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...

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?

[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?

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.