Broken G-Wagen sits for over a decade until Illinois YouTuber revives it on a shoestring budget

A broken G-Wagen sat untouched for more than a decade until a determined Illinois man gave this Mercedes 280 GE a full G-Wagen restoration and brought the classic SUV back to life.

While most would assume it was beyond saving, this SUV was revived with basic tools, spare parts, and a lot of patience.

The G-Wagen looked rough on the surface, but beneath the rust and grime was a well-built machine waiting to be rediscovered.

This entire project was documented on the LegitStreetCars YouTube channel, offering an in-depth look at the process from start to finish.

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When the broken G-Wagen was first inspected, the mechanical fuel system was bypassed entirely to avoid further complications.

The owner started the Mercedes 280 GE with an improvised fuel can, and the engine fired up, sounding surprisingly healthy.

After discovering a clogged injector and leaking pump, he sourced a replacement Bosch unit and even 3D-printed a seal to keep things factory-correct.

This early success was the first win in what would become a full G-Wagen restoration.

The drivetrain was next.

The broken G-Wagen needed a complete clutch overhaul, beginning with flushing out old fluid and replacing a worn slave cylinder.

With new components in place, the Mercedes 280 GE regained proper clutch pressure, allowing it to shift into gear reliably.

Seized calipers and pistons were freed with a mix of tools and hydraulic pressure, restoring front brake function to the classic SUV.

Because the broken G-Wagen had sat for over a decade, a full fluid service followed.

The G-Wagen restoration included changing fluids in the transmission, transfer case, and differentials, as well as installing new shocks and greasing driveshaft joints.

Impressively, many of the internal fluids in the Mercedes 280 GE were still in decent condition, reinforcing just how well these vehicles were engineered.

Once everything was buttoned up, the classic SUV rolled out of the garage and shifted cleanly through all four gears.

The first drive confirmed it was more than just cosmetic progress.

The broken G-Wagen performed flawlessly, from throttle response to gear engagement.

The Mercedes 280 GE stayed planted, braked predictably, and delivered a surprisingly smooth ride.

LegitStreetCars demonstrated that this G-Wagen restoration wasn’t just functional, but a true revival of a forgotten vehicle.

This broken G-Wagen is now a fully operational machine, proof of what’s possible with perseverance and practical mechanical knowledge.

Thanks to LegitStreetCars, viewers were able to watch the full transformation unfold, from non-runner to roadworthy.

The Mercedes 280 GE, once a forgotten project, is back on the road and ready to put more miles on the clock.

It’s a powerful reminder that no classic SUV is ever too far gone when it’s built this well.

See the full video here: