Segment:
        
        
            Full-size Luxury SUV
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Families and individuals seeking a luxurious, capable, and comfortable SUV with strong diesel efficiency and towing capability.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            BMW X5 (diesel variants), Audi Q7, Lexus LX, Cadillac Escalade.
        
     
    
    
        
             Powertrain Emphasis:
        
        
            Torquey and efficient 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine (CDI) offering excellent towing capacity and highway mileage for its class.
        
     
    
        
            Luxury Appointments:
        
        
            High-quality interior materials, advanced technology, comfortable seating, and refined ride quality typical of Mercedes-Benz.
        
     
    
        
            Capability:
        
        
            Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, optional AIRMATIC air suspension, and substantial towing capacity make it versatile for various conditions and needs.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            General Operation:
        
        
            Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting safety defects (U.S. only), Cleaning
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance And Technical:
        
        
            Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Pages:
        
        
            Approx. 400-500 (typical for full owner's manual)
        
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, starting system, charging system, diesel engine specifics (CDI system).
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Transmission operation (likely 7G-TRONIC automatic), differential, axles, 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Suspension (AIRMATIC optional), steering, braking system (ABS, ESP, BAS, ADAPTIVE BRAKE), wheels, tires.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical And Electronics:
        
        
            Lighting systems, instrument cluster functions, infotainment (COMAND APS), climate control, power windows/locks/seats, security systems (immobilizer, alarm), battery, fuses.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Door operation, seating adjustments, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), cargo management, interior controls, cleaning procedures.
        
     
    
    
        
            Basic Maintenance:
        
        
            Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, jump starting, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Operation And Controls:
        
        
            Detailed explanation of dashboard controls, infotainment system operation, climate control functions, cruise control, parking assist, trip computer.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Features:
        
        
            Proper use of airbags, seatbelts, child seat installation, understanding of safety warning indicators.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Basic:
        
        
            Guidance on understanding warning lamps, basic checks for common issues.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive owner-level information, including operation, basic maintenance, fluid specifications, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or step-by-step repair instructions typical of a service manual.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Text-searchable PDF (assuming factory OCR or original digital source).
        
     
    
    
        
            Resolution:
        
        
            High resolution, suitable for digital viewing and printing.
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Download)
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper Quality:
        
        
            N/A (Digital Download)
        
     
    
    
        
            Compatibility:
        
        
            Any device capable of reading PDF files (PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Turbocharged V6 Diesel (Common Rail Direct Injection - CDI)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            2987 cc (3.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            83.0 mm x 92.4 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            17.0:1
        
     
    
        
            Power Output:
        
        
            208 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Output:
        
        
            398 lb-ft @ 1600-2800 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            0-60 Mph:
        
        
            Approx. 8.5 seconds
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Economy Est:
        
        
            17 MPG City / 22 MPG Highway
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Diesel Particulate Filter:
        
        
            Equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) for emissions control.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)
        
     
    
        
            Drive Type:
        
        
            4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Standard)
        
     
    
    
        
            Options:
        
        
            N/A (7G-TRONIC AWD was standard for GL320 CDI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Modes:
        
        
            Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.
        
     
    
        
            Fluid Type:
        
        
            MB Specification 236.14 (e.g., ATF DTX)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            199.1 in (5057 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            72.2 in (1834 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            118.1 in (3000 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            Approx. 8.4 inches (213 mm) with standard suspension
        
     
    
    
        
            Seating Capacity:
        
        
            7 passengers (3 rows)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
        
        
            Approx. 13.2 cu ft (374 L)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
        
        
            Approx. 43.6 cu ft (1235 L)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
        
        
            Approx. 79.7 cu ft (2256 L)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 4900-5100 lbs (2223-2313 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity:
        
        
            Up to 7,000 lbs (3175 kg)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Overall Rating:
        
        
            Not rated by NHTSA for this specific year/model, but typically performed well in its class.
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Ratings:
        
        
            Good in front and side crash tests where tested.
        
