In September, 1997 the 290 GD was replaced with the more powerful 290 GD Turbodiesel. Production of the 95 hp naturally aspirated model ended in December 1997; for non-civil use however, singular models were produced until July and October 2000 respectively. The new engine was the in-line 5-cylinder Diesel unit with direct injection and exhaust turbocharger, known from the the E-Class. Compared to its predecessor, the performance was increased by 25 hp while fuel consumption was lowered.  To ensure high cross-country mobility, intercooling was performed via a water intercooler in contrast to the passenger car version; with that, the front bumper could remain unchanged. A four-speed automatic transmission came as standard on the 290 GD Turbodiesel, as did disk brakes on the rear wheels instead of drum brakes to lower the amount of maintenance required. The 290 GD Turbodiesel was also available as a estatewith short wheelbase and as a estateand closed van with long wheelbase. The pick-up version with a 2850 mm wheelbase was discontinued. In April 2001, the civil version of the 290 GD Turbodiesel was omitted from the sales program. At that time, more than 1,800 units of the solid all-purpose model had found a loving customer. Until production ceased in December 2001, more than 300 units were produced in Graz. Singular models of the non-civil version stayed in production.

Source: Mercedes-Benz-Publicarchive.com