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.