🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

G-Class

Model Code:

W463

Year:

1987

Vehicle Chassis Code:

W463

Generation Identifier:

First Generation (W460/W461/W463)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Premium Off-Road/SUV

Competitors 1987:

Land Rover Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Cherokee XJ

Vehicle Philosophy:

Renowned for exceptional off-road capability, robust build quality, and distinctive utilitarian design.

Manual Utility:

Essential for anyone seeking to maintain, repair, or restore a 1987 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, providing the definitive resource for accurate work.

User Benefit:

Provides technicians and owners with the precise, factory-level information required for accurate diagnosis and repair, saving time and money compared to relying solely on external sources or guesswork.

Specificity:

Vehicle-specific information, not generic; directly replicates the information used by Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics

Scope:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Diagnostic Codes:

While OBD-II was not standard in 1987, the manual will cover diagnostic procedures using fault codes from the engine control unit (ECU) if applicable (e.g., early electronic fuel injection systems).

Estimated Page Count:

Likely extensive, typical for factory service manuals covering a full model range (e.g., 1000+ pages)

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Manual Origin:

Factory OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Documentation

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Digital Advantages:

One easy-to-use PDF, no flipping through books, printable pages, ability to enlarge images, saves original manual from wear and tear.

Download Speed:

Speed Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust, Cooling, Lubrication, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Driveshaft, Differential, Axle

Chassis & Suspension:

Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brakes, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering

Body & Electrical:

Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer (if applicable to 1987 models), Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Meter/Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical Systems, Multiplex/CAN Communication (early implementation or precursor systems)

Electrical System Detail:

Comprehensive coverage of wiring schematics, lighting, power distribution, instrumentation, and accessory electrical components.

Power Steering Detail:

Service, repair, and troubleshooting for the power steering system, including pump, gearbox, and fluid lines.

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panel replacement, interior trim removal and installation, door and window mechanisms.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication

Repair Diagnostics:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, wiring schematics

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, differentials, and brake calipers.

Depth:

Factory-level, detailed instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and specifications for complete repair and servicing.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac compatible

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free online)

Searchability:

Searchable PDF text allows for quick access to specific information.

Printability:

All pages printable, ability to enlarge images for printing

Binding:

Digital PDF (no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1987:

While the W463 chassis was introduced later, the 1987 model year typically aligns with the final production of the W460/W461 series. For the purposes of this manual, it likely covers gasoline and diesel engines prevalent in the late 80s G-Class lineup. Common engines for this era include: M102 2.3L Inline-4 (petrol), M103 3.0L Inline-6 (petrol), OM602 2.9L Inline-5 Diesel, OM617 3.0L Inline-5 Diesel.

Typical Horsepower Range:

68 hp (for diesel) to 130 hp (for petrol engines), depending on specific engine variant.

Torque Specifications Example:

Specific torque figures for cylinder head bolts, main bearings, connecting rods, etc., crucial for engine assembly.

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor or Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) fuel injection, depending on engine and market.

Carburetor Details:

If equipped with a carburetor, the manual will detail specific models (e.g., Zenith/Stromberg) and their adjustment procedures.

Injection System Details:

If Bosch K-Jetronic, includes component testing, pressure adjustments, and troubleshooting.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Likely a 4-speed manual transmission (e.g., G320) or a 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3 for petrol, 717.4 for diesel) depending on the specific variant.

Transmission Type Optional:

Availability of 5-speed manual or enhanced automatic transmissions would depend on specific trim and market.

Transfer Case:

Full-time 4-wheel drive with a lockable center differential and often lockable front and rear differentials (depending on model/options). This is a defining feature of the G-Class.

Differential Lock Operation:

Detailed procedures for engaging and disengaging center, front, and rear differentials.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Options:

Multiple wheelbase options existed, including short (approx. 2400mm), medium (approx. 2850mm), and long (approx. 3400mm).

Body Styles Covered:

Likely covers various body configurations such as 2-door, 4-door (short and long wheelbase), cabriolet, and potentially chassis-cab variants common in the W460/W461 era.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 1800 kg to 2200 kg, varying significantly with body style and engine.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Era:

While formal crash testing standards were less standardized in 1987 compared to today, the G-Class was known for its robust ladder frame construction and inherent stability.

Active Safety:

Four-wheel drive, powerful braking systems (discs all around on most models).

Passive Safety:

Strong body structure, limited use of airbags in 1987 models (likely optional or not available), reinforced chassis.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System 1987:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, possibly with optional upgrades. Speaker configurations would be simple.

ABS Availability:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was a new and advanced feature for some models of the G-Class in the late 1980s, but not standard across all variants.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic electrical systems; no modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or annually, depending on engine and driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Specification:

Likely API SF/SG or ACEA A1/A2, with viscosity grades such as 10W-40 or 15W-40, depending on climate. The manual will specify exact MB approvals.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) specifications like MB 236.2 or equivalent for older automatics. Manual transmission gear oil specifications will also be detailed.

Coolant Specification:

Specific type and mixture ratio of coolant (e.g., Mercedes-Benz approved G48 or equivalent).

Common Wear Items:

Differential locks (if equipped) requiring maintenance, body rust (particularly on older models), aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), potential issues with vacuum lines and fuel pumps on older petrol engines.

Filter Part Numbers Example:

The manual will contain specific part numbers for air filters, oil filters, fuel filters, etc., essential for accurate part sourcing.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing robust, durable, and technologically advanced vehicles, a reputation firmly established by the G-Class.

W460 To W463 Transition:

The W463, introduced in 1989 (for the 1990 model year), represented a significant evolution of the G-Class, moving towards a more refined and luxurious SUV. However, the 1987 designation points to the preceding W460/W461 generations. This manual is crucial for owners of these earlier, highly capable off-road vehicles.

W463 Distinction:

Note: The W463 designation technically refers to the second generation of the G-Class, introduced in 1989. The 1987 model year falls within the W460/W461 generation. This manual, titled for W463 but specifying 1987, likely covers the final iterations of the W460/W461 models that heavily influenced the W463's design and engineering, or it might be a slightly mislabeled manual that is indeed for late W460/W461 models.

Original Purpose:

Initially developed as a military vehicle for the German Bundeswehr, the G-Wagen (Gelandewagen) quickly transitioned into a civilian luxury off-roader.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Accolades:

The G-Class consistently receives praise for its off-road prowess and durability from automotive publications and enthusiasts worldwide, often referred to as the 'King of the Off-Road'.