Reviewing a 1987 Mercedes G-Wagen

[@911Salvage]

Some say the driver seat is affectionately called the G-Spot.

[@deerlord2363]

LMAO! XD

[@chosenArchitec]

U_U smh.....

[@Atm474]

😂

[@paulcarmi8130]

But all we know is, he's called the stig

[@angrycarguynerd5799]

Top Gear? Sure! But not me.

[@dpla9752]

A manual transmission and promise of no electrical problems, I'll take the old one for sure

[@EpsilonBiatch]

Okay 1 year passed now, I assume you had already countless accidents, major repair problems with your car, and you were probably robbed multiple times?

[@megatronusorionpax4900]

Doiteain Well stick shifts basically guarantees that your car won't get stolen since no one really knows how to drive one

[@lukasaey]

In america

[@xatzpskl]

@@megatronusorionpax4900 except if the thief isnt american

[@megatronusorionpax4900]

@@xatzpskl Yeah, my mad, guarantee might not be the right word, just less likely

[@Dwealdric]

Screw the new G Wagen. I'll take one of these. Gunther Holtorf drove his 1988 around the world, clocking 550,000 miles in 26 years. At the end of the journey, the only modified parts were suspension components for increased load. The engine, tansmission, transfer case, axles, etc... were all original. Not just OEM. Original. What more needs to be said about such a vehicle?

[@ghettomist1575]

True

[@notroll1279]

+Arne Hurnik It's not really a convertible... it's rather a small flatbed truck of sorts with an old-fashioned tent sitting on it. Try to close it one of these when it starts raining and you knoe what I mean...

[@LucBusters]

I wish mercedes made cars like they used to :(

[@ghettomist1575]

***** w126, w140, w124, No cars by Mercedes now have the reliability and build quality of the older ones. They are getting better now.

[@Obi-WanKannabis]

70-80s mercedes are the most reliable cars ever. Well the diesels anyway. You could go to the moon and back if it was paved on a OM617. You could probably do it 10 times before it broke down.

[@danmccarthy4700]

I find these absolutely utilitarian workhorse Mercedes a hell of a lot more interesting than their bread and butter luxury cars.

[@jajesamsigurno1002]

Reviewing G class without mentioning diff locks and off road excellency is like reviewing water without saying that water is wet.

[@TheLaXandro]

Last time I've seen a Gealendwagen off asphalt was because one crashed into a tree by the road. Granted, Russia has very few pre-90s imports, and all the new luxury Gs never leave pavement, it's a statement car more than anything.

[@jeffjacob4020]

I take you're saying that would be useless, as everybody knows that water is wet!

[@jajesamsigurno1002]

Will all respect but I dont have time to fight with Your dyslexia.

[@cobolt13]

The water is not wet...the object it touches gets wet.

[@NakedUndone]

Yeah, these reviews are so useless...

[@skswig1]

The mystery black switch is the Idle adjuster

[@Jeff9691]

not trying to sound dumb, but why does one need an idle adjuster? warming it up or something?

[@skswig1]

When diesel engines are cold they run rough and low powered at low rpm. With the idle adjuster you can just turn up the RPM's until it smooths out and then turn it back down when it warms up. Modern diesels do this electronically. The little knob on the old Benz's is just a cable attached to the accelerator lever on the injection pump.

[@Jeff9691]

Shawn Swigart Thanks for that explanation

[@skswig1]

I have the same switch on my 1983 240 D MB 4 speed. It is a low tech solution that actually works good.

[@duskojankovic9087]

Shawn Swigart

[@STB-jh7od]

And it's still more reliable than your Land Rover.

[@zukinibred1910]

YESH

[@christianb1707]

Oof

[@Fayevalentina541]

Even the old Land rovers... It's sad how bad the english built cars. Only before 65' they were good.

[@rayton-fissoremagnum3060]

His 1999 G-Wagon Cabriolet that he bought in 2019 are more reliable than this 1987 because well, the 1990s was the golden age of Germany luxury car.

