🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

GL-Class

Model Variant:

GL320 CDI

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

X164

Market Segment:

Full-size Luxury SUV

Engine Code:

OM642

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Luxury Full-Size SUV.

Competitors:

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

Vehicle Type:

Seven-passenger, four-door SUV with permanent all-wheel drive.

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a luxurious, capable, and comfortable large SUV with German engineering.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive operational and maintenance information for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI.

Specific Sections:

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 300-400 pages (typical for this model/era).

Type:

Factory Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fluid requirements, fuel system, air intake, cooling system basics.

Electrical And Electronics:

Instrument cluster functions, lighting systems, infotainment system operation, climate control operation, keyless entry, basic security features.

Chassis And Suspension:

Driver controls, seating adjustments, safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts), locks and security.

Body And Interior:

Climate controls, interior lighting, seating, cargo area features, cleaning instructions.

Operational:

Starting and operating the vehicle, using climate controls, operating infotainment, using driver assistance features (if equipped), locking/unlocking, parking.

Maintenance:

Checking engine oil, checking coolant level, checking windshield washer fluid, tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Basic warning light interpretation, customer assistance procedures, reporting safety defects.

Depth:

Owner-level operational guidance and basic maintenance checks. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typical of a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text if created from a properly scanned source.

Quality:

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

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Reader Requirement:

PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.0L V6 Turbodiesel (CDI - Common Rail Direct Injection).

Displacement:

2987 cc (3.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

208 hp @ 3800 rpm

Torque:

398 lb-ft @ 1600-2600 rpm

Injection Type:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) with turbocharging and intercooling.

Fuel Type:

Diesel (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel - ULSD required in North America).

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.51 (Low SAPS, synthetic).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts).

Air Filter Part Number Example:

A 251 830 02 01 (Cabin filter), A 642 094 01 01 (Engine air filter) - Verify specific VIN.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC).

Drive System:

4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive.

Transmission Fluid Specification:

MB 236.12 or MB 236.14.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 9 liters (9.5 US quarts) for a complete drain and fill (filter change included).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

198.0 inches (5029 mm)

Width:

76.5 inches (1944 mm)

Height:

72.2 inches (1834 mm)

Wheelbase:

115.2 inches (2926 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4900-5200 lbs (2220-2360 kg) depending on options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 6900-7000 lbs (3130-3175 kg).

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 12.4 cu ft (351 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 43.2 cu ft (1223 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 77.1 cu ft (2181 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

5-Star (for both driver and passenger)

IIHS Rating Example:

Good (Frontal Offset, Side Impact - based on similar models).

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Traction Control:

ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation).

Braking:

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

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (all rows), optional front-seat pelvic airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH/ISOFIX system.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation).

Features Example:

Navigation system, AM/FM/Weatherband radio, CD/DVD changer, auxiliary audio input, optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Features Example:

Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, PARKTRONIC parking assist, rearview camera.

Features Example:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (via Media Interface).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, using the specified synthetic oil (MB 229.51).

Transmission Service Interval:

Approximately every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (check specific service recommendations).

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000 to 40,000 miles for diesel engines.

Coolant Type:

MB 325.0 (Glysantin G05 compatible, pink/red color).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0).

Common Concerns Diesel:

Potential issues with diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging if regeneration cycles are interrupted, EGR valve issues, injector problems, and AdBlue system (if equipped on later models).

Common Concerns General:

Air suspension system issues (e.g., leaking struts), control arm bushings, tailgate struts, and potential electrical gremlins common in German luxury vehicles of this era.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Germany, founded in 1886.

Gl Class Introduction:

The GL-Class was introduced in 2006 as Mercedes-Benz's first full-size, truck-based luxury SUV, later replaced by the GLS-Class.

Manufacturing Location:

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award Example:

KBB.com: Often praised for its luxury, comfort, and capability; later models received positive reviews for refinement. Specific awards for the 2008 GL320 CDI vary but often highlighted its diesel efficiency for its size.