2002 Mercedes-Benz G400 CDI

‘Y585 YRV’ is a 2002 Mercedes-Benz G400 CDi  that’s finished in Tanzanite Blue with a black leather interior, and whereas many G-Wagens were fitted with engines that placed the emphasis on steady plodding and economy, this is one of just 828 that left the factory with a twin-turbo diesel V8 under the bonnet.

All were left-hand drive – this one started its life as a personal import in Spain, where it lived until 2015 – and the oil-burner sends its 247bhp to all four wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox. Therefore, neither traction or seamless gearchanges are an issue, helping it streak to 62mph in ten seconds on its way to a top speed of around 112mph.

And, when the going gets really tough, just slip it into the low-ratio ‘box and select any one of the three differential locks on offer before deploying its 413lb-ft of torque to counteract the rotation of the Earth itself.

The seller bought it a decade ago and imported it to the United Kingdom. He’s covered around 12,000 miles, largely in winging his way to and from Switzerland, and the receipts for the curation of his beloved G-Wagen are on file; as you can see that money has not been a consideration. 

Of course, spending the first 13 years of its life in the sunny Spanish climate has preserved it to a remarkable degree; a propensity to rust is one of the G-Wagen’s few weaknesses, so the fact this one has escaped unscathed is a significant point in its favour.

As is its run of advisory-free MoTs (including the last) and the mileage, which has just ticked over the 100,000-mile mark, meaning it’s barely run-in in G-Wagen years.

Finally, he’s only selling it because he’s lost his storage space; as you can see from the online MoT history, he’s barely used it in the last few years but says losing it will be a wrench, nonetheless. 

The five-door, Tanzanite Blue coachwork works well with the updated rear lights and front grille, turning the somewhat staid original design into something much more contemporary. 

The rear windows have also been treated to privacy film, a modification that is as stylish as it is practical. Taken together with the modern headlamps and clear front indicators, the changes refresh the G-Wagen’s looks to a remarkable degree – and yet all would be easily reversible should the new owner prefer its original, classic looks. 

The sunroof fits the aperture well and operates as it should, sliding fore and aft easily. The glazing, which has pliable rubber seals, is in good order too, as are the badges.

The five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels are in a very good condition being free of kerbing damage and scrapes. Mind you, they are protected by a matching set of four Continental Winter Contact tyres in a hefty 266/60R18. A respectable 30” in diameter, they all still have good tread and make traversing snow-covered roads an absolute breeze while still offering good grip throughout the rest of the year. (A set of snow chains are also included in the auction, for those very rare times when you need even more traction.)

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. 

Other niceties include a body-colored-and-chrome spare wheel cover, a Dixon-Bate towbar, rear mudflaps, and a pair of chunky sidesteps to help facilitate entry to the spacious cabin.

As for blemishes, the seller admits it isn’t a trailer queen and the bodywork does show some marks. These include scuffs and heavy stonechips to the painted front bumper, minor scratches and chips to the rest of the front end and sides, and some bubbling to the roof that looks like the paint has reacted. 

The black leather interior is also lightly patinated but given the wear ‘n’ tear is modest and few vehicles are more characterful than a G-Wagen anyway, we can’t see many folk finding too much to complain about in here.

Because the front seats are still firm and comfortable, even the heavy bolsters that help keep you securely in place. Electrically adjustable, they have two-stage heating and memory settings for three different people, all of which works as it should.

The rear seats offer proper three-breast seating with the middle passenger not having to compromise in either comfort or legroom. All have full-sized head restraints too, and the slightly-ruched black leather face material is, just like the ones in front, in a very good condition with no rips, tears, or other damage.

The brake and throttle pedals are hefty jobbies that’ll accommodate a welly boot with ease, and the three switches on the top of the dashboard offer the driver the ability to lock the front, centre, and/or rear differential when things get sticky; a low-range gearbox is also available, at which point you might be moving slowly, but you will be moving inexorably.

The front passenger has a grab handle directly in front of them, plus a useful netting pocket, and rubber mats throughout protect the carpets from mud, snow, and rain. 

Not that the G-Wagen is strictly utilitarian because it also offers wood veneer across the dashboard and transmission tunnel. There’s wood on the steering wheel too, and the gearknob; factor in the leather upholstery and travelling cross-country has rarely been more civilised.