[@BrendanMacWade]

Now we're talkin'. A real G class.

[@adinsapo]

Of Course I Hate The New Ones!

[@flight2k5]

+Adin W they're built exactly the same. Same chassis and drive train.

[@adinsapo]

+flight2k5 Ok

[@Celestias]

@@flight2k5 LOL no they're not.

[@flight2k5]

Wael El-Ahmady lol 🤣 yea they are

[@WarfareHD1]

The good old days when cars were mechanical and raw

[@marchingWHU]

There's no better feeling than a gear change...

[@gbtrac]

AirsoftWarfareHD TRUE ASS TRUE.

[@technologyproductions-ye3px]

AirsoftWarfareHD I know right

[@RemixedVoice]

technology productions 2017 I didn't know modern cars weren't mechanical, considering they're infinitely more mechanical then old cars ever dreamed of brings

[@technologyproductions-ye3px]

RemixedVoice I mean now it's all computerized

[@Muehlefenzl]

Re Radio Buttons: M= Mittelwelle (AM in German), U = Ultrakurzwelle or UKW (FM in German)

[@AP-eh6gr]

danke schon

[@Muehlefenzl]

gern geschehen!

[@renatadawn7147]

hahahaha german is so weird and hard.

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

+Daniel Muehlebach Actually now when you say those words, it sounds that Mittewelle actually translates to Medium Frequency. And Ultrakurzwelle to Very High Frequency? :) But yes, medium frequency band is used for AM (Amplitude Modulation) broadcasting.

[@Liam-sh3bp]

you mean mu, right?

[@holton345]

Actually, an inclinometer is a very handy thing to have when off-roading. Many of us install them to help prevent roll-overs. The Idle Speed Adjuster switch (the mystery switch by the hazard light button) is extremely important in many situations off road with a manual transmission or if you have to use a winch. But then you probably already knew that...

[@Sanctimoniously]

I like your Motor Week-esque demonstration of the operation of the manual transmission.

[@tengu190]

I like the older G-Wager and Land Rover Defenders over the newer versions.

[@masongallegos]

+tengu190 agree!

[@AightBro123]

Agree

[@PatrickBaptist]

+tengu190 I had a 02 Discovery II, makes me laugh at jeep owners, on it's stock michilan road tires it would go places the 03 grand cherokee I bought wouldn't on decent off road tires. I ever turned my Rover over in a rut and got it back up by tromping the go pedal and cutting wheels hard right and she picked herself back up, engine was making a funny noise for a min but it got over it.

[@technologyproductions-ye3px]

tengu190 me too

[@GreenSteedaGT]

tengu190 Because you can actually take them off-road and not care. Nobody takes a new G-Wagen off-road.

[@Mrjohnnymoo1]

He raises a good point... Why does every single wealthy world dictator drive a Mercedes, and why do they sell it to them?

[@chilldog1234567890]

+Mrjohnnymoo1 smuggled !!!!

[@Mrjohnnymoo1]

Good 'ol Germany.

[@georgelurye6274]

+Mrjohnnymoo1 Because they can afford the best. Mercedes doesn't sell it them. Dealers do. Why would Mercedes NOT sell it to them?

[@Mrjohnnymoo1]

Lol.

[@KarlBaron]

Probably the same reason Toyota sells Hi-Luxes to terrorists?

[@recklesslyarrogant7242]

Thats a inclinometer measures your incline so you can push it to the limits and not tip over when off roading. Not a airplane gauge.

[@godzillaman235]

It honestly looks exactly like the altimeter in the Cessna 152 I learned to fly on. Caught my eye.

[@geneva1999]

I saw an 80s G-wagon that had the rear tire on the back door, and it had a tire case that looked like it was from a brand new G-Wagon. It had a new paint job and from the outside looked as if it was brand new. I thought wow, didn't know they made a convertible G-Wagon. It looked really good.

