drive and I wouldn’t get passed by 49cc moped going up a hill like the 240D.

[@mdb_mississippi]

That is a map light that you kept turning on and off.

[@OverlandOrange]

THIS is a proper G class. SO nice.

[@mr.knowitall6902]

That is a awesome motor. We had it on a Mercedes 300 SDL

[@darrinwagoner3025]

Someone might have stated already, but that is a OM606 engine. Somebody did an engine, and transmission swap.

[@BittnerBuddenbrock]

A clueless American looking at an old however perfect Mercedes Geländewagen which is produced in Graz, Austria. I'm surprised he knows how to shift without grinding the gears.

[@mokisan]

Thanks for the awesome video. Love old vehicles like this

[@hunterwilliams8129]

Thats a really nice G. ❤️

[@tmurray12]

You're driving my dream car. Just can't afford a restomod one because poor.

[@mhassouneh]

Very cool rig 😎👌

[@maverick-zj3jz]

I like the wagon review. Can u do 2025 ev g wagon review?

[@blakemarchand6650]

This is bad ass

[@stanlegebeke4512]

Is this G wagon for sale?

[@Heimtreats]

Literally a map light but has no idea it’s a light at all. Hits buttons over and over

[@AndersHeywireDK]

Looks like a OM605 engine that would have a 5 speed transmission.

[@LivingRetirement]

A tachometer was in those years optional. You just listen to how the engine sounds and decide from there when to shift.

[@MubarakSultan]

G wagon started as a request from king of Iran back in 1979 so Mercedes company agreed an pass the project to an Austrian company

[@bower79-q6n]

Wow!!!!

[@fire_breathing_hamster]

I want it!

[@amexna]

Does this get MPG or GPM? lol

[@Heimtreats]

There are no “rpms”🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@Heimtreats]

Literally knows nothing about vehicle makes a review🤦🏻‍♂️

[@mdb_mississippi]

That is a map light that you kept turning on and off.

[@maverick-zj3jz]

I like the wagon review. Can u do 2025 ev g wagon review?

[@RanganBose69420]

Why the Ev He'll do the new 605Hp AMG G63