Segment:
Luxury SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners requiring in-depth maintenance, professional workshops specializing in classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Key Competitors Era:
Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ60/FJ70 series), Jeep Wagoneer.
Vehicle Reputation:
Legendary off-road capability, robust build quality, distinctive utilitarian design, long-term durability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians to maintain and repair a classic and capable off-road vehicle accurately and efficiently.
Manual Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair, service, and maintenance for Mercedes-Benz G-Class W460 280GE.
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by publisher, but professional workshop manuals for this era typically range from 800 to 1500+ pages.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language:
English (typically, as specified by the target market for this manual)
Engine System:
Engine mechanical (M102 2.3L inline-4 gasoline), fuel injection (Bosch K-Jetronic), ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system.
Transmission System:
Manual and automatic transmissions (e.g., Getrag 4-speed manual, Mercedes-Benz 4-speed automatic), clutch, transfer case, drivelines, axles.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension (coil springs, solid axles), shock absorbers, steering gearbox, power steering system.
Brake System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, brake hydraulics, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays, engine control unit (ECU), body electronics.
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, seats, exterior panels, frame and chassis components.
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped).
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, belt adjustments, fluid level checks.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, common issue resolution, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul (e.g., engine rebuild, transmission service, brake caliper replacement).
Adjustment Procedures:
Valve adjustment, ignition timing, carburetor/fuel injection system adjustments, suspension alignment.
Depth Of Information:
Extremely detailed, covering factory-level repair and diagnostics. Designed for professional technicians but accessible to advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Specification Accuracy:
Includes precise torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical values.
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Systematic approach to diagnosing faults with flowcharts and component testing procedures.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2307 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
99.6 mm x 75.0 mm (approx.)
Horsepower Output:
Approximately 125-130 hp (DIN) at 5000-5200 rpm
Torque Output:
Approximately 190-200 Nm (140-148 lb-ft) at 3200-3500 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Bosch K-Jetronic Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended)
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based electronic ignition
Crash Test Data:
Limited formal crash test data available from the era's standards; designed for robustness over specific crash test metrics.
Traction Control:
Not typically equipped with modern electronic traction control; relies on mechanical locking differentials.
ABS:
Optional on later W460 models, standard on W463. Check specific vehicle.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, lap belts for rear passengers.
Roll Cage Construction:
Integral body-on-frame construction (chassis) with a reinforced body structure, providing inherent roll-over protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 km (20,000 - 30,000 miles), including checks of all major systems.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, viscosity SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz G48 or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (50% mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB Spec 236.1 (Dexron II or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 236.3 (Dexron II or equivalent)
Common Issues Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan, potential vacuum leaks affecting idle, wear on K-Jetronic components.
Common Issues Chassis:
Rust (especially on body mounts, wheel arches, and fuel tank straps), wear in suspension bushings and ball joints, exhaust system corrosion.
Common Issues Electrical:
Aging wiring harnesses leading to intermittent faults, corroded electrical connectors, failing instrument cluster components.
Common Issues Drivetrain:
U-joint wear, differential seal leaks, transfer case synchronizer wear (manual transmission).
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Long history of engineering excellence, luxury vehicles, and robust commercial vehicles.
G Wagen Development:
Originally developed as a military vehicle in collaboration with Austria; civilian versions evolved with increasing luxury and comfort.
W460 Generation:
First generation of the G-Wagen, characterized by its utilitarian design and robust mechanicals.
Manufacturing Location:
Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr plant)
Production Period W460:
1979-1993