[@AusWater96]

+geneva1999 They do make late model convertibles

[@SamAbraham]

+AusWater96 yeah I think the last year they made the convertible was 2014, but they didn't sell them in the US. Unless of course, you got it specially

[@AightBro123]

:(

[@The-Tech-Man]

I would take a Mercedes Benz 300 GD over any of the new g wagons or Land rovers. Hands down, without a doubt, no question asked.

[@davidvick6199]

I bet that one will last longer than a new one with all of its fancy technology that breaks all the time

[@windiahacker]

80 Horsepower from the cold war lmfao

[@Happytylermovieproducction]

+Tronald Dump 1960-70 vw bus = 50 horsepower = slower than fiat 500 and cold war

[@wharris302]

Most cars had around 80 back in the 80s

[@AightBro123]

Including camaro like has 50hp

[@PatrickBaptist]

+Justin.R Gaming Play Like a rock... And the built in steering column lockup feature was a killer.

[@AightBro123]

but guys remember not always about the horse power for example 9999 horsepower taxi still goes 160 mph you need other mods to raise top speed also

[@juslangley]

When cars were simple, basic, and got the job done. I'd love one of these.

[@Lukasdw02]

The fact that this thing is a convertible and a diesel makes it more awesome! I've always loved Mercedes G-Wagons. That was a good find and review.

[@davidgassett]

NGL I’ve watched quite a few new and old Doug videos, and this one is by far my favorite. Well done. Thank you.

[@Dayz01]

the switch with unknown function at 1:45 is to regulate the idling mixture when you are in the very lowest gear, wich you only use when you are stuck or pulling stuff. If I remember it right

[@Atombender]

The M on the radio stands for Mittelwelle (Middle Wave) and the U stands for UKW = Ultrakurzwelle (Ultra Short Wave).

[@williw.5815]

This is so much cooler than the luxury to be honest. It just looks like a fun car that does its actual job well.

[@heiligerjesus1960]

I have a 290GD. Theyre workhorses and ridiculously good offroad. Never got stuck with it

[@williw.5815]

@@heiligerjesus1960 Hat halt auch seinen Preis

[@heiligerjesus1960]

@@williw.5815 naja, vor allem hier bei uns bekommst die alten 461 ja für recht wenig Geld. Ich kann jedem die Wölfe von der Bundeswehr empfehlen, die haben alle immer wenig Rost und da wird so ziemlich alles gewatet. Für 8-9k kriegt man schon sehr gute Autos, musst nur mal bei Mobile.de reinschauen

[@Robert_B_445]

My dad's got one of those. Same colour, same spec, same wheelbase, similar roof too. Except his is a year older and is much more rusty and nearly all the electrical bits are broken. But it's never broke down and it's good off road. I've been told that that peticular spec is very rare over here in the UK.

[@NayAKAZRULES]

do you have a car

[@Robert_B_445]

No I don't

[@MadMonroe90]

I owned a Mercedes Benz MB100D which was coming standard with the same 2.4 L, naturally aspirated, inline 4 cylinder engine as this GD240 or the E240D (W123) and I sold it at 1.2 million miles. The craziest thing is that it's still running

[@cadesmith9213]

Anyone else miss old Doug reviews a little bit?... just me?... okay

[@larrygilbert7273]

My 1990 Mitsubishi Montero had one of those airplane gauges. Showed fore-and-aft pitch and side-to-side roll. It was my favorite feature.

[@georgelurye6274]

+Larry Gilbert If you're going to traverse a hill, it helps to know what your angle is so you don't flip over.

[@Parchem120]

My my, how times sure have changed, Doug! Interesting to see how far the G class has become and how much your style has changed

[@JulezWinnfield]

I was stationed in Germany in 1987 with the U.S Army. Our unit had one of these painted OD green which we used as an administrative vehicle. It doesn't look much different than current G-Wagen's.