     
    
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard ASR (Acceleration Skid Control)
        
     
    
        
            Braking Assist:
        
        
            Standard BAS (Brake Assist System), ADAPTIVE BRAKE with Hill Start Assist
        
     
    
        
            All Wheel Drive:
        
        
            4MATIC all-wheel drive system
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters for all seating positions, ISOFIX (child seat anchor points).
        
     
    
        
            Child Safety:
        
        
            Rear door child safety locks, LATCH/ISOFIX child seat anchors.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Primary System:
        
        
            COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment System)
        
     
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, Navigation system (map data on DVD), Bluetooth connectivity (phone), optional SiriusXM satellite radio.
        
     
    
        
            User Interface:
        
        
            Central control knob with surrounding buttons, color LCD display in the dashboard.
        
     
    
    
        
            Parking Assist:
        
        
            PARKTRONIC parking assist system (audible and visual parking sensors).
        
     
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard Cruise Control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter.
        
     
    
        
            Optional Systems:
        
        
            Keyless-Go (keyless entry and ignition), Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, Surround view camera (less common).
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Standard for hands-free calling, potentially audio streaming depending on specific COMAND version.
        
     
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Typically an AUX input jack for external audio devices.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact details).
        
     
    
        
            Major Service A B:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz uses an 'Service A' and 'Service B' system, alternating major services which include more comprehensive checks and fluid changes.
        
     
    
        
            Diesel Specific Maintenance:
        
        
            Includes checks of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration, fuel filter replacement, and glow plug system checks.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            MB 229.51 (for vehicles with Diesel Particulate Filter), SAE 5W-30 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            MB Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, blue/green color)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            MB Specification 236.14 (e.g., ATF DTX)
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            MB Specification 343.0 (Hydraulic fluid)
        
     
    
        
            Differential Fluid:
        
        
            MB Specification 235.7 (for 4MATIC)
        
     
    
        
            Transfer Case Fluid:
        
        
            MB Specification 236.22
        
     
    
    
        
            Diesel Particulate Filter:
        
        
            DPF regeneration issues or clogging can occur if driven primarily in short-distance city driving. Regular highway driving is beneficial.
        
     
    
        
            Air Suspension:
        
        
            AIRMATIC air suspension system components (air springs, compressor, lines) can be a source of leaks and costly repairs over time.
        
     
    
        
            Adblue System Diesel:
        
        
            While less common on early CDI models, some diesel systems can experience issues with the AdBlue (DEF) system if equipped.
        
     
    
        
            Glow Plugs:
        
        
            Glow plug failure can lead to hard starting in cold weather. The OM642 uses 4 glow plugs.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Cooler Seals:
        
        
            Leaking oil cooler seals can lead to coolant loss and potential engine damage if not addressed.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Filter:
        
        
            A 642 180 00 09 (e.g., MANN-FILTER HU 721/2 z)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter:
        
        
            A 251 830 02 35 (Cabin Filter), A 272 090 00 01 (Engine Air Filter)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Filter Diesel:
        
        
            A 642 090 00 51
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Filter Kit:
        
        
            A 140 277 00 95 (Filter) + A 140 271 00 97 (Gasket)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            10.5 Liters (11.1 US Quarts)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            7.5 - 8 Liters (7.9 - 8.5 US Quarts) for a fluid change
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Tank:
        
        
            98 Liters (26 US Gallons)
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Legacy:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety in passenger vehicles and SUVs.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation:
        
        
            The X164 GL-Class was introduced for the 2007 model year, marking Mercedes-Benz's entry into the full-size luxury SUV segment in North America.
        
     
    
        
            Key Variants:
        
        
            Initially offered in GL320 CDI (diesel), GL450 (gasoline V8), and later GL550 (larger V8).
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
        
     
    
        
            Production Years X164:
        
        
            2007-2012
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Segment Awards:
        
        
            Often praised by automotive critics for its blend of luxury, capability, and diesel efficiency for a large SUV. Specific awards may vary by publication and year.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Satisfaction:
        
        
            Generally good owner satisfaction, though maintenance costs and potential for specific component failures (like AIRMATIC) are noted.
        
     
    
    
        
            Emissions Standards:
        
        
            Meets U.S. EPA and CARB emissions standards for diesel vehicles of its era, utilizing SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) or other advanced aftertreatment systems.