SOLD!
2003 Mercedes G500
This 2003 Mercedes G500 has been built and maintained specifically for overlanding and features dual batteries, Front Runner drawers, Alucab roof top tent, and 270 degree shadow canopy and Quick Pitch en suite, along with a Clear View drop down fridge slide and shelf among many other improvements. Please see the full list below. It currently has 184,000 miles and has been my daily driver for 4 years. Everything in the photos is included with the exception of the fridge and stove.
The build: 2003 G500 Black on black - 184,000 miles. VIN WDCYR49EX3X135071
Pioneer receiver (works with CarPlay, GAIA) $1,000
LT265/70R-18 General Grabber A/TX tires, brand new $1,000
Alucab Gen 3 Expedition roof top tent, hard wired power $4,000
Alucab load bars
Alucab 270° Shadow Awning $1,500
Quick Pitch Quick-en-suite camp shower, hard case $500
Front Runner roof rack (not installed but included)
Front runner drawer kit $1,600
Clear View Easy Slide drop down fridge slide $700 (fridge not included)
Clear View cable saver and easy slide tray
Interstate AGM battery (2nd house battery) $350
Redarc BCDC 1225 battery manager (solar ready) $400
Blue Sea fuse block with 2 Anderson connectors, 2 USB, 3 socket and monitor $200
ARB Tire repair kit
Trasharoo
Superflow MV-50 air compressor
Coyote tire deflators
Front runner double jerry can holder and 2 20L Jerry cans $200
180° door stop on rear passenger door (allows easier load in)
Spare tire wheel cover $650
Front runner slim line roof rack (not mounted but included)
Rear mounted ladder $650
OME Heavy Duty springs / shocks $1,000
Europa running boards
Repair History:
I have extensive repair history on the car from the previous owners. In the last 50,000 miles it has had SAM modules replaced, new spark plugs, cables, coils and injector as well as new fuel lines, brake lines, brake pads and rotors. Tires have less than 2,000 miles on them and the upgraded suspension performs perfectly with the additional weight. I’ve replaced the headliner and door seals in the last year and the interior is in great shape. The car was originally a manufacture buy back, I believe due to electrical issues which were common on pre-2004 G500’s. Here’s the history from the owner who had the car from 30k to 150k.
I know the car inside and out and am happy to answer any questions you may have. It’s taken me from coast to coast several times, and is ready for it’s next caretaker. I own three G500’s now, and I don’t have the room for this girl any more. It would make an ideal daily driver, or conversion to overland vehicle. The car is completely stock.
This has been my pride and joy since I bought it in 2006. It has an interesting mechanical story; I bought the car from the first owner as a “manufacturer buyback.” I didn’t understand why a car still under warranty would be have to be bought back by the manufacturer. So, after taking delivery, I took it to Mercedes in New York City and told them to go over the car with a fine tooth comb, and not to give it back to me until the car was absolutely perfect. Two months later, they called me and said they replaced over $20,000 in electricals with the latest upgraded parts and she was ready to go. Since then, I’ve put over 100,000 miles on it with NO serious problems. This thing has been a rock.
I’ve had it maintained by an ex- MB mechanic who went into private practice since then. I have all records on the car since my ownership. It’s never left me stranded, and I’ve kept up with every maintenance item. The car was my “long distance travel vehicle” which I’ve used on countless ice climbing and backcountry skiing trips. It’s seen both oceans, the northern lights, the beaches in Florida; I wouldn’t hesitate to drive the car anywhere. The car starts up perfectly every time, and runs smooth. Transmission shifts perfectly, everything just… works. There are no warning lights on, strange noises, etc.
The car has 142,200 miles, mostly from long trips like these, considering I’ve always taken the train to work. The leather interior is in great shape considering the age as I Lexol’ed it four times a year. Oil has always been Mobil 1, all changes done on time.
It is being sold with a clean title and I personally have not had issues other than standard things for a 17 year old car. I do have a carfax report and all the service records from 150k and I’m more than happy to share with any prospective buyer. I recently did a trip through Colorado and Utah and wouldn’t hesitate to drive the car anywhere.
Known issues: It is a 17 year old car after all so there are a few minor quirks that keep it from being perfect. The driver’s side power seat switch only likes to go forward. I’ve programmed a memory setting that I use to move the seat back. The power telescoping steering wheel gets stuck if you move it all the way out (rearward). Physically pushing on it while adjusting in gets it going again no problem. The rear passenger power lock sometimes doesn’t unlock. Cycling through lock and unlock again usually does the trick. The window tint has some scratches on the inside. There is a hum from the new tires between 50 and 60 mph. It doesn’t bother me but it is noticeable and worth mentioning. The previous tires made no noise. The taller tires very occasionally set off the ESP. Mostly on very curvy mountain roads. It’s never been an issue for me, others have had the computer reprogrammed to account for the larger size. Speedometer reads 10% slower than actual due to taller tires. A new jack is a good idea. The factory jack is a bit too low for the larger tires. The warning light occasionally comes on for the fog lights and rear brake light. The connectors are corroded and need replacing. The sensor for the center locker works intermittently. Typically the lockers must be engaged in order, but I’ve modified it so any locker can be turned on independently. They’ve worked fine every time I’ve needed them (which honestly isn’t often).
Why sell? To be honest, I’ve realized that it is way more of a car than I need. Living in Texas there is very little public land, and none of it requires the level of competence this car has. I’ve owned 4 runners, Range Rovers, Land Cruisers and more and this car blows them all out of the water. I absolutely love the car, and if I lived in Colorado or somewhere I could justify keeping it I absolutely would. I also own two other cars (1976 BMW 2002 and 1982 Mercedes 300TD wagon) so something has to go. My hope is that someone will buy this and actually use it for what it was built for.
Interested / questions? Email me: hello@creedefitch.com
Before the RTT and awning. Big Bend, Texas. The frontrunner rack and jerry can holders are included.
Beach camping. The awning does have poles, you just don’t need them in my experience unless you have 20+ MPH winds. This was a windy day. We added the en suite after this trip
RTT has access from the side or back. The 270 awning makes for great shade just where you need it. En Suite added after this trip.
Tucked in for the night. Set up and take down takes less than 10 min.