[@MattThompsonST]

They look alike but that is 10000x cooler than any new G

[@LTMCMedia]

YES. Doug is back!!!! I'm so happy, I thought he was gone forever from KZbin.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

This was a military spec vehicle. The only reason the G-series remains in production is that Europe needs a military jeep other than the old Land Rover (as they are deemed too unreliable by many European contintental military).

[@sbduwaya]

Nah bro come to dubai and y'll know why

[@ronaldderooij1774]

+Adam Copling When the G class was developed, Dubai was only a heap of sand with some oil wells.

[@sbduwaya]

mercedes was going to kill it in 2008 but because it was in high demand and because hrh ruler of dubai it is still being made and the clue for that was the first g63 given to hrh plus you can come here and see how they are over populating the state before talking trash

[@ronaldderooij1774]

+Adam Copling I am not talking about 2008 and you know it. Do not try to talk trash on me please.

[@t-bone9239]

They use Patrols in Europe too. It's either G Wagons or Patrols in German military

[@luuuk7534]

In my opinion it's still one of the best off roaders you can get

[@KlausKokholmPetersen]

It's as good as the old Toyota Landcruisers.

[@teddyhg3438]

SWB plus canvas on w460 would cost around USD150.000 in my country. And collectors are buying them

[@winandd8649]

The "unknown function knob" is for setting the engine idle speed, it's directly connected to the gas pedal..

[@OutdoorNor]

Haha the 240. It has followed me my entire military career. Trusty old steed through the Norwegian countryside.

[@Prestonesfpv]

That is one damn fine offroad vehicle, i used to drive it in the Danish army and loved it

[@giurgindemilan]

I believe it has manual blockable differentials on both axels plus the central one, few cars have this standard

[@rayton-fissoremagnum3060]

Who know that 4 years later, Doug would own a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon Cabriolet that is a 1999 model year which meant that it's more modern than the one he reviewed 4 years earlier.

[@AMvanRijsbergen]

It's always amazing how much you focus on the stuff you don't need in a car ... in car infotainment system? Serious? You need that to go to work or drive the kids to school ...

[@الأبرار-ح6ت]

Who else thinks that the old doug was so much better than now and more honest with reviewing cars

[@jaskaborner9795]

Okay, I know I'm going through your videos commenting on the plates you use, but seriously, a NM POW plate from the late 80s? I've decided you must be a collector and that's awesome.

[@LRS905]

For me it is amazing how the older G Wagens have benefited from the high prices of the new ones. Go find anyone of these from the 80s and 90s and watch the high prices they are asking.

[@AciduZZu002]

min 4:58 you've said Ceausescu. That man was driven with an ARO 243 which looks like a G Mercedes, but it was released long before Mercedes.

[@JonssonCarl]

Good to see you're back!

[@guntherultraboltnovacrunch5248]

You should do one of those old 80's toyota land cruisers, also noticed plates were of a former POW.

[@michaelniel7523]

Gunther Ultrabolt Novacrunch those are pretty cool

[@agentumsilwersilwer5310]

well its not an airplane gauge, its a meter that shows the cars angle so you know when it may roll over, these is seriously good mountain vehicles built by Steyer, and with an mercedes engine mostly.

[@Mortalomena]

The aeroplane gage is for knowing your angle, go above certain angle and you tip over.

[@control2791]

Classic Doug Demuro, mentioning Gaddafi, Saddam, Idi Amin and ANDREW COLLINS from JALOPNIK in the same sentance 😂😂

[@DestroyerWill]

Doug is the type of guys who gets back at Mercedes for not allowing him the use of a new G wagen by showing us its direct ancestor that is universally liked by everyone... that’ll teach them Doug.

[@dacamaroman5452]

Doug from 9 years ago is hilarious

[@allwinds3786]

That black switch is the idle control. Simple solutions are best. The new ones electronic garbage will not be usable in ten years.

[@kriegsmarineluftwaffe1378]

The “switch of unknown function” is an idle adjuster for those who were wondering.

