1998 German G500 SWB – OEM+ Restoration & Build Thread

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Tue, 07/07/2026 - 10:54
Nelson Lisboa
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Joined: 10.06.2026
Location: New Malden

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)

  • Any worthwhile OEM upgrades that suit a 1998 SWB G500

I'd really appreciate hearing from members who have completed similar projects.

  • Photos or build threads from members who have done similar OEM+ projects on early W463 G500s.

  • Recommendations on specific parts (grilles, lights, steering wheels, side steps, suspension kits) that fit well and don’t spoil the character of the car.

  • 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

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