Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class Camshaft

The G-Class has run in continuous production across two broadly recognised phases: the pre-2012 W463 series and the facelifted post-2012 W463, with the all-new W464 arriving in 2018. Camshaft fitment is determined almost entirely by engine code, not model year, so a 2005 and a 2015 G-Class sharing the same engine code — for example both running the M113 V8 — may well use the same camshaft, but a 2005 G500 and a 2015 G500 do not necessarily share the same engine. Supply your engine code from the V5 or a VIN check to the breaker, who can confirm whether the donor and recipient units match.

The G350 CDI (sold up to around 2015) used the OM642 3.0-litre V6 diesel, while the G350 d that followed used a revised version of the same family, but internal changes — including camshaft profiles — may differ between production runs. The badge alone is not enough to confirm interchange; the engine code stamped on the block is what the breaker needs. Confirm fitment against your specific engine code before purchasing.

Trim level has no bearing on camshaft fitment whatsoever — the camshaft follows the engine, not the interior or exterior specification. An AMG Line model carries cosmetic and equipment differences over a standard G-Class but, if both cars share the same engine code, the camshaft is the same component. Focus solely on matching engine codes when sourcing a used camshaft from a breaker.

Yes, every engine variant ever fitted to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class — whether petrol V8 (M113, M273, M176), straight-six (M256), or diesel V6 (OM642) — uses camshafts as part of its valvetrain, so the part genuinely exists across all G-Class variants. Later AMG versions such as the G63 use a twin-turbocharged M177 V8 which also has camshafts, though the specific profiles and configurations differ from naturally aspirated units. Always match the camshaft to your exact engine code rather than assuming compatibility across engine families.

The W464 introduced in 2018 uses entirely different engine architecture from the outgoing W463 — for example the G500 moved to the M176 biturbo V8 rather than the M273 — so a direct swap of camshafts between generations is very unlikely to be correct. Even if two engines share a displacement figure on paper, the internal components are specific to each engine code. Give your engine code to the breaker so they can source from the correct donor vehicle.

A camshaft itself is a mechanical component and does not carry any electronic pairing or immobiliser coding, so in that respect it differs from parts such as ECUs or instrument clusters. However, some G-Class engines use variable valve timing systems (such as Mercedes CAMTRONIC or AMG-specific setups) where associated sensors or actuators may interact with engine management. Whether any ancillary components supplied with a used camshaft need coding or matching to your vehicle is something you should confirm directly with the breaker against your registration and engine code.