[@risingembersgaming7740]

0:20 Doug flexing on us with his g wagon and polo sweatshirt

[@icymayne]

Ohhh Doug you came so far now you can review any car or suv you want 😁

[@Bavarian_Lifting]

The first few generations of the G class are pure workhorses that are intended to get through the toughest terrain. 3 mechanical Diff locks and low/high range gearbox. Shortwheelbase, unstoppable offroad. Screw the new G class, the 461 series is what the G class was always truly about!

[@kook4u]

That button with unknown function is one you probably shouldn't mess with lol. I'm pretty sure the owner uses that to adjust the idle haha. I have a 78 240d 4mt, wonderful little tank lol.

[@drewsuppa]

Your "black switch of unknown function" is the diesel engine's choke and the "black plastic thing" is the ashtray. Hope you liked driving it... that 240GD only has about 65 hp. My 300GD is the one with 88. And don't forget the mileage! You're probably getting 23 mpg with that 4-cyl diesel!

[@TheMetalButcher]

Diesel.... CHOKE? I don't think so.

[@Marklin15]

justfakeit888 It's the idle speed knob. You press the accelerator pedal down and turn the knob counter clockwise to increase the idle speed. It helps when starting the engine in cold weather. My 300D has one.

[@TheMetalButcher]

That's what I assumed it. Was. I was just damn sure it wasn't a choke.

[@weaseltown]

Your videos are great! Great reviews, practical opinions and good, intentionally cheesy humor. Keep em coming!

[@matiasarias2347]

Hey doug! I wonder if your are going to make any video showing the Toyota fj40 or BJ 73 in the future. It would be awesome!!

[@IraHayesIraHayes]

Unknown switch to the left of the hazard switch is the idle speed adjust.

[@andrewspar436]

@Doug: The "G" stands for German "Gelände", meaning "offroad". You should definitely take this car into a offroad park and compare it against e.g. a land rover. It is _just great_ for offroading.

[@samserios6428]

MW and UKW are different wavelenghts. Therefore you have the two different frequency bars on the stereo. Its not that difficult if you ever saw a european stereo that was built in the last century :/

[@aaronbays4]

Doug forgot the coolest feature of the old diesel Gelandewagen. It can survive a nuclear apocalypse. Provided it isn't damaged from the bomb blast, the emp pulse from a nuclear weapon will not affect this truck. Unlike newer cars, there are no micro-chips that run the engine to get fried in that emp blast. Even if it won't start due to a dead battery, you can always push it and pop the clutch, off you go.

[@s4awd2]

OMG a white vintage G Wagen with a Ralph Lauren sweater??? You will totally RULE New England ( Martha’s Vineyard) So awesOME!!!

[@AshSolarion]

Man i love these old reviews

[@numbers9to0]

M = medium frequency U = UKW (Ultrakurzwelle, very high frequency in german)

[@oddball_the_blue]

The 230GE that my Dad has was much more fun... Same engine as the 190E cosworth - 190bhp and a side out exhaust. Though getting upto 90 didn't take long it was never a good idea to go past that. Always loved the panic handle for the passenger though.

[@samirrebronja1129]

*grabs flip-phone* "I could kill you with this" -Doug DeMuro 2015

[@christianbarros1580]

If you own one of this, you will know what´s true love is. OM617 3 that raw diesel sound, Spartan german design . These cars have over 30 years and still going for 30 more. modern cars can´t beat that.

[@davestrong6472]

I can't believe that no one has mention the body is made by PUCH yes mopeds. The axle made by Styler and the engine and transmission be MBZ. You can by the same vehicle with PUCH emblem in Austria!

[@straxwb]

+Dave Strong Didn't PUCH also contribute in the glorious Fiat Panda 4x4? I obviously mean the 80's-90's versions, not the new ones from '05-06 onwards.

[@davestrong6472]

+douchechillum Styler made the 4x4 conversion for the VW van for the military, and VW I guess turned it into the syncro..

