Vehicle Segment:
Luxury SUV, Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking robust off-road capability, luxury, and distinctive styling.
Primary Competitors 2003:
Land Rover Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX 470, Cadillac Escalade.
Defining Characteristics:
Uncompromising off-road prowess (three locking differentials), robust body-on-frame construction, V8 engine, luxury appointments, iconic boxy design.
Distinctive Attributes:
Legendary G-Wagen chassis, exceptional torsional rigidity, premium interior materials.
Topics Covered:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific factory printing, typically 300-500 pages.
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine (M113 V8), transmission, fuel system, exhaust system.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension, steering, braking system, driveline (4x4 system).
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, instrument cluster, infotainment, climate control, locks, security, power accessories, battery management.
Interior Features:
Seating, safety restraints, climate controls, infotainment system, driver controls, locks, security features.
Operational Procedures:
Starting and operating the vehicle, using climate controls, operating lighting systems, utilizing infotainment features, adjusting seats and restraints, understanding driver controls, engaging four-wheel drive.
Maintenance Procedures:
Checking and topping off engine oil, inspecting battery, checking tire pressures, understanding fuel requirements, basic cleaning procedures.
Safety Procedures:
Understanding safety restraints, child seat installation guidance, operating vehicle safely, reporting safety defects (U.S.).
Depth Of Information:
Focuses on owner operation, basic checks, and maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or repair procedures, which are found in service manuals.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (5G-TRONIC)
Drivetrain:
Full-time 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive with three locking differentials (center, front, rear).
Gear Selection:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Comfort, Sport).
Length:
Approx. 189.3 inches (4808 mm)
Width:
Approx. 77.5 inches (1969 mm)
Height:
Approx. 76.9 inches (1953 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 5,400 lbs (2450 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 6,724 lbs (3050 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,000 lbs (3175 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
5 Stars (Front and Rear Passengers)
Traction Control:
4-ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Electronic Stability:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Body Structure:
High-strength steel body-on-frame construction.
Head Unit:
Bose premium audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player.
Navigation:
Optional COMAND APS navigation system.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (THERMATIC or THERMOTRONIC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional parking sensors (front and rear).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free communication system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for exact specification).
Maintenance Service A B:
Based on Flexible Service System (FSS) indicators on the instrument cluster, usually around 10,000-15,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
MB Approval 229.5 (e.g., 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Approval 236.10 or 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Coolant Spec:
MB Approval 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Approval 331.0).
Differential Fluid Spec:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual for specific differentials and locking mechanisms).
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, suspension bushings, ball joints, universal joints on driveshafts, fuel pump, ignition coils.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be susceptible to minor electrical issues due to complex systems, often related to sensors or module communication.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, tailgate hinges, frame rails (especially in corrosive environments).
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU 721 x, Mercedes-Benz A 113 180 00 09.
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C 26 120/1, Mercedes-Benz A 26 120 00.
Manufacturer Origin:
Germany
Brand Reputation:
Known for luxury, engineering excellence, and robust build quality.
G Class Designation:
Initially developed as a military vehicle in the 1970s, evolved into a civilian luxury off-roader.
W463 Platform Impact:
Introduced significant updates including independent front suspension (on some variants) and a more refined interior compared to earlier W460/W461 models.
Manufacturing Location:
Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr plant)
Production Run For G500 W463:
The G500 was introduced in the US market in 2002 for the 2002 model year, continuing through 2008.