A good-sized armrest between the front seats offers support and storage, and toys include electrically-operated door mirrors, automatic headlamps, headlamp washers, airbags for those in the front, electric windows all around, and dual-zone climate-control.

Oh, and the headlining was replaced in 2017, and the rear windows were tinted in 2016.

The double-din Alpine multimedia system, which includes sat-nav and Bluetooth streaming and was fitted in 2017, includes a CAN connector to link it to the steering wheel controls, ensuring a seamless factory-level interface.

Flaws are few. There are some minor chips to the veneer around the gear selector, the boot carpets has a couple of holes in it, and the switch that adjusts how hard the driver’s seat bolsters grip you doesn’t work. 

(To be clear, the door-mounted controls that move the driver’s seat fore and aft and recline it operate perfectly, the problem is restricted to the control panel that sits between the seat and the centre console that adjusts the side bolsters.)

The G-Wagen’s service and maintenance record is impressive:

• 30.01.2026 and 101,277 miles – service by Colin Ferns Ltd including repairs to the seat mechanisms at a cost of almost £1,500
• 27.02.2025 and 101,241 miles – new battery and towing socket by Croxted Motors of Dulwich at a cost of £590
• 03.12.2020 and 96,768 miles – MoT and miscellaneous small repairs by Croxted Motors of Dulwich
• 18.12.2019 and 95,368 miles – miscellaneous repairs by Colin Ferns Ltd at a cost of £929
• 30.04.2019 and unknown miles – miscellaneous repairs by Colin Ferns Ltd
• 17.12.2018 and 93,846 miles – miscellaneous repairs by Colin Ferns Ltd
• 02.05.2018 and 93,758 miles – service by Colin Ferns Ltd
• 20.11.2017 and 92,394 miles – miscellaneous repairs by Colin Ferns Ltd
• 08.08.2016 and 88,645(?) miles – air-conditioning repairs by Colin Ferns Ltd
• 25.04.2016 and 89,391 miles – miscellaneous repairs by Colin Ferns Ltd 

The seller understands the G-Wagen started its life plying the motorways between the UK and Spain. He’s maintained that European tradition, using the G-Wagen to ferry his family to Switzerland for skiing. Therefore, most of the 100,000 miles on the odometer are likely to have been accrued at a steady cruising speed rather than short runs to work and the shops.

He tells us that “it tows beautifully”, which is hardly a revelation given the turbocharged V8 diesel’s prodigious torque and the surefooted four-wheel-drive chassis.

As the video demonstrates, it starts well, idles with the solidity you’d expect of the breed, and revs with a very un-diesel-like V8 rumble.

In the modern way, there isn’t much to see under the bonnet thanks to extensive plastic shrouding. However, what we can see looks clean, and there isn’t any visible rust to worry about on the bulkhead or inner wings, just a few corroded fasteners.

Moving underneath, an easy job given its ground clearance, again the steel suspension components have a light smattering of surface rust but we can’t spot anything more serious, but then neither has any MoT tester.

What’s more, the G-Wagen’s MoT, which is valid until February 2027, was issued with no advisories, something it’s made a bit of a habit of over the years.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and it comes with two keys. 

The history file also has paper from its time in Spain, plus plenty of old invoices and expired MoT certificates. 

The price of G-Wagens has risen inexorably over the past few years; what started as a left-field alternative to the Defender has developed into a fully-fledged cult, with the uber-rich driving around London in lowered and body-kitted new ones that cost so much Mercedes-Benz UK doesn’t list a price: Clearly, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.

But bargains can still be found, especially if you don’t mind driving a left-hooker, which you probably shouldn’t because city driving is easy, not least because you have the advantage of being able to step out onto the pavement. 

Elsewhere it’s just a matter of getting used to different sightlines, and if you have a home abroad its LHD status will be a positive boon.

Yet even though we don’t see left-hand drive being an issue, the market does and that affects its value.

By how much? 

Well, we suspect the virtual hammer will fall somewhere between £15,000 and £20,000.

That’s just our best guess though because the G400 CDi is so rare there haven’t been many sales in the UK to guide us.

Not that it matters anyway because the seller has sufficient faith in his G-Wagen to offer it with no reserve, so it’ll be going to a new home after the very first bid has been placed. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.