1990 Mercedes G-Class (W463) Service and Repair Manual
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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: G-Class Model Code: W463 Year: 1990 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Premium, robust, off-road capable luxury SUV. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler (historically, though G-Class positioned higher). Key Features Longevity: Known for its exceptional durability and off-road prowess, the G-Class has a long production run with minimal fundamental changes. Engineering: Body-on-frame construction, three independently locking differentials, robust suspension designed for extreme conditions. Manual Value Utility: Provides direct access to OEM-level repair information, empowering owners and independent mechanics. Efficiency: Saves time and money by enabling owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, avoiding dealership labor costs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service and Repair Scope: All Models & All Repairs A-Z Page Count Estimated Page Count: High (Detailed Factory Manual, exact count not specified but implied to be comprehensive) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Digital Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (Free) Digital Compatibility: Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000), Mac 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel Service Specifications, Emission Control, Intake Exhaust Cooling, Lube, Ignition Starting Charging, Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Suspension Chassis: Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering Electrical And Body: Air Condition, Suppl Restraint System, Seat Belt, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Lock, Meter Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seat, Engine Hood/ Door, Exterior & Interior, Electrical, Multiplex/Can Communication Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (Implied by 'Diagnose') Repair: Step-by-step instructions for all mechanical and electrical components Technical Data: Specifications, Torque Values, Clearances, Alignment Data Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level detail for technicians, covering basic maintenance to complex rebuilds and diagnostics. Visuals: Diagrams, Illustrations, Wiring Schematics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Type: PDF Searchability: Implied searchable text for ease of use Print Quality Printability: All pages printable, with option to enlarge images Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Details vary for 1990 G-Class, likely includes naturally aspirated gasoline and diesel variants. Common for the W463 generation would be inline-6 gasoline (e.g., M103) or diesel (e.g., OM602). Displacement Gasoline Example: 3.0L or 3.2L Inline-6 (M103 family) Displacement Diesel Example: 2.5L or 2.9L Inline-5 Diesel (OM602 family) Performance Horsepower Range Typical: Approx. 115-160 hp (depending on engine variant) Torque Range Typical: Approx. 160-220 lb-ft (depending on engine variant) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic or similar electronic injection systems for gasoline; indirect injection for diesel). Cooling System Cooling Type: Water-cooled, pressurized system with fan. Lubrication Oil Type Specification: Manual will specify MB 229.1 or similar, typically 10W-40 or 15W-40 for diesel, and 10W-30 or 10W-40 for gasoline. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: Likely 4-speed Automatic (e.g., 722.4) or 5-speed Manual Transmission. Optional Transmission Type Optional: Depending on market and specific engine, both automatic and manual options were available. Features Gear Ratios: Detailed gear ratios for both manual and automatic transmissions will be provided in the manual. Transfer Case: Integral part of the drivetrain, featuring a 2-speed transfer case with center differential lock for enhanced off-road capability. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Likely requires Dexron III or MB 236.1 specification fluid. Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity grade to be specified. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 2850 mm (112.2 in) for standard wheelbase. Length: Approx. 4210 mm (165.7 in) for standard wheelbase. Width: Approx. 1760 mm (69.3 in). Height: Approx. 1931 mm (76.0 in). Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2000-2200 kg (4400-4850 lbs), depending on configuration. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Typically around 2800-3000 kg (6170-6610 lbs). Towing Capacity: Up to 3500 kg (7716 lbs) is common for the G-Class. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: While formal crash test ratings in the modern sense were less prevalent for 1990 vehicles, the G-Class's robust construction provided inherent safety. Active Features Braking System: Four-wheel disc brakes, often with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) becoming standard or optional. Traction Control: Locking differentials are a key active safety/off-road feature. Passive Features Body Structure: Reinforced chassis and body structure designed for durability and occupant protection. Seat Belts: Standard seat belts; manual will detail proper usage and maintenance. Supplemental Restraint System: While airbags were not universally standard on the 1990 model, their inclusion (or absence and potential retrofit) would be detailed if applicable. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Original systems would have been basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, potentially with upgraded speakers. Manual will cover removal and replacement procedures. Driver Assistance ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available or standard feature depending on the exact configuration, details of its...
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (Implied by 'Diagnose')
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for all mechanical and electrical components
Technical Data:
Specifications, Torque Values, Clearances, Alignment Data
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level detail for technicians, covering basic maintenance to complex rebuilds and diagnostics.
