Engine oil MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class 2012 W463 User Guide

X
Pull release lever : on the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure
that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. X
Lift the hood slightly.
X Push hood catch handle ;
in
the direction
of the arrow and lift the hood.
Closing the hood G
WARNING
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others. X
Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches ( 20 cm).
X Check

that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Engine oil
Notes on the oil level Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qts
(0.8 l) of oil over
a distance of 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the

vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick On the G 55 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the on-board computer.
When checking the oil level:
R
park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least 30 minutes if the engine is not at
operating temperature

(i.e. if you only start
the engine briefly). Oil dipstick (example: G 550) Engine compartment
211Maintenance and care Z

X
Pull oil dipstick : out of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick : into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
The oil

level is correct if the level is between
MIN mark = and MAX mark ;.
X Add oil if necessary.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer On the G 55 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the on-board computer.
When checking the oil level:
R
park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X Press the & or * button on the
steering wheel to select the following
message: The measurement takes a few seconds. You
will
see

one of the following messages in the
multifunction display:
R Engine Oil Level OK
R Add 1.0 qt (Canada: 1.0 liter) to
reach maximum oil level. R
Add 1.5 qts (Canada: 1.5 liters) to
reach maximum oil level.
R Add 2.0 qts (Canada: 2.0 liters) to
reach maximum oil level.
X Add oil if necessary.
If the engine is at normal operating
temperature and the Engine Oil Reduce
Oil Level message appears, the engine oil
level is too high.
X Have excess oil siphoned off.
! Do not

add too much oil. Adding too much
oil can result in damage to the engine or the
catalytic converter. Have excess oil
siphoned off.
If the Switch ignition on to check
engine oil level message appears:
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.
If the Observe Waiting Time message
appears:
X If the engine is at normal operating
temperature: repeat the measurement
after about five minutes.
If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature (e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly): repeat the measurement
after about 30 minutes.
If the Engine Oil Level Not With
Engine On message appears:
X Switch off the engine.
X If the engine is at normal operating
temperature: wait about five minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
If the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
i If you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the * or & button on the
multifunction steering wheel. 212
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Adding engine oil
H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. A list of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
obtained from any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Damage to
the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacement interval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives. Example: engine oil cap Engine oil cap (G 55 AMG)
X
Turn cap : counterclockwise
and remove
it.
X Add the amount of oil required.
Observe the specifications in the on-board
computer when

doing so or fill carefully to the
maximum mark on the oil dipstick.
i The difference in quantity between the
MIN mark and the MAX mark on the
dipstick is approximately 2.1 US qts. (2 l).
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 275).
X Replace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely. Checking and adding other service
products
Coolant level Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on

a level surface and the engine has cooled
down. Engine compartment
213
Maintenance and care Z

Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X
Before disconnecting the battery, note
down the service due date displayed.
or:
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery
disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display.
i The service

interval display should not be
confused with the 4 engine oil level
display.
Hiding a service message X
Press the reset button on the left of the
instrument cluster (

Y page 25).
Displaying service messages Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X Press the V or U button on the
steering wheel to select the standard
display menu (Y page 156).
X With & or * select the service
interval display.
The ¯ or ± service symbol and the
service due date are displayed.
Please bear the following in mind A qualified specialist workshop will reset the
service interval display after the necessary
service work has been carried out.
Further information, on maintenance for
example, can be obtained at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
!
If the service interval display has been
reset unintentionally, have the setting
corrected at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have service

work carried out as described
in the Maintenance Booklet. This may
otherwise lead to increased wear and damage to the major assemblies or the
vehicle.
Fuel/water separator
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing,
the following message appears in the
multifunction display: You will also hear a brief warning tone.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
! If you

continue driving without having the
fuel/water separator serviced, this could
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage is not covered by the warranty. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an
environmentally responsible manner. Care
Notes on care
Regular care

of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. G
WARNING
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your 216
Care
Maintenance and care

Engine number
Example: G 550
:
Emissions control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards
; Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase) Service products and capacities
Important safety notes
Service products include the following:
R fuels
R lubricants (e.g.
engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. You should therefore
only use products that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or on the Internet at http://
bevo.mercedes-benz.com .G
WARNING
Comply
with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children. For health reasons, you should prevent
service
fluids

from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately. 272
Service products and capacities
Technical data

Capacities
Vehicle model Capacity Fuel, coolant,
lubricants, etc.
Engine oil and
filter
G 550 9.5 US qt (9.0 l) Approved engine
oils
G 55 AMG 9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
Power steering
All models Approx. 1.06 US qt (1.0 l) MB power steering
fluid or approved
Dexron III ATF
Cooling system
G 550 Approx. 12.8 US qt (12.1 l) MB 325.0 corrosion
inhibitor/antifreeze
agent
G 55 AMG Approx. 13.4 US qt (12.7 l)
Tank capacity
G 550 25.4 US gal (96.0 l) Unleaded gasoline
(at least 91 octane;
average value of
96 RON/86 MON)
G 55 AMG 25.1 US gal (95.0 l)
Reserve
All models Approx. 5.3 US gal (20.0 l)
Automatic
climate control
All models — Refrigerant R134a
and special PAG
lubricant (never
R12)
Windshield/
headlamp
cleaning
system
All models 7.4 US qt (7.0 l) MB windshield
washer
concentrate
21
( Y page 277)
Mixing ratio for
washer fluid
(Y page 277) Fuel
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation
of

fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline !
To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline may be used.
21 Mixed with water or premixed washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Service products and capacities
273
Technical data Z

