2008 Mercedes-Benz G500

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G500 is a luxury SUV known for its rugged off-road capabilities, iconic boxy design, and opulent interior. It was offered with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 292 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-Tronic). Owners often praise its distinctive styling, robust build quality, and exceptional off-road performance. Common criticisms include its poor fuel economy, cumbersome handling on paved roads, and relatively high maintenance costs.

Engine

5.0L V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning camshaft adjuster solenoids can lead to rough idling, reduced engine performance, and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (7-Speed Automatic)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The 7G-Tronic transmission can exhibit rough or delayed shifting, particularly between lower gears. This can be caused by worn valve body components or low transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and/or valve body replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque Converter failure can result in shuddering during acceleration, stalling, or complete loss of power transfer.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can experience compressor failure, leading to a sagging or uneven ride height. The air suspension warning light may also illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks in the air struts can cause the vehicle to sag overnight or after being parked for an extended period. This can also lead to compressor burnout as it overworks to compensate.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Window Regulators
  • Description/Symptoms: Window regulators can fail, causing windows to become stuck in either the up or down position.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Locking System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The central locking system may experience malfunctions, causing doors to lock or unlock erratically or fail to respond to the key fob.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the faulty component, which may include the door lock actuators, the central locking module, or wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can form in various locations on the body including around the wheel arches, door edges, and along the seams.
  • Solution: Rust repair which will include cutting out the rust, welding in new metal, and painting the affected area.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can become stuck, leak, or make excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G500, while a capable and luxurious SUV, can present owners with various issues. The most common problems revolve around oil leaks from the engine, rough shifting from the transmission, air suspension failures, and electrical malfunctions. Rust is also a recurring problem. While some of these issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to address, others, such as air suspension repairs or transmission overhauls, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their ownership costs.