ground clearance MERCEDES-BENZ G500 2003 W463 Owner's Manual

14 IntroductionOperator’s ManualWarning!
G
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel drive
passenger cars were not intended. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from conventional passenger cars in driving conditions which
may occur on streets, highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this type, if you
make sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may roll over or may go out of control and crash. Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Operator’s Manual. Take time to become familiar with the driving characteristics of this vehicle. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Do not attempt sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle control. When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than
a person wearing a seat belt.

209 Operation
Driving instructions
Ruts


Check the vehicle clearance before
driving in ruts.


Comply with the warnings
(page 203) and rules for off-road
driving (
page 204).


Select gear range1 on the automatic
transmission (
page 137).


Drive slowly next to the ruts rather than
through them if at all possible.Returning from off-road driving
!A number of off-road tracks or other by-
roads have deep ruts. If the vehicle
does not have enough ground clear-
ance:

it could be damaged


the underside of the vehicle may
come down on a surface and re-
main stuck
After off-road driving or crossing obsta-
cles, inspect vehicle for any damage,
especially vehicle undercarriage and
suspension components. Failure to do
so can adversely affect the vehicle's fu-
ture performance, including increased
chance of an accident.
Warning!
G
Never drive on pavement with activated dif-
ferential locks. Engaged front axle differen-
tial locks limits ability to move around
curves.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
ti o n to a n a r ea wh ic h i s a s a fe dis t an c e f ro m
the roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for
possible damage. If the vehicle or tires ap-
pear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
Damage to the vehicle negatively influences
driving comfort and poses the risk of acci-
dent to you and other drivers.

315 Technical data
Main dimensions, vehicle weights and ratings
Main dimensions, vehicle weights and ratings
Main dimensionsVehicle weights and ratings
G500
G55AMG
Overall vehicle length
(inc. spare wheel)
185.6 in (4715 mm)
185.6 in (4715 mm)
Overall vehicle width
71.3 in (1811 mm)
73.4 in (1864 mm)
Overall vehicle height
77.8 in (1977 mm)
77.8 in (1977 mm)
Wheel base
112.2 in (2850 mm)
112.2 in (2850 mm)
Ground clearance
8.3 in (211 mm)
8.3 in (211 mm)
Turning radius
523.6 in (13.3 m)
523.6 in (13.3 m)
Track, front and rear
59.6 in (1515 mm)
59.1 in (1501 mm)
G500
G55AMG
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
1
1GVWR is the maximum permissible vehicle weight. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) comprises weight of vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed accessories,
passengers, cargo and trailer tongue. It must never exceed the GVWR.
6615 lbs. (3000 kg)
6615 lbs. (3000 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating, front
2
2GAWR is the maximum permissible axle weight.
3110 lbs. (1410 kg)
3110 lbs. (1410 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating, rear
2
3965 lbs. (1800 kg)
3965 lbs. (1800 kg)