[@kelvo6983]

Doug deserves a G wagon more than any of the people he mentioned

[@jaredj631]

That thing looks awesome

[@Zahenny]

Bring back this Doug Demuro NOW

[@krugmeister7301]

Stop blaming the 80's...To me it looks FINE and Simple..

[@tomchester3229]

You didn't warned us it will be so wild with throwing turns, screaming tires and crazy snow stunts. I was unprepared. Now I'm scared.

[@JJC991]

I wonder if Doug ever reflects on this video...

[@billyshattered]

I really want one... They are just so hard to find, which I am kind of glad because that makes them cool and rare! :)

[@cawimmer430]

I like the bare honesty of this car. It's a workhorse, not a luxury SUV. The only thing I like about the latest G-Class are the AMG body kit and the improved interior. But if I owned one I would not take it offroad. This 240GD? Anyday!

[@argustek]

Did you think in 2020 you would be still doing this? congrats and thank you.

[@Celestias]

Doug should rename this video to "Reviewing a Mercedes G-Wagen". Leave the date out. WIll add more comedic punch.

[@l2ic3]

That attitude gauge on the dash isn't in other G-Wagen photos. Is that something I can buy somewhere? There's other incline-o-meters on Amazon, but this one is way cooler looking.

[@smbdythatyouused2knw579]

I know this is 6 years old but to not hear the THIS..... hurt my heart lol

[@ExplorationOfAI]

I prefer this G-Wagen to a Defender, because at least is a lot more reliable and still cool like a Defender, in my honest opinion :)

[@rotzloffel1567]

not to mention the great offroad performance. I own a 290GD, and i highly doubt that a new 2018 model can go where i can

[@ExplorationOfAI]

Exactly, great offroad and very reliable car. You can probably shoot the engine 3 times with a shotgun and it will probably start again xD

[@benmurphy1123]

best g wagen ever made, no sarcasm.

[@Kellanium]

I"ve said this before, but i miss snarky doug.

[@Charles-ve2yy]

Great video, if own one of these myself and the character of this vehicle and the community around it is amazing!

[@jeepoutdoorsandmore676]

Actually, Mercedes G-240 not that slow. I had one for a year, Wolf edition, and I was able to keep up with traffic, without any problem.

[@georgelurye6274]

+Jeep, Outdoors and More It's slow compared to the G500, which is the version available in the U.S.

[@jeepoutdoorsandmore676]

Yes, 100 percent, agree, but I meant something else :)

[@w140chris]

Jeep, Outdoors and More 0-60 in 30 Seconds, I wish more cars were that quick.

[@bighorse215]

You got this from Selden motors, that guy always has cool stuff

[@dogukankose6921]

Doug you are the best bro 👍🏻👍🏻

[@mswaheds]

I remember reading about your 2002 G Wagen in your book!

[@_sage_9853]

so is no one gunna talk about the fact that the license plate says "ex-prisoner of war"

[@jayyambrovich3740]

3:24 Doug, no speedometer? I know it is slow but shouldn´t the speedometer give SOME indication of how fast you're going??

[@AndrewJaws]

Hey that's awesome. We had one at our dealership and I got a lot of time with it. It's pretty awesome. Ours wasn't diesel though. There weren't too many imported

[@metraian]

I'm surprised that you know who Ceausecu was LOL

[@lordulalibec3298]

si eu am ascultat de vreo 3 ori partea aia sa fiu sigur ca era vorba de el :))

[@Cristi25]

Lordul Alibec lol, si eu

[@didireagabriele9593]

lol si eu

[@LordPrometheous]

Doug, stop making so many cool videos. I want to play Fallout 4 tonight before I get sleepy, but every time I say, "Ok, that's enough KZbin", I see another interesting video waiting to be clicked.

[@worldhello1234]

@3:08 Except it is actually a Steyr Puch G with a Mercedes badge.

[@146sst]

anyone notice the plates completely changed at 2:30 and 3:45?

[@omen2332]

For me there was a Jeep Renegade advert next to the video. I marked it as "inappropriate".