2005 MERCEDES-BENZ G500 ground clearance

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 are 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.

228 OperationDriving instructions

Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.
There is a very high level of driving re-
sistance in water. The surface is slip-
pery and may not be firm, making
pulling away in water difficult and dan-
gerous.


Clean mud off the tire tread after driv-
ing through water.


To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times after leaving
the water.Crossing obstacles
!If possible, use the assistance of a sec-
ond person outside the vehicle to scout
the path you intend to take and check
for adequate ground clearance when
you cross obstacles with your vehicle.
The person assisting you outside the
vehicle should always be a safe dis-
tance away from the vehicle and posi-
tioned so that he or she cannot get hurt
in case of any unexpected vehicle
movement.
After off-road driving or crossing obsta-
cles, inspect vehicle for any damage,
especially vehicle underbody and sus-
pension components. Failure to do so
can adversely affect the vehicle’s fu-
ture performance, including increased
chance of an accident.

229 Operation
Driving instructions


Check the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.


Comply with the warnings
(page 223) and rules for off-road
driving (
page 224).


Select gear range1 on the automatic
transmission (
page 150).


Cross obstacles (e.g. tree stumps or
big rocks) very slowly by aiming one of
the front wheels at the center of the ob-
stacle, and repeat same with the rear
wheel.Ruts


Check the vehicle clearance before
driving in ruts.


Comply with the warnings
(page 223) and rules for off-road
driving (
page 224).


Select gear range1 on the automatic
transmission (
page 150).


Drive slowly next to the ruts rather than
through them if at all possible.
!Special attention is needed when you
cross obstacles on a steep incline.
The vehicle could slide sideways as a
result of its possible slanted position
which in turn may result in the vehicle
tipping or rolling over.
!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 underbody and sus-
pension components. Failure to do so
can adversely affect the vehicle’s fu-
ture performance, including increased
chance of an accident.

373 Technical data
Main dimensions, vehicle weights and ratings
Main dimensions, vehicle weights and ratings
Main dimensionsVehicle weights and ratings
G 500
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)
G 500
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 lb (3000 kg)
6615 lb (3000 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating, front
2
2GAWR is the maximum permissible axle weight.
3110 lb (1410 kg)
3195 lb (1450 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating, rear
2
3965 lb (1800 kg)
3965 lb (1800 kg)