Segment:
Luxury SUV, Off-Road Capable
Competitors:
Land Rover Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser, Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX 570.
Unique Selling Points:
Iconic boxy styling, legendary off-road capability, robust build quality, powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior, strong brand heritage.
Target Audience:
Mercedes-Benz G550 owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians, enthusiasts performing DIY maintenance and repairs.
Powertrain:
Engine (M273 V8), transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS), transfer case, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (independent front, solid rear axle), steering, brakes (ABS, ESP, EBD), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instruments, infotainment, CAN bus diagnostics, SRS (airbag) system.
Bodywork:
Exterior (panels, doors, hood, tailgate), interior trim, climate control (HVAC), seats, windows, mirrors.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Installation:
Component replacement procedures for all major systems.
Depth:
In-depth technical specifications, diagnostic procedures, component testing, and repair instructions suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
File Type:
Software Application (likely .exe or web-based access)
Quality:
Digital (high resolution, zoomable)
Binding:
Not Applicable (Software)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Software)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5461 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
98.0 mm x 90.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (MB-Approval 229.5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G05 or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
13.2 Liters (14.0 US Quarts)
Transmission Type:
7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C), Sport (S), Manual (M) via steering wheel paddle shifters.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.14 (ATF - Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (for dry fill/torque converter)
Length:
189.7 inches (4818 mm)
Width:
76.1 inches (1933 mm)
Height:
75.1 inches (1908 mm)
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches (2850 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 5,622 lbs (2550 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 6,724 lbs (3050 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 16.0 cu ft (453 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 45.2 cu ft (1279 L)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4/5 stars (as per typical G-Class ratings of the era)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (depending on configuration).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and body structure for occupant protection.
Head Unit:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXperience) with integrated navigation, CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio.
Audio System:
Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (optional on some trims).
Connectivity:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, auxiliary input.
Parking Assistance:
Front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC), rearview camera (optional).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control; DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control) may be optional.
Media Interface:
Optional Media Interface for iPod/USB connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, subject to driving conditions (refer to manual for exact details).
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to the 'Service A', 'Service B', etc. schedules in the owner's manual/service manual for comprehensive intervals and inspections (e.g., spark plugs around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on type).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent (MB-Approval 343.0)
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific axle and locking diff requirements)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
MB 235.6 or MB 235.10 (Gear Oil)
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, suspension bushings, exhaust system components, fuel pumps, ignition coils.
Potential Electrical Issues:
Sensors (e.g., O2 sensors), blower motor resistor, battery drain issues due to parasitic loads.
Body Corrosion:
While robust, older models can experience rust in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate if not properly maintained or exposed to harsh climates.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz boasts a long history of automotive innovation and luxury, dating back to the invention of the automobile.
G Class Origin:
The G-Wagen (G-Class) was originally developed as a military vehicle in the 1970s, emphasizing ruggedness and off-road capability. The civilian version debuted in 1979.
W463 Generation:
The W463 generation, introduced in 1990, brought significant updates including independent front suspension (for most models), improved on-road comfort, and a more luxurious interior, while retaining its core off-road prowess.
Manufacturing Location:
Graz, Austria (by Magna Steyr under contract for Mercedes-Benz)
Production Years W463:
1990-Present (with significant updates over time)