Vehicle Classification:
Luxury SUV, Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, off-roaders, and owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge
Competitors:
Range Rover Classic, Land Rover Defender (early models), Toyota Land Cruiser (J40/J60 series)
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Rugged, utilitarian, go-anywhere capability with Mercedes-Benz build quality and luxury appointments
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, detailed technical information for maintaining and repairing a classic and capable off-road vehicle, crucial for preserving its functionality and value.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (disassembly, assembly, overhaul), lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control systems
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions (service, repair, overhaul), transfer case, driveshafts
Drivetrain:
Front and rear axles, differentials, locking differentials (if equipped), hubs, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures
Brakes:
Disc brake systems (front and rear), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped)
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gearbox, steering linkages, column
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, ignition system, engine control unit (ECU), sensors, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay identification
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, latches, hinges, interior trim, exterior trim, glass replacement, chassis repairs
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system service and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injection system (K-Jetronic or similar)
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), fluid checks and changes, lubrication points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for applicable systems, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, adjustment, and replacement for all major systems
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Installation:
Installation procedures for specific components and accessories
Specifications:
Torque specifications, tolerances, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Factory-level, including detailed exploded views, schematics, and step-by-step instructions suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Family:
M102 Inline-4
Engine Type:
Spark-ignition, naturally aspirated, gasoline
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2299 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
93.7 mm x 83.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.3:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on specific variant)
Valvetrain:
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approximately 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) at 5000 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 192 Nm (142 lb-ft) at 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant concentrate (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2-96 or better, viscosity SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for climate-specific recommendations)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.0 Liters (with filter)
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transmission (e.g., GW 460)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3 series)
Transfer Case:
2-speed transfer case with selectable 4WD and locking center differential
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 (e.g., MB 235.0, SAE 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB 236.6 specification (e.g., Dexron IIE compatible), SAE 10W
Crash Test Ratings:
Not directly comparable to modern standards due to era of production; designed for robustness rather than passive crash deformation energy management in the modern sense.
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes (later models may feature rear discs), power assisted
Traction Control:
Available locking differentials (center, rear, and sometimes front) manually engaged for extreme off-road traction
Seat Belts:
Lap and shoulder belts standard
Body Construction:
Robust body-on-frame construction for durability and off-road capability
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player (optional upgrades available)
Climate Control:
Manual ventilation, heater, optional air conditioning
ABS:
Optional on later W460 models, more common on W463
Locking Differentials:
Key technology for off-road capability, manually selectable
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards; designed for robust mechanical operation.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 km (or annually), consult manual for specific year/engine
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km or as needed based on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 km; Automatic: Every 40,000 - 50,000 km (highly recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
MB specification (e.g., MB 236.3) or equivalent ATF
Differential Oil Type:
API GL-5 (e.g., MB 235.0), SAE 80W-90
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, universals joints, fuel pump (K-Jetronic), vacuum lines, exhaust system components, body rust (especially around wheel wells, chassis points)
Engine Specific:
M102 engine can be sensitive to cooling system maintenance; potential for head gasket issues if overheated.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur with age; check grounds, connectors, and wiring harness integrity.
Manufacturer Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz, renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability since the early 20th century.
Development Origin:
Conceived in the 1970s for military and off-road use, evolving into a civilian luxury and highly capable off-road vehicle.
W460 Introduction Year:
1979
W460 Production End Year:
1993
Manufacturing Locations:
Graz, Austria (by Magna Steyr)
Initial Purpose:
Developed in cooperation with the German military