The Military Past Life of a 1992 Mercedes-Benz 250GD
Once the pride of the German Armed Forces, this 1992 Mercedes-Benz 250GD has been through quite a journey before landing on US soil. Driven by the current owner in Europe, this rugged beast was refurbished in 2023 and made its way across the Atlantic in 2025. Decked out in an austere shade of drab green, it’s powered by a modernized 2.9-liter turbodiesel OM602 inline-five engine. This powerplant is paired with a new five-speed manual transmission. The truck brags about its dual-range transfer case, locking front and rear differentials, and rides high on a lifted suspension with 15-inch steel wheels. Inside, you’ll find plush Scheel-Mann front seats.
This classic W461 is ready for new adventures, complete with a clean Carfax report and an Arizona title. Strangely, the title labels it as a 1990 model year.
Exterior Features
Bold and Green
This truck’s ex-combat aura has been preserved with a fresh coat of green paint. It also sports a black soft top, perfect for those sunny rides into untamed territories. It’s kitted out with an air intake snorkel and protected by headlight and turn signal guards – battle-ready style.
Lifted Suspension & Sturdy Tires
So, what’s under all that green paint? Well, this workhorse got a two-inch lift courtesy of an ARB Old Man Emu kit, giving it that extra brawny edge. The 15-inch steel wheels come wrapped in Toyo Open Country M/T tires, all set to roll over any obstacle. A spare tire hangs out on the rear cargo door, alongside power steering that ensures this beast is not too wild to handle. When it’s time to stop, power-assisted front disc and rear drums do the job.
Interior Comforts
Cozy Yet Rugged
Inside, the cabin features black-trimmed Scheel-Mann front bucket seats and individual rear seats. What’s more rugged than a bedliner coating the interior to protect it from the muck of the wild? But don’t expect everything to be plush—a nonfunctional map light adds some character to this otherwise comfy ride.
High Tech Meets Vintage
The cockpit’s centerpiece is a four-spoke steering wheel framing all the fun facts you might need mid-adventure: a 180 km/h speedometer, boost pressure readout, and gauges for fuel and coolant temperature levels. With a five-digit odometer adding a touch of mystery—the total mileage is anybody’s guess, but it’s clocked about 51,000 miles so far.
Heart and Soul: The Engine
At the heart of this Mercedes-Benz sits a modern replacement: a 2.9-liter turbodiesel OM602 inline-five. Installed in 2024, this engine features a mechanical injection pump and fresh fuel injectors. Power flows through a newly minted five-speed manual transmission boasting a heavy-duty clutch, ensuring that all that fiery energy reaches either just the rear or all four wheels. Before making its voyage to America, the transmission and differential fluids had a refreshing changeover.
Final Touches
During its facelift, the frame endured sandblasting and repainting, practically guaranteeing you’d spot it glistening through a dusty adventure trail somewhere off-grid.
Clean Slate Documentation
As stories go, this one seems straightforward—the Carfax report backs it up, free from any tales of mischief or hushed-up damages.