Market Position:
Premium full-size luxury SUV, competing with models like BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Lexus LX. Positioned for families and individuals seeking luxury, comfort, and off-road capability.
Competitive Analysis:
The 2010 GL450 offered a spacious interior, robust V8 engine, and Mercedes-Benz's signature luxury and advanced safety features. Its unibody construction provided a more car-like ride compared to some body-on-frame competitors.
Key Features:
Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, powerful V8 engine, optional third-row seating, advanced safety systems, luxurious interior appointments, and a sophisticated suspension system.
Coverage Areas:
All mechanical, electrical, bodywork, maintenance, and diagnostics for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450.
Page Count:
Extensive (Software-based, no fixed page count, equivalent to thousands of printed pages)
Manual Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software (Digital Download)
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission (7G-TRONIC PLUS), Drivetrain (4MATIC AWD), Suspension (AIRMATIC DC), Brakes (ABS, ESP), Steering, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (including CAN bus, multiplexing), Climate Control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC), Lighting, Body Electronics, Interior Systems, Safety Systems (SRS Airbags, Pre-Safe), Infotainment, Navigation, Bodywork, Chassis.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, scheduled service, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, component removal and installation, repair instructions, wiring diagrams, component testing, specification adjustments, system bleeding (brakes, cooling), torque specifications, alignment procedures, software updates and coding procedures (where applicable via diagnostic tools), body repair, interior trim removal/installation.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding trees, and detailed repair sequences with illustrations and diagrams.
Primary Engine:
4.6L V8 (M272 E46)
Horsepower:
335 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
325 lb-ft @ 2700-5000 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code Details:
M272.9xx series. Early M272 engines (pre-2008) had issues with polymer timing chain tensioners. While 2010 models typically use upgraded components, this is a known area for inspection.
Bore X Stroke:
92.9 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Engine Management System:
ME 9.7
Oil Type Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 Synthetic Engine Oil
Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (1.97 Gallons, including filter)
Standard Transmission:
7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)
Features:
TouchShift manual shifting, Comfort, Sport, and Manual modes.
Fluid Type:
MB Spec 236.14 (ATF)
Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9.0 Liters (Dry fill)
Transfer Case Fluid:
MB Spec 235.10 (Gear Oil)
Transfer Case Fluid Capacity
Transfer Case Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 Liters
Length:
198.3 inches (5037 mm)
Width:
76.5 inches (1944 mm)
Height:
72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Wheelbase:
115.2 inches (2926 mm)
Passenger Volume:
146.9 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
14.3 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
42.3 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
83.3 cu ft
Curb Weight:
5027 lbs (2280 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
6614 lbs (3000 kg)
Towing Capacity:
5000 lbs (2268 kg) with optional trailer hitch
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not explicitly rated under newer NHTSA protocols, but typically performed well in earlier tests.
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Crash Test:
Good
Active Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), BAS (Brake Assist System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4ETS), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA).
Passive Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints.
Optional Safety Features:
PARKTRONIC parking assist, rearview camera, DISTRONIC PLUS (adaptive cruise control).
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with 7-inch color display, CD/DVD changer, SiriusXM satellite radio, and optional Harman Kardon surround sound.
Driver Assistance:
Optional DISTRONIC PLUS (adaptive cruise control), PARKTRONIC, rearview camera, bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, Mercedes-Benz proprietary media interface (MDI) for external device connection.
Climate Control:
Dual-zone or three-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC/THERMOTRONIC) with dust and pollen filters.
Service Intervals Oil Change:
Flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS), typically around 10,000 miles or 1 year, depending on driving conditions.
Service Intervals Transmission Service:
Every 40,000 to 60,000 miles for fluid and filter change (MB Spec 236.14).
Service Intervals Transfer Case Service:
Every 60,000 miles for fluid change (MB Spec 235.10).
Service Intervals Air Filter:
Every 30,000 miles or as indicated by the service interval indicator.
Service Intervals Cabin Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or annually.
Fluid Specifications Coolant:
MB Spec 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol Based)
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Spec 331.0)
Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid:
MB Spec 343.0 (ATF Dexron III compatible if 343.0 unavailable)
Known Issues Engine M272:
While later M272 engines (including 2010) have improved timing chain tensioners, it's still a component to monitor for wear. Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and intake manifold gaskets can occur. Coolant leaks from the thermostat housing are also possible.
Known Issues Suspension:
AIRMATIC suspension components (air springs, compressor, lines) can wear over time, leading to leaks and height adjustment issues. The Active Damping System (ADS) can also develop faults.
Known Issues Electrical:
CAN bus communication errors, faulty SAM units (Signal Acquisition Module), and issues with power windows or seat modules can occur. Door lock actuators are also a common failure point.
Known Issues Brakes:
Premature wear of brake pads and rotors is possible due to vehicle weight. Sensor failures for ABS/ESP can trigger warning lights.
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and automotive innovation dating back to the late 19th century.
Model Evolution:
The GL-Class was introduced in 2006 as Mercedes-Benz's first full-size SUV. The 2010 model represents a mid-cycle refresh (facelift) for the X164 generation, introducing updated styling, improved interior features, and powertrain refinements.
Production Years X164:
2006-2012
Production Location:
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
