🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

GL-Class

Model Designation:

X164

Year:

2009

Trim Level:

GL450

Chassis Code:

X164

👋 Introduction

Category:

Full-size Luxury SUV

Segment:

Premium Large SUV

Key Competitors 2009:

BMW X5, Audi Q7, Lexus LX 570, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator.

Platform:

Unibody construction, shared platform elements with Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W164) and R-Class (W251).

Seating Capacity:

Standard 7-passenger seating with three rows.

Body Style:

5-door SUV

Target Audience:

Families seeking luxury, comfort, space, and towing capability.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

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 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 Page Count:

Approximately 350-450 pages (typical for this model's owner's manual).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fluid types, refill capacities, fuel system, air intake system.

Chassis:

Brakes, steering, suspension (basic operational information).

Electrical:

Lighting controls, instrument cluster explanations, battery maintenance, entertainment systems, climate controls.

Interior Features:

Seating adjustment, safety restraints, locks and security, driver controls, climate controls.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelt operation, child seat installation, basic safety features.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, jump-starting procedures, bulb replacement (general guidance).

Operational Guidance:

Starting and stopping the engine, operating transmission, using climate control, operating lighting, infotainment system basic use, driver assistance feature activation/deactivation (if applicable).

Troubleshooting Basic:

Understanding warning lamps and indicators, basic customer assistance guidance.

Depth:

Primarily focused on owner operation, maintenance, and understanding vehicle systems. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in a workshop manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF.

Quality:

Digital scan of original factory manual, quality dependent on original source.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M272 (often used for the 3.5L V6 and derived engines, but GL450 uses the M273 for the 4.7L V8).

Engine Type:

4.7L V8 (Naturally Aspirated)

Displacement:

4663 cc

Bore X Stroke:

92.9 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Horsepower:

335 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

91 or higher

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 4 valves per cylinder

Engine Location:

Front

Engine Orientation:

Longitudinal

Engine Cooling:

Liquid-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission with TouchShift

Transmission Code:

7G-TRONIC (722.9)

Drive Type:

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (Standard)

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios available in workshop manuals; not typically detailed in owner's manuals.

Fluid Type:

MB Approved Automatic Transmission Fluid (e.g., MB 236.14 for 7G-TRONIC).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

200.3 inches (5088 mm)

Width:

77.0 inches (1956 mm)

Height:

71.6 inches (1819 mm)

Wheelbase:

118.1 inches (3000 mm)

Front Track:

65.2 inches (1656 mm)

Rear Track:

66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 40.3 inches (1024 mm)

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 40.0 inches (1016 mm)

Front Legroom:

Approx. 41.0 inches (1041 mm)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 39.5 inches (1003 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 12.4 cu ft (351 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 45.3 cu ft (1283 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 79.4 cu ft (2248 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4900-5100 lbs (2223-2313 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 6700-7000 lbs (3039-3175 kg)

Towing Capacity:

7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) (when properly equipped with trailer hitch and trailer brake controller).

Tongue Weight Max:

720 lbs (327 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

5-Star

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4-Star

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR - Acceleration Skid Regulation)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)

Antilock Braking System:

Standard (ABS)

Brake Assist:

Standard (BAS - Brake Assist System)

Airbags:

Dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters, height-adjustable front belts, ISOFIX/LATCH-M child seat anchorage system.

Head Restraints:

Active front head restraints (NECK-PRO).

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXpert) System with integrated radio, CD/DVD changer, navigation, and phone connectivity.

Display Size:

7-inch color display.

Audio System:

Standard premium audio system; Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system often optional.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (may require separate adapter or be integrated depending on options).

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional (DISTRONIC PLUS).

Parking Assistance:

Optional PARKTRONIC parking sensors (front and rear); optional rearview camera.

Lighting Features:

Bi-Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination, LED taillights.

Suspension Type:

Independent suspension with AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) semi-active air suspension standard on GL450, providing adjustable ride height and damping.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, or as indicated by the vehicle's Flexible Service System (FSS).

Major Service Intervals:

Major services usually scheduled at 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, etc., miles, involving various inspections and fluid changes (e.g., transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid).

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (MB 229.5 approval recommended).

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or MB 326.0, typically a silicate-free, long-life formula).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.6 US quarts (10.0 liters).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (or equivalent MB specification).

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Approved Hydraulic Fluid (e.g., MB 343.0 or MB 345.0).

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Mixture of water and Mercedes-Benz Approved Washer Fluid Concentrate, or a suitable winter blend.

Differential Fluid Front:

MB Approved Gear Oil (e.g., MB 235.7).

Differential Fluid Rear:

MB Approved Gear Oil (e.g., MB 235.7).

Common Complaints:

Potential for coolant leaks from 'Y' pipe or oil cooler seals, ignition coil/spark plug issues (especially on M112/M272 engines but relevant for M273 too if maintenance is skipped), Airmatic suspension issues (if equipped), early generation 7G-TRONIC transmission conductor plate issues (though less common by 2009), catalytic converter issues.

Engine Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter HU719/7x, Hengst H324WS, Bosch 72151 (verify specific part number for M273 engine).

Engine Air Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter C30122/1, Mahle LX1395 (verify specific part number for M273 engine).

Cabin Air Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter CU2729, Bosch 1987432103 (verify specific part number).

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Focus:

Mercedes-Benz is renowned for luxury, engineering excellence, safety, and premium automotive technology.

Generation:

First generation X164 GL-Class (introduced for the 2007 model year).

Predecessor:

No direct predecessor in the SUV segment, but the ML-Class (W163/W164) and G-Class (W463) were existing SUVs from Mercedes-Benz.

Updates For 2009:

Minor updates for the 2009 model year included potential equipment package refinements and minor feature additions, but no major facelift.

Production Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA (for North American market and global export).

Production Years X164:

2006-2012

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Typical Awards For Model Range:

While specific awards for the 2009 GL450 are not as prominent as some other models, the GL-Class consistently received accolades for its luxury, passenger comfort, and overall capability from automotive publications and consumer rating agencies in its segment.