The W460 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is the original Geländewagen, a genuinely capable military-bred off-roader, and this 1988 240GD adds one of the most desirable upgrades enthusiasts make. An ex-Danish military truck fitted with the coveted OM606 turbodiesel and a six-speed manual, it is on Bring a Trailer at no reserve, bid to $20,000 with three days to go, so it sells this week.
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What it’s worth right now
The W460 diesel G-Wagen has become a sought-after classic off-roader. According to Classic.com, the 240GD averages around $28,228, with recent turbodiesel-powered examples trading near $29,000 and a high of $67,500 for a rare Wolf convertible.
This truck’s OM606 swap is the key variable. The engine, widely regarded as one of the best diesels Mercedes ever built, transforms the driving experience and adds real appeal, which can push a quality build above the stock average. The branded title and the considerations below temper that, as does the reality that these builds are somewhat buyer dependent.
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Weighing the desirable swap against those points, fair value realistically lands in the $30,000 to $50,000 range, most likely the high $30,000s to mid $40,000s. This same truck sold for $44,000 here in February 2022 before the swap. At $20,000 with three days remaining and no reserve, the bidding should climb into that band.
Condition and details
The truck is a purposeful, well-equipped overlander. Wearing a textured blue off-road coating over a black soft top, it rides on 16-inch Hutchinson beadlock wheels with aftermarket suspension including Koni shocks, and it carries a snorkel, LED lighting, an onboard air compressor, a farm jack, a jerrycan, and teak cargo flooring. The cabin has custom marine-vinyl seats but no air conditioning.
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The central item is the engine swap. In 2026 the original 2.4-liter four was replaced with a 3.0-liter OM606 turbodiesel inline-six and a six-speed manual, along with a custom exhaust, intercooler, and voltage converter. The seller says the engine cost around $24,000, was installed in March with few miles since, and was likely a rebuilt unit, and that the OM606 greatly improves highway driving. As with any major non-factory swap, confirm the build quality, that the unit is sound, and how the change affects registration and emissions in your state.
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Two more points: the odometer shows about 62,000 kilometers, roughly 39,000 miles, but true mileage is unknown, and the Massachusetts title carries an Odometer Discrepancy, Not Actual Mileage brand from the import and military history, so treat mileage as shown. There is also corrosion on the bottom of the driver’s door and some soft-top window imperfections, so inspect for rust elsewhere on this ex-military import. A pre-purchase inspection focused on the swap and body is the sensible step.
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The offer
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 240GD |
| Year | 1988 |
| Mileage | 39,000 miles shown |
| Engine | 3.0-liter OM606 turbodiesel inline-six |
| Power | Not specified by the seller |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive type | Four wheel drive |
| Exterior color | Textured blue |
| Interior color | White marine-grade vinyl |
| Current bid | $20,000, no reserve, with three days left |
Interested in this 1988 Mercedes-Benz 240GD? View the listing here.
What makes the 240GD unique
The W460 Geländewagen is where the G-Class legend began, a body-on-frame off-roader developed with military and utility use in mind and built to go essentially anywhere. Unlike the plush modern G-Class, the 240GD is honest and mechanical, with three differential locks in its DNA, a rugged ladder frame, and boxy styling that has become deeply fashionable. In stock form its 2.4-liter diesel four is famously slow, which is exactly why the OM606 inline-six swap is so prized: it keeps the truck’s indestructible, analog character while making it genuinely usable at modern highway speeds.
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That blend of go-anywhere capability, military-bred toughness, and timeless boxy style is what makes these early G-Wagens so appealing, and increasingly collectible. Fitted with a snorkel, beadlocks, and overland gear as this one is, it leans fully into the rugged, expedition-ready character that defines the model.
My take
This is a genuinely cool truck, and the swap is what elevates it. An ex-military W460 G-Wagen already has enormous character, and dropping in the legendary OM606 with a six-speed addresses the one real weakness of these trucks, their glacial pace, without diluting the analog, go-anywhere appeal. Kitted out for overlanding and offered at no reserve, it is a distinctive alternative to a six-figure modern G.
Fair value sits in the $30,000 to $50,000 range, with the desirable swap supporting the upper part, so the no-reserve bidding should climb well past its current level. Go in clear-eyed: confirm the quality and soundness of the engine swap and how it affects your local registration and emissions, treat the mileage as shown given the branded title, and inspect the door corrosion and body for rust. Handle that, and you have a rugged, characterful, genuinely usable G-Wagen.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
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About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog