🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

GL-Class

Year:

2008

Product Name:

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class COMAND APS System Operators Manual

System Covered By Manual:

COMAND APS Infotainment System

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury SUV

Brand Positioning:

Premium, European luxury, advanced technology.

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Highlights:

Spacious interior, strong performance, sophisticated ride, advanced safety, premium materials, robust towing capacity.

Infotainment Highlight:

COMAND APS system was a flagship infotainment offering, providing integrated navigation, audio, and communication.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive operation and features of the COMAND APS infotainment system.

Specific Features Covered:

Navigation, Audio, Climate Control, Bluetooth Connectivity, Vehicle Settings, Multimedia playback.

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific factory publication, typically 200-300 pages.

Type:

Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Infotainment System:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) System

Navigation:

Detailed guidance on destination entry, route planning, voice commands, and map display.

Audio System:

Operation of radio (AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio), CD/DVD player, and audio settings (bass, treble, balance, fader).

Climate Control Integration:

Control and adjustment of automatic climate control via the COMAND interface.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth phone pairing, hands-free operation, and audio streaming (if equipped).

Multimedia:

Operation of auxiliary inputs (e.g., AUX, USB, SD card if equipped) and compatible media formats.

Vehicle Settings:

Customization of vehicle functions and preferences through the COMAND interface.

Basic Operation:

Powering on/off, adjusting volume, changing modes, and using the central control knob/buttons.

Navigation Setup:

Entering addresses, points of interest (POIs), setting home/work locations, and managing saved destinations.

Audio Setup:

Tuning radio stations, creating playlists, configuring audio profiles, and managing media sources.

Phone Management:

Pairing new devices, downloading contact lists, making/receiving calls, and initiating voice commands.

Troubleshooting:

Basic tips for common system errors or malfunctions (e.g., screen freezing, audio issues).

Depth:

Operator-level; focuses on user interface, functionality, and basic settings, not internal component repair or advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if created from a proper digital source.

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for digital viewing and printing.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2008 GL-Class offered multiple engine variants: GL320 CDI (3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel), GL450 (4.7L V8 Gasoline), GL550 (5.5L V8 Gasoline).

Gl450 Hp:

335 hp @ 6000 rpm

Gl450 Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm

Gl550 Hp:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Gl550 Torque:

391 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm

Gl320 Cdi Hp:

215 hp @ 3800 rpm

Gl320 Cdi Torque:

398 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm

Gl450 Gl550:

Fuel Injection (Sequential Multi-Point)

Gl320 Cdi:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) with Turbocharging and Intercooling

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC)

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC)

Transmission Features:

Touchshift manual shifting, Comfort/Sport modes, electronic stability control integration.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 199.3 inches (5062 mm)

Width:

Approx. 76.6 inches (1946 mm)

Height:

Approx. 72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 118.1 inches (3000 mm)

Seating Capacity:

7 passengers (standard 3 rows of seating)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 13.0 cu ft (368 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 45.3 cu ft (1282 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 77.0 cu ft (2180 L)

Curb Weight Gl450:

Approx. 5,093 lbs (2310 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7,000 lbs (3175 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models equipped with optional features like adaptive cruise control)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (ADAPTIVE ESP®)

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Driver Assistance Optional:

Distronic Plus (Adaptive Cruise Control), PARKTRONIC (Parking Assist).

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear passengers).

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX/LATCH system.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Name:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Display Size:

Typically 7-inch color LCD screen.

Navigation Type:

Hard-drive based navigation with DVD map updates (often regional).

Audio Sources:

AM/FM tuner, CD/DVD player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auxiliary input (often in glovebox), optional Media Interface (for iPod/USB).

Standard Assistance:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Optional Assistance:

Distronic Plus (Adaptive Cruise Control), PARKTRONIC, Bi-Xenon Headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).

Bluetooth Standard:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and phone book access (may require separate adapter for some early models/phones).

Connectivity Expansion:

Optional Media Interface for iPod and USB devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, based on flexible service system (ASSYST PLUS).

Major Service Milestones:

Examples: 30,000 miles (air filter, cabin filter), 60,000 miles (transmission fluid/filter - often recommended by specialists earlier than factory), spark plugs (gasoline engines, typically around 100,000 miles).

Engine Oil Gl450 Gl550:

SAE 5W-40 or 0W-40 synthetic engine oil meeting MB 229.5 specification.

Engine Oil Gl320 Cdi:

SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 synthetic diesel engine oil meeting MB 229.51 specification.

Transmission Fluid:

MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC transmission).

Coolant:

MB 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant).

Common Issues Gl Class X164:

Air suspension (Airmatic) strut leaks/failures, ABS/ESP sensor failures, crankcase ventilation (CCV) hose cracks (diesel), glow plug issues (diesel), DPF issues (diesel), potential electrical gremlins common with complex systems.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing heritage in luxury vehicles, known for engineering, innovation, and safety.

Introduction:

The GL-Class (X164 generation) was introduced in 2006 as Mercedes-Benz's first full-size, truck-based SUV, designed primarily for the North American market.

Updates 2008:

2008 saw minor updates, potentially including powertrain refinements or feature availability adjustments, but the core X164 platform remained consistent.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Gl Class 2008:

While specific awards for the 2008 model year COMAND system are rare, the GL-Class generally received positive reviews for its luxury, capability, and technology features in its class during its initial production run.

Industry Recognition:

Mercedes-Benz vehicles consistently rank high in initial quality and long-term dependability surveys from organizations like J.D. Power.