2008 Mercedes G55 :: Featured Classified

The Mercedes G Wagen or “Geländewagen” is one of a select few 4WD platforms considered a pinnacle overland vehicle. Expedition Portal Senior 4WD Editor Graeme Bell recently celebrated the model’s 500,000th production milestone, stating, “The Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, and G-Wagen are hands down the three most iconic overland vehicles … Since its debut in 1979, the G-Class has evolved from a purely commercial vehicle to a lifestyle object, retaining its iconic design and distinctive character.” It was for these reasons and more that it was chosen as a Project Vehicle, with Publisher Scott Brady stating, “The venerable Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen is the elder statesman of overland vehicles, having been in production for nearly 40 years. While most G-Class vehicles are relegated to a sentence of domestic carriage for urbanite families, some have been rescued to live the life of a Teutonic adventurer.” The model was first developed by Steyr-Daimler-Puch and sold by Mercedes as a hardcore military off-roader. The latest iteration carries forward the model’s legendary build quality and backcountry credentials but introduces lavish interior luxury and demonstrates that rugged dependability and interior comfort need not exist in a vacuum. Cue today’s exceptionally well-maintained 2008 Mercedes G55 (122,000 miles), which showcases a powerful V8 engine, triple lockers, and a plethora of top-tier aftermarket parts and accessories. We’ve featured a selection of these vehicles, but this has to be the most dialed and overland-focused to date.

From the Seller:

“I’m finding that I have little time to enjoy the G55 as intended and built. This is my second G, after 16 Land Cruisers of all flavors. The first G was a 2013 G63, which had an amazing motor but was limited in offroad capabilities due to all the intercoolers etc. Sadly, it was totaled in a rear-end accident but saved my wife’s life in the process. So, we looked for the cleanest G55 we could find (rust is an issue, as most G enthusiasts know) before landing on one in Texas. The motor ran really well, but the transmission had issues. So we took it over to Eurocharged in Austin to let Dave and Adam work their magic. They advised a rebuild and suggested Southern Hotrod, as they could build it up to handle some extra power. While in there, they baselined the motor, rebuilt the supercharger, and replaced almost all hoses, belts, and accessories. Two months later and a large check, they had it running like a top ( 94,000-ish miles at that point) and put their ECU/TCU tunes on as well.”

2008 Mercedes G55

The G55 is fitted with a 5.5-liter V8 that produces a considerable 493 horsepower, 516 pound-feet of torque, and returns a combined 12 mpg. A powerful V8 provides exhilarating on-road performance with a 0 to 60 mph sprint of just 5.5 seconds and a 130 mph top speed. However, it’s when the tarmac ends that the G-Wagen excels, thanks to body-on-frame construction, 4WD, high and low range, front, center, and rear locking differentials, 8.3 inches of ground clearance (since increased), armor, and an uprated suspension. Inside, Mercedes blends these rugged attributes with lavish interior luxury with driver comforts that include:

Cruise control
Powered and heated leather seats
Center console
Infotainment system with navigation
Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
Air-conditioning
Cupholders
Sunroof
Harmon Kardon audio
Keyless entry
Tilt, telescopic, and heated steering wheel with multi-function controls
Rear parking sensors
Heated windshield
Auto headlights

Distinguishing Features

Jackwagon progressive 4-inch springs, Koni Red adjustable shocks with Eurowise shock guards, Eurowise extenders, and 4-inch front radius control arms and bushings
AFN front bumper and Warn winch with synthetic line
Black Rhino Atlas wheels with Toyo AT3 tires
Eurowise panhard bars and new tie rod ends
Gobi roof rack and rear ladder
Eurowise sport exhaust (stainless)
AFN rear bumper with swing-out and spare wheel
Eurowise extended brake and locker lines
Baja Designs LP6s (3) and Squad Pro yellow fogs and Rigid Industries DRLs in custom mount (light controller mounted in front of ashtray)
Eurowise front dual cardan driveshaft and drop bracket
Fox steering stabilizer and bracket
Eurowise front swaybar drop links and new bushings

This 2008 Mercedes G55 is listed for $64,000 and is currently located in Katy, Texas. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.