Visuals:
Diagrams, Illustrations, Wiring Schematics
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Implied searchable text for ease of use
Print Quality
Printability:
All pages printable, with option to enlarge images
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Details vary for 1990 G-Class, likely includes naturally aspirated gasoline and diesel variants. Common for the W463 generation would be inline-6 gasoline (e.g., M103) or diesel (e.g., OM602).
Displacement Gasoline Example:
3.0L or 3.2L Inline-6 (M103 family)
Displacement Diesel Example:
2.5L or 2.9L Inline-5 Diesel (OM602 family)
Performance
Horsepower Range Typical:
Approx. 115-160 hp (depending on engine variant)
Torque Range Typical:
Approx. 160-220 lb-ft (depending on engine variant)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic or similar electronic injection systems for gasoline; indirect injection for diesel).
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with fan.
Lubrication
Oil Type Specification:
Manual will specify MB 229.1 or similar, typically 10W-40 or 15W-40 for diesel, and 10W-30 or 10W-40 for gasoline.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
Likely 4-speed Automatic (e.g., 722.4) or 5-speed Manual Transmission.
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
Depending on market and specific engine, both automatic and manual options were available.
Features
Gear Ratios:
Detailed gear ratios for both manual and automatic transmissions will be provided in the manual.
Transfer Case:
Integral part of the drivetrain, featuring a 2-speed transfer case with center differential lock for enhanced off-road capability.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Likely requires Dexron III or MB 236.1 specification fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity grade to be specified.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2850 mm (112.2 in) for standard wheelbase.
Length:
Approx. 4210 mm (165.7 in) for standard wheelbase.
Width:
Approx. 1760 mm (69.3 in).
Height:
Approx. 1931 mm (76.0 in).
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2000-2200 kg (4400-4850 lbs), depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 2800-3000 kg (6170-6610 lbs).
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 kg (7716 lbs) is common for the G-Class.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
While formal crash test ratings in the modern sense were less prevalent for 1990 vehicles, the G-Class's robust construction provided inherent safety.
Active Features
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, often with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) becoming standard or optional.
Traction Control:
Locking differentials are a key active safety/off-road feature.
Passive Features
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and body structure designed for durability and occupant protection.
Seat Belts:
Standard seat belts; manual will detail proper usage and maintenance.
Supplemental Restraint System:
While airbags were not universally standard on the 1990 model, their inclusion (or absence and potential retrofit) would be detailed if applicable.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Original systems would have been basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, potentially with upgraded speakers. Manual will cover removal and replacement procedures.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available or standard feature depending on the exact configuration, details of its operation and servicing are in the manual.
Cruise Control:
Cruise control systems were common, and the manual will detail its operation, diagnosis, and repair.
Connectivity
Multiplex Can Communication:
The mention of 'Multiplex/CAN Communication' suggests some early forms of networked electronics, and the manual will provide schematics for these systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 miles (8,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Exact intervals provided in manual.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on operating environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
For gasoline engines, typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), manual will specify type and interval.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved coolant (e.g., G48 or similar ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Hydraulic fluid specified by Mercedes-Benz, often Dexron II/III or a specific MB fluid.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, differential seals, transfer case seals, vacuum lines (age-related degradation).
Electrical Systems:
Aging wiring harnesses, faulty relays, and specific sensor failures can occur with age. The manual's wiring diagrams are crucial here.
Rust Corrosion:
While generally robust, areas prone to rust include fender flares, door bottoms, and tailgate due to environmental exposure and design.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for engineering excellence, luxury, and durability, a reputation built over decades with iconic vehicles.
Model Evolution
W460 To W463 Transition:
The W463, introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year, represented a significant evolution from the W460, offering more comfort, improved on-road manners, and modern features while retaining its core off-road capability.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Graz, Austria, by Magna Steyr under contract for Mercedes-Benz.
Original Purpose:
Originally developed as a military vehicle, its civilian variants quickly gained popularity for their go-anywhere capability and ruggedness.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Off Road Acclaim:
The G-Class is universally recognized for its superior off-road capabilities, often considered one of the most capable production vehicles ever made.
Longevity Award:
The sustained production and minimal fundamental changes over its lifespan can be seen as a testament to its successful original design.
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