Models · Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463 buying guide
The W463 G-Class replaced the original G-Wagen in 1990 and ran until 2018, with a long list of petrol and diesel engines from four-cylinders to AMG V12s. All its engines drive their camshafts by chain.
The versions
- Petrol: 230GE, 300GE, 500GE and G320 six-cylinder models, then G500 V8 (297 to 422hp)
- Diesel: from the 250GD and 300GD through the G300TD (OM606), G270CDI and G320/350CDI V6 to the G350d (245hp) and G400CDI V8
- Automatic gearboxes: 722.3, then 5G-Tronic 722.6 from 1996 and 7G-Tronic later; four- and five-speed manuals on older cars
- Four-wheel drive with locking differentials
- AMG G55 and G63 versions are covered separately
What to check on a W463 G-Class
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Rust in the known places
What to look for: Read the online MOT history for 'vehicle structure is corroded' advisories. Then look underneath for rock damage and rust, inside the wheel arches, around the tailgate, around the rear lights and around the rear bumper.
Why it matters: Rust was a bigger problem on pre-1991 models, but later cars still corrode in these places. The MOT history shows how a car's structure has been judged over the years, so it's a good first check before travelling.
Shudder from the propshaft
What to look for: On the test drive, accelerate gently from low speed and at a steady cruise, feeling for a heavy shudder, judder or shaking through the car.
Why it matters: A heavy shudder or judder while driving is the sign of a propshaft near the end of its life. It's a known G-Class wear item and a replacement shaft fixes it.
Broken coil springs
What to look for: Park on level ground and check the car sits level side to side and front to back. On the drive, listen for loud thumping from the suspension over bumps.
Why it matters: The coil springs, the rear ones especially, can crack and break, more often in cold weather, and a broken spring causes loud thumping. New springs put it right.
Also in the full guide
- Differential locks and oil
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the W463 G-Class
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Mercedes-Benz.