If there is no premium-grade unleaded
gasoline available and regular-grade
unleaded gasoline may be used; please
observe the following precautions:
R
only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular-grade unleaded gasoline and fill
the rest with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline as soon as possible.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
R avoid sudden acceleration.
R if the
vehicle is carrying a light load, e.g.
two passengers without luggage, do not
allow the engine to rev above
3,000 rpm.
R if the vehicle is fully loaded or is being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than Ô of the pedal travel.
Fuel requirements Use only premium-grade unleaded gasoline.
The octane number should be at least 91.
Details can be found on the gas pump. The
octane number is the average value of the
Research Octane Number (RON) and the
Motor Octane Number (MON): (RON +
MON) / 2, also known as knock resistance.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded
gasoline

with additives can be used
if the concentration of the additives in the fuel
does not exceed 10%, e.g.:
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
R IPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline
including other additives must not exceed 3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be used. All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel
requirements, e.g.:
R
knock resistance
R boiling point
R vapor pressure
Additives in gasoline One of the major problems in engine design
is the creation of carbon deposits during the
process of burning fuel. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use fuel brands
containing
additives

that prevent the build-up
of carbon deposits.
If you use fuels without these additives for an
extended period of time, there may be a build
up of carbon deposits, especially on the inlet
valves and in the combustion chamber.
This could lead to engine problems, e.g.:
R longer engine warm-up phase
R uneven idle
R engine noise
R misfiring
R loss of power
In areas where carbon deposits can build up,
because of the lack of availability of gasoline
with the corresponding additives, Mercedes-
Benz recommends the use of additives that
have been approved for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles.
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or go to the Internet site
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com for a list
of approved products. Comply with the
instructions for use on the product label.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
! Do not refuel with low-grade fuel and do
not use fuel additives that are not tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Damage to or malfunctions of the fuel
system may otherwise occur. 274
Service products and capacities
Technical data

Engine oil
Please bear the following in mind The engine oils are matched to the
performance of Mercedes-Benz engines and
service intervals. For this reason, only use
engine
oils
and oil filters that are approved for
vehicles with a service system.
For a list of approved engine oils and oil filters,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or go to the Internet site
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com (USA
only).
! Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a
specification other than is necessary to
fulfill the prescribed service intervals. Do
not change the engine oil or oil filter in
order to achieve longer replacement
intervals than those prescribed. You could
otherwise cause engine damage or damage
to the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Follow the instructions in the service
interval display regarding the oil change.
Otherwise, you may damage the engine and
the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle. Model Engine
model MB
Approval
G 550 273 229.5
G 55 AMG 113 229.5
i
MB approval is indicated on the oil
containers.
Additives !
Do not

use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
Engine oil viscosity Viscosity describes the flow characteristics
of
a

fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity, this means that it is thick; a low viscosity
means that it is thin.
Select an engine oil with an SAE (viscosity)
classification suitable for the prevailing
outside temperatures. The following table
shows the correct SAE classification to be
used.
The

low-temperature characteristics of
engine oils can deteriorate significantly, e.g.
as a result of aging, soot and fuel deposits. It
is therefore strongly recommended that you
carry out regular oil changes using an
approved engine oil with the appropriate SAE
classification. Refrigerant of the air-conditioning
system
The air-conditioning system is filled with
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and a special PAG
lubricant.
! Never use refrigerant R 12 (CFC) or
mineral lubricants. Otherwise, you could
damage the air-conditioning system. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air; this lowers its boiling point.
If the

boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when
driving downhill). This would impair braking
efficiency. Service products and capacities
275
Technical data
Z

You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change
intervals can be found in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Information about approved brake
fluids can be obtained from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Coolant
Important safety notes The coolant is a mixture of water and
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs
the following tasks:
R
anti-corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with coolant which contains an
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor that ensures
protection down to approximately -35 ‡
(-37 † ).
! Only add
coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection.
Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
Further information on coolants and on
filling can be found in the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products, MB
Approval 310.1, e.g. on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. You can
also consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
the boiling point will be too low.
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to -35 ‡ (-37 † ), the boiling point of the
coolant in the pressurized system is
approximately 266 ‡ (130 † ). Your vehicle has a range of aluminum
components. Aluminum components in the
engine make it necessary to use
anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant which has
been specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. Using other antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitors without these
characteristics affects the service life.
The
coolant

must be used throughout the year
in order to maintain the necessary corrosion
protection and provide protection from
overheating. In the Maintenance Booklet, you
can find information on the intervals for
renewal.
The renewal interval is determined by the
coolant type and the engine cooling system
design. The renewal interval in the
Maintenance Booklet is only valid if the
coolant is renewed or replenished with
Mercedes-Benz approved products.
Therefore, only use MB 326.0 antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor or another Mercedes-Benz
approved product of the same specification.
Information on other products with the same
specifications that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be obtained at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or on the
Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
The coolant is checked at every maintenance
interval at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 † ).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection to
-49 ‡ [-45 † ]); otherwise, heat will not
dissipate as effectively.
If the coolant level is too low, MB 325.0
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor should be
added. Have the engine cooling system
checked for possible leaks. 276
Service products and capacities
Technical data