Vehicle Segment:
Luxury SUV, Off-Road Vehicle
Market Niche:
High-end, rugged, go-anywhere luxury vehicle with a strong reputation for durability and capability.
Competitors 2002:
Land Rover Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX 470, Cadillac Escalade
Off Road Capability:
Permanent four-wheel drive, locking center differential, available locking rear differential, robust chassis and suspension.
Luxury Appointments:
Premium leather interior, wood trim, advanced climate control, high-quality audio system, power amenities.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for owners and independent repair shops to maintain and repair this complex luxury off-road vehicle accurately and efficiently.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Diagnostics
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Official Factory Service Manual Software
Format:
Software/Digital (likely PDF or proprietary executable)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, component testing, fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management (ECU/DME)
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (5G-TRONIC 722.6), removal/installation, overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic control, electronic control module (TCM)
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differentials, transfer case, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel hubs
Suspension:
Independent front suspension (double wishbone), solid rear axle, coil springs, shock absorbers, sway bars, steering linkage
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, alignment specifications
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM)
Climate Control:
Air conditioning (R134a), heating system, HVAC controls, blower motor, evaporator, condenser
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, interior trim, seats, roof rack provisions
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics), fault codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting charts
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections/replacement, spark plug replacement
Mechanical Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding, differential service
Electrical Repairs:
Wiring harness repair, component testing and replacement (sensors, actuators), diagnostic scan tool usage
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flows, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem diagnosis
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, door/hood latch adjustments
Specifications:
Torque values, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
V8, Four-Stroke, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
4,966 cc (5.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust)
Horsepower:
Approx. 292 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 335 lb-ft (454 Nm) @ 3250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Multi-port Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz G48 Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue)
Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 0W-40 (MB 229.5 specification)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts) with filter change
Length:
Approx. 4660 mm (183.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1760 mm (69.3 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1931 mm (76.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2850 mm (112.2 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2450 kg (5401 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3100 kg (6834 lbs)
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 600 liters (behind rear seats)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not specifically rated in the same manner as modern vehicles; known for robust body-on-frame construction.
IIHS Crash Test:
Generally considered strong in frontal impacts due to its solid construction.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional or standard depending on market)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Body Construction:
Robust body-on-frame construction with reinforced chassis.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 60,000 miles or as per specific service bulletins.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (using long-life iridium plugs).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (DOT 4).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.0 liters
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
MB 236.3 Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S)
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, blower motor resistors, window regulators, ignition coils.
Electronic Issues:
Occasional issues with electronic modules (ABS/ESP control unit), CAN bus communication faults.
Differential Locking:
Potential for issues with differential lock actuators if not used regularly.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Founded in 1926, a century-long reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability.
G Wagon Origin:
Originally developed in the 1970s as a military vehicle, evolving into a civilian luxury and off-road icon.
W463 Generation:
The W463 generation (introduced in 1989) represented a significant modernization with independent front suspension, ABS, and increased luxury features.
Production Location:
Graz, Austria (by Magna Steyr)
Production Years W463:
1989 - Present (with continuous updates)
G500 Introduction Year:
First introduced with the V8 engine in North America for the 1999 model year (as G500 Limited Edition), becoming more widely available thereafter.