1998 German G500 SWB – OEM+ Restoration & Build Thread
Hi everyone,
My name is Nelson and I've recently joined GWOA from London.
After searching for quite some time, I've finally purchased what I've always wanted: a 1998 German-spec G500 SWB.
The vehicle has just arrived in the UK from Germany and is currently awaiting registration. The car is in very good condition and my intention is to keep this G for many years.
My background isn't in vehicle restoration, I work in international trade, but I've always enjoyed buying cars that resonates with me and the SWB G hits the spot.
My philosophy is OEM+. I'm not trying to build a modified off-roader or an AMG replica. I'd like it to remain unmistakably a W463, but with carefully chosen improvements that Mercedes themselves could almost have offered.
The first step is giving the vehicle a proper mechanical baseline:
- engine oil & filter
- automatic transmission
- transfer case
- front & rear differentials
- coolant
- brake fluid
- power steering
- complete inspection
Once that’s done, I’d like to improve it gradually while keeping everything sympathetic to the original vehicle. At the moment I’m thinking about:
-
2013‑style Mercedes grille (keeping the W463 look, not a full G63 clone)
-
OEM projector headlights / quality halogen/HID setup
-
Discreet DRLs that don’t ruin the front end
-
Apple CarPlay – currently looking at the Pioneer AVH‑Z7200DAB single‑DIN flip‑out as a subtle solution
-
Running boards / side steps suitable for a SWB
-
2004‑era steering wheel and a gentle dash refresh
-
Suspension refresh (bushes, dampers, springs where needed)
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Any worthwhile OEM upgrades that suit a 1998 SWB G500
I'd really appreciate hearing from members who have completed similar projects.
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Photos or build threads from members who have done similar OEM+ projects on early W463 G500s.
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Recommendations on specific parts (grilles, lights, steering wheels, side steps, suspension kits) that fit well and don’t spoil the character of the car.
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Honest feedback on modifications you regret or would avoid on an older SWB – anything that looked good on paper but didn’t work in reality.
My hope is that this thread becomes a diary of the restoration and a useful reference for future owners working on similar trucks.
Looking forward to learning from everyone and to keeping another SWB G500 on the road.
Nelson
Welcome Nelson.
Great G (LHD). I am sure someone here may have some prevenance of it, even from Germany.
I put you into full membership, because the GWOA payment is not working now for some time (thanks Paypal!) and a re-fresh of GWOA with a new website is now long overdue. Activity here comes in spurts as a result of the klunky site, but the Forum has a LOT of great information and with full access your searches will be much richer in content.
Great to see the hands on enthusiasm.
John, Chair.
There are many other FB groups out there.
Apart from Mercedes-Benz Club, the GWOA is the only paying membership group, and the only one(sorry, original one) focused on G
A whole lot of GWOA folked started a free GRegister, which is now 10 years old and pretty active. https://gwagenregister.com/
There is a 'GWOA' Facebook Group, but its actually separate to this Association. Mostly parts and buy/sell. I ignore any other FB ones calling the marque a 'wagon'
We all rub along as its a small enthusiastic community.
Here we try to have a meet approx each year. Last year we met at Moss Automotive in Watford. Previously Silverstone, Brooklands, greenlaning, Pub, DynoTech Tuning centre, ACE Cafe... Anything from 3-10 Gs is the norm - its hard to get more than that in one place. Nothing in plan at the moment - we'll get on it.
Thank you, I will register to the Gwagenregister.
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Who's new
- Nelson Lisboa
- Scott S
- MartynGDavies
- NZOliver
- Jrsbrace
Hi John,
Thank you for upgrading my membership and for the warm welcome.
I was just wondering if the GWOA has any WhatsApp groups, Facebook groups or Instagram pages where members keep in touch between forum posts?
And if there are so meets, etc?
Thank you.